suzienj - I love your space. The textures are great, and that corner desk is so great! The black fabric is the one I am the most hesitant about, but I think I'll really like it. We have black furniture in other places in our house, so it will tie in well. I will post photos as I go. We have another meeting tomorrow with her, and honestly, given that it's a free service, I'm really happy. When we were building, I hired an expensive certified interior designer, and I wasn't pleased at all with her work (ended up "firing" her and making all the choices myself - she said she hated the distressed look that I love, but that's another long story). So, I guess the price tag isn't always an indicator of quality. Thanks, Jan

You are in a difficult situation, and one that will not be easily remedied at this point. A pattern has developed for the past 4 years with this young man, and perhaps much longer. Since it was not addressed or resolved initially, it will always be a sore point in your home. You could yell, threaten, or issue the 10 commandments of household behavior, but it's not likely to do any good. This young man has your number and his step-dad's as well. He has gotten away with this for far too long, and he never faced any consequences for it. The biggest problem are both bio-parents. They are the enablers in this scenario, and one or both of them will continue to enable this young man. He is not a "boy" anymore. He is a young man headed for trouble because of his disrespectful attitude towards authority figures. He will be learning some very hard lessons in life. You need to talk to your husband privately about not letting this young man live with you. If you don't, his rude behavior will be a daily ritual at your house for the next four years or longer. Are you prepared for that? There are thirteen year old boys at my church who reach out and say hello at my church to fellow parishoners. They even make an effort at conversation. So, I don't buy the "it's just normal teenage behavior" cop-out argument for all inconsiderate actions by 13-19 year olds. The young man you have described is way too immature to go to college. He may even have a severe personality disorder. So, going to college right now would be a waste of everyone's time and money. He needs to grow up and the best way for him to do this is for him to get and hold a job. He needs to do this for a year, before thinking about college. Otherwise, he will just fail his first semester and never go back. Then he will be reluctant to try anything - including work. The dad needs to handle this situation himself. He should tell the young man that he needs to grow up, be respectful of others, and work and save. The dad needs to agree that the son should not live with you. He will either have to move in with friends and pay his own way, or continue to live with his mom and pay her rent. Your husband cannot dump this problem on you to try and fix. If he does, you both will need counseling. Stand firm. You need to come first now after four years of this nightmare.

the problems are not so much the floors(even though I'm very much with you: these are more challenging than most..very strong definition around the edges..is this real hardwood?)..they still will support a lot of colors. The fireplace surround though does lock you into this warmer scheme. But every color in the world has warm shades in it. Instead of gray think very warm gray..with green undertones..greige.. Instead of white think cream or ivory Etcetera Add elements of this rust color you have on the fireplace stone..it will tie all the colors together..and this rust is a beautiful color, and works with many color..creams, greys, greens, purples, blues..you name it. It's an easy color to work with. Look at a lot of pics..they can be of houses or nature or fashion or ..doesn't matter..look for the pallettes that contain rust and different grays and whites...you're bound to find something inspiring. If I find something on my Pinterest boards(that are a huge mess already, too many images)-I'll post it for you

Julie, Here are the pics of dining room visible from the living room. Need to add drapes here as well. The art can change (if required, but prefer to make it work) and chandelier HAS to change, but would like to keep everything else. I know the rug is small, but it's comfortable and doesn't bother me (I trained my mind because I have no choice lol), so don't want to change it. Atleast for now. Would the Kravet fabric I posted above work in the dining room? Thank you.