Beenie, I love that flower pattern and have seen it used in some really nice bathrooms. For me personally though, when I've seen it used in a smaller bathroom, I think it tends to look a little busy. Same with the Onyx, it's beautiful, and would look lovely in certain applications, but I don't think it works with the other elements you've chosen, (but again, that's just me). In contrast, when I look at that pretty white embossed border along with that pretty white subway, it reminds me of Sweeby's bathroom. Understated and elegant. Which is why I think the darker marble would look pretty, as it also leans to the quieter side, and can offer some contrast. If you don't want a dark floor, I also think it would look really if it were cut into 3-4 inch strips used as a border with some sort of a white tile. I had never thought of dark flooring as an option before either. When bought the our house it was a fixer in need of some love, the bathroom was so aweful to be honest, I didn't even notice the floor and to be honest, I was going to pull it out of there! However, after we fixed some wall and color issues, the tile definately grew on me. We ended up grouting it, and will do something in a few months to help the finish. Here is a link that might be useful: Sweeby's bathroom

Hi Michellemarie: Thanks for the tip on the soot issue. We had some trouble getting a specialist to install in that area, so the guy who installed maybe got the logs a little bit off when positioning? When we first installed, the flames did not show up as well as the showroom model did. I asked about the log placement then, and he told me there was only one way to install the logs. After some use, I began noticing the soot--but the flame, for some reason, looks much better. (Maybe DH got in there and moved the logs....I'll have to ask him about that.) I will be going into the showroom where we bought the unit, as the switch which controls the blower has not been working, and I have to pick up a new one of those, so I will see what I can learn then about the log placement. Guess I can show them that picture. The "local" vendor (which is on the mainland) told me they use a generalist from another island to service those units, so I was not sure he would be any more knowledgeable than my install guy was. I'm so glad you mentioned the soot though, because I did not know anything about the log placement, only that the flame seemed not right to begin with, and then the soot appeared. Now I know there is an issue for sure...so at least I can have some confidence when I talk to the folks who sold me the unit. Despite these installation/adjustment issues, we really love that fireplace though! (Makes me want one in every room each time I walk past it). Thanks so much for the help!

island - I don't miss those fireplace doors at all! :) We'll try and sell them on Craigs List but wonder if anyone will want them. LOL. Yes, we did replace the entire firebox. We purchased a Heat & Glo direct vent gas fireplace and had to pull out the old firebox and reframe for the direct vent unit. There are many styles of doors they offer, and the prices vary. We liked the fancy arched ones, but not for $999! We went with the Folio, clean face front which was no charge. Figured we would put the "savings" toward the flooring. We can always get a nice fireplace folding screen if we want. Check out the Heat & Glo website for more information. www.heatnglo.com. We went with the CLX 6000 model which comes with a remote, nice embers and log set, and a blower. Let me know if you have questions! tinan - Yes, the smell was awful! I wondered the same thing about the noxious coatings. Ugh! At least the smell is gone now. Enjoy your new furnace!

What a fun project. So the upscale traditional of the '80s and 90s is back with updating. I haven't been paying attention for a while, but how nice to see my needlepoint pillows are in style again. Thanks to those who posted explanations of the preppy look. ;) I'd remove the stone and redo the fireplace in a classic style that suited. No built-ins alongside. I have hundreds of books and have loved them all my life, but every tract home has had them for decades now. I'd look to a couple of very nice classic chests and/or bookcases instead. For lightness keep things more up off the floor instead dropping to the heavier look of the past. Imo the mirror and believe the ceiling light will contribute nicely. How about not orienting the furnishing grouping to the fireplace and just allowing it to be an important but quiet architectural element that sets the tone in the background? There are pictures of fine rooms that do that and look wonderful and right. Perhaps a couple of club or side chairs angled out in front of it but facing away toward the TV and part of the grouping there? What's pleased me, to avoid busy-ness as more detail of all sorts, including color, is brought in, has been to make most surfaces harmonize in value. I.e, walls, big pieces, floor all generally ranging either in darker, medium, or light values for more of an overall calm blend than contrast. The way the riots of flowers in English flower gardens are usually set against walls of calm green and bowls of blue or gray sky. In more bohemian days I once had (and want to do again minus the plants hanging everywhere) medium value, usually slightly muted pinks, reds, orange, yellows, greens, blues set in a medium value, slightly muted blue room; it was pretty but not jangly or cluttered because the values of all those colors blended harmoniously. My living room's currently mostly light against light, still dominated by very pale orange and blue against the white, but that's been more limiting for me to bring in more detail and layering. Anything not light stands out as contrast and becomes an accent whether it's supposed to be or not. Just some thoughts from someone who's always loved this general look, classic, "preppy," pretty and full of things I like. .