I'm back again! I think I am close to finally picking out a tile. I should have a asked this in the very beginning - About "Side Splashes" ...when I had the old laminate countertops, there was a 4" laminate strip of "backsplash" running behind the countertop and it extended all the way to the side walls. Now there is an ugly mess on the wall where I removed the strip, and am wondering if the new tile backsplash should extend to the side walls again. I have read a lot that the "side splashes" are not always necessary and sometimes not appealing to the eye. Should I do a "side splash", meaning should I extend the tile where the wall changes direction and make it the same height as the rest of it? Or should I sand and paint those areas? This post was edited by dms11 on Sat, Mar 8, 14 at 9:30

I actually had that exact rug in my living room of my old house for 7 years. I loved the rich colors and found that it wore very well. Currently, we are building a new home and the rug is still with me in a different (& much more used space) and it still looks great. It is thick and comfortable under foot and vacuums up well. The first picture is from my old living room when the rug was less than 3 years old and the second from our condo where we are now. For what is worth, I paid $399 for a 5x8 size in 2001 so I think the price is good as long as it is in good shape.

Jan-Jan, I am in a similar situation to you. I am trying to find a counter that will go with my white Cabs. Can you submit photos fo the surrounding rooms attached to the kitchen? What other colors besides the gray, white and stainless steal do you have? I see the basket you have? Do you use baskets? Beiges, warm light browns? What about furniture? And what is your favorite color? You said you have blues in your bedroom? Do you like blues? Blue and White? Here are some cottage kitchens that might help you narrow your granite ideas or help you choose one. I think both granites are neutral enough to work but it is the big picture you might want to look at. Maybe these pics I found from Country Magazine might help. Many of these extras might pull it together. This photo has a gray floor too. This one is plain but done nicely. Perhaps the gray counter with a few wood accents could warm up your cottage kitchen ideas. This kitchen has different hardware than yours but notice how the room is warmed up by a brown toned granite. Someone recommended a different granite than you were thinking so I thought this pic might give you some ideas. Not to add more stress but here is a granite that is another option with your white. I know you have tile floor but just maybe this could be an option. I am visual learner and find that when I look at ideas or images I can better figure out what I want. Maybe these pics can help you too. Best or luck and looking forward to seeing your final choice.

Chjim, yes! I borrowed a bunch of books from the library in search of ones re: English cottage and country styles, and his was one that popped up in my search. I'd never heard of him until I read his book. It is just amazing. Ellendi and jlc believe it or not, removing the FP would not solve many issues. There still isn't much of a wall across from it. It's really the darn entryways that are the issue. Holly, I've measured and measured, and it just wouldn't help to narrow it to the point that would help the sofa and still provide access to get into the DR. I could possibly use Annie's portiere idea and put a curtain up on just one side, though . . .it might work. I am thinking of putting a portier up in the entryway doorway, at least, because while sitting on the sofa now, the view is of the front door . . .does not feel like a cozy thing to be staring at! Beverly, I am so thankful for your floor plan ideas. I'd thought of moving the bookcases on either side of the sofa, but thought I would be making that wall too heavy and emphasizing the narrowness of the room. But, I can see how it would help to break up the large expanse and also lessen the crowding of the piano. And, no, there is nowhere in the sunroom for the bookcases. The walls on the other side are the same as where the little tables are as you may have guessed, 2 walls are windows, and the third has built-ins that are too narrow for books. Jlc, thank you for your suggestions. I bought some poufs recently from Target (big sale!) but they are too big for the room. With the skirted furniture, wall-to-wall carpeting, etc. they were just too much. So, I will have to try some other ones that are smaller scale. (The new ones live in our TV area now.) Interesting idea about angling the bookcases-- I will have to try and see. I am sorry about your room. :( I hope you can get it to feel right. Have you posted it here and I missed it? Funky, yes, the bottom shelves are where we keep most of the books for the younger children, so the tables couldn't live there now, as you said. Olychick had a great idea to use a console table to solve the lighting problem. Furlow Gatewood also does something neat-- he puts these little paddle things on his bookcases to hold lamps. And you're right, it takes a lot of talent to pull off a room like his, which I clearly do not have! I have tried the club chair by the FP (we used to have two) and it was just too big . . .but I like the idea of the loveseat where the chair is, esp. if moving the bookcases works out. Hee, hee about the rustic charm of the fireplace! I wish it were rustic in the dreamy sort of way, but you're right, at least the bones are there. Olychick, that is a great idea, about using the console table. As you said, it would make the space seem more cohesive and solve the lamp problem. If the bookcases are 11" deep, do you think the table should match that depth? You are all very kind not to mention my elephants in the room, namely, my very overstuffed furniture which I did not buy for this house. But, while I said I can't replace them now (which is why you kind people didn't suggest it), I do think they, esp. the club chair, are a "big" problem. What do you think of this as my short-term and long-term plan (long-term because of $)? (1) Move the bookcases to either side of sofa. (2) Buy console table to go behind sofa, maybe the same depth as bookcases (11"). (3) Add a pair of lamps to table and artwork behind sofa. (4) Add some artwork to walls where bookcases currently are. (5) Replace sofa and chair with something that smaller scale. I'd say same size sofa, smaller chair (not as deep or wide), but both with low-profile arms like an English roll arm for sofa and maybe chair-- or a pair of slipper chairs instead. (6) Redo fireplace: paint and/or new mantel, surround. (7) Refinish h/w floors; still not sure about rugs (where they should go and which direction they should run). (8) And, of course, accessories in the form of pillows, art, etc. Thanks so much, everyone!