Circuspeanut- thanks so much for responding. I really want to do soapstone, it was my very first initial desire even before I discovered this tile. But it didn't seem correct with the dark cabinets I had chosen. Then, when I found this tile, and realized the dark cabinets were not going to work after thinking hard about it. The kitchen really does not get good light and, even though I'm adding a sliding glass door into the room, I also have noticed that the rear of the house gets the least amount of direct sunlight during the daytime (I've been watching it because I'm also trying to plan a garden). So, I need to lighten up the cabinets which I intend to do, but have not chosen exactly what color yet. In which case, soapstone would be possible. I LOVE the idea of yellow tile near the soapstone. And, love the tiles you posted. It keeps the kitchen more in the Craftsman style, with just a hint of Art Deco - which would be more in character of the house. The house has elements of both, but overall is much more Craftsman and is more my style than Deco. My eye is very drawn to the first tile you posted, the one on the upper left, yellow and brown geometric. Like that a lot. I can see adding in some copper with the pulls/handles, perhaps the faucet, fixtures and if feasible, the sink. In fact just today, I noticed that some of the plates on the doors in the house have a copper tone to them. As for other things - my contractor was over today (finally) with his super to talk about gutting the kitchen. Some surprises were found, issues with the floor level, some piping from the bathroom above complicating the potential ceiling height (but he still thinks I can get in 42" cabinets), a structural beam and possible plumbing in an area which may shorten the run of my counter top (and has put me back to a 30" range), etc. Old homes - you have to just deal with the surprises, you know? But, he loved the old tile, and was all about keeping it. Said if worse came to worse, and it didn't work out no harm done and out it comes but he'll do his best to be gentle with it during demolition. I've known him for easily 15 years, or more and trust him and his team completely to do the right thing (I've been working for Architects for over 25 years, and know him from my last job). Anyway - will certainly keep you all posted as things go along. Demo was supposed to start tomorrow but it got pushed off until Monday, no big deal. I go back to the kitchen designer next Saturday - should have been tomorrow but I have to cancel since no point going until demo is done and I see exactly what that structural beam situation is all about for one thing, and some other minor issues. I want to be certain about the measurements before ordering cabinets!

there is absolutely a problem with aluminum wiring in smaller gauges for branch circuits like this, which is why it's no longer made and illegal to use. It's too soft and too difficult to get a good connection, which causes arcing and heating at termination points. In larger gauges it's fine because of the shear mass of it. Why do you think they only make aluminum wire is larger gauges? Take a single strand out of 4/0 wire and smash it down versus the entire thing. Is your life, or your families life worth the money you're going to save to try to cob together a fix? You'll never actually fix the issue unless it's replaced as you'll never be sure to get a secure and safe connection at the terminations. Pig tailing isn't a fail safe either. You can twist off the aluminum wire inside of those little special purple wire nuts. I've done it many times before I finally said I'll never take a job ever again that has aluminum wiring unless it's a total rewire This post was edited by hexus on Sun, Nov 24, 13 at 0:03

I have been spending my pennies at yard sales and estate sales to add to my garden and come home with some treasures! I almost feel the need to stop , almost! Haha i picked up this swan this weekend . Here's the rest of my treasure . It's not all where I want it but I'll be working on that soon Gonna be a petunia planter .. Flea market gold ! Got this feeder , it will go on top of a rickety wood ladder and support my honeysuckle vine .

I completely agree with Lefty and IdaClaire. Art is not decor. It can certainly exalt interiors, but to relegate it to the category of decor would be remiss. To do so is to overlook the creative force that informs it. Art teaches us about the universe of which we are a part, who we were, are and aspire to become in the continuum. Art is. And it is content to preside alone. However, I do think it appreciates she who selects it as much as she who makes it manifest. Short answer is, no, Art most certainly need not "match" a room. In fact, I think Art would view the entire notion as ridiculous. To determine what we like in art, we must view a lot of it - and in person. As in face to face, real, original art. From what you've posted, you seem to be drawn to portraits. Manhattan has a tremendous art scene, so opportunity to explore your tastes abounds for you. You might have to get out of your comfort zone to do so. Art often requires that of us. And what an exciting prospect it is! In terms of how to arrange groupings of pieces, there are many formulas - many of which can be found here on Houzz - but it really comes down to what arrangement pleases you. I recommend you look into the Golden Ratio for insights on scale and proportional arrangements. Humans tend to be hard wired to look for that ratio - albeit subconsciously - as we find it very pleasing. It's applications are endless.