A few more pics to help you see the space better.

I plan to paint the backs of the bookshelves in SW Portabello, the same color as walls.

This is the adjoining dining area. The chandelier is going to be replaced.

1) The rug size I have currently is 8x10. Do you think that is the size I should bug in a new rug?

It looks too small to me and I don't car for the angling.

2) I don't want my rug to be the focus and want something pretty subtle looking in one or two colors probably. I will bring in color through pillows and decorator items, rust colors being one of the colors that I plan to incorporate. Any ideas?

Not sure what you are asking for ideas on? which color to add? ?

3) As much as I would love to have a long shag rug, I'm not sure that is practical, so maybe something plush would work. What do you think about long shag rugs for cleaning and practicality? I have 2 cats.

Long shags are not practical and IMHO, downright gross with pets around.

4) I have seen rugs layered in a space. What are your opinions on that for my space?

There is nothing about the personality of your space that suggest the vibe I usually see with layering . IOW, I usually think of that in bohemian or country .

1) Thanks, mtnrdredux. I don't care for the angling so much either, but others have said they like it so I haven't changed it yet. I don't expect I will keep it angled when I get a new rug.

2) Yes, I'm trying to get some ideas for color. My furniture is a taupe (brownish grey), walls in Portabello, floors have an orange tone to the wood. I'm not good with decorating.

3 and 4) thank you.

As for color, you could go so many directions. Do you have a favorite color? Is there a color you wear a lot? Is there a room youd like to emulate?

Try browsing pinterest or houzz or shelter mags to get ideas about what you like.

Thanks, mtndredux. I have a lot of inspirational pics to look at and am wanting something dramatic and sophisticated.

How about posting some of your inspiration pictures so people can see what you are drawn to?

Horchow has some subtly colored rugs, you might check them out. I would also consider a solid.

Your dining room made me think of this one by Phoebe Howard. I can imagine a large landscape painting like she has done:

This post was edited by snookums2 on Mon, Sep 30, 13 at 21:17

Just wanted to say that I think painting the backs of the bookshelves will look great. Wonderful windows, too!

snookums, thank you for posting that picture. Are you thinking about a picture over my buffet or on the other wall? I have seen some beautiful rooms by Phoebe Howard. A solid colored rug sounds good. I will look at some photos that I like and post some tomorrow so you can see what I like.

cyn427, I am hoping to get the back of the bookshelves this weekend. Thanks for the compliment on my windows.