squirrel: No, I'm not saying it's unusual to have this type of moulding detail; it did seem to have more of a purpose though when it had wallpaper between the moulding. When it was painted, it became uninteresting (even though I was tired of the wallpaper and glad to get it down). What would you think about that textured wall paper stuff with the moulding and paper painted the same color? It's a 9' ceiling and the top rail is 10" down. The space between is 6.5". I will try to get better pictures so you all will have a better perspective. Thanks.

I personally wouldn't try to match the furniture. I would go with a darker wood with that furnture. As to the type of wood, there are so many to choose from I wouldn't be able to advise you there. That would be a matter of your taste and needs for that room. Good luck with your choices. I'm sure whatever you choose will be beautiful.

I don't think you need to paint the bedroom furniture if you go back to the blue silk rug. With the dark and warm rug, I think it would be better in a least a cream or latte tone if not stained wood, but I think the white can work fine with a lighter rug, If the sofa doesn't need to stay, I'd probably prefer a pair of chairs and table or ottoman in front of the fireplace more than a sofa to the side, but you have the sofa. Move it over there and see how it looks under the window, whether it is too large to go across in front of the fireplace,etc. Then decide. Consider one of the round tables at that end of the room either as an end table to the sofa or between two chairs. If you want the piece under the window to be showcased, you have it in the wrong place. It has too much competition there -- a fireplace, the wood mantel, the black fire screen, a window and a dark mirror all competing with it. Is there room for it across from the bed if you also put a bench there? If not, I would try it at the end of the room where the sofa is but to one side. If you don't have anything under the spot with the painting, it could go into the corner of that wall and the wall where the sofa is. Are the drapes something you had and thought you might use or something bought for this room? You might be able to make them work, but to be honest, I'd like something lighter. Silk panels would look rich. I've seen smocked gauzy white than could take the room in a much different direction. I am guessing your French leanings would favor the silk panels.or long yardage draped across the window and down in an exaggerated scarf treatment.

(Sorry for the confusion about which post to reply to - I'm not familiar with forum ettiquet and had started a new thread when I should have stuck with this one). The 24anb6 is a single stage. All conversations are centered around a 3 ton unit. The ducts are in the attic space. The original house was 1140q ft. The addition is about 488q ft. The original house (1950s) has a metal ducting trunkline system that runs in a dropped ceiling in the 12' long central hallway. The new ducting is in a jumble in the attic of the addition, with a big box thing (a baffle?) and 4.5" ducts curling around everywhere - even back to the front rooms of the original house. Apparently code has changed and new 'jumper' vents needed to be installed in all the rooms? Before that ceiling was closed up, I got a glimpse up there and noticed that it looked like and orgy of Robby the Robots - probably not the most efficient thing ever. If it's true that with the ductwork currently installed would not support a more efficient unit in the future without ripping out walls, I think this makes an even stronger case for upgrading the equipment now. (I work at home and I plan on living at this house a long, long time.). I was told when to pick out plumbing fixtures, hardware, lighting, etc...I guess expected to be told when to decide on the other choices involved. If the GC had asked, I could be looking at paying 10 or 11K for exactly what I want - a 2-stage, high-efficiency, quiet unit. Instead I'm having to choose between paying nearly 9k for stuff I don't want or - it seems from this email - paying twice for the install and associated repairs in addition to the upgrade. I'm going to push for exactly what I want. The GC is working up estimates for the Carrier Infinity 17, 19, and 21 SEER units. I have no problem paying the difference in the cost of the equipment, or even the cost the have the install done 'right', which I assume means moving the trunkline up to the attic and having a single trunkline.* I'm sure things will get sticky when we start discussing who pays for what. It would be so helpful to be able to get objective estimates from a neutral party on what the original install should have cost and what the install that I'm requesting will cost. Is that ever done? I'll post any progress as it happens. Thank so much for your feedback. It has so helpful in getting clarity on this situation! ************ *The email I received this morning regarding my request to move forward with the estimates for the 17, 19 and 21 seer units: "The 17,19,21 Seer units besides being even more expensive will likely require more duct replacement, more sheetrock removal, etc. as this will snowball the work; time frame would increase accordingly. " and "Regarding the duct work replacement, it should be noted that the metal ducting trunkline system & some ducting that pre-existed in your home is still in place & that airflow supply system may need to be upsized as well, as the Seer rating increases, expanding the scope of other sheetrock & installation repairs as well." It would seem that he really doesn't want me to upgrade...From what I can gather the difference in cost of the equipment between the builder-grade Comfort series and the Infinity series is about $1,500 - about 1% of the total project cost.