That would be a very interesting piece of information to find out about, Lynette. Remember, it was Hortico who "introduced" so many of his earlier roses in to North America, prior to obtaining any licensing from him and selling them to the US. That is why all those varieties were sold under their breeder's code names, such as AUSpat, AUStamora, etc. Once they've been introduced, there is a finite time in which to patent them and recoup any costs through royalties. Hortico jumped ahead of him by selling them so the only way he could benefit from their sales was to trademark their names so a retailer would have to pay to use those names. The roses could be sold under any other name you wanted, without paying any royalties, but if you used the trademarked names, you owed Austin royalties. I heard stories some years ago about a very "heated" face-to-face Mr. Austin reportedly had with the head of Hortico about that very subject. It would be QUITE interesting to know the back story whether Hortico's decision not to offer the newer types had anything to do with that issue, or if they simply chose not to offer the more expensive types as Pickering and others have. Kim

Wow, it is a great idea. New Yorker prints are brilliant. KSWL had the idea of distressed frames - maybe in the blue - and that would be great, with a cream/white mat behind non-reflecting glass. I'd make the frame pretty simple - about 3/4 of an inch and a generous mat of about 3 inches with an interior mat in a 1/4 inch in some neutral like the grey of the driftwood or your wall tone. I think you have room for 3 above the fireplace and any of them would be wonderful. I'm especially partial to the first 3. The chandelier looks perfect. Together they evoke tradition and whimsy. Post pictures as a follow up!!! radley

They look like they will coordinate well with each other and your drapes, but I've found that it's sometimes quite difficult to judge colors from photos on line. If they have a 2 x 3 maybe you can order that and send it back if you have to for not quite so much $$. Or maybe the 2 x 3 can be used elsewhere in your home. I'd want to have a chance to see it all together IRL before committing. If the smaller size isn't an option, maybe you can find out the mfg and check it out locally. OTH, Ballards frequently has discounts noted in their catalogues. Maybe waiting until they run a great sale might be a good idea. While you're waiting you'll have a chance to perhaps score a perfect buy on CL or Ebay. Good luck!

mal First it's your home & only you truly know what is best suited for it and your family - The responses re: concern above I think give a good general opinion about resale - that has the potential to be a negative. lascatx brings the pt to light I would tend to agree w/that op. Not opposed - necessarily - just a different op - it's not my home.... try to imagine a time when the house is being sold - the first thing the broker will ask is "what is this room?" - If you have other options to put the mud area esp I would go that route - since you do come in throught the basement why not try to retrain your family to let that be the drop off zone - cubbies/hooks/baskets etc.... When you put appliances & plumbing in DR it would be difficult & a big expense to change that back in the event of resale & a broker saying changing it back will mean X$$ Perhaps contacting a broker or 2 before you decide may help in understanding what the market calls for in your area. To me, esp if you have other areas to designate, it just seems like a not clearly defined room - mud area & kit should be 2 separate imo.... Try to imagine being the person who is your potential buyer - walk in your own front door and what do you like/not like - Could a potential buyer walk in and say "do I take my shoes off here or take the cake out of the oven" Good luck