Here's the situation: (First-- I can't supply any photos-- I did say in my posting that I can't put my hands on the cord I need to link the camera and the laptop. Hopefully there are some folks here who can visualize and help.) The 11x14 photos are in frames. But they are proving to be a bear to hang. They are acrylic frames with 4 tiny super-strong magnets embedded in the acrylic, in the corners, that are held in place by 4 more super-tiny magnets in the backing board. (Crate & Barrel has larger versions on its website--I had actually purchased 2 of those but then realized they had sawtooth hangers, and I really didn't think those were proper for the weight of the acrylic). My goal was to align them horizontally, with three 5x7s in between them. BUT: The frames have sawtooth hangers on the back. And I've realized that not only are the frames themselves not all the exact same size (by the tiniest of measurements, but still), but also, the positioning of the sawtooth hangers is not consistent. I have tried measuring and remeasuring. I have tried the method in which you lay it out with paper templates, mark on the paper where the hanger is, tape them up and hammer the nail on the mark. I've even tried that "Hang and Level" plastic tool -- which is terrible for aligning multiple items, because the picture hangs too far out the wall when you attach it to the tool. I bought the frames several years ago when Aaron Brothers was in my area, and it never occurred to me to make sure they were the exact same size! Also, I think that I've discovered that the ceiling line and the corner wall line themselves are not completely straight (at least, when you put a bubble level up). What looks OK close up looks "off" from 10 feet away. It's incredibly frustrating, but I still love the frames and want the photos up! That's why I thought the ledge(s) or glass shelves would work better for me. And they'd allow me to put a few other smaller framed photos on them, too. I'm going to take a deep breath and measure again and give it another try. In the meantime, what's your opinion on the ledges or shelves?

I don't understand how anyone can think anything looks good any way. It's not about some set of 'rules'. Is it just the idea of 'design' that irritates some people? Of course a person can do anything they want. But some things just don't work, whether everyone can see or appreciate it or not. It's not always all just a matter of personal taste, though many of the opinions sought or given on threads are just personal taste (so not very relevant really unless you're decorating by counting votes.) It's the difference between something that's well done or not. If everything and anything always looks good, why bother to ask or to even think about things? It wouldn't even be necessary.

Wow, decoenthusiaste many thanks for the tips!! The window coverings - didn't really think of this earlier - but yes - matching color for the walls and curtains does make sense! The see-through window we think more of - matte/frosted windows - to increase the privacy, although this would certainly lower the light passing through :( I've just received news, that the windows on the very bottom of the drawing will be covered in a special 4 season layer to prevent heat from getting out in the winter and heat from entering in the summer. Apparently some specific silver nano-coating will be applied, which however will reduce the light passing to about 70%. Flooring: we will go for laminated tiles except for kitchen, bathroom and hallway as a cheaper and more versatile option. Colors we also thought of wooden accents which should be rather light. I am thinking how it will look like if we focus on a tad darker floor with more white-ish for the walls and furniture? Would this look nice or would it make the room darker? Rug/Carpet: what combination should work if we go for a light wooden floor, with presumably brown/blue sofa and a xxxxxx colored rug :? :) Walls: in all honesty we will be using wallpapers (including one colored wallpapers with some elements maybe). This will give us more versatility + some materials/textuers also offer additional soundproofing as opposed to pure walls with paint coating. I was thinking a blue-ish tint would work good - exactly like in the examples that you provide? Is there some general guide as to what tints we should opt for to make the room feel bigger without going into sterile mode - we would want to make the room feel cozy. We originally wanted to go white with brown furniture, but now that you mention brown being a depressing color we might have to rethink. Maybe brown for furniture (dining table and sofa), white-ish wooden floors (maybe a few nuances darker than white), and white-ish walls. Also white or whiteish for cabinets, chairs and the kitchen sets. Furniture sizes ... 1 meter = 3.28 feet. I guess once the rooms are built we can use tape prior to purchasing to get a better feel of the volume of the furniture. This + 3d visualizations ... :) Dining: is there some general guidance as to how much space should be left - or we better just test ... :? Master Bedroom: built in closet ... this could be an option and could go all the way to the ceiling (being a wall with shelves and the same sliding doors we are thinking of). With reflective white-ish surfaces for the doors to imply more space. Is it cheaper/easier to create as opposed to a regular 2.40m(tall) wardrobe? Lights: really great advice here. Will surely think of how to incorporate those. We will do the wires after the apt is ready as there will be a hanging ceiling for insulation put in place and just then shall we cover the cables etc. This being said - we should add loads of those. The LED panels are something we are thinking of and actrually saw a really nice artificial window in IKEA (lead panel + curtains). However the DIY won't cut it and we might go for store bought 60x60cm panels (around 50$ each - which is fair @3600lumen for example). If we add 2 or 4 for an artificial window this would mean a lot of light ... I've read that the calculation should be approx 200lumen for each sqm of surface and this should be 2x or 4x. Again many thanks for the tips and links. We are discussing everything - as we have not yet finalized our selection (but we have time) :)

I love the table and the chairs. hate everything else. (hate is strong...lets just say the rest of the room is doing you no favors). you need a proper chandelier, not one pendant light. the warm toned plates just do not work. your buffet is too small and the mirror doesn't belong in there. (a larger art piece on canvas would be better) and those shelves......no. you need a proper sized rug, although I do like the hide. perhaps you could double it on top of another. here are some visuals to help you see what we all mean. similar size to what you have. notice the rug and the walls and the light proper mirror over a buffet. it all works w/the table and these chairs. notice the rug size look at the buffet and the artwork over it. this is what you need. if you use the blue chairs, then bring in something that plays w/the blues. like this pic. and if you did a bright white wainscot and navy upper, bring in a white buffet and some nice artwork, maybe a touch of pink accenting,,,,gorgeous other blue accents large chairs, beautiful light, notice the rug fits the table. size-wise, your buffet should be the size of the one in this pic. Notice the great light over the table.