Thanks! Interesting that they keep the name "Baldwin" for different vendors (seems so many manufacturers play name games). I like Ballard and have bought case goods from them before, but I think I prefer the sectional. I will check Arhaus and see if they have it on the floor. I also started looking at a new sectional at Macys called "Cologne" by Jonathan Louis. The single advantage is that the arm ends are actually corners, giving more flexibility. I may get this for the Rec Room, which is suited to a contemporary style, and get the Baldwin for the family room (after we finish paying for the Rec Room!). BTW, after reading the forums, I go to the stores and find that I know more than the salespeople. These forums are a valuable resource for consumers.

I would recommend staying away from CR Laine. I purchased a CR Laine sofa through Hickory Park Furniture in Hickory, NC, and it has been a losing and miserable situation since. The sofa itself looks nothing like the photo CR Laine has to represent it. CR Laine even admitted this to me and told me there are supposed to be additional links with photos of the sofa but that there are not for this sofa, but they tell me I have no recourse through them and must go through the seller, Hickory Park. I did so. At the time of the sale, Hickory Park told me to make sure I knew what I wanted, which was of course dependent on them since they are supposed to be the experts and advisors, because I would have no recourse once the sofa was in production. This was a lie. When the sofa arrived, I was horrified. In addition to be profoundly ugly and not looking at all like the photo, the cushion Hickory Park advised me to get based on what I told them I wanted was completely wrong, which CR Laine also told me was the case. CR Laine: "The Hamilton cushion was absolutely the wrong cushion if you told them you wanted a firm and resilient cushion." But lo and behold, the cushions Hickory Park advised me to buy was - surprise, surprise - the most expensive cushion. When I learned I did have recourse, from CR Laine, by filing a complaint with Hickory Park, I did so. I explained the delay was because they had told me I had no recourse at the time of the sale but had just learned that was not true. I also explained that the sofa was used by one person for only five months and is in brand new condition. Hickory Park's manager literally laughed at me, said due to the time lapse, they couldn't do anything for me. But they caused the time lapse by having told me at the sale I would have no recourse if I had any problems! His argument was like someone killing his parents then pleading for mercy on the basis of having been orphaned. All of the problems with the sofa lie with both the seller and the manufacturer: Hickory Park Furnituer and CR Laine. But it is me, the customer, who will take the loss for THEIR lies and misrepresentations and wrong advice. Hickory Park offered to replace the cushion. Useless, since I told them I had ordered a new sofa from Hickory Chair before I knew I could file a complaint about the CR Laine. Notice he simply ignored that info., along with a lot of other info. he simply didn't like. The CR Laine sofa is lightweight, which likely means it is not make with hardwood. It is a hideous design which does not show up in the photo, and CR Laine even acknowledged it's a strange style. The Better Business Bureau down there was useless, as all BBBs are. Likely they are paid dues by both Hickory Park and CR Laine (indeed, the manager from Hickory Park referred to the BBB "mediator" by her first name. There is no mediation here. Buyer beware. Stick with Lee or Hickory Park, and as customers, we have to do all of our own research because salespeople are no longer knowledgeable and are under pressure to just make the sale and will give you wrong information if that is what it takes. Totally, 100% miserable experience with Hickory Park Furniture and CR Laine.

Thanks again everyone. I am so glad I wrote in - I read these forums everyday but I am not usually brave enough to write. Thanks again, Magnaverde. Yes, the painting is a Breughel! My husband picked it out and is pleased that you like it too. He loves it. And, I can see your point about the painting and using all the colours from it - how true. I will keep that in mind. I have already put a antique turkish urn - okay, antique is debatable, but that's what the merchant told us :)- that we got in Istanbul at the bazaar on the shelves and will dig out some other things that would look good in the room. The 2 smaller pictures above the shelf are from an antique art shop in Edinburgh. Honeybea5 - thank you - I am definately going to look for a richer colour for the sofas. We also know having window treatments would add texture and interest - that will be next on our list (window treatments seem to be ridiculously expensive). Your "room" sounds wonderful! I can also see a room in my head, I think I just went astray - it will just take more work and time, but that's okay. jjam - I hope the ottoman works for you. I thought it would for me too. I know it would be durable but I am taking it back today. I know I will find something eventually that suits my dream room better. newdawn - I have never been to an estate sale so I don't know what it is like here. We have a neighbourhood with some neat antique stores though. I will have to go more often.

wow, thanks so much for all the great info! Unfortunately I have to do most of my shopping online (or drive about 3 hours one way) to look at the brands I'm looking for. Although hubby and I may take a drive in the next few weeks, I'd like to have it narrowed down at least by then. Hubby is NOT a shopper and complains about his legs hurting after only walking around for about 30 mins (funny how he can play basketball for 3 hours and not complain - ha!) I had not seen PB's performance twill fabric, but if it gets out stains that easily I'm DEFINITELY all over it! Thanks for the tip! And nmladybug, that is horrible that you spent so much for a piece of junk sectional! I'm so sad for you! I was actually considering the Pearce sofa so thanks for the advice. Do you know who the manufacturere of your sectional is? Thanks again for all the suggestions and I'll keep ya posted :)