Thanks, everyone, for all your compliments. So nice to hear such things from all my forum friends. I didn't think about it as I was designing the table, but I guess having skunk plates does make me sort of special. What I can't figure out is, why didn't any of you ask where you could get your own skunk plates??? Come to think of it, the fact that I actually collected a bunch of skunks does put my sanity into question. This tidbit of information that you've all learned about me is something not one other living person knew (even my husband and grown children). Now that you know, I'm asking that you keep it under wraps. :-P A nod to the color scheme: As the designers on HGTV are found of saying, I used the plates as my "inspiration piece" and went from there. Remember the pink and black bathrooms of the 50s? We had one and it was full-blown (along with an avocado and gold kitchen). Must go now, I've thought of another game table idea. Again, thanks for the cheering section.

DM, I tried everything I could think of to embed your photos here and nothing worked. Sorry. Snapfish doesn't seem to be set up to posted photos on forums. Too bad. Do you have a photobucket account? They are very easy to use and you can even share clickable thumbnails. They seem to have every kind of code you'd need to post anywhere that I've ever wanted to post to. As for you entry. I love the table! That is one gorgeous piece. It seems to have been made for your home. The table runner is awesome too, but it could limit you on art selection. Once you get a large piece of art on the wall I don't think the lack of wall color will matter. This way, as you both want, the features of your home along with the decor, will be the show piece. You won't need color on the walls to "make" the room. As for wall art, what about making your own? I know you don't like to paint walls, but.....? There's so many other ideas for DIY art too. You say you thought about horizontal wood. Why not do it as "art" instead of the whole wall? I just bought a square coffee table for three ninety nine at a local thrift store and if Restore a Finish does it's trick, I might just use the top for art. This picture is really terrible, but it has burled and parquet wood veneer. Check thrift stores for large works or art or mirrors with or with great frames. If you don't like the art just use the frame. My brain is slowing down. I need food. Good luck! It's good to "see" you again.

Thanks for all the votes! It seems like the rectangular #1 or #5 in an oval (or maybe even round) are the front runners right now. Those are probably my front runners, too. I found another furniture store in the area that has the first table shown on their website, so I may try to get over there and take a look at the finish. I just am very reluctant to order such a large item on the internet and then have to return it!! One of my thoughts, tho, about using a rectangular coffee table is that the sofa is basically a rectangle and the rug is a rectangle, so I thought something round or oval would be better. I am totally open to changing the round, pedestal side table. I'm kinda ready for a change there as well. I have been looking on CL and so far, have come up with nothing. I'm also watching for something to come into the consignment shop where I volunteer. In the meantime, I'm going to visit a few more furniture stores and keep watching CL and consignment.

I have only scanned through the responses, but it appears everyone is trying to help you make it work, however, I agree with your first instinct, that the piece is too narrow -- instead of spending a bunch more $$ to make it work and still have a piece that just isn't right, chalk it up to a mistake (hopefully not a hugely expensive one?) and move on. You will find the right piece.