I fear the organization mavens on the boards will want to ban me completely for this confession, but I have everything out on my counters, which range from 30" to 36" deep, specifically to accommodate deep built-ins and appliances on the counters. Magimix, 27 year-old Dualit toaster, 30-year-old Kitchenaid mixer, food scale, small food processor, cutting boards, breadmaker (sometimes two), single portable induction plate, blender (in summertime). In the butler's pantry, electric kettle, coffee grinder, coffee press. Also cooking implements in two crocks. If these items aren't out, I do not use them, and they are there to be used. Right now, various canning-related devices are out, as well, because I made both pickle recipes I received here (YUMMM to the one that we've been able to taste, Loves2cookforsix) the other has a couple of weeks to go), and today we're making jam. At least ninety percent of the folks here would probably think it's too much clutter, but I like things at hand. I can lift to clean, but if I have to lift, carry elsewhere, put away, then do the reverse to use these things, I just won't. Especially, with various physical issues. My kitchen is for cooking. It was designed to be used, and I don't feel a need to cover up its function. DH has a deep fryer that has to live in the laundry room when not in use, but it's only for turkey when the weather is too bad for outdoor deep frying. Certain spices and oils are gathered on a tray so that they can be away from direct light and cooking heat, but readily accessible while food prep is going on. I had to move everything out when I resealed the granite and marble before Thanksgiving, but, within a week or two, it was all back out on the counters as each item was replaced in order to use. And then there's this--a bit outdated because it's a few years old, but you get the idea. (The bottle of Aleve isn't always out) ; This post was edited by kitchendetective on Sat, Mar 16, 13 at 8:57

You have to love the elements in the room to love the room itself, otherwise you could see it as over-done/cluttered, even 'stodgy'. Case in point, vintage furniture, wallpaper, thick gilded picture frames w/mass gallery style, etc., and a genuine feeling that someone lives in this room. Quite possibly we've been accustomed to seeing 'the same old thing', aka, *new* pottery-barn style. I'm not a purest, and maybe that's why the room appeals to my senses. You don't see too many pottery barn rooms with 'soul' , and that's what I sense in Mr. Birley's room. Somehow, PB 'elements' don't do it for me, but if combined and given a 'something old, something new' style, any room can be saved. Here is a link that might be useful: opposite

I'm coming in late to this thread, but here's a few photos. You can click on the photos to see more at my photobucket album. Master bath with natural-cleft quartzite floors More master bath - the missus' makeup area. I made the little jewelry cabinet on the counter. Den (Scherr's cabinets, finished and installed by me) Living room/music room (tile is tarvertine with copper accents in a pinwheel pattern) Swimming pool (my daughter walks on walker :) This is actually the view directly out my kitchen windows. The waterfall cascades into the pond, then feeds back into the pool. The backyard at night, an awesome place for small dinner parties.

OMG, that is so sweet and nice everyone! WMA8 & Martinca, yes that is exactly what DH & I have talked about me doing for a few yrs now & want to do. I really, really want to fix up cast off & cheap but quality finds and resell to people who would not otherwise be able to afford brand new. I think that we all deserve quality and heirloom pieces that aren't fads & made in China. Not everyone starting out wants their home entirely furnished in box store, cookie cutter, flat packed furniture. In fact I just got home from a pow wow w/ my boss & friend about why it was more preferable to me to reduce my hrs, follow a dream and keep a friend. Every time I wonder if I should wait 'just a little longer' you all give me such a good feeling about going for it and why it will work!! PS - still talking w/ seller. She e-mailed me to let me know that she spoke w/ Mr. Fox for awhile. She told me that w/ a deposit she would hold the bed and let me pay it off. So tempted. Really have to consider it and sit down w/ Mr. Fox. It's not that I don't have the money to pay for it - it's just that I have to make sure that Mr. Fox will refinishing the bed for me down the road. I have so much furniture that has required refinishing of chipping veneer that I don't think will ever see the light of day again. Her interest certainly seemed piqued when our truck pulled up so maybe I have found someone who can source things for me and/or keep me in mind first when she gets things from auction. PS - Our current mattress is very low profile but we desperately want a new mattress. What is the average mattress thickness now? Just thinking ahead and will take measurements. The four poster bed headboard height is 41". Baker tag is on bed. This post was edited by TheFoxesPad on Tue, Aug 26, 14 at 5:57