nancybee_2010: As in most of my decorating projects, I had it 98% complete, but your question gave me the nudge to finish the remaining 2%. I had tried out and returned several pots before settling on just the right one and transplated my other plant in it. I also decided to keep the old photos in my bedroom since I liked them there and bought a new frame that coordinated better with my candlesticks. That 2% remaining was to pick the photo to put in the frame--finally I decided to put last year's Christmas family photo there as I felt the sepia photos didn't look so good in the gold frame, though if others think sepia is better I can scan and tweak this photo for a sepia version. I should probably still tweak the bookcase some more, but it works for what I need it to do which is store books and photo albums. The photo albums don't fit on the lower shelves so I'm stumped how to change it without just storing the photo albums in a closet and then they are not out for people to see. As for the dining room, I did keep the red vase. I love how the light reflects in it. I may add some more vases at some point when the bulb actually dies, but so far it's hanging in there. cliff_and_joann: Thanks for the compliments and feedback. As you see above I did swap out the green vase. Your home is an inspiration to me--esp. your tablescapes. I've been following your DR chairs makeover with interest and can't wait to see the results! On another note, I recently got a new camera and am very excited that I am finally able to take pictures of window shots without the background getting washed out!

Before you go to the trouble.....try changing out what you ahve in the book case....try standing plates up in the back and putting smaller things in front. That might make it light enough looking for you... And if you do decide to use fabric, I would use posterboard and glue the fabric on with spray adhesive. Linda C

Your husband did a great job on the bookcases. I think I would try gel stain on them rather than paint. I like paint but only if you are doing a color like cream or white. If the gel stain does not work out then you can go to paint, but please try a gel stain first. I would keep the closet doors white like your trim in room.

Hi mamaloukos. I feel your pain, as I have stained projects only to realize the color was all wrong. My solution was to start with the ROS, usually back at 150 grit, and continue back up to 220. Then do a final hand-sanding with the 220 in the direction of the grain. So the pictures aren't showing the finish really well, and you didn't say exactly what the problem was. Is the color wrong? Is it too light or too dark? Is the texture wrong (i.e., is it 'fuzzy' to the touch)? Is it too blotchy? Or some combination of these problems? And you said you used a GF water-based gel stain? I wasn't aware that they made a water-based gel - if that's what you used, it might be a relatively new product that behaves differently from its oil-based cousins. I use oil-based GF gel stains regularly for easy-to-match colors and typically find them easy to use. For things that aren't so easy to match, I use water-based custom dyes (I mix the colors myself, but I don't recommend mixing water-based dyes for the novice). Here's how I apply the oil-based gel stain: First, use a rag or a sponge. Make sure the gel is stirred well with no separation of thicker and thinner parts. It should be the consistency of pudding. Dip the rag/sponge into the can and wipe the stain onto the wood, going with the grain of the wood. Just do a small area at a time. Then wipe again with a different, clean, dry rag. Not dark enough? Wait longer before wiping with the clean, dry rag. Each time you re-dip and apply to another area, overlap with the previous area. If you find yourself waiting a very long time between application and swiping, and you like the color, you may be able to apply stain to an entire surface (e.g., the inside of the cabinet) before wiping it off. Keep in mind that if you plan to put a clear coat over the stain, the topcoat will make it look slightly darker. With gel stains, it's pretty easy to make it darker (even a week later) but it's tough to make it lighter. However, while the stain is still fairly wet, you CAN lighten it a bit by wiping with a different rag dipped in mineral spirits (IF and ONLY IF it's the oil-based gel stain). One other consideration: If the problem is splotching, or blotchy appearance after staining, which is common with soft woods like pine and alder, I apply a very thin coat of dewaxed shellac (Sealcoat - NOT regular shellac - made by Zinsser) before staining. Wait until it's dry to the touch, give it another very light hand-sanding at 220-grit, and proceed with the stain. That's a ton of info - hope some of it is helpful. Good luck. That will be a gorgeous cabinet.