I keep my aroids and other humid loving plants in my washroom and also have the dryer unvented. They love it. Sounds like you've got some work to do but also have a good idea as far as the extra heat usage. My grow room stays around 65-70F from the lights in the winter without another direct heat source. With the door open to the rest of the house it stays 75-80F while the lights are on. I have to run a small space heater when the lights are off. My aroids would go dormant if I didn't and the other tropicals wouldn't be too happy. I'm not sure I'd bother with the plastic because the plants will need that heat as well. Maybe line the complete growing area with plastic? You'll need a heat source down there when the lights are off, maybe even when they're on in your zone.

The rug actually works really well with my current window treatments, which are roman shades topped with a valance: I've just been longing for woven wood shades and side panels. I wish that I could buy more of the fabric that I used for the valance and trim on the romans, but I made it from some drapery panels about 6 years ago, and they have been discontinued. I like the look of these panels from West Elm: I have to say, the rug is really growing on me. I got it at the most unexpected place - Big Lots - and it was only $128, and it's 100% wool.

I really do like how bright it made that area look. I like it with the floor (which we both just love). I'm concerned that wood will look too "woody" traditional with the floor and table. Also, I thought it might be a good backdrop for the granite and backsplash which I have all along been coveting as my potential stars. Again... I can tell DH is not convinced. Not objecting, but I feel like it's a big concession for him. He actually values the opinions I get from this forum.

It sounded to me like you were bored with your 5 year old kitchen. I did read your posts and that is what I took away from them. That is what I meant by wanting shiny and new. What I meant about "travel" did not mean a vacation necessarily and was not meant 100% literally, but maybe focusing your energies elsewhere outside of your home. If you are ready to change your kitchen because at 5 years old, it "needs" something to freshen it, and you have spent a year thinking about it, then you may have lost sight as to what a kitchen is. It is easy to get on the treadmill of decorating and lose sight that the house is a backdrop to your life and not the other way around. Just like someone who gets a little nip and tuck and then keeps going back for more and more. If your schedule is such that your time is very limited, then perhaps paying so much attention to a 5 year old kitchen is not the best use of your resources. Does the island color bother anyone else in your family? Did you think it was wrong when you first did it or is it wanting something new and different? I may have interpreted your posts wrong, but I saw boredom and wanting to spice up your life. A new island color would only be a momentary thrill and could easily be regretted if it does not come out as nice as it already is. I am grateful that most of our renovation planning is done and behind us. I am glad to have our lives back and while there is still work to do and to pay for, can't wait until we have more disposable income and time to go out and do more things rather than spend more on the house. My family put up with a lot to get the house fixed up. I'd like us to have some fun and enjoy our new space rather than worrying about the things that are still on our "house - to do" list. A kitchen or a pretty house means nothing if you don't get to enjoy other things as well. If what you have been doing lately leaves you bored, perhaps there are other ways to add some excitement. One thing that may help is not spending so much time on GW. I know I fall into that trap at times and realize it has become a habit. I do find decorating and esp kitchens to be interesting, but also want to find the balance with other things. If coming here makes me want a new kitchen, then I will have to break contact cold turkey. A kitchen is not a 5 or 10 year toy. We all take such care in designing and in materials used that a well done GW kitchen should last well over 20 years. That is the point, isn't it?