Thanks all for the feedback and ideas. A few have mentioned hunting down an antique set, which I've been trying to do for the better half of the last year. With these things it's it or miss, and I've been striking out. Either bit too small (want 12 person option), too ornate for our liking or way too proud of their set $$$$$. Have come across a few options on craigslist but I've found that if I'm a day late inquiring the set is gone. Haven't given up but would like something by this holiday season. I actually had an eye on the Hickory White table that Johnatemp mentioned until I found out that the table alone is $3500. With a 2 year old and 5 year old, there's no such thing as a forever piece if its got any veneers. Mimi, I like your idea and style but our kitchen set is very close and we wanted something more formal, yet without tons of glitz/carvings, etc. I haven't had a chance but will look into all the other suggestions that folks have offered. Regarding our Chandelier, it was actually in the house when we moved in. I've looked for the mfg. but havent had any success. Regarding the Rug, it's a Pottery Barn. Not the best quality but the price was right (ebay ~$600 for 9x12 and new). The actual rug is the Tree of Life, which I think is discontinued, but ebay listers seems to list new ones every now and then. When I say not the best quality, it looks fine, but the knot count is nothing like the rug in the pic that meg listed. Even when we get a dining set, we'll only used the room 5 times a year max, so it suites our needs. The curtains are restoration hardware. Decent enough quality, price was so-so, but it was easy non-custom. Again, ebay listers have Pottery Barn panels that are basically the same at much better prices. Georgiagal, can I ask the mfg of your table/sideboard? I like the solid look and the finishes. Thanks Again to all who've taken the time to give ideas. Hopefully we'll have something soon enough and the next question will be what to do with the walls! Cheers

I agree! When I got the catalog and took a look, I thought...what the hey!?! Not only was the stuff weird and unappealing, the catalog was a mess and barely readable. Whoever published/printed their catalog used WHITE print against LIGHT backgrounds...I couldn't read what some of the product descriptions and prices said! Yet someone at RH had to approve the catalog before it went out. I hate to say it, but that person should be fired. That was a total dereliction of his/her job duties to let that catalog go out like that. I've been to our local store several times this year. They renovated it, repainted, redesigned it, etc. NOW they don't carry much of what is in the catalog. The clerk will have to order it online for you (no shipping fees that way). I couldn't take a look at some things I had seen in last year's catalog, because the store doesn't have even a sample sitting out (like task lamps). They did have samples of most of their drapes, and that's where I bought my velvet drapes. They were clearly of a superior quality to Pottery Barn's and others that I'd seen. But they had to order them for me; they didn't have enough panels in the store to cover my window (and this was a basic camel velvet that I'm sure they sell a lot of). All their furniture is too large for my small house and my taste. I threw away the catalog, and I look at their stuff online. I figure that they are trying to become lean and mean in these recessionary times, hence the small inventory in the store. But there's no excuse for that horrible catalog. (BTW, the task lamp I bought and the velvet drapes are absolutely beautiful and high quality. They cost a pretty penny, but at least I got my money's worth. I couldn't be happier with them, and with their customer service, which is top rate.) As for their weather-washed huge furniture, another poster mentioned it was a Swiss style or something. Maybe. But furniture from Sweden, Norway, etc., is usually small scale with simple lines. The RH furniture was enormous, with round feet, large bulky posts, besides being that unattractive gray. I can't imagine that style will sell much. It certainly doesn't suit me. But then, I probably wouldn't buy furniture from RH to begin with, because of the price.

The downside is for those who sell through the consignment shops. Someone I know has been considering that as a business and told me the commission is 50%. When things are already expected to sell dirt cheap, I can't see paying someone else to do it, losing another 50% on the item.

(Had to scroll back to find the "nude dude". I like 'em.) I'm not a minimalist so all the "stuff" I would find interesting to visit. I'm not a fan of red rooms but so many over stuffed rooms I've seen pictures of are red so maybe that's part of the formula? The massive numbers of pillows on the sofas drive me nuts! I can imagine sitting down (daintily) and having them fall over my shoulders onto the floor, knocking the snifter of cognac out of my hand on the way down. Damage to expensive carpets be damned - I hate to waste cognac!