O, good point about the pets. We'll be shopping for rugs in a few weeks, all in high traffic areas. We have two dogs and two cats. The cats I can train..knock knock knock, but it's the 14 year old dog who'll do her thing when I'm not looking. So I too need rug advice. I assume wool rugs are hard to spot clean? Oh! I noticed something interesting in the floor store when we were there. They had a very large area rug, not sure of the brand, but the main color was black. At a distance it looked awfully faded or dusty, and I know they vacuum because their floor is a showcase unto itself! The rug wasn't near a window either. I'm wondering if black background rugs look lighter than they should? It was enough for me to do a doubletake!

Oh my, emagineer, that link is completely awesome and right up the husband's alley. I have seen it going both ways online, but never a DIY option. Wow! Even if we screwed it up, we're only out a couple hundred for a cheap fridge and some money for materials. I even know exactly where to source the hardware, yipee. Ohmega is my BFF :) Well, I might like Urban Ore a little better for hardware. Ohmega's definitely better for salvaging doors. But I think I want new (old looking) cabinets. I might source the hardware there if I can find enough that coordinates. I assumed we'd have to have custom work done, but I'll check out the suggested shops. Thanks for the direction. Out GC does great work, but he mostly shakes his head in wonderment that I insist on things like used antique bath fixtures, single-paned wood windows and stained trims; he doesn't get it. I've never heard of a restoration contractor; I thought you just always had to beat them over the head to get anything period appropriate :) Maybe I'll Google around on that for a bit, but I'm hesitant to give up a GC who does good work if I can work out the historical stuff myself and argue the GC into compliance.

So ended up with this one! Was originally thinking a more neutral color like the old one would be better but I like the richness of this.. plus the rug is SO soft and comfy.. will be great for naps in front of the fireplace... :). (Note this is the photoshopped photo, looks better in real life!) Rug from Target: https://www.target.com/p/sky-blue-abstract-tufted-area-rug----5'3"x7'7"----surya/-/A-5191722

Another option . . . Craig's List. In my area there are many rugs offered for sale on CL, you just have to be patient to find what you want. I scored a good-looking vintage rug, indigo blue and terra-cotta, for the area leading from my living room to the backyard. The dog is in and out a dozen times a day and the rug hides the dirt. It's not in perfect condition but it's adds some style and class to the space. I paid $180, plus the cost of a pad. Now I'm looking for a smaller rug for my tiny entryway.