I seldom look at GW's Home Decorating forum since the Design Dilemmas cross-posting started a few months ago. Going there now, I looked for threads that were posted only in Home Decorating on the theory that most of the pros only read Design Dilemmas. There are plenty of threads that are only posted in Home Decorating, and they seem to be pretty much PRO-free. I recognize many of the OPs and commenters as GW people. I think you may feel that it's more like the good old GW days if you pretend Design Dilemma doesn't exist. When we merged over two years ago, we knew Design Dilemmas was there but we didn't go seek them out, so why seek them out now just because they are on the same list as our Home Decorating threads? There should be plenty to keep you busy in just the Home Decorating threads while keeping your disgust at the silly DD posts and obnoxious pros at bay.

I’m thinking back to our sons younger years. Pray god they don’t get stomach bugs all over a shag carpet or a sisal. Ewww. Anyway, one last plug for Flor. Each tile can be scrubbed to an inch of its life, hosed off under the faucet, let out to dry and it’s good as new. They even have ones that look like shag. (I’m not a Flor employee- just a fan :)

When I took some of my Persian rugs to be washed at an Iranian place outside of Boston, I noticed they were dying carpets on horizontal racks outside in the dry air And breeze. So, after dog sitting for a friend (doggone “accident”), I took that old, worn 8’ x 10’ foot carpet outside and washed it (gloves on) with soap, water from a hose, and a scrub brush (soft, gentle). I rinsed it well and then put it atop some wooden saw horse & slats tables to dry In fresh dry air, filtered light and a breeze. It came out beautifully. Totally fresh. This was an older Persian carpet that did not have much value.

Try an on line room planner and include all structural components/measurements of room. The sectional can only go along wall with door & back wall, so that's a start. Then also test a couch/chairs, end table vs floor lamp, etc. Look on line for rooms that appeal to you and since you like navy start there. The first decision is the seating plus a style and the rest will be much easier.