True about the wood. I really love good wood, still own some. But yes, it can present some problems - from the point where it’s organic and subject to fungus and other rot, to newer coatings that often outgas into your house. (Think of me as a coalmine canary. If it knocks me out - probably not really good for you, either.) My general rule of thumb now is, if I can’t pitch all of it off the balcony in about 5 minutes flat, I really don’t want it in here at all.
These large storms over the past few years have taught us a lot, too. Instead of spending on wood furniture, I ripped out all the drywall and replaced with Durock) concrete wall board. I rigged draining systems for all pipes, so leaks cannot ever be an issue. I used tile coving and tile floors, so even if I (or they) did managed to flood the place, it can’t escape into my neighbors’ homes or wreck my possessions, and goes down the drain instead. Our homes are supposed to be secure and comfortable…but mostly, they aren’t really built (or priced) very well for that. It’s just stuff. It either serves your needs, or it’s worthless no matter what the price tag said. Still love antiques! I just don’t furnish with them now. If I want to be surrounded by them, guess I could always throw up a slide show of nice pieces on a USB drive and let the TV take care of it virtually…
I’ve blown it here and there…but never in a major way so far (Knock on concrete, lol). Way more fun than just buying stuff and being conventional all the time. Just wish I’d started sooner! (I still like 40’s/50’s kitchens, too!)
