I love the design. Bought all the dining room and much living room. Now have a scratch on the table. Was told by the refinisher that the furniture is made "to look at not to use", and "its a reproduction of fine furniture". All the professional refinishers will touch it because they are afraid that the thin veneer will come up with the finish. We paid a lot, and thought we were getting quality. I have 100 year old furniture that will be good forever. This is a one-time-use product. I would not do it again.

Mogator: Wow. I'm glad I wasn't crazy! Went to a contemporary store near College Park, Maryland, recently (just down the road from an Ikea!), and there was not a single dining buffet that appealed to me. They looked cheap--as if the delivery company was supposed to have taken them to Ikea! I guess contemporary's become a niche market? One that is easily tossed aside in a tight economy. I ended up buying one through eBay (long, nice glass top, glass doors, but the sides and the basic "cabinetry" are MDF. But it doesn't look terrible.) The loss of the Storehouse chain was a big one (you saw how fast Rowe sold that off). At least Room & Board's still going strong (although there was a complaints about the quality of their wood product here lately).

I love the rounded back, or even a spider back. You might check out Shermag, under their Radius collection especially, but several of their collections might have something to consider. We have a kitchen set from them, in their colours collection, and it has held up well to daily use for 6 years now. Affordable as well. Not crazy about the first chair - it seems like a restaurant chair to me. Love your dream chair - check around, because that style is everywhere, likely at all kinds of price points. As for fabric, if it is microfiber and treated, don't discount it. That fabric can have a great sueded appearance, and wear well and clean up well. I know, because DH has microfiber on his man-eating recliner.

Thanks, I do love the dishes! The gold on the edges is wearing off, I don’t know if that started when they were moved to everyday use and a dishwasher. But to me it’s part of the history and charm (same with the occasional chip, which is always assigned to DH and my seats.) KSWL, one relative and her grown children had a habit of showing up to Christmas Eve with a couple of friends in tow. What are ya gonna do? Add a card table to the end of the dining table!