Thanks so much! I also love the Vetrazzo. The pictures do not do it justice. I also used Vetrazzo in Amber Ale for a bar area. Out of everything I get the most compliments on this material. It has been great in the kids bathrooms because it hides everything (it's the same color as toothpaste)! I can't find the thread with the glass enclosure. You can see one of the hinges that attaches it to the wall. It swings to be fully open and when closed covers about 60% of tub. I printed off a picture from the thread and took it to my local glass company to make. Water does not leak at all and I have kids that shower in there to prove it!

I have an abbaka and a VAH. My research indicated the MA and Abakka are very similar. The MA/abbaka will cost more than a VAH. You can get more airflow and the MA/Abakka should be much quieter if you go with the remote blower. The more distance between the hood and the motor results in quieter performance and a silencer is the cherry on top. One of the other considerations I was told was the size of the motor (Modern-Aire and Abbaka both said this) . The larger motors have larger blades which mean they do not have to spin as fast to get the same airflow. This makes sense if your getting motor noise vs air flow. Other considerations not directly related to the choices you mentioned is the type of filtering system. We found "mesh" results in a louder air flow noise. The baffles that MA and Abbaka use (and others) use and the squirrel cage that VAH use were quieter by comparison. Installation with the proper plumbing: type and size (avoid corrugated pipe) and minimal "turns" also affect noise/efficiency

Some people have seen these pictures ad nauseum, so I apologize, but I am a big supporter of both honoring the historic fabric of the structure while furnishing the house for your own aesthetic, for comfort, for whatever. My apt is 1838 so most of the units never had any kind of ceiling fixture at all, and the first floors at some point had a chandelier mounted at the medallion. Only the Gentleman's Chest and the Japanned cabinet on stretchers would be vaguely "period" in this room, all the rest is modern. (The wing chair is the wrong period, too). But when I bought this place I actually emphasized the 1838 by stripping anything off the perimeter that wasn't period. In the hall I did put a fixture that was at least "more" period appropriate, although modern fixture would be okay too. The public hallways mostly have fixtures like this: And I think something like this could work in your LR if you did not want another large drum shade. I would consider putting the current LR fixture in place of the small bell at the vestibule door, if you don't store it away. Personally I like the tension between historic elements attached to the house vs modern contents.

Thank for your lovely comments. Everyone here has such great ideas. Regarding my empty wall: what are your thought? 1. impressinistic style of work with subdued blues and greens. (too blue for the room, I think) but will work the birch trees outside. 2. brillian red and yellow to complement the blue range with bigger and vivid blocks of color. 3. work with the wood tones in the house and find an Asian "antiquish" type of wood work to complment other Asian inspired stuff in the house. staceyneil, I was going for "classic" modern than 2011 modern... I am glad you noticed. For example, I chose not to put my bathroom vanity (not quite done!) as a wall hanging vanity. I did not want an empty space under neath. That looked too 2010ish to me! The same was true for the chimney style hood versus hood with cabinet over. Again, very early 21st century in my mind. Sandyponder, thanks for responding. Your colorful kitchen is one of my all time favorite on this forum, so uniquely YOU and original. I love brilliant colors. I have candy apple red leather couch and loveseat that I am trying to bring back to my living room and work around for decor. I will probably have to post on the decor site to get some help. Again, a long story, but currently, the red couches are not in the living room!