teachbls, I knew you would love Eaglesgal's DR, and the suggestions I made to you are inspired by her. I do think we have a similar quandry. I don't have a resolution yet. As we speak, I'm having picture frame molding installed below my chair rail in the DR, and new drapes are supposed to arrive tomorrow. I thought it best to wait until those things are finished before making a color choice. I haven't given up on the blue yet, but if I do use it it will be a more intense color. I do think that was the bigger problem with mine; the shade just didn't have any oomph to it; especially compared to the rest of the house. The posts by labradoodlelady and segbrown in this thread demonstrate this very well, I think. In their homes, the blue "belongs" because it is of a similar intensity, and looks great, especially with the reds. BTW, in your home, particularly with the dramatic height and gorgeous chandelier, the painted ceiling would be incredible. I'll look forward to seeing more pics of your kitchen and also the sitting room you mentioned. Thanks.

Hi, I was seconding the aluminum chair when my 'puter froze up...didn't post. I think it's just edgy enuf but not tooo extreme. I saw metal chairs like this paired with a primitive country table and it looked terrific...in some mag. Their simple lines wouldn't compete but would complement your counter stools as well. And these types of chairs can work in vintage settings as well as contemp.

I agree with several posters that introducing some natural elements would be welcome...wood or rattan maybe. The room is great but a little cold...always a danger with the modern look (which I love.) FWIW, we have those CB2 chairs and they are fabulously comfortable, look kind of velvety and clean up like a dream (we have them in a chocolate color that they don't carry anymore.) We bought 6 as "placeholder" chairs and I think they're more likely to be "stay forever" chairs! Eventually we'll add some armchairs that coordinate, once we ditch the ikea kid-chairs. Good luck! Deb

Man, I had to look at pic several times with diff posters commenting about diff elements, always so observant you guys. I have never considered fabric upholstery in the dining room or a rug b/c concerned about cleanup, and I've have some messes! About diff color wood, my table is totally diff than my chairs but ALL chairs match. Maybe if this lady added a plant stand or some other small furniture in the same dark stain as the upholstered chairs, it would look more cohesive, dunno. don't mind people enhancing the AFTER pic with flowers, pretty towels in a bath, etc. Or should we expect dirty dishes sitting in the brand new decorated room for a "lived in" view?????