"they're already upholstered in something neutral. Does that change your mind? " I think I like the simplicity of a solid for your table, because it's all very elegant together, although more formal. It might be a bit much with two directly on the rug. Is the cream even available? The blue would be a muddle of patterns, I think, without more contrast in color. I do think you might be able to do a flame on the drapes. I can definitely picture a chair in the corner without clashing. This post was edited by snookums2 on Fri, Jan 11, 13 at 13:19

I would suggest you use Aura Bath & Spa Waterborne Interior in the matte finish. I think you will be very happy with it. I love Hale Navy. I have a very high-end interior shop near me that has a huge wall painted HN. They got asked so many times what color it is that they finally put in a sign saying it's BM Hale Navy #HC-154. LOL!

@Annie Deighnaugh, the ace who did all of the maintenance and re-doing on DD’s old house is driving over to spend a week doing stuff in the new house. I will propose to DD that she have him look at the LR cabinet and see if it can be done more simply. @Allison0704, restoring the fireplace would be my choice also. @Jilly, white is DD’s favorite color, followed by a hint of gray, a hint of blue.... HA! She’s not a strong-color person.

Thanks Patricia. I hear you on lighting but I actually like to keep lights low in here when I am working or reading. Feels cozier to me, like an old world library. That was the whole inspiration behind painting the bookshelves a darker color (they are white currently). I have ceiling recessed lights that are almost never on. I have a desk lamp on my desk and another by my reading chair/recliner; If I am in there at night those are on. During the early part of the day most of the time I make do with natural light, whatever comes in through the windows.