Oh yeah, I like that Dash and Albert rug, too. I saw it on another site and it said it was sold out, so good to know there's another resource! Brown definitely doesn't work, nor does white. Cream/ivory, yes, maybe, because my drapes are ivory. I actually just popped into Home Goods and found a rug that would work easily -- it's a shag type cream-colored rug with a dark gray diamond print -- but I didn't want to buy it just because it was a "bargain" and I am still thinking I want something with more color.

So...we basically so far have 2 votes for Sailboat, one vote for Tidal Foam, and 3 votes for keeping the existing rug. Does anyone else think the existing rug is too small? What about its design clashing with the design on the chair? (if I kept the same fabric on the chair). Anele -- The current fabric on the chair isn't in terrible shape. I could just have the foam in the cushion replaced. It certainly would be the best choice to preserve the original integrity of the chair. My mom has been telling me to not change it for awhile, but I trust your taste more than hers! daisychain - I don't think I can do much with the fireplace surround/mantle. Paint it black maybe? A decorator awhile ago wanted me to paint it white like the trim. My husband would have a cow. But if my plan is to replace it in a few years anyway, I guess "ruining" the wood by painting it wouldn't much matter. kristinekr -- thx for the compliments on the house. It really is just a late-90s real estate boom fast built cookie cutter subdivision ranch. I'm trying to work with what I have to make it as "interesting" as possible. I wonder if I could find or make a long low cabinet for under the long painting to house the subwoofer and maybe the speakers...

Be sure you get the right pad for under the area rug. My mother had a large oriental she wanted to use over the carpet in her apt - we went through several pads before getting one where the rug didn't "walk" or bunch up. I don't remember what we ended up with (she's been gone now for over 20 years), but I think it had a sticky coating on both sides. Talk to an oriental rug dealer for ideas.

I think this may be a Coco Chanel moment “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.” I love your space, but there is a lot of large scale furniture. I would remove the teachers chair and one of the single chairs. Place the remaining large chair at the empty end of the sectional sofa. This is now your conversation pit I would move the piano back where you originally had it and bring in two dining room chairs and place them by the corner windows across from the piano. This is now the music area. I played organ when I was young and at least twice a week my dad would suggest that he and my mom have their coffee in the living room while I played organ for them. I came home every day from school and immediately went to practice, never knowing if this would be a night where mom and dad would want to hear what I have been working on. It was a huge incentive for me to do well. I see your space being able to provide that exclusive attention that was so important to me when I was young.