I had the same problem when I ordered a rug from Home Decoraters outlet, they were having their yearly clearance sale on rugs and I saw one that looked perfect on my moniter but wasnt sure so I ordered the 4x6 first just to check if I would like the colors and when it came I loved it so much I ordered the 8x11, which was a steal at 200 bucks! (shipping was $50) HOWEVER when I got the big rug it was totally different then the smaller one, same tea stained beigey background color as yours(small one was brighter cleaner looking). ANYWAY ,I called right away to tell them I was sending it back but when they asked me if I could live with it if they gave me a 100 dollar credit I said yes. lol, and after many compliments, I really like it. Might be worth a try to call .

First of all, I'm mainly a lurker in this forum too :-) But I've SO ENJOYED your thread! The gold carpet is definitely a challenge, and it's been interesting to read what everyone has suggested. I think you can find a way to make it work, it's just a matter of selecting the useful comments and trying not to get to discouraged by the ones that aren't so helpful. This is a public place, and everyone wants to play (so to speak). I find the asymmetry of your quilt to be the most challenging part of the whole thing. I think I would use it like a throw, lay it across the bed, rather than like a bedspread. But, that's me, as I said it's not really my style. It's a beautiful quilt though, and I think it's very sweet that you want to use it and enjoy it :-) Your color combo, red and gold, is unconventional but I'm sure that it can work. Being rather design-challenged myself, I've been following along because I am curious how people will advise you. I searched on Houzz for "red and gold bedroom Pottery Barn" -- the design combos are there! I've attached a picture of a room that I think could be an inspiration room for you. It would be nice to see pictures of rooms you like, which would probably help everyone kind of focus all their designing energies. Please stay, I want to see how this turns out. I am also living in a "first home" (moved in 12 years ago) and it's not beautiful or full of character, or even very large LOL. But it's a lot nicer than it would be if I had never found this wonderful collection of forums on GW. Melanie

Thanks to both of you for the help. I've taken a look at the linked website for pads and will investigate further. And, I've been doing some research on pads for hand knotted carpets. Apparently using a pad of some sort will prolong the life of the carpet because the pad absorbs some of the shock/friction from people walking on the rug. Yet, I also know that where these rugs are made there really is no such thing as a rug pad. On Amazon I did find a pad that gets high reviews for use as a pad for hand made rugs that are placed on hardwood floors. Durahold Plus Felt and Rubber Pad for Hard Floors.

aprilneverends (what I don't get is how they have 2 kitchens..) ************************************************** 2 units(one above another) were combined and they left a kitchen. That room with the carpeting is 29 x 14, so it is a good size to start Re; HOA From seeing other listings in vintage buildings--this bldg is 61 yrs old, it's in the ballpark. One way to view it, nearly a third (or more) would normally go out for heat, air, cable, internet, gas, scavenger(trash) anyway Here's a video about another unit,http://www.chicagomag.com/Radar/Deal-Estate/October-2012/Afloat-Over-Lake-View-in-a-Milton-Schwartz-Penthouse/ This unit is on the 19th and 20th floors and looks to be a combined unit as it has 2 kitchens, one on each floor. It’s not the penthouse. Those are on the 21st floor. The listing says its the only duplex in the building. It has floor to ceiling windows with east and south views. I won’t go into the description of the two kitchens, because, well, everyone should check it out for themselves. The unit has some hardwood floors as well as wood paneling with moldings. It has central air, in-unit washer/dryer and one covered parking space. The listing says this is the first time this unit has been on the market. If they moved in right away, that would be 61 years. The owners in this building seem very loyal. In 2012, Chicago Magazine had a story about the two penthouses and talked to Schwartz’s widow who still lived in one. You can read it and see the pictures here. This unit has been under contract once already. It’s been reduced $24,100 since May. Who’s ready to take on this project? Amanda McMillan at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here. Unit #1901: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, duplex First time on the market since 1956 Originally listed in May 2017 for $799,900 Reduced Currently listed at $775,000 (includes one covered parking spot) Assessments of $2337 a month (includes heat, a/c, cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal) Taxes of $11,885 Central Air Washer/Dryer in the unit Wet bar Bedroom #1: 29×14 (main level) Bedroom #2: 15×14 (second floor) Bedroom #3: 14×11 (second floor) Bedroom #4: 15×11 (second floor) Foyer: 18×7 Study: 15×11 (main level) 2 kitchens (one on each level)