Hello Everyone, Thank you all SO MUCH for your suggestions! I really appreciate it and the "vision" is starting to appear in my mind! Oceanna - I will check out the cottage decor gallery, I have not done that yet. Thanks! frazoo - I love it too! It is SW Bamboo Shoot. I also have it in my kitchen. I get a lot of compliments on my color scheme, I have the Bamboo Shoot, White Raisin and Steely Gray throughout my home. They all work great together. newdawn1895 - no, dh would have a heart attack if I wanted to paint the furniture! LOL! It will have to stay as is. As for the chaise, I may try to work with it, when all is done if I still don't like it, I'll move it to another room and get another chair for this spot. As for roman shades - yes, I love them! I found some at Bed Bath Beyond that can be hung on a rod instead of mounted. I am picking them up today! I am getting a textured white shade. Also picking up a white duvet cover. I'll post more pics once I have made a few changes and go from there. Elaine

My all time favorite source for inspiration is "Phoenix Home & Garden" magazine. Although I live near Santa Fe in New Mexico, I've subscribed to this awesome Arizona magazine for years. They also have a great decorating website with many good inspirational pics. I'm adding the link to it below. Lynn Here is a link that might be useful: Phoenix Home & Garden website

I'm back! Sqwashed my index finger last night, so couldn't type. sheesharee thx for letting me know how to post pics. I have done that process for another forum using photobucket. glad to know it will work here too. I'll try it later today......but ugh! my bathroom is ugly w/ the ivy wallpaper! -- a bit embarrassed to post pics! lv_r_golden - First, I DO have 3 boys like you......the girl came at the end to make "4" and the lady rules the roost!. Your input was insightful. btw, your home sounds lovely! I understand people favoring a more modern styles of decor w/ bright colors and clean lines-- watching shows on hgtv I do notice that it is the popular trend. But I live in a 100+ yr old home w/ much of the orig. trim. A more historical feel suits the building best. I was "Country" in the 80's (who wasn't? lol) and then "Victorian" for yrs but, sheesh! got sick of chintz after a while! I don't stick entirely to "theme" to the point where it feels gaudy and cluttered, but add what I like using the general "feel" I'm looking get. Comments made about my home by others include: "warm, comfortable, and cozy" and I'm happy to hear that. I'm glad so many nice posts followed yesterday. I feel very welcome now. Thanks to all! Will try to post pics later today.

I've been following this thread for some time. Braz, your wall hanging is great--I really like it, want you to keep it, and use those colors as your inspiration to decorate with the folks here. But I want you to know that in your lifetime as a homeowner, you are going to be very happy to learn how very easy it is to repair small holes such as would be left by removing a wall hanging, nails, screws, etc. Every homeowner should have a small bucket with some spackle in it (paste-like stuff you buy in a small canister at your local hardware store), some sandpaper of different grits, and a tool for applying the spackle. I like to use a plastic picnic knife. If your wall has texture, then you can buy some spray-on texture. It has been pretty easy for me to imitate the knock-down tract-house texture on my walls, so it should be easy for anyone.