Yes, crazyhouse6, the crystal ball sconces come single. These are my final contenders, but leaning (right now) heavily toward the first one. The shade on it is actually glass. I also like the LENGTH (for my space) of the second one and the last two, but the last two are probably too modern. What do you guys vote for? Finding out later today if they can put the sconces on the towers without yanking out the towers and repainting. Here's my two favorite chandys and another inspiration photo so you can see where I'm coming from (if you don't already know!) - simple tile pattern, monochromatic, but romantic finishings:

Hi linelle, There is an old company here in Cleveland, "Fischer & Jirouch," that still makes plaster moldings and ornamentation the same as they have been doing it for over 80 years. They have a zillion old molds and they use horsehair and plaster. It's a family run company that will actually let you watch them work. When you walk in there, you step back in time. It's phenomenal.

Jockewing, first, condolences. Glad the protracted struggle is behind you. My first suggestion is to only spend a portion of your inheritance now and save the rest as the financial outlook is bleak for the near future. (I know, that advice is a drag!) But truly, my advice would always be to upgrade slowly since finding quality pieces you'll love for the long haul takes time. That being said, I also know how important feathering your nest is and think you will enjoy getting a few pieces now. I have lots of general suggestions below, but really want to encourage you to take your time finding good pieces which will work over many years rather than succumbing to throw-away purchases. Unless you have enough money to buy everything now, I'd start with the DR since you call attention to it with the accent wall color. I'd look to replace the bookcase with a wonderful marble topped buffet, a Danish rosewood or walnut credenza or a taller antique secretary. Really consider older furniture pieces which are generally much better made than the particle board stuff readily available. Antiques don't have to be stuffy or ornate, and with luck and patience you can begin building a wonderful, clean-lined collection. These days, without a really big budget it's hard to find quality pieces unless you have a great consignment store neraby or shop ebay. Center your new DR chandelier on your table. I think all the wrought iron legs in the DR (as well as the hodgepodge end tables) add to the busy-ness you don't like. Earlier it was suggested to place a larger glass top over a table cloth if you keep the table, or I'd consider replacing the set with a wood pedestal DR table w/o a cloth. Look for some comfortable DR chairs; I love simple leather chairs which hold up really well. Rattan is a good look but not as practical with crumbs, cleanability, etc. In the LR, start with finding a hand-knotted rug, larger than your existing LR carpet and a runner in coordinating tones to replace the striped rug. Get two small patterned carpets for the front & dining area entry doors, unless you find a nice area rug for the DR, then you will want only an interior rug at the front door.. Overstock (must really read descriptions as photos aren't always accurate and avoid lead based dyes), ebay and craig's list are great sources, but many higher-end mfgs sell dicsontinued rugs directly on line at close-out prices. The trick is to be patient and wait for a wonderful bargain rather than spend a lot for instant gratification. Hand-knotted for the large rug(s) is best as it will hold up well. Extend the drape rods as was suggested to add presence to the panels. Your wall color has to coordinate with the taupe tiles unless you can upgrade to HW or laminate. Assuming you have to work with the tile, I'd be cautious of cooler, darker hues since that can be drab and depressing and you already have a sophisticated darker tone in the kitchen/dining area. Consider deep non-yellowy cream toward raw silk/linen tones (I find it helpful to look at art mats and/or fabric and have paint matched) which will combine well with the DR wall and the aquas, green and brown you love and that you're currently inclined to eventually bring more into the LR. I like your tv in its current location because it allows you to keep a cohesive conversational arrangement in the LR. HDGuy's advice to consider whether you want/need display/storage area is a good one in determining what size piece to look for btwn the windows. I'd consider 2 love seats (in a neutral tone to accommodate changing accents as your taste evolves) flanking the media wall, much sleeker than the bulky one you have, but still comfortable. Put a console table or low bookcase behind the one on the DR side. Definitely add more lamps, up lighting behind plants, maybe a torchiere in a corner and/or a swing arm low floor lamp by seating. Replace the ceiling fan with another more beautiful fixture, even if you elect to keep a fan there. Replace the two chairs with more compact ones, even a sleek recliner as long as it has raised legs. Or re-upholster the burgundy chair and just get one new chair. Get a large leather ottoman which can pull double duty as a coffee table. Consider tucking a power strip behind the small console under the mirror to minimize the cords. Definitely place all your lights on dimmers. Before you begin, scour this site and others as well as mags to find the style that most appeals to you and use them for inspiration. Best of luck!

i-chic: I want a tree like that! The pic of your son asleep under the tree with all those stuffies brought tears to my eyes. So, I can finally post my tree. As the chaos of our life continues I wasn't able to do much, but I really like it. It's the first time I've been able to do a "theme" tree - all red and silver. Sadly, the topper (a silver star you can just see) is too heavy for our little rosemary tree. From Christmas2008 Should I switch the angel and the frog to balance things? BTW, the tree is sitting on the hearth of our hideous fireplace (that will be completely redone some time in the hopefully near future. There's no mantle so our stockings are hanging from sconce holders on either side (you can see a bit of one on the right).