So many good suggestions still coming in--appreciate that. I won't be ordering until after Thanksgiving (or maybe after Xmas), so I'm open to any more beautiful ideas. I'm looking them all up. Some I kinda know. But I don't know much of anything about Mrs. Dudley Cross, cherrykist. Is it hardy in Zone 6? HMF say Zone 7--but I know it is sometimes rather conservative on hardiness. And I'm not sure about its height since HMF says 3-5 ft (or something like that). What is your experience--does it stay around 3 ft? It is a lovely rose, but not a type I have ever seen, so I'm not sure what to think about it. It's really cool looking at all the gorgeous pics--thanks everyone. Kate

Wood burning fireplace, and if I could get the reverse draft issue fixed, I would probably have a fire about 1-2 x per week. The current hearthstone (not yet installed - just lying in place) is somewhat rough. Hadn't thought of the soot issue on the light stone - good point. Maybe I will wait until I have a sample of the soapstone to finally decide. Thanks for the mantle complement - it's been a chore ; )

+1. You will be the one staring at it for a lifetime. Unless it is going to detract from the sale value, get the color you want.

Thanks for chiming in, everyone! I'm trying to lighten up this room, so it's great to hear everyone giving the thumbs up to light curtains. Now I have to go curtain hunting. Why isn't there just a giant curtain store when you need one? I can't spend a ton -- just my luck that these windows are huge and my ceilings are quite high. Wish me luck with the search! I've photoshopped a lighter color on the fireplace and it looks good, but there were some good arguments on my other thread for keeping it as is, so I'm OK with it for now. Previously we had two B&W photos over the mantel, though if I find something more colorful that I love I might switch them out. We only buy art we really love so I'll have to wait for something to come to me. I need new end tables (hoping to bring in some shine and cut down on the brown) too. Geez, decorating is never ending.