Well, I've called all around and any of the wood "reclamation" companies aren't real interested in pine boards. Those that may be would require me to take it all down, sort by size and stack and bind all the boards up for shipping, and they're in different states I figure they're not going to pay much if anything for it once they figure their transportation costs. I could give it to habitat for humanity I guess, but again, someone would have to carefully dismantle it all, stack and take it there and we don't have a truck. I was hoping against hope there would some company out there that would come and take it down and haul it away - I'd give it to them for free just for their labor. Now if it was cherry, or hickory or something interesting like barn siding I think I'd have some takers! :-)

I was in Target yesterday and they were having a big clearance of home furnishings and décor. I had not even noticed when those items appeared in the store, so I think they move them out quickly. I took a quick look at some of the furniture but was wondering about quality and durability. FWIW, a lot of art fair artists are selling stretched canvas prints now, both photographers and painters. (You know how most painters have both originals and offset reproductions of those in their booths). The printing on canvas technology has come down in cost recently enabling individual artists, not just large manufacturers, to be able to print their works on canvas. Its called a "gallery wrap" when there is no separate frame and the canvas is stretched all the way to the back so staples are not visible. I have a friend who is a photographer who has gone completely to this way of printing as it is so popular; no more glass or matting, or worrying if the frame will match decor to deal with. Its also less expensive (after initial equipment outlay) allowing them to pass on the cost savings and make more sales. She also sells her work online at a 2D art dealer and they said the gallery wraps are the fastest selling category they have going, regardless of subject. You could visit an art fair and get something so wont see everywhere, and know it wont be in Target tomorrow.

Buy whatever you like. If you see a mass-produced piece from a big box that strikes your fancy and you want to live with it, by all means do so. Part of the pleasure of curating your home is the evolution of your personal style. My walls display large original paintings by several prominent artists in a particular genre, nice quality antique photos, prints made from photos I took with an iPhone, and a few inexpensive canvas prints from Kirkland's. It's all an expression of the people living within these walls. There are infinite sources of artistic expression -- and none of them are "wrong" or "against the rules." Re the OP's query as to how much to hang-- again, all very personal. A decorator may have one idea. A collector may have a completely different take. I've had my walls so full that I seriously started to think about hanging art from the ceiling in a previous home. In my current home, I find I need plenty of negative space to rest my eyes. There may be rules of thumb for some, but there is no one size fits all answer to the question of "how much."

Hi Molly, Glad it wasn't just me who was unable to open pictures. Yes, several of the benches really caught my eye, at good price range too. Welburn-- like a well tailored suit-- but too skimpy in depth of seat. My son and I are "large". Flannigan-- handsome, and I liked the vignette with the floor lamp. Hadn't thought of that before And a little bling isn't bad. . Thomas-- probably my favorite-- the ebony wood trim dresses it up without being fussy. So that gives me a good place to anchor the angle wall, and it won't interfere with passing through the front door. . Would you suggest a large mirror behind the bench, flanked with some wall art or photos> Anything you can suggest to put on the 10" long wall that doesn't involve floor space? Would like color . The website you chose is new to me. Are there any other online resources you can suggest in addition to the usual pricey ones-- PBarn, Crate and Barrel, West Elm? Appreciate the time you've given me.