Try an antiques shop and then refinish the top with about 3 coats of poly-urethane...it's bullet proof! Linda C

dont have PS, but I can see that if you want to add some dimension and color the obvious things would be to paint the shutter and the front door a bolder color, then MAYBE if she sees how nice that changes things, she might be more likely to repaint the front steps and the wooden steps to the right. She could also paint the concrete base of the house a darker color which would anchor it better. I could also visualize a window box on front window (left of the doorway) or maybe on all 3 windows? hmmm, not sure. those could also be the same color as the shutters? I'm sure someone will come along with PS and mock it up for you.

You're making me hungry Live_Wire_Oak...I happen to like Middle Eastern food... I've given most of it up though since being diagnosed w/Celiac b/c I've had difficulty explaining my dietary needs..it's mostly a language barrier, I think. Oh well. Claybabe & others...for those who are planning to attend, we can exchange cell phones to coordinate. If you haven't already, email me via My Page and let me know if I can share the # w/others who are meeting. I've never driven to PF Chang's, only walked so I don't know how obvious it is while driving. Walking it isn't that obvious...that's one of the reasons I suggested meeting in the Qwest/Vangent building's lobby (the Qwest sign is on the top of the building, the Vangent sign is over the doors...two revolving & one regular). It's 4250 N Fairfax Drive...on N Fairfax b/w N Stuart & N Taylor. Vangent/Qwest building (4250 N. Fairfax Drive): Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=4250+Fairfax+Dr,+Arlington,+Virginia+22203&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.71116,72.509766&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FeJKUQIdUlxn-w&split=0&z=16&iwloc=A Street View: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=4250+Fairfax+Dr,+Arlington,+Virginia+22203&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.71116,72.509766&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FeJKUQIdUlxn-w&split=0&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=38.882101,-77.112202&panoid=F-tRRqzIWQ1QsdbTKy73Aw&cbp=12,198.66,,0,5 [In case the link doesn't work, here's the address to use in Google maps (maps.google.com): 4250 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Click on the "Street view" to see a closeup of the front of the building.] PF Chang's (901 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia 22203): Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=901+N.+Glebe+Road,+Arlington,+Virginia+22203&sll=38.882097,-77.1122&sspn=0.012027,0.017703&ie=UTF8&ll=38.882064,-77.115505&spn=0.012027,0.017703&z=16&iwloc=r10 Directions from Vangent/Qwest building or Ballston-GM Metro station: http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=901+N+Glebe+Rd,+Arlington,+VA+22203-1853+(P+F+Chang%27s+China+Bistro)&geocode=CcthITD85uJIFQ1KUQId4E9n-yFIIzADuTQPsQ&dirflg=&saddr=4250+Fairfax+Dr,+Arlington,+Virginia+22203&f=d&hl=en&sll=38.882064,-77.115505&sspn=0.012027,0.017703&cid=12758474238590985032&ie=UTF8&z=18 Note: When walking, you cut straight across.

I think your first task is to find a rug to set the tone for the room. You could have carpet bound in the size you need if you want to stay mono-chromatic. A tone on tone rug in cream, tan and chocolate might add a neutral but interesting touch. It only needs to be a couple of feet wider than the sofa unless you add new end tables that you want to sit on it too. I would keep it 12" away from the hearth though. Once the rug is found, if it has a variety of tones in it, use the darkest shade for your chairs. Be sure and take your tape measure with you so you can determine the right height on them. I don't think they should be taller than the sofa. I don't think the two chairs have to match, and it would be nice if one of them had a pattern to the fabric. Here is a mono-chromatic room, but with a touch of pattern and texture.