hmmm...I uploaded these to snapfish and cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to post the pictures.

anyway, here is another shot

Here is a link that might be useful: picture 2

last one...sorry!

Here is a link that might be useful: picture 3

Yea, paint it. If your husband is too busy you could do it. I'm the most unhandy person in the world but I can and do paint.

I love mixing old with modern, too. I would go with something big and modern, but then I would get rid of the runner and leave the table as is. I would also repaint with a color that is more interesting than the white. Can't wait to see what you do.

thanks guys!

happy-Not sure why I am so scared to paint...but I really am!

cyn-well, the top of the table is really nicked up, and *not* in a charming, rustic way! I think it can be refinished...but again, that is #185 on DH's list of things to do! LOL. What color would you suggest? I agree...I have always been ANTI white walls, but then again, we always had a muted floor in our previous home (tan carpet and neutral tile) and we really liked COLOR on the walls. Now, in this house, our thinking is that we want our floors to stand out (we love our flagstone that is in this picture.) I posted a thread when we first purchased the house asking for paint suggestions, and I got so many different responses...we decided to just take the "easy" way out! But we know eventually we will need to add some color...I cannot live with white walls for an extended period of time.

Anyway, I am open to color suggestions!

I also want to hear from people with suggestions for art. Also cool accessories for the table top....maybe a lamp?

Your floors are beautiful! I can understand your wanting those floors to take center stage. If you and your hubby are happy with the color that is all that matters. Paint can always be added later if you decide.

I like the idea of a lamp, and maybe something to soften things up like a soft, feathery plant- some kind of fern in a beautiful old ceramic pot, a large piece of art above the table.

Thanks homebodymom!

Yes...I like the idea of something "soft." That makes sense!

You know, I posted this question, forgetting about the whole "gallery" side of this message board. I found the "foyer eye candy"" thread and boy oh boy, I got some GREAT ideas!

Paint the wall in silver -- maybe with a sheen -- semi-gloss .....check out Ralph Lauren's metallic paints ....

THen look for a large rectanglar or round mirror (check out sources like thrift stores or Target) -- maybe in dark wood to work with the console.

And a dark wood mirror would stand out against the silvery paint. And really let the cool silver statue stand out too!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

DM, I tried everything I could think of to embed your photos here and nothing worked. Sorry. Snapfish doesn't seem to be set up to posted photos on forums. Too bad. Do you have a photobucket account? They are very easy to use and you can even share clickable thumbnails. They seem to have every kind of code you'd need to post anywhere that I've ever wanted to post to.
As for you entry. I love the table! That is one gorgeous piece. It seems to have been made for your home. The table runner is awesome too, but it could limit you on art selection. Once you get a large piece of art on the wall I don't think the lack of wall color will matter. This way, as you both want, the features of your home along with the decor, will be the show piece. You won't need color on the walls to "make" the room.
As for wall art, what about making your own? I know you don't like to paint walls, but.....?
There's so many other ideas for DIY art too. You say you thought about horizontal wood. Why not do it as "art" instead of the whole wall? I just bought a square coffee table for three ninety nine at a local thrift store and if Restore a Finish does it's trick, I might just use the top for art.
This picture is really terrible, but it has burled and parquet wood veneer.
{{!gwi}}
Check thrift stores for large works or art or mirrors with or with great frames. If you don't like the art just use the frame.
My brain is slowing down. I need food. Good luck! It's good to "see" you again.