FlowerLady, I know this is an old post, but I have a few questions if you are still reading. I have a front porch (5x11 ft) that I never use and I want to incoporate into living space. I have 2 options 1. tear the wall out and make it part of the living room ($$) or 2. do something like you did. What did you do about the front door? What about heat/air? What did you do about the exterior wall? Paint? Do you only have 1 window & if so, is there enough light? That was such a good idea to claim space. I also saw your kitchen project. I love the area with the window. I have been talking with a contractor about adding a room onto my house. I have a small house (approx 1,000 sq ft), but it has a large kitchen (12 x 18) which is useless for me. What I really want is a sitting room where I can enjoy being a slob. After seeing your projects, I am leaning towards a very small bumpout (8x10) which would open into the present kitchen - then reconfiguring the space so the kitchen is the smaller space and the rest is a sitting/den area. Good job!

Thanks so much for all your kind comments! Jesemy-Email me directly for the Seagrass Rug info. The company is in Dallas and the rug is really really soft - not at all like regular seagrass. Finally!! I am so thrilled with it (and so are my husband and kids) Goodbyekitty - My floors are a combination of Minwax stain Special Walnut and Dark Walnut. My floors are old oak so they are very tightly grained. We mixed up a batch until the color came up the same as the original floors. slateberry51- My windows measure 40" moulding to moulding. Each curtain panel measures 40". I installed the rods 3" past the moulding on either side so the curtains really only cover the 3"moulding and the wall. I was sure not to block any light! My seagrass is not custom cut, but I measured and had a rectangle made to size. The company is in Dallas, so they couldn't measure it for me and I was too afraid I would mess it up. I agree Joni is the best! She is so talented and so willing to share her experience. We are lucky to have her as such a wonderful resource! pps7- My wall color is Benjamin Moore Muslin - washable flat. Finally I also posted my Conservatory and my experience hanging a series of 9 framed intaglios. The room connects to the living room if you are interested. Thanks so much for all the kind comments. xxxx-Willow Here is a link that might be useful: Willow's Conservatory

I think because first identified yourself as a "pro" in your initial post you left yourself open for more critical comments. Usually we are more gentle with people who are decorating their first home. Do you open and close your curtains for privacy? I would try hanging them straight to see if you like them that way. Straight curtains will give a room a more contemporary look.

In case anyone who gave me any previous advice happens to see this, I just wanted to say thank you again! I haven’t posted follow up pictures (but I will)- just wanted to find the right rugs and get everything done first. I work full time so have been finishing the look in my spare time... and absolutely love it. I did end up painting the window casings back to white (but leaving the doors black) and between that and the new layout, the whole area feels so much bigger and brighter and happier. Posting on here was a very positive and productive experience, and I hope if (okay- when) I post again about some of my other rooms, you’ll jump in to give me some awesome ideas!