Bonnie, I have an open floor plan from the LR to the DR. They are right across from each other and only separated by a walking path to the FR. I live in a 2300 sq. ft townhouse. I have wood floors going through 90% of my home. I don't follow many rules of thumbs when decorating but for this one: with solid wood tables use a solid rug. With a glass table always use a patterned rug. You don't have to have a rug in every room. Here is the reason: A glass table can be seen thru and you can actually view the beauty of a patterned rug at any angle. You can't do that with a wood table. Besides, wood tables give a warm feeling on their own. My feelings for eating areas is to use no rug since crumbs (people have the tendency to step on them once they drop) and spills do happen. But that's me. Many on this forum would disagree.

For some reason I'm not getting replies sent to my email. Lots of great responses! I'm definitely planing cased opening and not paneled jambs. When we get slab poured and everything marked out I will mock up the furniture placement to decide on the casing to the right. All permits are in so hopefully this will be in the next month. Nini, I think your living room might be one I was admiring while we were planning. ;-) everyone seems to be doing fireplaces on interior walls so I've been nervous since we moved ours to the exterior wall. Hope it looks half as nice as third!!

Are you seeking a monochromatic color scheme? For me, I much prefer a traditional Heriz, Serapi or Hamadan pattern with richer and more varied color to mix and match throughout the space. Gabbeh rugs also offer rich textures and patterns.

Yes. They complement one another well.