nosoccermom - I really like #2 & #3 of your suggestions and debated about including them on my original post. I have looked at overstock for hours for rugs...the main thing that made me cautious about them was the color inconsistencies people commented about in their reviews. I was especially scared of rugs with no reviews. yaya, I do like that one! I can't fit an 8x11 though due to the angled wall fireplace....I taped out all the possible rug scenarios a few weeks ago geokid - I think you found me a winner! I love the light crate & barrel one! I have actually looked on their website several times and always passed that one over...thanks for showing me a better pic of it! I have a c&b not that far away, so I can probably get it in person as well. I started out looking at wool rugs and would love to eventually have them. I cloth diapered my youngest and got really into knitting and wool, which is so durable and water resistant as a diaper cover. Completely ot, but here is my favorite ever wool pic: I am leaning towards this rug for the dining room: I have seen it in different colors/sizes on overstock and loved it, and I finally found it in blue in the right size. I think it will brighten up the table as well as tie in to the damask in the kitchen. It's also an indoor/outdoor one.

Thanks all, and Tibbrix, I hope I remember re: beaters! I know, the dog blends into so much around here. Malabacat- I thought it could use colour too, but the brightening up seems to help. I have a teal/cream throw I'm going to toss somewhere in the living room. That should spice things up :) thanks lynn2006-I do see how it balances better. I just hate covering up the hardwoods. DH was opposed as well, but he's already been seen cuddling with the dog and the kid on the rug a couple times today :)

IMO a rug is not necessary to protect the wood floor. I also installed wood floors when I remodeled and they still look fine. I actually think a rug might cause more issues than prevent because you might not notice damp spots or spots with the rug. With the wood I can immediately see if there is something on the floor and just wipe it off. You have to clean around and deal with a rug and I love the clean expanse of the wood and see no reason to break it up with a rug that serves no purpose. Also some rugs cause issues with wood floors. I don't recall which kind - obviously not the kind of classic good quality area rugs one puts in a living room but some of the inexpensive synthetic with synthetic backing. I don't need any kind of mat for my feet - I wear comfortable supportive mule type shoes for kitchen safety anyway.

Wow! That rug looks like it was made for your room which is gorgeous, btw. My daughter recently found a La Barge table at a local shop for $100. We didn't know anything about it, but she fell in love instantly. It's a little taller than a standard coffee table, but works perfectly in her space. Looks like this one being sold for $1600 on 1st Dibs... I kind of like this, though. She could hang out anywhere in the room until you need her ; )