(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best kitchen & dining room furniture

I am so ready for things to go back to normal! Moving always throws me off. Luckily we brought over the Nespresso and our egg steamer on Sunday so my morning pre-work routine was able to resume just like before. It took an extra 10 minutes to get to work from our new place but that's the only real change.

My 'one small change' for this week is going to be daily sunscreen application for my face. Tonight I'm going to browse r/skincareaddiction and see if they have any good recommendations for something that's a moisturizer and sunscreen. I'm not getting any younger and it's shaping up to be a hot, hot summer so the sooner I can make that a habit, the better.

Taco salads for lunch today, smash burgers for dinner tonight. Though our new kitchen is smaller, it has a gas range to make up for it. I am very happy about that, for sure! I'm also planning to order a sweet little kitchen cart to add some counter/prep space.

That's all I have time for today as there are approximately 8 million emails waiting for me due to my four day weekend. KCKO, be good, keep kicking ass! ❤

For practical advice:

• Check out r/malelivingspace. You seem like you might like this place.
  
• 3M Command strips for everything.
  
• These LED light bars are for under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen. They are motion sensing, so they make great task lighting when you need it and otherwise turn off. Can be used in other spots too.
  
• Thread: How to make your place smell good
  
• Thread: Stuff to put on walls
  
• Get a plant
  
• Get a small trashcan with a lid on it for the bathroom
  
  I'm going to make some assumptions. You can take or leave. This dark wood coffee table, and these chairs in the kitchen. Both are based on iconic designs, but you can find knock offs in several styles and prices.
  
  I think you should ultimately replace your TV stand. This Ikea bench stand is an easy swap.
  
  This photo uses 4x8 cube storage in black to look much nicer than the price would make you think. With black fabric storage cubes, it makes a nice book case or home bar. OP added some clever lighting to give a nice backsplash.

Thanks everyone for all the positive feedback. Building the rig has been a fun process. A little history and details about this setup:

My goal was to make a rig that looked semi-presentable in our living room aaand use up some soft maple the was leftover from our recent kitchen remode. I have SolidWorks models of all the components except for the seat mount. I’d be more than happy to share the models/assemblies if desired. The unistrut base was the foundation to an adjustable rig that can accommodate all ages (I have young kids). The chair was a lucky amazon find. I looked for a looooong time for something that fit the rig, looked comfy, and seemed easy to modify.

Upholstered 2 Piece Linen Dining Chairs, 19" W inches (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQXRZHG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lbkzDbQEKS6B4

So far the family approves...and so do I.

That's awesome of you! This is probably a reach, and it's totally more of a *want* rather than a need, but my desk chair broke and I've wanted a ghost chair like for months now. I was going to treat myself for my birthday but other expenses were a priority so I haven't had a proper chair for a while now. Anyway, if not, this is still super awesome of you to offer, and I appreciate your post either way.

With your wall and table color, you could really do any rug at this point. I would stay away from blues simply because your painting is more in the warm spectrum. A nice tan rug would be great if you like simple, or you could do any number of patterns that bring in the colors of the painting.

For chairs, I would also keep those simple because your tastes might change in a bit. I love the look of white chairs with wooden tables, but it definitely steers the look into a more farmhouse style. It seems like you are going for more of a vineyard style, so rod-iron chairs might be cool -- something like this

For the sideboard, I think black might be a good choice -- similar to what is under the picture of the painting. I would pick chairs first, then the sideboard or cart, then the rug.

Love the painting. I really think that shelf needs to go and it needs to be centered on the wall. If you can paint I would make that wall a dark charcoal so that painting really pops. It really is spectacular and deserves to shine!

If you don't use the stools I would get rid of them and focus on a dining set. A long wooden table and maybe some of these clear chairs would look modern and cool.

I also think hanging lights might be nice. If you're on a budget you can always do something like this that would look really cool!

If you want to maybe echo that more baroque/ornate feel, check out Craigslist and see if you can find a old oak dining table on there! I think the juxtaposition of an old, heavy table, and modern chairs always looks really good!

