HEre is my sofa - http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=689&categoryId=8102 The front legs are straight rather than what the picture shows. The color is a linen/beigey/yellow color and the fabric is a weave type - so it has some texture. The fabric that I am looking to put on the chairs (shown on above post) are primarily black with gold and sage green medium sized flowers, though I would not consider it a "floral print". Now, I am worrying that the chair fabric may be a tad traditional. I don't have a photo of the fabric as it's new to their line and I can't post pics. I really don't want to screw up this room, as it's the main part of my home. Should I look for another chair style? These arent' cheap each chair will be $1,100..yikes

I like moody colors for dining rooms too, but I think this one can have that on the walls and go with the lighter chandelier ( I am faviring the capiz and you have said several times you love it). The capiz is not clear like crystal and you only need to do crystal once or twice a year -- and some folks say they do quick cleanings of those with a blast of compressed air (in a can, sold with office/computer supplies). I replaces a brass and porcelain chandelier that I thought needed rewiring (discovered some loose fittings when we went to take it down -- opps!) with a crystal chandelier. I get lab fur everywhere on the floors, but have never noticed a single hair at light fixture level -- even on the crystal. I think as long as the dog doesn't dance onthe table, you will be fine. If you love something, come back to it a couple of times adn it is still singing your song, I think that is the one you should go with. That's how it works for me. Have you done a mock up -- paste the photo of the chandeliers into the photo of your dining room. I had to do that with my kitchen island fixture so DH could "see" it, and there is a help me pick a chandelier thread going now -- I think it really helps sometimes.

I suspect very few of us knew our styles when we first got married, and many of us keep fine-honing it all our lives, so you're in excellent company. I love all the great ideas and pictures posted here. I think you'll find some fun inspiration in your local library in magazines and books, and by googling key words and clicking on "images." You can save your favorite pictures to folders on your computer marked "living room," "bedroom," "curtains," etc. Paint is always a cheap way to dramatically change the look and feel of a room. You might even ask the guys at the paint store if you can look at their pile of paints people rejected -- they sell those very cheap, like about $3/gallon, and you may find just the color you want. It's worth a shot. Check out your local Craigslist. You'll find everything under the sun on it and lots of bargains if you're willing to wade through some junk that makes you laugh. You can go see things before you buy, you save lotsa dough, you meet folks and make them happy, and your $ doesn't go to some big box store. Plus, you can sell things you have you don't love and buy things you like better. It's free to advertise there. If you're looking for something specific, check it every day because the biggest bargains get sold fastest. Take pictures of your rooms. You'd be amazed what you see in pictures that you didn't see in person, like a picture hung crooked or too high, or an imbalance in your accessories, or dust bunnies, or whatever... but things will jump out at you. Some things are very easy to do yourself to save lots of money, like re-covering dining chairs, refinishing table tops, stripping old furniture and sewing curtains. You'll learn what you love or hate doing by jumping in and trying. There are tons of instructions for all sorts of projects on the web, and plenty of helpful folks all over the Garden Forum. We're on your side, eager to see your before and after pictures, and happy to help any way we can. Post pics and ask your questions. So yes, you CAN change your home's look and add loads of charm on a very tight budget -- many of us here do that -- and there are many charming cottage designs that say "come on in and make yourself at home!"

That looks like a really nice house. I love those big windows and that you get to work with a clean slate. The current wall color would lend itself really well to a cottage style of decorating. Does that appeal to you at all? Sarah Richardson is another designer that sometimes incorporates yellow into her rooms, so you could try looking her images up, too. I think if you find some rustic pieces (barnwood, slightly rusty metal, etc.) you can certainly make them work in the space. It's just going to have a warmer feel to it than most of Joanna Gaines' rooms. Try to identify what exactly it is that you like about her spaces. If it is the cooler wall tones, then now is the perfect time to paint, before you move in. Yes, it seems "silly" to paint when everything is fresh and new, but, you don't want to regret not doing it when it was so simple to do, either, KWIM. There's no sense setting yourself up with an adversarial relationship with the walls just because the color was fresh and new, if you don't like it. ; )