Hi All, I just happened to check back in and noticed I had received more comments. Ingrid - I totally agree with all your comments. At first I was thinking about a large square wooden table but thought it would just be to much wood so I have decided on a square table with partially wood and glass. I do plan to change out my pillows. Still not sure of what type of art. I'm not that good in decorating as you can see because I get so overwhelmed. You mentioned blue....what color blue...dark...light? It's funny you mentioned pink....I took samples of my drapes and sofa to a rug dealer and he showed me some area rugs with some pinks but I could not decide. He did let me bring one home..no pinks..more greens..and I did not like it. Just did not work for me. jejvtr - I will do as you suggest and tape it off and put the pictures back out here to see what all of you think about the size of an 8 by 10. I do plan to put a sofa table behind the sofa but I want it to be the same as the coffee table I choose. Do you think that is a good idea? I do want a 100% wool rug. I have never brought an area rug before so I am not sure what price determines a really decent good rug. Can you help in that area :-) Suggestions? I have $3,000.00 that I can spend but if I dont have to spend that much to get a great rug then I won't. valinsv - I love Karastan rugs. I have searched the web site and they are just gorgeous but as usual I get so overwhelmed. yayagal - I checked out the link and I think that one is a little to busy for me but I like the colors. I am opened to any suggestion.....my husband is on me about getting this room completed so I can move on to the next. :-) ambitiousbeginner

You have a choice to make. The best cooking ranges aren't going to look cute. The cutest ranges will probably cook adequately but not the very best. SMEG is also Italian. It's cute. If I remember right, it does some weird oven things to keep the energy use down which would make me kick it down the stairs, drag it back up and kick it down again. If you're not a terribly demanding oven user, like me, it's probably just fine. I'm sure it'll do a roast or chops or a casserole without annoying you, or bake a few cookies or "artisan" bread in an iron pot. I don't know that much about the oven in the Bertazoni. If you want dragon's breath in custom colors, look at BlueStar. It's not as cute as the Italian ones, but a good color choice could cute it up some. If you're willing to jump several price brackets, Lacanche is a good bet. Not nearly as many colors to choose from as BlueStar, but at least a dozen, and the styling is classic and people love cooking with them. A more moderate and modern range, but a big hunk of stainless, is the Thermador. It has a cute dial. :) Stainless has been used for appliances from the get go, so don't be scared of it. OR, get a refurbished vintage range that really fits your theme. There are experts who take them apart, replace the lines and insulation, and convert the burners, valves, etc., to modern for safety and good cooking.

I would suggest two large rugs. They can be identical, but it's not necessary. Just keep them in the same color family. I can't imaging needing those monstrosities in a house. Everyone will have hearing loss. They seem more appropriate for a concert venue. If hubby won't sell them and buy something smaller, can they at least be pushed back towards the corners?

The best way to find a rug is to go to sites like are offered in the suggestions...there are literally thousands of options...personally i love wool rugs as they are thicker and heavier and more durable...the corners dont roll up...they dont smash down when you walk on them and they are so easy to keep clean ...the least expensive ones are tufted but they last forever and work in every area of the home...looking good forever...i prefer the ones that have smaller patterns and more color...especially in the sleek contemporary settings ....you seem to have an eye and taste for color as exhibited in your art...and either contemporary or traditional would work in your space...the search is simplified by typing in your color ...size ...material...type ...this will educate you in what is out there as well...lastly they make small sizes that are very inexpensive that can be ordered to see what the rug will look like in your size...and are easy to use elsewhere in the home so you dont have to return them...