Put that silver skull on the center of the new dining table facing out.

I think the chairs you suggested would look great in the room! The reds don't have to be exactly the same.

If your boyfriend isn't sold on the color, you could always go with something of a similar shape but different color.

• Hugo Side Chair in Silver or Black
  
• Alandra Side Chair in Gunmetal or Bronze
  
  
  I also found these industrial-looking chairs you might like.
  
  
• Charnwood Side Chair
  
• Pilgrim Chair
  
• Modway Plastic Side Chair in Black, White, or Red
  
  
  Just some options! Like I said, I like the original choice of chairs and it's not like you have to match a red table, so I don't think a slight difference in color will matter too much.
  
  As for side tables,
  
  
• It's a shame this doesn't have a drawer, because I love this Wood and Metal Ornella Adjustable Accent Table
  
• Barrow End Table has a drawer
  
• Bilboa End Table also has a drawer
  
• Baxton Vintage Industrial Accent Table has shelves instead of drawer
  
• Industrial Storage Side Table with one drawer
  
• Industrial Wire and Wood Basket Side Table could provide some storage options

Products:
I'm going to include pricing because I got you, boo. The chair was not included in my budget because I feel with chairs, you need to splurge a tiny bit on those. I haven't had any luck finding really cheap ones.


Hampton Bay 3 Bath Bar Light from Home Depot. ($13)
You'll have to do the wiring yourself but don't get discouraged. It's a lot easier than it looks.


Globe Vanity Bulbs from Walmart. (I found a pack of 4 for like $10)


Writing Desk from Walmart. ($40)
I ended up using a glossy white paint because they only had it in black. White gives it that pricey look. If you're not good at crafty stuff like painting, you can likely find a white writing desk on Amazon for the same price.


Mirror I found at Ross. ($20)
If you don't have Ross, Tj Maxx and Marshalls are basically its equivalent.


Tabletop Make up Mirror, not sure what you call those things, also found at Ross. ($5)


The chair is from Amazon and surprisingly good quality. ($73) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMM4H98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IKqEybXFJ68QG

1. This Dining Room Set at $214
   
   
2. I'm tired of eating on the bed! It would also be nice to be able to invite friends over for dinner. Right now the dining area is just open and awkward looking. But it's hard getting furniture on a tight budget!
   
   
3. Yes, just lots of cleaning the bed and couch to pick up crumbs. I really do need to prioritize it as something that I need. Seems like there's always something more important that comes up. One day I will be able to eat a nice meal in my place!
   
   Thanks for the contest!!!
   
   Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

I have a bad back-- I am VERY particular about chairs. I bought this chair for my desk. It's one of the most comfortable chairs I own. It's great for wide hips. My SO is larger and is very comfortable. It's sturdy, looks great, and is reasonable price! It doesn't have a cushion, but it's really comfortable to sit in for a while because it's so wide. You could also easily get a cushion for it if need be.

I don't see any problem with a round table (especially a drop-leaf), but if you want something narrow so that you can pass between the table and the couch, you might want to look for a rectangle shaped table. Are you looking for something lower or higher?

You could go for a simple drop-leaf or mid-century (one, two) bistro table or something more modern, like a pub table (one, two, three). Either way, I'd encourage you to mix & match chairs to suit your style and comfort level, since sometimes dining sets can look a bit dated or cheap.

Another tip for your plant fantasies I've suggested to others before - add a shelf or two across the window for some extra storage/light. Maybe hang some around the window as well.

We have this one at home
Trinity Industries Bamboo Cart

and it is great; the top is rated for 200 pounds i believe, and every shelf 50 pounds. We've got all of our brewing gadgets on the shelves (coffee jars, hario V60 and server, aeropress, espresso accessories...) and on the top we have the Baratza Vario, knockbox, and Rocket Appartamento. It's super sturdy and perfect for our small kitchen.

Hard to say. The black legs kinda throw me off. Makes me feel like the chairs should be metal, which isn't my usual preference.

