First, to answer a few questions.. Sombreuil, the large duct/pipe is the HVAC(?), central heat & AC (heatpump). I don't understand why it is this way, perhaps it can be explained simply enough, that I'll understand... It comes into the room, continues about about 3', (I said "4", previously, but definitely closer to 3), then angles over to the ceiling vent by the window. Couldn't a vent be placed at the wall, right where it comes into the room? It supplies nothing but that one air-vent.. The small black pipe seems to be venting, presumably sewer. Oh - the lamp cord is the plug-in for that flourescent light fixture flopper put in. (HATE it!). Did he screw that up, too? There seem to be varying opinions on the wiring... I'm not sure what to think, at this point. Above most of this room is a void, pseudo-attic space behind 5'(ish) kneewall. I can access it - but it's not easy. The insulation, I want to get rid of anyway - it's gross. I could definitely stay away from any electrical when replacing it. (It was resting on/smooshed upon that K&T, I've pushed it up & away for now - what I could reach, at least). Money is more tight than usual, right now - due, only in part, to this bathroom/laundry room fiasco. (I thought things happened "in three's"? We passed "3", got to "6", still going, lol!). So, the very THOUGHT of bringing in "Mr. Electrician" makes me start to sweat & tremble... I am Chicken Little, by nature.

I agree with everyone else. It is beautiful and the plank top adds so much character to it. Lighting does make a huge difference. I always find the lighting in stores to be so misleading--esp. when I was remodeling my kitchen, but at least then we could take a sample door home. I like it so much better than a bombe chest. It looks like a unique piece anyway, not part of a "collection." Be sure to show us the pics in your space.

Dear Polar Princess, I am happy to read of your recent survivorship and a getting new lease on life. I think your oak cabinets look very well made and can be a star with some new accessories. Oak is a timeless, beautiful wood. Here are the changes I would try for minimal cost: 1) As has been mentioned numerous times: remove the stenciling & ivy to freshen the look. 2) If you can easily remove the light bridge over the sink and add molding to the top of the 2 cabinets where it connected, that will also modernize the look, as previous poster suggested, for not much money. 3) Backsplash: Provide Maximum sizzle and splash, which will transform the kitchen with a shimmering glass tile mosaic. See link below as example. Your area is not big, so you could pull this off for only $200 to $250 in materials. 4) Definitely bring in the brown leather bar stools you like or even something very modern in style as a contrast. 5) Counter tops: white laminate is not necessarily bad. In fact, if you add a shimmering glass backsplash that is a nice counterpoint to the white counters, you may find they are now more pleasing to you, without going to the expense of adding granite. You already know how easy to maintain your laminate counters are. You might jazz them up with some interesting place mats or update your centerpiece to be more in keeping with the brown leather & mosaics. 6) Window valence: maybe replace the lace look with something more tailored to complement the new backsplash and stools. 7) Wall paint: See how the backsplash changes the look and decide if you want to add wall color or not. 8) If you still yearn for SS appliances, check into changing out the front panels of the frig and dishwasher with SS. Don't think that is possible with the stove. I would really keep the bisque because they will look nice with the new backsplash as well. The link is from a larger website with many different choices of mosaic color combinations. The featured one is Anima because I think it would complement your while/bisque and oak and brown leather. Also check out several of the Spectralight (with and without El Dorado), Shimmerfly (one is Honey Pearl)and others which might complement your adjacent room colors. Good luck with all your decisions. We celebrate that you are here to make them! Anna Lee F Here is a link that might be useful: Glass tile backsplash

Long day! I returned all the trial drapes and went to Linen and Things, Sears, JCPenney's, RH AND Pottery Barn!!! The first 4 stores - really carry mostly silky, shiny drapes - but I did see the ones lyban suggested - and I like them a lot. They are much darker than the cream, but I ordered them anyway - just to try. I really loved the leaf ones that Les suggested (from Penney's) but they don't carry them in any lengths longer then 95". I might as well get it right at this point! Looked at Pottery barn & Restoration hardware... Pottery barn is a LOT less expensive - but RH were nicer in feel and color, so I ordered them as well! I still have other fabric swatches coming in, including the other one Les suggested... THIS IS A LOT OF WORK!!! LOL DH doesn't like the cream... likes the darker gold better, but now that I have been staring and staring at it... here are my thoughts. The darker gold just wasn't doing it for me - guess that's why I painted over it in the first place! I Did/do still like the terra-cotta, but now that the cream is there, it is more an "airy", "lighter" feel, plus the accessories do look better. It's a keeper for me - and I'll be posting new pictures tomorrow. Found another console table lamp... it's different, and I paused for a long while before putting it in my shopping cart. I should have paused a bit longer and left it at the store - it's ugly and one of those "What was I thinking?". It's already back in the car to return. :( johnatemp, what a great idea - that could really add a lot... now just need the panels! annz, I moved and added a few things around. Still need to find some larger items.... which I was "I dream of Jeanie" and could nod my head a bit and have it done!! Oh well...