Iceanna, I drooled over those fireplace surrounds in the gallery - breath-taking antiques. Franksmom and Kswl - I do not want to hang those portraits over the fireplace. The fireplace is gas and emits a lot of heat - and a lot of it goes up (ask the poor fresh wreath I hung over the fireplace this Christmas). The woman is my grandmother and probably is 115 years old. I am afraid of the heat. Kswl - there are only two chairs upholstered the same - the two flanking the fireplace. I gave a lot of thought to comments here - a lot - and then DH decided to go shopping with me on Friday. He very rarely goes as he figures everything is a matter of opinion - and he couldn't figure out why I wanted to replace the piece currently there. Anyway - off we went in the snow. I looked at a lot of prints and saw this one. Were the colors good? Yes, perfect. More importantly, did it reflect me. I looked at the scene and immediately thought old, calm, serene, could almost see people walking up the street in days gone by. Life is more than intense right now and I am going for quiet at home! So we bought it knowing we could return it -but alone it seemed to small. We trooped through a few more stores and started looking at scones. He liked these as they mimic the fireplace surround which we do love. We came home and I told him I was going to wait until my DILs came today - he told me he liked it and "just hang it" - so we did. I do like it. Is it forever? Probably not. Will I always keep looking? Yes, but I do like it. The sconces look amazing lit (am going to look for battery-operated candles). So for now, I like it and certainly better than the purple print, which now has a new home. I don't know how the colors are going to come through but here goes: For years I have been wanting to take the ugly mirrors off my dresser - the picture is perfect - picks up the colors in the comforter: I still need to "dress" the dresser ---

nwdrip- Thanks for chiming in! I am thankful for any advice and I appreciate you commenting on my thread. I think painting the back of the cabs dark brown would be really cool with some colorful dishes. Suero- I never would have picked a rug like that, but you are right, it works. My only thing is that I am, in general, trying to avoid red. I had red accents all over my last apartment, and I want to go for a different feel. However, I get to see what a teal looks like, and how patterns interact with my curtains, so thank you!!! I have continued to look at other rugs. Hubby has been almost no help. He is very picky on what he wants, but he won't help me look. I have browsed through approximately 4000 rugs by now, and every suggestion I have had, he has shot down. :( Here are some of my favorites right now. Please tell me what you guys think: A B C D E F G Hubby wants a border around the edge, doesn't want flowers, only wants a hint of color, doesn't want stripes, doesn't want beige. Please note that most of *my* faves at least have one of those things. This one that I posted earlier appears to still be hubby's favorite: But he's not sold on it.

Sorry for the delay in responding. Tribbix - Thanks. The color is BM Beach Glass. When I first painted I panicked that it was too grey and dreary. I ALMOST repainted but decided to wait until the ceiling was in so I could gauge the color more accurately. I’m glad I waited. I’m very happy with the color. Yes, they are my boys. We already have a hoop hanging over the front door in the foyer! Don’t worry, I usually remove it when company is coming over. DH would never go for the Eames chair (style or price!) Beverly - yes, lots of cans. They are on a dimmer already. I hadn’t considered the sofa right in front of the TV. It could work if the sofa has a built-in recliner. The more we use the space (with the old furniture) I am realizing that the prime seats are directly in front of the TV. I was thinking about sofas/loveseats perpendicular to the TV, with two narrow recliners in front of it. Not sure if that would be too tight to maneuver though. Joanie - we currently have a sectional in the basement. It’s on the wall opposite the widow then extends in front of the TV. Opposite of your suggestion. I should have mentioned that DH doesn’t want heavy furniture blocking the heat vents on the window wall. So, if we go with a sectional it will have to be on the opposite wall. I will say that I’ve enjoyed to space on the sectional with the three kids. It’ll be about choosing the right pieces if we go that route. Suero - that recliner isn’t my style, but I love that it looks like a chair and not a marshmallow! Zorro - bathroom is just past the bar area. There is also a small bedroom (on the other side of the bookshelf wall). The bedroom is really just a playroom for the next few years! Lisa_mocha and teacats - I have a large photo gallery upstairs already (inspired by TheFoxesPad (thanks!!)). I have a series of pictures of our boys blown up on metal (from mpix.com “Modern Metal prints are printed on a 1/16" aluminum sheet and float-mounted”). My plan is to hang them once we have furniture placed. Robo - I’m with you! I've decided I'd also like a narrow desk in the basement. Perhaps floating behind the sofa/chairs that face the TV. Dual purpose: It will give me a place to work on my computer (pay bills, browse GW) and it will keep the kids from hurdling the furniture. I remember doing it as a kid!

We have a similar layout with the fireplace in the corner. And the tv on that wall. In our case we really needed a BIG tv to watch while working in the kitchen or from the breakfast nook. Make sure you get the biggest tv right off the bat to choose the right size console. I'm looking at floating and free standing, but the larger floating ones come in three pieces with seams on the top that I do not like. For our space I'm looking at sectionals. I'm following to see what happens here. Here is a picture of our space.