Melissa - Go to "photobucket.com, open an account and store the pictures there. They will give you good instructions on how to do it. Then come back here and post the link to the pictures. This is what we need, in GOOD focus: 1 - full-front, back and side views of the whole chair, well-lit and in front of a non-cluttered background. 2 - well-lit close-ups of the major carvings 3 - well-lit closeups of the seta 4 - well-lit closeups of the joints, or places where chairs normally have joints so we can look for construction techniques.

I can see your problem, and it's especially frustrating because you do actually have a fair amount of space/square footage, but it's not well configured. Personally, I don't think I would be happy with your proposed change. Coming through the dining room does seem a bit "off" to me, and not the most practical. I have thought which might seem crazy at first.... Nothing you're considering is actually inexpensive, so what about solving your very real need for a mudroom by simply building one on the back of the kitchen, outside the kitchen door? Not sure if you have the room, but if you do, it would probably be the least disruptive option. If it's small enough it shouldn't affect your current heating/cooling load. You're just building a simple box. You could even turn the laundry access so the machines stay where they are but they're open to/accessed from the new entry room. If it were me, I would probably do it so that it was a large open arch into the kitchen rather than a door. It would need to feel like part of the house, not an enclosed porch. And again, doesn't have to be huge, could keep $$ down. (And by the time you price out any other options, it might not seem so extreme). I picture a slate/stone look tile floor. Just something to consider!

Monica,,,i've never seen a solid panel of stained glass as a backsplash. these stained glass come in sheets, but I don't think they come in large enough single sheets to do the wall. you would have to get pieces . Don't know how that would look. you could call a company that makes the glass and see if you could custom order one to the size you need. As for the back painted glass, they cut the glass to your size specs and use a special paint meant for glass

Canned air will do a good job. I don't consult a "furniture restorer" because many don't really know what they are doing. If you actually have "gunk" in some places, mineral spirits on a Q-tip will do a good job and also won't harm the wood. if it really is teak and I think it is....there will be no finish as such. I second the vacuum with the brush on your weekly cleaning. That sort of teak carved chinoiserie was very popular in the late 1800's. There is a lot out there....not to be confused with the more modern stuff made in indonesia.