Illusnist, BC is an interesting species and there are several "experts" on them around. Probably the most valuable publication I've seen on them is "Bald Cypress, The Tree Unique, The wood Eternal." The 130 page or so book was written by C.A. Brown and G.W. Montz back in 1986--published by Claitor's PUblishing Div. out of Baton Rouge, La. It has a wealth of information on BC growth habits, quirks and history. The best bonsai BC expert is Gary Marchal. I've listed his website below. He is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about the species in the wild and "in captivity." He has collected the species from the wild and has been growing it extensively as bonsai for a decade at least. Shoot him an email with some questions. I'm pretty sure he will answer. Your observations on BC are basically what I've been using to grow BC as bonsai--after email advice from Gary. He told me to get my BC out of the water tub eight years ago. He said at the time the species doesn't like to grow submerged in water. They only do it because they CAN. They are exploiting a niche not many other trees can. The "BC must grow in a tub of water because that's what they do in the wild" nonsense is very prevalent in bonsai circles and a hard myth to put to rest. For what it's worth, there are BC planted as street trees in New Orleans near Harrah's Casino that are pushing knees up. I doubt those trees are older than 10 or 15 years. They're also not growing in water... Come back and post your research when it's done. Here is a link that might be useful: Gary Marchal Bonsai

Ezmom, have you been over to the decorating forum yet? The colors you're describing are right up their palette. The gallery also has a lot of pictures arranged by color and room. Do you like are harmonious scheme, with everything blending calmly? A more lively light look or dramatic dark look with lots of contrast? If you don't know for sure, the pictures will help a lot. You can save everything you like and then go back through to look for what they have in common. For what it's worth, it sounds like you might be on the right track in putting a color you both like on the walls and counters. Then you could bring in colors more to your taste or his in accessories and change them out for another set now and then, perhaps seasonally. Have fun!

IMO the cabinets should be a shade from the granite that is more neutral like one of the light colors in the stone.

Is this an apartment for just one person? Two? Sounds like you are used to more open space living and older buildings tend to have very distinct rooms. But what history -- cool enough to adapt for a while. Remember that it isn't forever and try some different things. You could use your dining table as an island. Put the chairs on one side and the ends or put two in the room to pull up if you need them. Then you have more space and could try pulling the sofa into the room so you have something more like a great room. You could also put the table against the wall. If you have the sofa in the large room and create more of a great room, the smaller room on the left could function as an office/guest room with either a bed or a sleeper sofa. Put the desk in there and maybe the shelves too (or maybe one in each room). Consider one of the chairs in there for a place to sit -- put on shoes, have a quiet reading space, etc. Don't crowd your bedroom just because you can. Keep it your quiet space. Even if it is bigger than you are used to.