Yayagal- thank you!! And the whitewashing is a great idea, but my husband would keel over if I suggested that, as he loves the natural stone. Daisy- thanks so much for the positive feedback (and yes, I DO decorate around my goldens. I also dress around them...never wear black!!). Funkyart- my DH was quite proud that he had given me the same advice as a GWer! Thanks for helping me take a step back. The project is coming to a close, the holidays are upon us, and I guess I'm feeling a bit frenetic. DLM- great point....we are finishing the floors with a clear stain and have not yet determined whether we're going with the Bona HD waterbased or the oil...another reason to wait and see what things look like as they get pulled together. Les- what an intriguing idea. That could be so unique and really fit the space. My roadblock will be DH, who wants it to remain some type of wood tone. He's deferred to me in so much of the decision-making in this project, that when he does put his wishes forward, I like to be sure they work their way in. Thank you everyone for all the ideas and feedback. Hope your thanksgiving was safe and happy.

Tony, I'm really not concerned if they will look outdated soon, this is my downsize house that I will hopefully be living in for the next 20 + years. These tiles make me happy, and that's all that matters to me.

Semi-gloss. Same colour as your trim (doors, frames, baseboards) is usually what is done. Depends on where it is, what it is made of, and if you want it to be a focal point in the room. As for brand and line of paint - Aura semi gloss, Cloverdale Renaissance or Multi-master, SW all surface enamel.

I like the clock (or a round mirror) and think they’d look good with a somewhat layered look. I think it’d look nicely balanced, and “softer” around the big square shapes in the area. And you wouldn’t need to paint the clock if you used other art around it. I see a few bricks it matches well. If you use the clock, I’d move it to the left just a bit. It doesn’t have to be in the middle, unless that’s the look desired. You may have decor around the house you could use, or find inexpensive candleholders, pottery, smaller framed art, whatever. Your little heart art on the hearth could be used in a display. Layered looks (and of course you could use less items. These are just general ideas): With framed art as the focal point .... Another inexpensive solution (and looks great) ... off-side the clock, and put items on the other. Keeping it simple, but cohesive: