Things to Do in Our Apartment

We've been in our place for almost 10 years now, and there are some updates I'd like to make. 

Probably most importantly is repainting.  I mostly like the colors we originally chose, although I think I'd choose something different for our bedroom now.  But everything needs to be refreshed and since my kids were toddlers when we moved in, there is obvious wear in tear in areas on the molding where they rode their big wheels, etc.

Here's a room by room list of what I'd like to do:

Foyer:

1. Replace rug (possibilities include: http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/152019/LoloiRugs/Maple/MP41/NavyRed;  http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/114522/Nourison/Nourison2000/2015/Navy; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/152905/DynamicRugs/Charisma/1403/BlueIvory500; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/137341/Safavieh/OldWorld/OW122/BlueLightGoldA  and http://www.frontgate.com/phoenix-hand-hooked-wool-area-rugs/159421?listIndex=1,  http://www.frontgate.com/aubrey-hook-wool-area-rug/indoor-decor-furnishings/155558?isCrossSell=true&strategy=24, http://www.frontgate.com/larkspur-total-performance-area-rug/407612?listIndex=0.  Or the Eleanor rug from grandinroad.com
2. Polish marble floor.
3. I've long wanted a chair or two in the foyer - but they need to be small.  Maybe the bird bistro chairs from grandinroad.com?  (I also like the little bird occasional table, the bird barrel table, the bird tray folding table and the twig coat rack.)

Kitchen:

1. Replace countertops and tabletop (or resurface, see: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/innovative-products-awards-2012?src=nl&mag=ghk&list=nl_gga_pro_non_011912_innovative-product-awards&kw=ist#slide-8).  Or at the very least, redo some of the cauking.  According to Good Housekeeping, I can "Remove the old caulk with a scraper (with any luck, it'll peel right off), then wash and dry surfaces. Mind your "45s": Snip the tube's tip at a 45-degree angle, then apply to seams at a 45-degree angle. GE Silicone II Kitchen and Bath caulk ($6, caulk yourhome.com) sets in three hours and has a five-year no-mold guarantee."
   
   Read more: DIY Bathroom Renovations - Bathroom Upgrades - Good Housekeeping
2. Reface cabinets (but configuration and insides of cabinets is fine other than maybe adding a wine cabinet over the stove; maybe repaint as shown here).
3. Update stove, microwave and dishwasher to stainless steel.
4. Repair chips in floor or replace.

Living Room/Dining Room:

1. Polish marble floor.
2. Hang new art work on living room wall.
3. Replace dining room chairs.  Possibilities include: http://www.grandinroad.com/set-of-two-valencia-chairs/indoor-furniture/chairs/leather-chairs/16389, http://www.potterybarn.com/products/grayson-chair/?pkey=e%7Cgrayson%2Bchair%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-, http://www.potterybarn.com/products/napa-chair-slipcovers/?pkey=e%7Cnapa%2Bseating%7C12%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C2&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_- and http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/dining-chairs/lowe-red-leather-side-chair/s168851
4. Fix/replace overhead track lighting.
5. Buy new chandelier.

Hallway:

1. Update photos.
2. Maybe add new rug, at least 2.5' x 12'.  Possibilities include: http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/114522/Nourison/Nourison2000/2015/Navy; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/137341/Safavieh/OldWorld/OW122/BlueLightGoldA; http://www.rugs-direct.com/ShopDetail/Details/156480/DynamicRugs/Brilliant/72284/Blue920

Master Bedroom:

1. Rethink art work.
2. Buy new lampshades.
3. Buy jewelry organizer and hang on closet door (http://www.ross-simons.com/products/522594.html).

Master Bathroom:

1. Fix or replace track lighting.

Kids:
There is stuff to be done in the kids' rooms, too, but beyond the new mattress and window treatments that each has said they want, I am reluctant to go too far in planning their spaces.

That being said, Kenny needs a bedside table.  Possibilities include: http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/PRODUCT/Product.asp?Params=Category=5-22|Level=2-3|PageID=8069

And Bobby wants a new chest of drawers in his closet.

Maybe they could ease the acrylic stacking chairs from grandinroad.com.  And perhaps they need more attractive laundry baskets.

Overall:

• I like the Danube Blue, Genova and Torino planters from grandinroad.com

Go Bag

An article about "go-bags" in today's New York Times reminded me that some years ago, in advance of visits to my parents huge but very cluttered wooden house, I sometimes had dreams that the house was on fire.  I'd quickly rescue my two young children, and then my father.  But I always had trouble getting my mother out of the house.  She was so attached to all her possessions that she couldn't decide what to take with her, and as she dithered, I argued that time was short, that we had to leave, that it wasn't safe, but she remained, stubbornly considering which of her many treasures she loved most.

So what would I take with me in an emergency?  Other than my family, I think my top priority would be my wallet and my i-phone.  Cash and credit cards would go a long way to helping us manage if we were suddenly homeless, and having had my ID stolen a couple of times, I know how useful that can be, too.  And my phone has all the contact info I'd need to summon help.

Of course in a post-apocalyptic world, none of this would matter.  But then, I think nothing I could easily carry with me would, and so why plan or worry?