Here's what I did with mine. The color didn't photo well here but it's a very pale yellow. Hand painting is cooler than wallpaper because you can do things like this (I couldn't continue the design because it was headed to a place where the cabinet was mere inches from the wall and I couldn't get in there). And if you're ever tired of it, you can paint it back out in minutes. Anyway, I dunno how good it looks in pictures, but everyone who sees the room in person gasps in surprise and then says nice things about it, and it wasn't that hard to learn how to do it -- you can do something like this if you want, or any number of faux treatments... like I really like the shiny and dull stripes in the same color paint if you're into a more modern look, and the beadboard if you're into a warmer look. :) Did you look at the bathrooms thread in the Gallery?

I am so happy to read that Cloris is gone...I may just tune in again and follow along. I've nothing but respect for Corky. It could not have been easy to do the regular job associated with this show, and then deal with her personality and age. He acted like a gentleman and a true professional. If ABC wants to include 82 year olds, then they should devote a season to seniors. Why not? It might be fun to watch elderly sports/movie/TV personalities. Putting 18-year-olds with 82-year-olds stacks the deck, and makes the show awkward for those who are at both ends of the bell curve!

I bought a solid brass, decorative wand to close my curtains on rings because I didn't want to soil them or pull the leading edge out of shape by grabbing them. I didn't have a telescoping rod but the wand wouldn't have helped if I had---it attaches to the first ring only. (My curtains were Quatres des Saisons toile in red and ivory, banded by red Vichy check on the diagonal and made by the late, lamented French Country Curtains. They made fabulous custom curtains with Pierre Deux fabrics and I regret to this day leaving those curtains and that pretty brass wand for the people who bought our house. I haven't seen as nice a wand since.)

I think there are some easy changes that could be made to update your room. I just did some of these because I felt my similar room looked dated. Are all of the plants sitting around on tables and the fireplace real or silk, if silk get rid of them. If real consolidate them. Pare down the pictures on the tables and other accent items. Go with a few "statement" pieces. You have the two lanterns, group them to make a larger arrangement with a third item. Perhaps softer colored pillows won't jump out so much, especially if the maroon chair is leaving. Do you have two matching couches or is one a chair? I would probably go for some kind of rectangular wood toned table. It's difficult to tell what is on the left side of the room. Perhaps a round would work if their is enough room. Is the table a space holder or is it actually used for drink or feet? That may help make the decision on shape. Can you simplify or remove the curtains? While lovely and I am sure pricey, they do date and "formalize" the room. Perhaps remove the upper swag and keep the lower ones? I would probably go for some kind of wood toned table. I totally get you on wanting to update your room. Good luck!