LOL terible in my finished kitchen thread you said (re: window treatments): "Here is a visual of what's in my head.......unless you decide to go naked." I could really make some jokes about that statement but its funny enough "as is". I am sure your choice of the word naked was intended to be a little funny but if you combine it with the first part of your statement... hillarious. Igloo, I dunno you are gonna have to whip out those fancy photoshopping skills to try to convince me becuase right now I am siding with abbycat, which is what I had in mind at the point I started the thread (roman blinds wood style). mlraff... that is a nice idea, I've bought window coverings at potterybarn before and they are "OK" and cost more than something OK should - too bad I can't get a sample since they state they don't have those in the store. The dining window is 58.5" wide so I'd have a .25" gap on either side, assuming they were 58" wide (the pottery barn stuff I bought before was slightly smaller than stated). Abbycat do you know who makes woven wood in the roman shade style? It looks like these bali ones are: Bali deluxe woven wood. But its too bad they don't have many wood choices in that line that would work in the space. These might work, but it might be too much texture: and maybe this but it probably draws too much attention to itself. Even though I am not so wild about the wood choices for the Bali shades I do love this bound edge color for the dining space:

Hey, guys! I was reading some of your comments and I share your thoughts on vertical blinds, they are easy to use, practical and you can control the light coming inside. I am actually looking to replace my old ones and I came across this offer, which apparently covers up all aspects: Suitable for floor to ceiling, patio doors, conservatories as well as smaller more standard windows in your home you can control the light or the heat and glare from the sun to enhance your living environment. Our top quality louvre blinds are manufactured from a vast range of fabrics including blackout, voile and flame retardant. Using the quality chain operating system, however, you prefer your made to measure vertical blind will glide easily to the left or right or order your blind to split bunch in the middle. Order one of our vertical blinds today for next day delivery and enjoy a simple, durable window blind for years to come. Don't you think they're trying to oversell it, though?

Am I going crazy or am I seeing FOUR Calendars there? Oh dear, that can't be helping the serenity need one bit. Like a continuous honking reminder of the full time work and stress levels. Even if they are not calendars but some other necessary info providers, get them out of your face and consolidated somewhere else, maybe by the table. Then put something simple and really beautiful over that sink. Store the little pictures and most (all?) the decorative things on the counter. Whew. Much better. On the decorating front, seems you have several styles (country/contemporary/traditional), color schemes (green & lemon yellow v black & white & mustard), and focal points or themes in competition (arched window, glassware collection, B/W bistro checks, sunflowers). It is like too many directions at once, any of which would be fine alone, KWIM? There needs to be more dominance of one thing and then supporting roles - does that make sense? Like if the check/sunflower accessories are going to drive the show, then the wall paint maybe could be more mustardy and less lemony. And the window treatment maybe a lighter or darker solid mustard tone edged with the check in the same scale as the accesories. Maybe hammered copper sunflower embossed pieces at the sink and range. And store the glassware because it neither supports nor enhances the main themes and colors. It all gets much more harmonious and less fragmented. Disciplined editing and a few minor tweaks will solve much of what is troubling you visually. Prioritize among the colors and themes and go for it. Employ the Sweeby test method (see FAQ ). As for function, sounds like you do miss your island. There are many free standing narrow island pieces that could meet your functional need in the short term. It may be possible to patch your flooring and put in a larger more functional island down the road, plumbed for your DW and with a MW spot. Take your time and explore options before commiting to a costly change. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ - look on left for Sweeby test link

Hi all, I wanted to stop in to give a quick update, and to thank you all so much for your help & advice. For the time being, I've decided to hold off on purchases for the LR with the exception of a Roman shade (thanks for that suggestion!) on clearance at JCPenny, which came to under $50 with shipping. I think the Roman shade is soooo much better than the panels, and it never would have occurred to me on my own, so I particularly appreciate that input. I kept the furniture pretty much as is, and took folks' advice here about re-arranging some artwork. I also switched out the little desk table that was crammed between the couch & the wall for a smaller table I had on hand. I have a couple of rugs that might work for the LR, at least for the time being, but have not brought them back out yet. The rugs I have are rectangular. Do you think an oval rug would be better? It's still a work in progress, and there's still clutter. The clutter is getting better, but my life is still kind of in upheaval and the kitchen is not completely done, so there's paint and stuff around and I'm not so inspired to organize the place until I can organize ALL of it. When I decide it's time to invest, I may replace my couch with a smaller couch (or a love seat) and also buy a rug (if mine don't work.) Other than that, I'm pretty happy with the furniture and the layout, but with all your suggestions spinning around in my head, I may come around on some of that, eventually. So... this was supposed to be a quick update & I just wrote a novel... I'm still open to suggestions (even if I usually argue with them :) ) about the LR in general. I really do appreciate it, and even if I did come on here asking for advice & knocking it down one piece at a time, I really do appreciate it and think about it over time. ps: the tablecloth is temporary - workers have a way of putting their tools down on any flat surface, so it's to protect the wood (no, I'm still in love with wood.) :)