I do think this type of chair could work: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DCHX5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sIIQDbDEMBAP7

And there are even color variations of that style. The black connectors on the bottom of the chair may help tie the look together since the table has black legs. But it also softens everything up a bit with the wood legs on the chairs.

I think chairs like that with a really nice decorative centerpiece on the table would be a great overall look.

There's no need to salvage and reverse engineer old parts. You can easily get everything you need from Ebay/Aliexpress 3D printer/CNC supply stores. A project like this could be done with like half the cost and complexity of a $150 DIY 3D printer kit.

EDIT:

Component|Shipped|linkcnc

--|--:|--:
Mega 2560 board, Ramps 1.4 Controller, LCD|$21.85|
NEMA 17 Motors (2)|$6.60 each|$4.55 each
GT2 Belt 2M & 2 timing pulleys|$2.20|$1.55
Endstop Limit Switch & Cable (4)|$0.45 each|$0.30 each
Motor mounting bracket & screws (2)|$2.00 each|$0.45 each
SCS8UU 8mm Linear Bearing Block (4)|$1.08 each|$0.71 each
8mm x 500mm Steel Rod|$10.88 for 2|$0.96 each
8mm Rod Support|$3.20 for 4|$0.39 each

EDIT2: Instead of using an XY carriage setup you could make the same patterns by spinning the sand tray slowly and using one shorter linear actuator to move the marble in and out from the center. I think that would make it more mesmerizing and potentially easier to program patterns for.

EDIT3: Home Depot & Amazon have thick round glass table tops with free delivery:

Glass Table Top|Delivered

--|--:
24" round, 10mm thick|$34.99
30" round, 1/2" thick|$54.09
36" round, 1/2" thick|$73.48

Steel Balls|Delivered

--|--:
1-1/16" Steel Pinball|$3.50
25mm Steel Bearing Ball|$3.13
23mm Steel Bearing Bal|$2.54
20mm Steel Bearing Ball|$2.05
18mm Steel Bearing Ball|$1.75
16mm Steel Bearing Ball|$1.64
13mm Steel Bearing Ball|$1.54

I was most amused by this one regarding a table:

> If you're looking for a place to set your food that also provides a place to sit down in front of your food so that you can eat it, I think you're making the right choice by considering this set. The bench is nice. Too nice. I refuse to use it. It just sits against the wall for me to admire. I dust it regularly. One time my mother was visiting and she tried sitting on it. I won't go into detail about what happened but we're not on speaking terms anymore. If I may be so bold as to make a recommendation, try eating a burrito at this table. You'll be pleasantly surprised!

I love all these tips.

Accent Wall: Would you suggest a lighter or darker color for the accent wall? Would a light or a dark blue work well? Or is it too difficult to say? The master bedroom is painted a lighter color blue and it works well with those floors.

Bar Cart: Something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Baxton-Studio-Lancashire-Metal-Kitchen/dp/B00VMIERSU/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=buffet+cart&qid=1565634770&s=gateway&sr=8-2#customerReviews

Chairs: Going to keep what I have there. I like the industrial look of them. Which means I'll need to update the lighting fixture that I have there.

STOCK MY HOUSE

this and this are what I really need to finish off my kitchen for the retro theme but I know they are out of the price range, lol

I am learning to cook healthier so this wok would be the next item I'm looking to purchase.

and if that is still a little too much this colander would do the trick and you could gift some one else also. :-)

Thanks! It's the Boraam 98520 Sonoma Wire-Brush Kitchen Cart. It goes on sale every now and then - I think I paid $179. The quality is really impressive for the price and it's quite solid.

https://www.amazon.com/Furmax-Assembled-Century-Plastic-Kitchen/dp/B075DCHX5G?keywords=modern+kitchen+chairs&qid=1538238637&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1


They break fairly easy if big people sit in them (prob 220+ lbs)

Amazon. Yes it's stainless, the wood isn't super high quality, but it's a notch above Ikea.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DCHX5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q78YCb2SJREPB

Boraam 98520 Sonoma Wire-Brush Kitchen Cart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RE1LM7S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2FRkDbVC5C9BZ

No problem! Yeah they are both amazon! table

chairs