Powermuffin, thanks for the picture. I'm here on a search for pictures of cafes hung inside the frames, preferably 3/4 on double-hungs--but I didn't expect to get that lucky. Your windows look wonderful, and I think you've made up my mind to hang my summer curtains above the center to block more sun while still showing off the sky. We open our windows as much as possible, so I'll push the lower windows up to where their tops want to stop easily and hang the rods there. Nursekathleen, when I read your questions, Powermuffin's look was what jumped to my mind for setting off your wonderful old wood frames and simple and old-fashioned to suit your cottage. Of course, you probably noticed I really like that look. :)

The new mirror is nice, but I agree it needs to come down a few inches. Wonder if you would consider changing out that lamp with the one on the metal table in the other room? This one just feels off to me in here, and I think it would be more appreciated in the other space, and the simplicity of the white shaded lamp would be better here. The candlesticks your dad made are amazing! But I think they will be lost in there. Please consider putting them in a grouping on the mantel, with soft green candles in them. Silver candlesticks are nice there, but maybe deep red candles? I like the colorful bowl, but I would rather see a large platter (oval or rectangular, perhaps) on a stand. It would help bridge the gap between the cabinet and the mirror. Maybe something like this? carynthum platter Finally, I keep forgetting to mention how much I like your DR chandelier!

Nancy, Thanks for understanding my concerns. And for the great idea pics! As for my constraints, if you look at the photo above that shows the entire current kitchen/nook area from the perspective of the den, you'll see that there is only a very small space for 30" fridge and 24" oven on the wall before the breakfast nook starts. The wall that both appliances are on is only about 50" between the garage door and support beam (that big beam and support pole that dissects the space would cost me $6000 to move btw) There is a matching support beam in the wall. So, when you do the math of fridge+oven+cabinets... things are spilling over. My plan that wall is to reframe the garage wall (which is a support wall for the upstairs) and build a small recess into the garage wall that will accomodate half of a 24x36x70 counter depth fridge (bought but not yet delivered) and a pullout, narrow cabinet pantry. That shouldn't impact parking in the garage, but saves some floor space. I want to add 12x20" ceililng to floor cabs around the breakfast space, and along the top of it too (maybe - still fuzzy there) to gain more storage. My plan is to ensure the fridge no longer cramps the breakfast noon or blocks light from the little window. This was my rough draft.... I like how you angled your dishwasher - and raised it. Where are the glasses/plates at? The end by the oven? I think one reason I'm torn about raising the oven in this way is that ovens are generally wider than dishwashers. I've already lived iwth a 24" oven for 20+ years.And unless its a gaggenau with side swing door, I'd like at least a 27" before I die. :) A secondary issue if I put the oven on the end of the peninsula and raise it.... then where will I put the microwave??? I thot about putting it under the double cabinets to the right of hte sink, except I discovered there are no right hand swing microwaves! So it would open the wrong way!

I love the drapes you have! I think the problem is the wall color. The soft gold in your great room would work well with both your drapes and the fireplace tile. Or maybe a warm, soft terra rosa, glazed or color-washed? But personally I like the gold. Ivory or a paler version of the gold would also work. Do some big sample boards - just some old cardboard will do - but at least 2'x4' or 3'x3'. Your windows read very high-set - that stands out as not being the usual placement - you can experiment with the height the drapes are mounted and see if a different proportion pleases you better - maybe a little higher, even almost to the ceiling. The drapes are puddling, and maybe they have a hem that could be let out - they could go higher. Or sew on a contrasting band of terracotta on the bottom. (or whatever color the inner curtains are - hard to tell in pictures sometimes.) The bit of wall between the window and the crown molding is so narrow that it might be better not to treat it as the wall but as panelling, like over the mantel. All you would have to do is frame it with short vertical pieces of flat molding over the window casing verticals, just glue it on. Paint the molding to match your trim and either do the recesses the same or to match your over-mantel recesses. A bigger rug out to six inches of the walls. Something easy to clean and with a pattern - you have children eating there. My youngest is nine, we still have spills. Low pile, no loops, not fuzzy. Something to occupy the walls will make the room feel cozier - a long window seat with a bench cushion and pillows, and cabinets underneath. Do you ever have many people to a sit-down dinner - an L-shaped banquette would give you lots of seating. Kids could play there, do their homework, look out the window, keep you company as you worked in the kitchen - put away homework and toys in the cabinets - presto clean. Also your linens and servingware not used every day. Accessories with more weight and color, more dimensionality than the plates on the wall and the pictures and things over the hearth. It really is a good dining room, good bones, good molding, good view, good fireplace, good flooring, spacious. It won't be hard to love. The fireplace is your starting point because you can't change the tiles. Then either wall color, rug, or rug, wall color, working with the tiles. THEN drapes and upholstery. Then accessories. Paint is your cheapest element. Even if you hire someone to paint, you can buy the cans and do big sample boards yourself or directly on the wall. You don't like the color? Worst that happens is you're out the cost of the sample can. So it's worth experimenting, because it will set the mood of the room.