Seattlesuze, I think the picture is somewhat misleading because the camera foreshortens everything and the room is really larger than it appears. I've also changed the mantel decor and the plate now resides on the bottom shelf of the coffee table, there is a small, dark painting in the middle, a large vase with greenery and more books. I think it looks much better now, but it's in the eye of the beholder. greybird, I almost got the color right the first time. After two coats were on I took what was left of the gallon of paint (which was more than half) and had Home Depot add more of a brown tone so that the grey was warmer. It's Ralph Lauren paint, by the way, which I had never used before, but I like it. Connie, I'm afraid I don't know who made the couch. It came from a very nice furniture store which unfortunately no longer exists. It's very comfortable and has the simple lines I like. Ingrid

Thank you both for your feed back it's much appreciated. Beach barbie, I do move the trays regularly by default- my cat keeps drinking the water, even though she always has a fresh bowl available. And I do think it's a tropical variety. BTW I love your name, it creates a warm image. Watergal, I don't see any evidence of pests, but your comment concerned me so I sprayed the entire plant with insecticidal soap just to be sure. On the under side of the foliage I do see some VERY TINY white powder like specs that rub off with the finger, too small for aphids. Any idea what that may be? And am I on target for March to expect new buds. Thanks, Happy Valentines Day..

I like your house ,,, nicely done!! As far as paint color, in my opinion ,,, the blue in your kitchen is a "bright" color whereas the sage color is "muted". If you took that sage color and turned it into a light lime green (think granny smith apple), then the colors would pop together (look at the inspiration photo of the spider plant next to the blue paint). For that blue ,,, I would pair with (in the same tone and intensity) lime green, yellow, tangerine, or crisp white. It really depends on how much color you want. I can see a yellow or tangerine in your dining room with those teal chairs, but I also like lime green. I would not go with tan, I would do a crisp white before tan, if I wanted to go neutral. A "tan" that would work with that color blue, I think might clash with your hardwood floors. With the hardwood floors and the mix of woods in that space (which I really like, by the way) I would put white on the walls and bring in color with accents (pillows, rugs, pictures). Also, what's up with the red room in the background? Do you like that room? Is that color staying? I really like your fireplace. Have you ever considered painting the brick? If you do go with a bright color on the wall, you might want to consider painting it white and leaving the accents black. Good luck ,,, can't wait to see the after pictures!! :)

I think the piece the TV is on would feel more at home in the basement with the chunky coffee table. Your home looks to be more contemporary in style except for the stair railing and the big empty display/bookcase. Do you have the budget to remove the built-in? That would give you some wall space for furniture and art. What is the exterior style of your home? Can you pull off a contemporary interior design and not stray too far from the look of the house outside? I don't think the DR is large enough to add more furniture there. I suggest a great piece of art and a rug that is 36-42" larger than your table top on every side. Pull the same colors into the LR with big art on the wall opposite the FP and above a 3-seat sofa where the built-in is. You can do another rug in the LR that is similar in style and color to the DR rug. For example, here are two navy rugs that could work together. The top one picks up your wall color, and the bottom one picks up on the fireplace stone.