Thank you - glad you liked them :) Katkin, the mama - tree was huge, definitely not a dwarf. Another interesting fact about this particular orchid tree - it has small spikes. I have never seen a Bauhinia with spikes Marcia, thank you. Hummingbirds did discover the plant - the first time I ever saw a hummer was on this powder puff. Boy, I screamed with excitement-- I grew up in Russia, and only saw pictures of hummingbirds before. I did not know they will nest in it...that would be lovely. As for the swap...well, I do not have a car at the moment, so as much as I want to, looks like I will be staying home :( I know it is going to be so much fun.. An_ill-mannered_ache : I love Prosperity. Mine is still small, and still in a pot, but what a show...Do you grow any other OGRs? Susie, I do not remember the name, and should probably look it up. I am on campus almost every day - I will run off to the gardens and look up the name of the mama tree. As the seeds are ready, I will give you some, without any trade. I also have a usual, lavender Bauhinia in a pot, if you are interested. Thanks again :) Olya

Guess I wasn't paying attention back in January!! Wish I hadn't miss this, but I'm glad it got bumped. Beautiful! I just posted my refresh too....nice to see another kitchen with a good starting point!! The soapstone gives it such a warm feel. I know you're loving it!

What a gorgeous home! And I LOVE the fabric. If the chairs are good quality and comfortable, I'd definitely do it. Twelve yds is probably not enough for four chairs, but people has posted examples here of mixing fabrics on chairs, and it can look great. For example, use the japan-inspired fabric on the backs of chair, and use another fabric for heavy-use cushions and inside back. Once you add a coffee table and rug, I think the scale will look more reasonable. Re: bar for six, you could roughly double the depth of the bar and add a seat at either end. Of course, that would involve some cost, but not much if choose e.g. wood as the top piece. Depending on how much room you need to walk behind the bar, you might even be able to do something larger, with a curve to it.

I didn't comment on the shower curtain, because I was a bit confused. By needing an extra long curtain, I didn't know if you meant height or width? I assumed you meant floor to ceiling, but if so, how would a standard liner work, but not a standard curtain? I assumed you were using an L bracket rod mounted at standard height (looks like a standard shower/tub enclosure)? But maybe not?! Are you planning to mount a ceiling rod? Sorry, I'm just not following ,,, Well regardless, here are a few comments: 1) My number one priority would be to properly manage moisture (keep as dry as possible). 2) If at possible, I would first look to using a standard (72x72) curtain (it will be cheaper, you will have more options, and you can more easily change up the look). 3) Start with a good liner mounted at the proper height (not too short and not too long) that doesn't fly around. 4) Whatever I hung in that area, I would want it to be moisture/mildew resistent, provide ventilation/wicking, have rust proof hardware, etc As such, I would first look to a quality shower curtain, which are available in taller lengths. If looking at drapes, I would probably start with indoor/outdoor drapes. Regarding your question on the door, I would probably paint it white/neutral (or faux pine) because I would not want the door to be a focal point, but rather have it blend in. As far as color scheme ,,, on my monitor the tile looks like it has blue undertones, so maybe blue rugs and towels (with a couple of red accent towels), a pattern shower curtain (e.g. a tartan plaid with blue, gray, red, and browns). A red waste basket. Art work that has red, blue, gray, brown, etc... You'll have lots of good options!! Here is a link that might be useful: Trax ceiling shower rods