You need a basement if you live in an area that experiences a tornado or two each year, in my opinion even if that's the only reason you use it.

Basements are a neccessity in some areas I like walk-out basements they give you a lot of space for a very good sq. ft. price whereas a second story is more expensive . Our house has a huge walk out but if need be we can live on the main floor only as everything we need is on that floor the basement is a fun and storage space .

I wish I'd done a RADON inspection. It's all too often overlooked and it can cause health issues.

Where I live. (Ski area in Vt) most inspectors are recommended by the realtors. If they tell the truth and blow or slow the sale then they don't get recommended again. I've seen over a hundred places that the paperwork from the inspector wasn't even close. Lots of times people think they are stealing a place because the price has dropped so much....when really an other 20% off would be fairer.

I would have every basic utility inspected. That includes plumbing, HVAC, and electricity. In addition, I would also second the comments that suggest getting a mold inspection. If you discover mold growing, talk to the seller or previous owner about it. That's more out of safety than anything else. Good luck to you, Emily! http://www.envirotech-inc.com/hazardous-materials/

a wood burning fireplace

I'd never be able tooooo get out of that bath

I would like lots of beautiful woodwork, and plenty of wall space for pictures.

Your home is beautiful! I love the color. Part of the beauty of your home is that it is "muted" in terms of color. I would go with a medium grey with blue undertones.

gray

Hadn't thought about grey/blue but I can see how that might work. Any suggestions as to how blue it should be or palates I could view? Thank you!

I would choose a grey that just hints at blue being careful to stay away from plummy greys. Sherwin Williams Aleutian, Jubilee or Solitude would work.

I converted my very small hall closet (just outside the kitchen) into a semi pantry. I don't like it, but it's the best I could do for now and it DOES hold a substantial amount of staples that just don't fit into the kitchen. BUT, it IS embarrassing when I hang peoples coats in the middle of it. ;o)

I like this one

We created a very unique open pantry to look like a wine cellar.

The dated linoleum in the hall and kitchen featuring dusty blue and rose flowers. I hate it but haven't had the cash flow to replace it. Other things always seem to dominate my purse!

You know I am coming to see you Mark if I ever get to your part of Canada *waving*...

This post was funny, so I am reviving it. I love the headless statue!

I spent the last 9 months with boxes, dressers, mattresses, bed frames, trunks, sleeping bags, etc in my living room. All of it came from my upstairs. My contractor told me to empty the upstairs in early September, then did not show up a week later when he was supposed to. Every month, I asked. Every month, he asked for another month. Eventually, he got here in April. All crap is back upstairs now. However, now I have a huge bath tub, 3 sinks, and a bathroom vanity cabinet in the living room. Will it ever end?

I also have a puppy pen in front of my TV so I can house break the little hair ball. You have not seen dog hair tumbleweeds (as someone above called them) until you have seen Pekingese tumbleweeds. Ceiling fans cause the tumbleweeds to move around as you try to catch them. That is my current exercise program....chasing tumbleweeds. Well, that and bending way over to clean any "puddles" off the waterproof mats. The puppy is a long way down, and I have not touched my toes in years. Good to know the toes are still there.

I think the placement of the elk head is wrong. It appears that it hangs over you as you go down the stairs which is a bit unsettling (having anything that extends that far out over a stairway that you have to walk under is a bit unsettling. Makes a person concerned it might fall on you if you bump the wall) It really seems to cramp the space.

I'd move it to the wall over the table you have by the wide doorway leading into the other room. Then find some kind of large painting, photo or print for that wall. Perhaps depicting trees to keep the feel more outdoorsy?

You have such an enormous space to work with.... I'm most jealous.... the idea of a round center table or round seating (if you can find it) placed in the middle seems like it would make the space feel cozier vs everything pushed to the side.

I'd definitely paint the closet door a richer tone or even the color of the walls in that area.

Then I'd add a few more outdoorsy prints (two) on the angled wall next to the closet. Perhaps some photos of places you folks spend time hunting in? A photo of a cabin or stand that you have, a stream, a close up of something in nature you find interesting or beautiful?

I'd put the jugs and artifact on the railing and take down the small family print (looks isolated and too small where it is) and find a new home for it. I'm not sure what the grouped photos framed are, but I'd have them flanking the doorway if you want them in that room. Since you have them in that room now, I assume they're very important to you that they been seen as people enter or leave your home.

Geez, people, she doesn't want to move or remove the elk, so let it be. An archery kill of an elk is a skilled hunt and if that represents their lifestyle and interests that's fine. I bet those elk steaks were great!

Hi Molly,

You have some great earth tones in this space! I would suggest placing a runner on your side table to place your pottery on. I have attached some images and links to neutral, hand block printed table runners. There are many more options for neutral runners on our site. We have stylists who are excited to help out free of charge as well! These are customizable and made to order specific to your needs!

http://www.loomdecor.com/tan-diamond-block-print-custom-table-runner-hq57
http://www.loomdecor.com/tan-and-gold-moroccan-mosaic-custom-table-runner-jo66
http://www.loomdecor.com/gray-intricate-ogee-block-print-tailored-table-runner-zt81

Blair | stylist@loomdecor.com
loomdecor.com | Designer Decor That Won't Break the Bank

yes, most of the time, but not always. I like a splash of color and like to use it as a base table scaping. I love the look of the wood with just place matts too. Overall, the tablecloth protects the wood from everyday plates, utensils and spilled food at a meal. I also use a solid magnetic pad to protect from scratches so I need a tablecloth to cover that. The antique refinished table is only trusted to careful adults periodically to enjoy it's full beauty!

I couldn't even have breakfast without a tablecloth on my table

I don't have a tablecloth for the table in my formal dining room, but I use one for formal dinners.

for our everyday breakfast nook ( two or three meals a day), I tried without for few days for a more modern look in the kitchen, and within two days, the wooden table had scratches. So now, I am back to a tablecloth, and we put placemats on top to eat

Lots of good ideas thrown your way. Lovely bones to work with. Only one comment, whatever color you choose, paint the duct grate the same color so it doesn't stand out as a focal point! Can't believe they had red walls and white vents!

Would love a pic of the rug. Great place to start. All of the Houzz peeps are terrific about these things. Thanks to your hubby for his service!

Moggie73, the picture of the rug is about 7 or 8 messages above this one.