The tile is so neutral, you can go with almost any color. The lighter colors will seem brighter in the dark space. I would find an inspiration piece and go with the colors from that...it can be an outfit you like, a plate, a pic of a room you like, a poster you'd like to hang on the wall...anything. So long as it's something you'd like to look at. Then go with it. My laundry room was inspired by a kitchen I saw on a house tour where the owner had white cabinetry and painted the little bit of wall space in heather. It was luscious, and i loved it so much that the color stuck with me....so now I have a heather colored laundry room...crazy to some, but I love it. And what the heck....it's a laundry room...why not liven it up.

I would keep it silver. It blends better with your kitchen finishes, and lets your dining table light be the main focus. You don't ned the contrast of a dark finish there, especially if you are keeping three lights. I would look for lights with clear glass, or silver in a square shape like your other light. Or you may be able to change out the glass bell without changing your whole fixture.

We use Diamond Vogel opaque deck stains with good results. Needs to be renewed about every4-5 years. As bad as that wood is, however, I would not expect too much. Were it my deck I would set all the nails, rent a floor sander and try to get down to good wood before staining. To answer your questions: 1. Can anyone tell what type of wood my decking is made of? Treated pine 3. Can I wood-fill smaller cracks and splits instead of replacing? No. Wood filler is not for unstable environments like a wood deck. 4. Do I need to prep my railing differently than other surfaces? Only the top of the rail should be weather-worn. Sand it down before staining. 5. If I replace some boards, any tips for trying to blend the old and new boards? Blending is not really possible. The new wood is full of treatment solution and will take stain differently than old wood. The usual recommendation is to let new wood sit for a minimum of six weeks before staining.

Rose I really like that light fixture you posted for the front entry. I think it will be a fab flip for the one you have currently. Classic style, goes with a lot of other things, and practically can't go wrong. I am a firm believer in getting the most bang for your buck. Change out that one, see how it plays with the dining room, and if you still have the money and inclination to go further, then on to the dining room. You will either like the contrast or find that it is even more of an imperative to change out the dining room . . . I have a really nasty brass "tulip" light in our dining room, it came with the house. We call it "Audrey" because it unfortunately bears a slight resemblance to the star of "Little Shop of Horrors." I am looking to replace it with a plain black iron chandelier, one I could dress up if I miss the bling, and dress down if I'm growing tired of that look. Honestly, though, the light you have in the dining room is the least of your worries. You should have to live with Audrey . . . Can add flame lights, beads, crystals, or little lampshades. Or serve plain.