Same here-circum-neutral soils high in clay content....no issues whatsoever. If anything, the foliage just gleams. Just got to watch the lingo a bit: So, a pH just a bit above neutral (pH of 7) is by definition slightly alkaline. But somebody reading this thread in the high deserts, where soil pHs are much higher, could get fooled into thinking this elm is their answer. I tend to doubt it, and not just due to the inherent dryness. As pH goes above 8, nutrients become extremely difficult for any but the most well-adapted plant species (adapted to the desert) to survive and thrive. Neutral soils, or those in a range from around 6.5 to perhaps 8.0, do support a very large range of plants. But on the high side, you're going to run into trouble much past that 8.0.

For your large windows, we recommend roller shades. If you don't have power to the units, you can opt for lithium battery motors that last between 6 to 9 months before they need to recharge like a smart phone...plug and play. You can operate the shades via phone, iPad or 15 channel RC...up to you. We offer over 700 interesting fabrics to meet your needs... For your large windows, we recommend roller shades. If you don't have power to the units, you can opt for lithium battery motors that last between 6 to 9 months before they need to recharge like a smart phone...plug and play. You can operate the shades via phone, ipdad or 15 channel RC...up to you. We offer over 700 interesting fabrics to meet your needs...

Recessed lighting on a 14” high ceiling. I can’t invest in further lighting right now. Perhaps I could remove on the benches and replace with two light colored upholstered chairs. Aren’t cloth chairs a bad idea re: potential stains from eating, etc?

What does "super professional" mean in his profession? Blank walls, original art, academic books, museum fossil collection? While you are waiting to move in, you can take test photos of a similar chair using his zoom camera at the same distance it will be in the new house. The test will show you how much will be in the frame. You may need only some framed abstract art (nothing more interesting than the talking head). A plant, table and lamp may be out of the frame. Google "professional zoom backgrounds" to see how to arrange the items that will be in view. Or try this link for some vignettes of reading nooks. https://shopharvest.com/blogs/news/114914180-reading-corners-and-their-5-essentials