Groomingal - I love the idea of an old tin sign! Might be hard to find a very long and narrow one at a good price though... but it gives me an idea anyhow. Mine was sloppily painted a stark white when I got it. I sanded lightly, used a tackcloth then painted a creamier white (Mythic Ivory - Valspar seaside retreat collection). Took 3 coats with a brush. I left the old paint on the knobs and just sanded some of it off making it look a little shabby. I have a matching china cabinet too in the same room. Good luck with painting yours - I don't envy you. Just my 2 pieces wore me out. lol Had to move my hatbox. Cat was making it a bed. :-)

Sophie Wheeler, my budget is between thrift store and Target! I love to thrift and am patient enough to wait until the right piece comes along. The only problem is that I don't know what that "right" piece is just yet! I am also a shameless IKEA fan. m_gabriel, thanks so much for the info and ideas! Painting is fairly flexible - it's a small enough space that painting it back to white wouldn't be a big deal, though the landlord showed me other properties where the previous tenants painted. I don't think they're too picky. I looked up a burnt yellow and that would be perfect for at least some decor/accessory ideas, and would create flow with other yellows/warm colours I have throughout my place. I was thinking of going with copper accessories, but I actually like the idea of sticking to silver for all metals then adding a pop of deep yellow for contrast and warmth. I don't host a ton; my boyfriend cooks with me and my book club is over occasionally. But I'm now wondering if I don't have a great dining space because I don't host, or I don't host because I don't have a great dining space. In other words, it may not hurt to create that area so it's more welcoming to guests. However, I'm very used to having very little dining space so it's not a complete loss if the dining area is used in other ways.

Like the idea of opening up the floor plan as much as possible but it should be noted that there is a lot more solid wall for overhead cabinets on the right side of the family room which is adjacent to the mud room -- and, therefore, the back door for carrying out trash -- than there is in the dining room. The sink could be in an island facing the patio door and the kitchen would then get every bit as much light in the front/entry end of the family room as it would if moved to the dining room. Also, if you're rebuilding the kitchen, a lot of lights could be added. Not a pro. Just some thoughts: A home is a huge investment ... so, instead of giving positive or negative reviews of a specific plan, you might consider suggesting to the prospective buyers that they talk to each other about what spaces they "need" and what spaces they "want" -- and why before they go house hunting ... certainly before they commit to buying a home. Infrequently used rooms/spaces can often just collect clutter and, effectively, become storage rooms -- when having a home with more closet storage or attic storage or basement storage or garage storage might actually be a lot more practical. Most people I know rarely use their "formal" living room if they also have a family room. Most people I know rarely use their "formal" dining room if they also have a breakfast room. Prospective home buyers should also ask how long they intend to live in the home, which matters as well. ... If there are or will be children attending school, where the good schools in the area are also matters as does convenience to employment and grocery shopping. ... Unless on the main living area there is a "bonus" room (with a full bath large enough for a walker or wheel chair as well as closet space for two) that could initially be used as an office/study or a family room or child's play room or game room or a craft room or a guest room, for now, but later could also be used as a master bedroom (such as when the owners' arthritic knees say they should no longer climb the stairs each day), then the home isn't practical as a "forever" home. ... IF a home has HOA fees that can increase annually, that needs to be considered along with other budget considerations -- along with the "rules" that can control pretty much anything the homeowners can and cannot do with their own home with regard to porches or decks or landscaping ... just about everything.

I have a mahogany double pedestal table from the 1940s. It (the top) has a lot of sentimental value from kids accidentally etching their names in, etc. I'd love to take off the pedestals and add mid century modern, counter height legs. Here are a picture of the style I like and of my table. Note that it has an apron and a hidden butterfly leaf. Thanks for any bright ideas you have.