I bought the bronze rod, but I'll be honest, it is a knock off bought at a Homegoods type store. I just could not justify the price of the rods at Pottery Barn and my much, much cheaper rod and hardware actually do the same job and leave me money towards some other project. I love your rooms! We also have deep reds, rusts, AND maroons in our livingroom. Our floor plan is not as open as yours but if you notice, those colors are also all present in the diningroom. I actually considered putting those curtains in the livingroom but found I "needed" them more in the diningroom. I believe they would be lovely in your space and there is enough space between the livingroom rug and diningroom windows if you are afraid the colors will clash. The color in the diningroom rug is not as heavy and will not be an issue. I must tell you, my livingroom rug has maroons, reds, and rusts in it along with cream, golds, greens, (sage and a darker green). Those colors all go together so well. While I would never wear maroon pants and a red shirt, when decorating, they are very complimentary of each other. If it doesn't feel right to you, then post your pics in a separate post here and ask all these wonderfully talented GWers for their advice. The most important thing is that you end up with a room that makes YOU smile! I cannot wait to see your finished room!

kmcg - African Violets...I think that may have been what was in the planter when I bought him?? They were REALLY cheasy though. Let me prune the ivy a little :) I swear I'll fix it. I just stuffed the whole end piece in last night. Was there a pic in the article with the styrofoam forms? Heck, I just had a bunch from boxes and threw them out. When you say small vintage silver looking frame, are you talking picture frame? I'll try the dinner plate thing too. Good idea.

i planned to. I have a large distressed mirror over my vanity. I planned to suspend another mirror in front of it, to be able to see myself. To my surprise the distress is light enough and mostly on the edges so I dont bother. I look a little better slightly distressed. What does this have to do with you? A glass expert MAY be able to drill into a mirror, but it's unlikely. A layperson def not. What i had planned to do was to hang it from ibolts in the ceiling using fishing line. Just an idea.

The art is great for a DIFFERENT space. Aside from the fact it feels very COOL in a nice "warm" dining space, it is a bit large, and a slightly smaller threesome, or one larger and warmer piece? Would be a lot better. Sorry to disagree, really. : ) But that is immediately what I see. The table is too small, and out with the plant as well. You needn't fill every corner. Not for color below......