You've obviously put a lot of thought into this, zinnah, and I'm impressed. I like your idea of a suspended panel for lighting. I got my start in residential lighting (most of my work is in industrial) by crafting all sorts of lighting boxes and other structures to help remodelers in San Francisco adapt new lighting technology to old houses, which later turned out to be helpful in T24 compliance in many instances. I also hate penetrating the ceiling if I don't have to, so your idea is doubly attractive to me. I'd like to see a picture of it when you can.

Thank you everyone for weighing in with your thoughts. I can just kick myself that I didn't seek advice from this forum when we were choosing paints for our whole house. I just love Wilmington Tan and feel it would look better than the Oat Straw we have presently--DH likes it also. I do agree with caroleoh that Tyler Taupe pairs best with the Oat Straw, but for this room the one I prefer it the Wilmington Tan so am glad to read a few others here think similarly. It's hard to think of repainting the other rooms just now, but perhaps we will phase over to the WT over time. We paid to have the house professionally painted, but this time around it will be DIY. While I've not chosen a rug, I've thought about it and looked at some. Even though this room is formal, it still needs to fairly kid proof (we have three ourselves ranging in age from six to 14, and most of our friends have children also) so I tend towards rugs that are darker in color without an ivory/taupe/gold background. Particularly if I were to put the WT on the walls and with the existing WT and sofa, I feel the rug would be an area to bring in more color so with that in mind I'm hoping I'll still have some options open. I'm also wondering with a more neutral backdrop, if it will allow the chairs to become the focal point along with the fireplace. Les, you are never a pain. I truely appreciate your insights as well as everyone else who has replied to my threads. Here are a couple of distance shots that I hope will give you a better feel. As it was later in the day, it worked better to put the sample boards lower. Notice, I've also tried to drape the drapery fabric as I know once it's hung in folds and how the light plays on the sheen of the material also gives it a different look. I'm really getting very curious to see my drapes. They have such a lovely weight to them and with the lining and the leading edge trim, I'm hoping they will meet my expectations. This has been the biggest splurge in this whole LR/DR remodel--and the next I imagine will be the rugs.

I have Lady Ann Kidwell. I love it! Do you think your friend would like a big polyantha? For me, LAK is dark fuchsia/burgundy depending on weather. It was just a new little band last summer but grew well for me. I tried to keep the buds pinched off but it was a busy summer and I never quite got them all. This will be a good bloomer but, like most polyanthas, the blooms will not be big and full like an Austin. They tend to star as they age and look like giftwrap bows. I've ordered a rose this year from High Country roses that might be in her wheel house. It's a strong mauve/fuchsia on the website. It has large, full, fragrant blooms and is supposed to be on a tall upright shrub. Some flowers are borne individually, some in clusters. The name may intrigue her- Ruby Voodoo. It's a funny name for a rose that isn't red. I don't know anything about your friend's growing conditions or how well this rose is likely to do. If you have questions, you could speak to the owner. He is very helpful.

Thank you...your kindness overwhelms. you know, I did go to my beloved Jerusalem there, for just a few days, the only thing I truly did for myself only, don't remember whether I mentioned that..went in August, very spontaneously...and I had this very nice very extravert type of a taxi driver to take me there..and very soon he chatted out of me all the story.. So he says, at some point: -ok I understand what do you want for your Mother..and I understand about your brother..and I understand about the husband and kids. That, I get it -what you worry about regarding them all. But how do you see your life? YOURS? And I sat there and I didn't know what to answer him. And I still don't. I still think "me? what me?" then I think "what life?" then I think "let me have this life first". then I'll try to see what I can see.. Maybe I'll edit that later btw. Doesn't make any sense when I try to read it..Except for the first sentence of course.