I love the coziness of your room and your colors. It is bright and looks very inviting. I just purchased a round coffee table ottoman for my home and really love it. I searched and got a deal. I scotch guarded the top to resist any stains. There are so many out there to choose from that are square, oval or round. What I like about mine is the ability to rest your feet on them, hold magazines, phones, or my laptop, and a drink on a book all at the same time. Also, I don't have to dust it or clean it with Windex. Mine has wheels and can roll if needed and one like that on legs would give some visibility to your beautiful rug. It can also hold 250 pounds so it could be used for seating if needed.

thank you so much! I am picking up the artwork now- i will take a whole room pix when i get that- i do not think the colors were as bright as they seem online but i will post it when i get the pix! So you agree with the coffee table/end table they are scheduled to be returned- it was too much white and my husband hated them. I needed some suggestions for coffee/end table look. Also, have another picture i was thinking of. Please let me know where the rugs are from you suggested, Houzz? THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! https://www.pier1.com/silent-horizon-abstract-wall-art/3705759.html?cgid=wall_art#prefn1=curatedColorFamily&icid=subcat_wall_art-banner_cool_colors&prefv1=Cool&origin=gridswatch

So I was just about to post a new question here and was thinking about this thread and how so many of you wonderful humans took time out a few years ago (omg pre-pandemic!!) when I was redoing my one bedroom condo. I obvs have no idea if people continue to stay on this forum but I’m hoping at least a few people see this so I can say THANK YOU!! Long story to go along with the long years we’ve all faced from early 2020 to now, but short version is soon after I did “refreshed” my place, I moved out of the h*** that was condo living in DC amid the pandemic to stay with my folks in NC. And quickly decided I never wanted to move back to DC! So I sold my place!! And no, I do not regret for a moment the work I put into it bc (1) it looked awesome and (2) it sold within days of being on the market, at a price a tad higher than other places in my own bldg which I attribute to a bit of emotional response bc my condo looked FIRE. So thanks to everyone who made suggestions (even those I didn’t take!). I learned so much and have found so much more confidence in my ability to know what I like, how to ask for help, and most of all…not become overwhelmed with opinions!! I ask for them, but hey…people like different things, no biggie. Anyways, in case anyone is still around, thought I’d share a few pics of how it all turned out in the end. Happy spring everyone!

Hi jvanlaanen- How nice that you were able to speak with Leann Ford by Zoom! In my mind, we select a professional to guide us because we like what we know of their training and their work, however, we expect that they would advise us based on the exigencies of our lives, not merely envisaging things through the lens of their own Weltanschauung. If you are allergic to mold, and or dust, and floor coverings are not good for you, never mind how they look, or who tells you to use a floor covering, don't get them! Not only that, there is a reason that homes in tropical climates use tile floors, from Hawaii to Florida to the Caribbean to India. They rot, as you yourself said earlier. Really, has Leann Ford ever lived in the tropics? And as for the marble table- Aging doesn't happen in a linear fashion, it happens exponentially. Before you know it. Not to mention the effect of sports-related injuries which can happen at any age. Even if you can move a marble table to mop, are you going to be there when the housekeeper comes? Do you think she is going to risk hurting her back to move your table? Dream on. A wood table can be repaired, sanded, stained, etc. Marble cannot. So firstly, if you are not going to get a floor covering because of your breathing (and asthma is no picnic) you need to think about how a marble table would look on your floor, and it may not look as nice directly on the floor without a floor covering. Another thing, importing things from the mainland is very expensive. Why buy a Leann Ford sofa table? You have gorgeous exotic woods in Hawaii and master craftsmen. I would keep your eyes open and comb garage sales and second-hand stores and Goodwill (and look at the online sales) and tell everyone you know you are looking for an all-wood handmade sofa table and when you go to all these stores bring index cards with your name and phone number and what you are looking for written on the cards so they will call you when it comes in. People die all the time and family members give stuff away or sell it for peanuts not realizing their value. Absolutely do NOT get three papasan chairs, that is ridiculous! In a large living room, you can have 2 sofas and 2 chairs, or one sofa and 4 chairs, 2 of the chairs are the same and the other two are the same. You may have a guest that is older or with a bad back and needs a straight back or more structured chair, and the sofa and papasan chair won't do at all. I would get at least one straight backed (but comfortable) chair that has arms. If you can find 2 that is better. I would get a sofa that is a simple tuxedo style that goes with most styles, it looks like this- I think you need a larger dining area table and chairs. One large enough to sit at least 6. I am not convinced about the buffed concrete. It is tremendously expensive. It is not commonly done or expected in Hawaii, and you will not recoup your money if you sell the house. To do it correctly takes tremendous expertise and very specialized equipment and the ways and means to get the equipment to your place easily and safely and the ability to easily and safely and ecologically dispose of the waste which is considerable. What works and is easy and economical for Leann Ford in Pennsylvania may be impossible or exorbitant in Hawaii. In addition, if the finish in the buffed concrete gets damaged it allows for the growth of mold and mildew which is the LAST thing you need. And, I think the finish needs to be touched up periodically. That is way too much maintenance. With all due respect to Leann Ford, I think you are much better off working with a certified interior who is experienced and works in Hawaii. This person will know what is available in your area for a reasonable price, who the reliable contractors are, what is considered desirable, where to obtain products, what can and can't be done, etc. Meanwhile, I would suggest you start building up a sizeable "look book" of all the things you like. You can start by perusing things here on Houzz and creating your idea books, and write what you like and don't like about all the things you save. For example, you might not like a whole room, but like the light fixture, or a painting. Or you don't know if you like anything in particular about a room, but you like the gestalt of the thing, it makes you feel relaxed. You can also upload files or photos from the internet into your Houzz idea books. Or you can save photos into your computer. You can use an interior designer from another island, he/she doesn't need to live on your island. When you are looking for ideas, you might want to look for ideas from coastal areas and tropical areas. Wait a few days, some more people on Houzz will probably contribute their opinions as well.