I love scarves for dressing up an outfit. I wore them a lot in Europe as they are an extra layer...over the shoulders for the cathedral, over the head for a drizzle, around the neck if it's chilly, around the purse if it's hot... Below is a nice video for ideas about how to tie a scarf. However, I too am in the camp of no more turtlenecks...when I have a hot flash, it feels like strangulation. Scarves I can take off, but turtlenecks, I'm stuck. Such a shame as I have a zillion of them...I lived in them all winter when I was working...they look so great under a jacket, with or without a scarf, necklace or lapel pin... I have a couple of white shirts, but I have trouble finding them opaque enough, I never have them ironed so when I'm rushing to get dressed, I by pass them for something that doesn't need ironing, and with my coloring, the white is a washout on me so I have to add color besides. I also have to worry about length as I'm short...tunic shapes just cut me off. Then there's the boobage issue...button fronts can gape on me which also isn't fun. (I remember giving a talk one time, and the fellow in the front row was staring at my belly. I realized my shirt had gaped and he was seeing skin. At least it wasn't in the boob arena. Last time I did that! After that it was pullovers, button in the back, long scarves in front or camis underneath!) So for me, it's not a go to item, though I can see how it could be for someone else. Also, these days, I'm so into comfort that knits are by far my favorites...they move and stretch with me. When I wear wovens without any lycra in them, I feel like I'm fighting my clothes. I didn't try them, but was tempted....I was in walmart and see that Lee is making a super comfortable jean now out of very stretchy, very soft denim with almost a flannel like feel...a real cross between a legging and a jean...but they also had them boot cut. Next time I'm at the VF outlet, I'll have to take a look. Here is a link that might be useful: how to tie a scarf

Down here in SC, I have paid $150 for an ottoman and $200-250/piece for arm chairs with skirting. Like you, I have brought in my own fabrics that I bought at discount stores or sales (love those!), which has saved me a bundle as the fabrics at the upholsterer's workroom are extremely expensive. Even if the prices went up $100 per piece to recover, I think it would be worth it (at least to me-as I have no DIY skills what-so-ever when it comes to working with fabrics). Definitely shop around for upholsterers. I ended up working (numerous times) with an upholsterer that I thought I could never afford because of the location (right in front of two upscale resort islands). They ended up being cheaper because they have a TON of business, are known for their solid work, but also let you know that you won't get your pieces back next week. You have to be flexible with when your things can be delivered, which was fine by me.

Thanks, Bethpen, sometimes I really overthink these things but Ihave come to realize that it's just my process. Even with design help I have to evolve a project over a year or so. I first contacted an architect about opening up this space about 13 months ago, although it would have been finished months ago with a different GC. I am in total awe of people who can redo an entire room in the time it takes me to pick out a wall color!

Not that I believe everything on TV shows, but Nate B had a designer on yesterday. He said to use a cotton with polyester blend for seating. Easier to clean and wears better. Nate said this would be the only time he could use the word polyester on his show. Wouldn't use chenille either, from experience this doesn't hold up well and usually pills. With the tufts I'd use a smooth fabric. And what Suero posted.