uxorial, I have a "teeth-showing" dog too - it's normal for his breed, the Keeshond, to display a submissive grin. The breed is nicknamed the "Smiling Dutchman" because of this habit. Believe it or not some people think the dog is snarling at them because s/he is showing teeth! Sometimes when he is very happy playing with DH he'll roll over and peel his lips back so far he's showing both sets of gums, and if he's VERY excited he bares almost every tooth and "clacks" then together. :-) He's also another one who would happily sleep in a snowbank if we let him. If it's snowing we have to rattle the treat box to get him into the house! In our last house we had one of those beige fake-sheepskin bolster-beds in the corner of the living room for Goku-pup, and a crate in the bedroom (he took well to crate training). He responds to placement cues too, so "go crate" or "go bed" gets the appropriate response. The fleece thing looks so terrible in this house that I haven't put it out, although the crate fits nicely in the mudroom. The "giant pillow" kind of beds just don't do it for me at all. I've been thinking about one of the types that looks like a miniature couch but not sure if I can justify the price; Target has some kids' couches that might actually fit the bill, for much cheaper. Random-kitty preferred cardboard boxes for sleeping in, although shortly before she left us for the Bridge I finally convinced her to sleep in a cat bed. She was also welcome to sleep on whatever furniture she wanted to - she was family, after all.

We put in a sun porch at our last house. It was not much more expensive than a screened porch. Adding the heating ducts and basement is what would cost more (for a four seasons room). The drywall and windows were not that expensive and more durable in winter. It was a lovely room we could use for about 10 months of the year on the end of a field in cold, snowy WI. So many things happened in that room. I started seeds in that room, built puzzles, used it as an office and an escape to watch tv. What was a must was the patio door, which originally went to the backyard. We left it with the remodel, so I could close off the room. I also put in drapes to close off that door and we used it as extra sleeping quarters when guests came to visit and we kicked our son out of his bedroom. He didn't mind. There was a tv in there. It was a good place to go and relax to get away from the household bustle and watch the weather, so a comfortable couch, loveseat, or futon is paramount! We also installed speakers, plenty of outlets, a spot for hooks for dirty things that come in from the back garden, and a ceiling fan. That room was pure heaven!

$3,900 can buy you a very good sofa, but that price is for a sectional. I've never purchased a Bassett sofa either, but I'd start by going to their website and reading the specs on their upholstery. Where is it made? Materials? Construction? The best sofas are made in the US, specifically in North Carolina. The frame should be a hardwood, usually maple. The springs 8-way hand tied, and there should be ample padding. Most of the good upholsterers show a cross section of the piece, and offer various types of cushions, with a lot of detail about each one. Maybe someone else here can provide specific information about Bassett, but I'm not sure that they are a premier furniture company anymore.

@Ashleah Courtney - how is the Burrard couch holding up? Article tells me this is a "medium" comfort Article sofa, they have "soft" sofas they have that let you sink in and let the couch take you (Sven is soft).....but, did you consider the softer (20% down feather- 80% foam mix on cushions) Article leather Nirvana Dakota sofa, and choose Burrard over it?.....and what was the vibe/ consensus regarding the Rivet Damien that was on your original list? Thanks for your responses!