My current kitchen is very similar to your current one, even down to the measurements and doorways. We are debating between keeping the peninsula or using an island (my husband thinks that would be a mistake). So I'll be posting my layout on here shortly. However, luclin999, what cabinets are you putting in your corner? I see the drawer stack, but what's in the blind corner? Helene

I never thought of it as not being girly enough. Patty, don't feel bad for saying that though, I asked my DH and he said he thought it looked like a guest room! :-D However, I am going soldier on and go with what I have started. Right now its pretty much devoid of any decorative stuff, and I'm hoping as we start getting some of her dolls in there, pictures on the wall (I have some fairy pictures I'm going to frame out of a book), maybe some display shadowboxes on the wall, it will feel more like her room than a guest room. I was hoping that if I give her a pretty framework - then she will be able to personalize it as she gets a little older with artwork, objects on shelves, etc. Right now I have some pieces waiting to be hung (that I picked out) but she will be able to change those if she shows an interest. Below are two examples of the style of print fabrics I would like to aim for, to make the room more airy. The off-white bedspread is staying, and although you can't see in the pics it is sort of a matelasse fabric with a paisley / boteh shape on it. I also will be changing out the pine IKEA plant table - its temporary. Forgot to add that the room was just painted SW Dover white (a warm white) and that will *not* be being changed any time soon! :-) Where the white bookcase is now, I was planning on finding some inexpensive piece on Craigslist, a vintage vitrine perhaps, and I could line inside the doors with shirred fabric, to help get some fabric at this end of the room. Or a cupboard that could hold things. Or even a larger bookcase if all else fails. Pam, your daughter's books are so neat, I'm impressed :-) that slanted piece really helps - they have one at my kids' preschool. The bed in the middle of the wall is definitely more asthetically pleasing (and perhaps easier to make), but in a small room I feel like it just eats up too much valuable floor space :-( I thank everyone again for the input, and I'll keep posting my progress (it'll be slow unfortunately, as my mom and I will be doing the sewing ourselves, and I'll be hunting on craigslist for inexpensive vintage furniture). Oh, and the first thing my daughter did when she saw the rearrange is to go dance around in the big blank space on the rug :-)

Holly Stockley: Wow, I had no idea! And I love those blue transfareware plates; glad you shared - making me want to go that route since I already have some pieces (maybe add some red into the mix to predict it from being too predictable... hmmmm). Zalco/bring back Sophie!: Well, I was primarily looking for encouragement... so thanks! :) BeverlyFLADeziner: Love the photos and love the idea of layering the plates. Wonder how that's done... will have to look into it. Also agree with you about the table, this was brought in last minute and we never meant to keep it longterm. I do love the rug there, though. Would you do away with it altogether? Or replace it with a round/oval rug? Thanks! jhmarie: Your kitchen is lovely! So warm and inviting, and has that timeless feel I always love. Thanks for sharing! :) hollybar: I agree, I think I may like them with more movement as in those photos... I even like that layered effect. Will try to figure out how that's done and may just do it that way, very cool looking! :)

Put Post-Its on the items inherited with the house. Rate them A, B, C and F. Pull out the As and Bs to a table. Look at them to see what the unifying characteristics are: color, style, quaintness, shape, geometry, glamor, historical interest, and so on. Then look at the C's and F's to see why you don't like them as much. Where to find more depends on what you like. Ebay, garage sales, estate sales all have interesting things. Etsy has a wide range of things, new and old. Unless you have a deadline coming up, you can take several months or years to find things you like.