Chad, great minds think alike. Now that there's sun there, and since Mike will not have to 'mow' the ivy, why have grass up against the fence? We only grew the grass to keep down the dust from the Santa Anas, anyway. Perhaps letting the goats eat the ivy is the way to go, and if I plant shrubs out six to ten feet or so from the fence the goats will not be able to reach them. Then irises in front. I have been trimming a 316 foot long chain-link ivy covered fence for 20 years- I think I could give up a hundred feet of it. Borderbarb, I am willing to sacrifice almost anything for Neighbor Peace, right up to and perhaps even including Family Peace. But never fear, the neighbors are good people. They just have some very cute, very hungry goats, and an old pepper tree. Gobluedjm, indeed, the tree limb could have fallen on Mikey's La Cage Mahal, the most wonderful chicken coop ever built, featured in Chickens For Dummies. Well, ok, not exactly featured, but depicted in a drawing. You can look it up. Really. What shrubs, though? I was thinking about a big sticky wad of blue plumbago. Anyone have truly bad experiences with this? Maybe I should begin a new thread...

IMO 2 floor lamps there will not look good , it will just look like you are trying to fill in space. There is nothing wrong with waht you have not every empty space needs something.Could you post some pics of the whole space . I sure would not close up windows if you don’t have to.

I think the 60" table would look wonderful there! Maybe someone with photoshop skills could photoshop it in for you. If you do get the 60" I would take inspiration from the Crate & Barrel styles pictures. Hang or lean a piece of art on the left side (where the stairway wall is a little taller). Put a big vase or two or three on the table. Crate & Barrel Taline Vases Stack a couple of books or place a few sculptural objects on the table. You could put a lamp there if you like.

The first thing that strikes me is that your curtain rod is too short which is why you have to push the curtains to the side which kills the vibe in this room. Get longer rods and linen-type curtains that are fairly similar to the wall color which will give the room warmth without looking busy. Please make sure that your area rug is as large as possible because that will make this room look fabulous. Little bitty rugs do not. I would choose an Oriental rug in warm colors because it will hide little accidents, at least until you can address them. I would definitely get a sofa, so great for cuddling with your husband and kids. I would place it in front of the window for good lighting for reading but also because it gives you the best sight lines into other areas of your home. Instead of a coffee table consider a large ottoman with a lid so that you have plenty of storage space. Please don't buy a brown or black leather couch. They look dated and are so difficult to decorate around. Try beige or caramel, with two chairs in contrasting colors, perhaps a nice blue or green, colors that will be in the carpet hopefully. You can also use the carpet colors to choose pillows for your soft furniture. Find some nice pictures to put on the walls, a large green plant, a bookcase or two (books are a must in a room) and side tables for lamps. By now your room will look gorgeous and be pretty well furnished and, most important of all, will be comfortable and fun to be in.