well, I've actually only been doing it for four years, but I do think it works well for me and it's also aesthetically pleasing. I've done a lot of reading but the most comprehensive list I've found online is at this site: http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html for me marigolds, borage and nasturtiums are must haves. this year I added petunias which so far, I think makes a nice addition. i like to use hyssop too because the bees like it and it's a pretty plant. you can also use the leaves for tea. it has an anise flavor to it.

I like the sofa but it needs space.....consider emptying the room of anything on wall, table, or mantle so it is basiccally empty, and place items removed on dining room table for future reference. Put the sofa on any wall where it has room for end tables. Put the chair where it can have a conversation with the sofa. At this point I would redo the curtains to coordinate with the wall and do them in a linen type weave. Remove the crystal chandelier and replace with something simple and maybe oil rubbed bronze. Go shopping for a large piece picture in a simple or frameless style that blends with the plaid pillow; take the pillow with you if necessary. So far so good. If you have end tables and a cocktail table put them in the room only if you like them. If they are wood that should be fine. Send us a picture of the whole room taken from another room so we can see the size etc of the room. I am showing this inspiration room because it is very simple with very trad furniture, but the mantle is very low key and would work nicely in your living room style I think. Also note the colorful throw on the arm chair. This is same room, but wood tables and metal cocktail table, simple window treatments in tones found in living room, and antique armoire that is similar to your Moms tallish piece by fireplace. TV opposite sofa and easy chair for great viewing This looks great; metal table, magazine rack in oil rubbed bronze, brass Pharmacy lamp for reading. Would work next to Mom's chair......these items can be found on line at Ballard Design and other places too; overstock.com, wayfair.com with great prices and great selection. Plaid pillows, one bright color pillow and another item in room (the end table, but could be lamp, vase, picture) done in a bright color to match pillow in intensity. And the upholstered ottoman adds a fun touch, but sized to match the sofa. Again a rustic trad feel with a pair of large photos over sofa. Great ottoman, lamps, footstool. Pillows match colors in photos of family members.... These are just inspiration but it might help you select the items that the room needs to frame and support the sofa style and colors. Nothing set in stone but a place to begin.

Late to the party but I LOVE that rug. Where did you buy it? Please say on line? I was going to suggest having slipcovers made by your upholsterer for a lesser price than full upholstery. I too am going the upholstery route and hope it all works out. haha! Saw the rug info; thank you!....you say you have vertigo? I just developed benign paroxymal positional vertigo BPPV from tripping in my bedroom and crashing into my dresser and a side console and really whacked my head....my dr. gave me physical therapy exercises that I did and it was gone, gone, gone in three days! I know you didn't ask but I just had to share my experience; I hope this might be of help and your dr. ca expand on it.....good luck, the dizziness was driving me crazy and waking me up at night whenever I turned onto my right side....a tangent I know but still you never know! Will check the rug on Pier 1!

Olychick, you hit the nail on the head. A lot of her quilts were made with scraps, so not as color coordinated as today's quilts. I guess that is part of my struggle. Plus, I'm not great at decorating anyway, so throw in a challenging quilt, and my head spins. LOL! Catliesl, great point about the sun & fading! I'll consider that. The last thing I want to do is ruin one of her quits! That you all for the wonderful photos! As someone pointed out, it looks like most are neutral walls and bedding that let the quilt shine. Unfortunately, my walls are blue! :( If we weren't trying to DIY so many other things right now, I'd repaint it a neutral, but that has to wait for now. I'm hoping I can still figure out a way to make it pretty. Some of you asked for photos. Below are photos of the room and some of the quilts. Except for purchasing the rug, I haven't tried to decorate this room. The items on the dressers were put there because it was the closest flat service when they were unpacked. I had some neutral bedding, but it was lost in the move. The purple blanket is just there for warmth. The nightstands, bedding, and paper window shades will all be replaced. The only things that need to stay are the dresser and chest and hopefully the rug and chair.