Thanks so very much for the kind words! I can hardly wait for my lamp and framed print to arrive! The tiles and vase were really just ideas for the style direction I'd like to bring to my new office space. Now that I have a couple of items as a starting point, I can bring in a few more things over time as I find those items that truly work best. I have been a fan of mission/arts & crafts-era furnishings for a long time, and am crazy for the Stickley pieces I was able to purchase "in my past life" when funds were a lot more fluid. ;-) (I can't touch Stickley now, but there are lots of fine "non-name brand" items out there.) I appreciate all of the suggestions in helping me come to a decision!

Here's the deal from the plant's perspective: Repotting + pruning now is too much stress for this late in the summer. The plant wouldn't start growing in earnest until Sep, and by then days will be getting short, which stretches out recovery time and burdens the plant with unnecessary stress throughout the winter. The first symptom of tight roots in ficus is a reduction in extension (growing longer). What that means is, your plant is in little danger (virtually none) of succumbing to root congestion and won't be doing a lot of growing before next May- Jun, so there is no real urgency to repot. If you must prune to keep it in bounds, I'd prune as little as possible. It's not going to grow appreciably over the winter months in that environment, and I think it's better to 'save' harder pruning to a time when you can prune harder. The more energy the plant has when you prune, the more enthusiastically the plant will back-bud, and that will be an important consideration in the low light environment. Also, it's better to prune AFTER the winter months because every leaf is a miniature food factory. Leaves capture light and through the miracle of photosynthesis turns it into sugar, which fuels the plants metabolism and keeps its systems orderly. My plan would be: Don't repot now. You can prune now, but you'll get more for your efforts if you wait until June. If it's VERY root bound, change pots to one only slightly larger - one that only holds maybe 1 or 2 gallons of additional soil. If you decide to do that, let's talk about that a little first. If there is ANY source of natural light making its way into the room, day length (more technically, it's the length of the dark period) will dictate when the plant wants to grow and when it wants to rest. June is the best time to do your repotting, followed by any heavy pruning, because the plant will recover fastest then and be much less vulnerable to insects/diseases due to an extended recovery period. Your plant has some over-watering issues going on. You might consider getting a 5/16" dowel rod, cutting it in half, and sharpening the 4 ends in a pencil sharpener. Stick that deep in the soil - all the way to the bottom if possible, and use it as a 'tell'. If it comes out wet or stained dark from moist soil, withhold water until it first comes out dry. You'll soon get a feel for how often it needs water and only need to use the tell occasionally after that. I'd also flush the soil very thoroughly next time it needs water, and get started on a regular fertilizing program. I'm not sure how interested you are in implementing this plan, so I'll stop for now and see what your response is. Al

Beautiful trim, gorgeous floor the current color will work of course. Going more mid-tone can be pretty amazing too Is the apartment yours, or is it rental? I'm asking because I'd be inclined to go with custom shades as not to obscure that trim..but of course only if the place is mine And I'd pick probably woven grass ones. Shades of natural brown, you know? Or you can go with fabric too. But if the walls stay light-I won't go too dark. Same with curtains. Or. If it's curtains..look at many..you might get inspired by the color you see in ones you like a lot, and "borrow" similar one for your walls. Rug can become an inspiration too. Again, you really don't have to repaint to get the vibe you want.

There has been little scientific study of color on mood. Most STUDIES have been on how color influences purchasing. The effects of color are personal and cultural, and have changed over time. However, the majority of people choose blue as a favorite. I recommend you repeat the indigo (denim) blues of the carpet in art over the sofa as well as on other walls where patients can see it. In the photo below I have added a van Gogh print of Vase of Irises Against a Yellow Background. The gray sofa has a yellow tone as does the wall color. Consider placing the sofa on the left hand wall and placing the chairs on the window wall. That way patients have a wall against their backs which most people find reassuring. It should also give you more room for side tables.