If you look at some of the older posts this question has been asked numerous times. You probably have done your research and are now more confused than when you started. Don't worry this happens to everyone. The way I would choose a washer is determine first how much money do you want to spend? Then look at how you use your current washer? What cycles and features do you use? Now go and look at washers and dryers. Look carefully at each one to make sure it has the cycles and features you want. For instance, some FL units don't have a rinse/spin option. Some washers "dumb down" the water temperature as it enters the machine. This should make your shopping much easier.

I just purchased the front loading KENMORE ELITE HE5t series washer & dryer. I had the original KENMORE ELITE and a Maytag Neptune. I LOVED the upper dryer of my Maytag. It was huge but had the top "dryer" that worked perfectly for sweaters and delicates. After several repairs the bottom regular dryer was starting to cost too much to repair so I gave in and splurged on a new one. It took a lot of searching and I ended up with Kenmore's from Sears. The pedestal units work great with this new batch...they don't vibrate. There are a lot more choices for laundry, as well. The washer and dryer drums are huge. I am still in heaven with the fact that my dryer is keeping pace with my washing machine...the clothes are drying so nicely. I still miss my Maytag UPPER dryer...but am learning to hang clothing again.

Size (height, width and depth as the newer machines are all around bigger), gas or electric, door swing (from left or from right or downward), venting options (I recently moved my dryer -the new vent is 1'-and drying time fell by 50%), time and sensor drying, reverse tumble ...I would take the time to find out what the high, medium and low temperatures are-for awhile there manufacturers had marked the machines to show three temoeratures but really only had two....no "high" as this was their concession to conservation...some of the newer machines are cavernous and really can't dry small loads they just roll into a ball-you will only find that info from reading reviews from actual users. Unlike washers where there has been a lot of bad press re reliability for most manufacturers, dryers seem to be reliable but you need it to be reliable and to have the features you need.

I love those pictures with the beautiful curtains. But looking closely at my room, I'm not sure I have room for sheers to the side of the windows. The space between the window trim and room corners is not very big. If I do do curtains, would I only do them over the window behind the love seat? Not around the two windows on the wall with the bed next to the night stands right? I am definitely going to move the art. Building for the CATS, that bedding is very pretty! The lamps are also very nice... but would I have to get an electrician? I'm not sure I want to get into that... I had an electrician come last year and move a plug 12 inches in my media room and it was very difficult, time consuming, and costly b/c of the way our attic is constructed. nosoccermom, I do like the glass table, some of those overstock ones look nice. They might pick up the color of the little birds in my other table. I really like the idea of the ceramic garden stool too and I'm looking for one that would pick up the sofa colors... ingrid, not too critical at all. I do like a cozy bedroom :) k9arlene I will look for lamps... maybe blue ceramic from the prior suggestion. Thanks so much for all the suggestions. I am on the hunt for bedding now!