Apartment Therapy Archive: Mar 31, 2010

Name: Sara Jade Pesek and Rogan KershLocation: Manhattan, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5 years In New York University’s Goddard Hall, on Washington Square Park, most doors open on the chaotic lairs of 200 college freshmen. But door #702, dotted with notes and nametags, reveals an unexpected oasis, the tranquil home of “dorm parents” Sara and Rogan.

Let’s say you’re upgrading or renovating your bathroom, and you don’t know what to do with a couple of leftover shower pipes, an old medicine cabinet, or a sink you no longer need. Here are a few ways to rethink those things. Install a medicine cabinet on a bedroom or entryway wall to create a space-saving vanity, or use one in the dining room as a wall bar. Hang shower curtains on the windows.

Geopolymers &mdash they look like a ceramic, feel like a ceramic, but they’re not a ceramic. A geopolymer is actually an inorganic compound that is positioning itself as eco-friendly replacement for Portland cement, the highly energy intensive and carbon dioxide producing binder used to made concrete. Not only are geopolymers stronger and less damaging to the earth, but they can also be made with byproducts of other industries such as slag and fly ash.

Q: My husband and I are buying our first home. I’m slowly packing up less-used kitchen items to put a dent in the packing. Do you have any suggestions for eco-friendly shelf liner? I grew up with my mother using contact paper. My mother-in-law uses the contact no-slip-but-not-sticky liner in her cupboards. I could use old tea towels, but I’d like to use something that will stay put for the most part.Sent by RachelEditor: Rachel, we might recommend a cork liner.