Thanks for the responses, it helps to get an outside opinion! They are the strips of beadboard. I think if/when we put in our new dream wall cabinets, the seam will be underneath them except for a few places. We're painting it white so maybe they won't be so noticeable after all, and if they bug me we'll consider putting a thin molding across them. I have seen that before, now that you mention it.

Moonkat, wow, it looks like you're making just great headway. I hope you're not overdoing it as I know overhead work is hard on you, especially on the neck. Ouch! If you have one of those seed-filled u-shaped neck pillows, you can put it in the microwave (for 1-2 mins, no more) just before bed and fall asleep with it wrapped around your neck. Yum. I do that every night all winter long. I'm so happy you got a sander you really like. The right tools make a huge difference to getting the job done -- or even wanting to. Hmmm... I ordered on the 26th, and the due date is "January 30, 2009 - February 4, 2009." I ordered through amazon.com but it's coming from the same place yours did. I am eager to see it - lol. ~~ Laurie, yes you can buy a kit (from http://www.elitetrimworks.com/home.php) but I was just doing my own thing and sort of copying the photo. I have a chop saw and I really like it, though I'm super careful with it because it could take off a finger in a blink. ~~ Helene, oh you did wallpaper over it. I am hoping after my mudding and sanding that my walls will be fine under the wallpaper. But I don't think they're good enough to do that other kind of panelling with the little boxes, at least not yet. The longer wall got super torn up from removing those boards. I like the idea of doing it horizontally. that could save time, too. I'll keep it in mind. ~~ Well, everyone, I am trying to decide if I can make the walls look good enough with the beadboard wallpaper, since the other way is so much work and I'm wearing out. What do you think? If you had a split entry, would you do beadboard panelling on the walls? Or opt for something more formal at your entry?

Gosh, thank you everyone - it feels really good to be able to give something back here; I've learned so much from y'all! awm the paint is my mix of RH Saffron & Butter, done in Aura paints. I really like it in every light - this room gets a LOT of light, but none of it is direct sun. I tried a ridiculous number of sample paints, & finally decided to have my mix custom done in Aura. Unfortunately I bought too many gallons of RH paints (I do love their colors!) before discovering Aura & Ellen Kennon) The kitty is Django. & yes, he is a happy kitty, except when he's hungry. He was rescued as a tiny baby, from a dumpster, hungry, & 12 years later I still haven't convinced him that he'll always have enough food. daisy yes - those are the infamous stairs. Doing projects like this does make me understand at least one good reason for blogging, but good heavens, if I started blogging I'd have to read other people's blogs, & I already know how lost you can get in them! I spend enough time on the internet as it is! I guess this IS my blog lol! Besides which, I appreciate the well-written blogs - here you can just pound out the words w/o paying too much attention to editing. Not always such a good thing, I guess ;-D

Hi Funcolors, I enjoy reading your very informative posts. I need your advice please. I am in total agreement about glossiness accentuating imperfections but here is my dilema. I want my exterior paint job to hold up as long as possible and people keep telling me semi gloss and high gloss will hold up longer then flatter finish, AND will not stay so glossy for long so could it be if we sacrifice seeing the imperfections then later on we will graduate to a satin in time and get far more longevity as well? I saw a man's house done with a fancy european paint in red with green trim, high gloss, not everyone's cup of tea, but for his house it was stunning! He says he paints every year to keep up the gloss as it does diminish. As you say every flaw sticks out but all in all with his architecture and plantings it is lovely. I on the other hand have a colonial revival 1910 house not all that old and want a slightly off white base coat with bright white trim. I live in CT zone 6, everyone here is advocating SW duration for longevity. My painter says it will cost a lot more money for the application of an oil primer rather then these self priming paints. I am willing to spend more if I get more time with the paint job and am seeking your experience for longest lasting exterior with best color to go along with this criteria. Do you also have a good blue color for porch ceiling? Thanks so much for all your input!