We were considering putting in a ceiling fan in our family room during our remodel (and even wired for it), but DH felt it would make the ceiling look too busy since it's only 8'. Anyway, in the process though I was working with a lighting designer and I must say there are some lovely fans out there that do make a decorator statement. If I had the height, I would've put one in hands down. You can custom select blades from any of a number of wood finishes plus several different finishes to coordinate with other hardware. Depending on your climate, a decorative fan can be a real asset for resale. Personally, I think the white ones look cheap and cheesy--like what you find in an apartment rental. Frankly, all of our decor and color schemes become dated--no matter what we choose. It's the industry that needs to have people keep buying new stuff--even though the old stuff is perfectly good. Take a look at Casablanca fans. Here is a link that might be useful: Casablanca

Thank you all for so much great feedback! You have all given me alot to think about. What I have done so far is order a panel from overstock.com to try out. They seem to be a subtle 2-toned so I ordered it in three different color combos so I have some choices. I wish I could do something a little more custom, I found some gorgeous fabrics online that I love but I need at least 28 yards so that would cost way beyond my budget. And since I need 120" length, that seriously limits my choices of ready made. So I am really hoping these from overstock will work! Thanks again for all of your input, it is really nice to have a place to get such good input so quickly!

Oh, dear! I thought you might like that console...and unfortunately it is no longer available, which is why I didn't send the link. It is the Bailey Console Table by Pottery Barn. It's a great look and I am sure that you can find something similar. Take a look at the Layla Grayce link below. Their inventory is a bit pricey, but the furniture and rugs on the site are wonderful and may provide some inspiration. RE: the rug size As a rule, choosing the correct size area rug depends on the dimensions of the room or space you are trying to cover. To determine what size rug will best suit your needs: 1. Measure the size of your room. 2. Measure the space you want covered. 3. Now place a piece of paper where each of the corners will fall; adjust the "corners" as needed to make the space larger or smaller and then re-measure the area. Most people feel that room will look better proportioned if there is at least 18-24" of bare floor space around the area rug. Try to leave an equal amount of flooring exposed as a border on all sides. If that is not possible, try to ensure that the borders on parallel sides of the rug are equal. All legs of the furniture should be on the rug for a classic look, and at the very least, have the front legs of the furniture on the rug and the back legs off the rug (a more casual look). The reference below is helpful if you want to follow the 18" to 24" of bare floor showing around a room sized rug "rule of thumb". 8' 0" x 10' 0"-Size Area Rug - for Room Size: 9' 6" x 11' 6" to 10' 0" x 12' 0" & larger 9' 0" x 12' 0" -Size Area Rug - for Room Size: 10' 6" x 13' 6" to 11' 0" x 14' 0"" & larger 10' 0" x 15' 0 -Size Area Rug - for Room Size: 11' 6" x 16' 6" to 12' 0" x 17' 0" & larger It is generally considered awkward for a heavily traffic area to be half rug, and half "no rug". You do not want one foot on a rug and one foot off as you are walking through an area constantly.

Your kitchen lighting needs to be quite a bit brighter in my opinion. Are under-cab lights part of the scope of the renovation? And/or pot lights? If not, I would forego the coral coloured shades in favour of clear glass to really add a lot more light to the area. The coral are pretty but everything is so dim already; they are really more suited to mood lighting than important task lighting at your island. Can the chandelier that is currently over the island be moved to the table area? Or do you dislike it and want it OUT? Make sure the pendants you intend for over the sink are not so long as to bump your head or obstruct the view. Also make sure you have enough clearance between the wall and the shades. The basket looks pretty close to the wall.