Hi Tara, Thanks for the kind words! The design was a labor of love and I second-guessed myself so much I nearly went crazy! So thank you. And yes, those old ceiling fixtures were doozies, weren't they? My husband bought the house without me seeing it (cross-country move and me too pregnant to travel) and those lights were my least-favorite surprise when we moved in... The window treatment is a new addition -- went in just days before Christmas. The treatment over the sink is a faux-shade -- that is, it doesn't really go up or down, because I had had blinds there before and never moved them. On the windows by the table I have roman shades in the same fabric, lined with heavy fabric b/c we need light control there. All were custom made by a woman in Northern Virginia. The fabric is "Paddock Shawl" by Waverly; the color is "Porcelain." Please feel free to email me if you have more questions! Amy

I do not know how the oil rubbed bronze finish will be affected. Our has the dark brown patina finish as you can see but the outside of the sink will probably never change in color because no water or other juices touch it. The inside of our sink can get black rings if we leave dishes or pots and pans in it overnight where it is wet or if there were food juices in the sink. But, that goes away after 2-3 days. We love the sink and it is soooo easy to keep clean. Basically rinse it out or put dish soap in it. You can also basically 'seal' the sink with wax...that would also limit the 'patina-ing' of your sink. Good luck and if you have any questions, let me know. And for louisianaPurchase--the antiqued countertop is very easy to keep clean. Fingerprints don't show up anywhere near as much as I thought. In fact, hardly at all unless someone has very greasy fingers. It is just a quick wipedown...the antiqued quality has probably made all the difference with that.

Angela, I've tried every cleaner out there and I can honestly say that this frugal cleaning recipe works better than anything! Honest! To one gallon of very warm water add: 1/2-1 cup sudsy ammonia 1/2-1 cup white vinegar 1/4-1/2 cup baking soda Rinse with clear water. Never mix bleach with ammonia!!!! Or with anything for that matter. Very dangerous and potentially lethal. ~Betsy

Try using Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner Spray without bleach. It removes the grease stains on Ikea Axstad cabinet doors. Looks like new! It also removes other stains as well.