I live in a town with a Shaker Village which I've visited many times. My memory is that the dwelling areas didn't have electric lights, but that some or all of the work areas did. In the post linked below, there's a photo most of the way down the page with the schoolhouse interior that includes a pendant lamp. In the same blog, the "Moses Johnson, master builder" entry has a photo of the round hanging candelabras in one of the meeting houses (not Canterbury.) Here is a photo of the lamps in the Canterbury meeting house: http://blog.lakesregionhome.com/files/2014/02/DSC_0321_tonemapped.jpg Many of the lights are hanging bare bulbs in work areas such as the syrup shop: http://blog.lakesregionhome.com/files/2014/02/DSC_0276_tonemapped-Copy.jpg flat steel light shade in another work area (with a bare hanging bulb by the door) and in the laundry: http://blog.lakesregionhome.com/files/2014/02/DSC_0291_tonemapped-Copy.jpg http://blog.lakesregionhome.com/files/2014/02/DSC_0252_tonemapped-Copy.jpg deeper metal shade (dark green) in the room with the knitting machines: http://blog.lakesregionhome.com/files/2014/02/DSC_0235_tonemapped-Copy.jpg Hope this is helpful. Here is a link that might be useful: Canterbury, NH Shaker Village

Thanks, everyone for your help. I'm amazed at how much you all can see from a few pics. Yes, that is a drop leaf table next to the rail. Unfortunately, it is too long to go under the clock. There used to be vertical blinds at those doors, but we removed them when we replaced the doors. Did you notice the plastic still on the bottom half of the doors--so charming. Hubby insists it stay to keep the dogs from scratching the glass. Hubby is also the reason none of the woodwork is painted and nothing is hung on it. That has been his only real requirement so I can deal with it. At least none of the walls are paneled. Drapes that pull from one side are a possibility. Also, I can see what you mean about either adding another picture or replacing with a larger or heavier appearing one. I didn't really notice that imbalance before. Les917, this dining area is open to the foyer and the den. I have pillows on the sofas in the den that are in a stripe very similar to the one you mentioned. Do you think it would be too matchey to use that same fabric on the dining chairs? Here's a pic. I'm adding 2 more views taken from dining area, but with back to the kitchen, so you can see what I'm dealing with when it comes to the woodwork.

Hi Clare/CDR Design (and all): I hope you are doing well! I hope you don't mind me reaching out again. I apologize I never replied or thanked you for the last post you wrote. Just recently I decided to start "obsessing" over the look of our living room AGAIN and what it is that drives me nuts. And, holy cow, the changes you suggested made most of my angst about my living room cease! First, changing the direction of the rug...wow! That made the world of difference! It made it seem bigger and finally more cohesive. The rug "or something I couldn't put my finger on" seemed so out of place and wrong. Just that little change did the trick and now it's not so annoying to look at for me. :) I would have never thought about the rug direction if it wasn't for you. So, thank you!! Second, I moved the couch forward and away from the wall. Looks SO much better! I wish I could get a different couch b/c it is so big and I don't like the color however that will have to stay for now. Third, I was inspired by your rendering of the living room you designed and shared with me so I moved the arc lamp over the leather chair in the corner and "I think" it looks good?! Fourth, will def add a console behind the couch instead of a floor lamp! LOVE that idea! Fifth, I moved the orange chair to the left of the fireplace and removed the blue chair however, the orange chair is a bit smaller and seems insignificant and a little odd in that corner (maybe b/c it really doesn't match any of the colors in the rug/room). :) The blue chair just seems like a better fit in that corner (to me). And, there is still room for the orange chair in the other corner even though I moved the couch forward a bit. My kids told me that the couch was too close to the TV when I moved it forward even more than it is now. I think it was b/c they had to crane their necks a bit (hence your wondering if we could move the TV to the other wall...) b/c it is a little high. WIth all of that said, I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for all of your suggestions! You hit the nail on the head with all of them and were the first person who actually gave me thoughtful and helpful advice! I have asked a lot of friends (many talented decorators in their own homes but not professionally) for their opinions and no one ever gave me such solid advice and recommendations as you. You truly are so gifted!! And have the most amazing vision! Clare, you have brought me this far - I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me finish this project so that I can FINALLY look at this room and think, "YES!" I love this!" I need to be done thinking so much about it! LOL! If you do not have time, then please no worries at all! I am so appreciative of all the advice you have given me already! I'll include my questions here just so you have them and then include pics of the room as it is now in another post but again, please no worries if you aren't able to answer them at this time. 1) Would a different, more neutral rug pull the room together more? Or should I keep the current one I have and work with it? 2) Arch lamp over chair? I also have one that has a gold metal 12" shade that I haven't put together yet. If you like arch lamp over chair instead of the tree next to the chair, metal or white shade? 3) Do I need another arch lamp in the other corner? If so, matching? If not, table lamp or no lamp? 4) Material of console in back of couch? Wood, black, gold metal? Thinking an 8" or 10" W and at least 56" length? 5) PILLOWS!!! My biggest dilemna. There are so many options and I don't know if I should stick with blue/cream/white or add another color!? Thank you SO much for taking the time to read this (if you do) and for everything!!

I have maple floors with a simple oval (with leaves) walnut dining set. I like the contrast. I also vote for a plain top for a table you will keep forever. It will be easier to decorate and accessorize without worrying it is too "busy."