For multiple and complex reasons that I will spare you, the ultimate placement of our chair rail was broken by the mirrors. We are tall, very tall, so that wasn't our problem. I am pleased with how it turned out visually and functionally solved our dilemma. I had asked Bill V this last year while I was agonizing over this, and certainly he had said it was done all the time. We just needed the chair interupted, but it also looks fine with the mirrors set lower into the wainscotting. I saw plenty of photos at the time, all lovely. So if that works for you, I would go ahead!

The first thing I'd do is replace that little hanging light fixture in the entryway. With that massive wall of brick, something more substantial would look better. The fireplace has simple, modern lines, and neither the light fixture nor the mantle work with that. A simpler (but again, substantial) mantle would look better. It actually looks like the fireplace was designed to not have a mantle at all, and i'll bet you could just remove that awful one and leave it unadorned. You could try a large potted plant (real or a good fake) on the side of the fireplace where that can is. That would soften things up. The great thing about plants is they go with any decorating style. Last but not least, if you don't want to hang art in the entryway you could hang a huge framed mirror on the back of the fireplace. You'll probably want to hang something large and framed on the front too. Just my two cents' worth, but since you asked...

Creekylis and Linnea, thanks. My previous camera just wouldn't pop the lens out if the batt was too low. Live and learn, I'll try recharging the batt. This camera is new to me so I'm still trying to figure the beastie out. Parsonse, I'll join the others in telling you your room is very pretty, and the light fixture is just right. Your panelling job is gorgeous! It looks like it's always been there. I've looked at that style before (drawings) and wondered how it would look made up. Did you also beef up the moulding around your door?

I would take the small pieces down and perhaps place a large piece on the wall you see behind the sofa. You've got a whole lot going on in this area. If it were mine, I would take everything down, edit to what I absolutely love, and reposition one thing at a time. Open space is okay and doesn't always need to be filled.