For all the African Cichlids I have had over the years, I am really down to mainly Clown Loach, Silver Dollars, and various catfish/Pleco's. This tank was once an active Malawi colony of hundreds of fish, with a few Tangyanika. I really like the Compressiceps family of fish also. For awhile it seemed like they were all breeding like crazy.. When I quit selling/trading to a local aquarium shop, I cut way back on my aquariums.. This tank was also a C. Frontosa colony, with the Burundi type, and even some Zaire Blue for awhile. I am tempted to go back to Malawi Cichlids, they are so active and colorful.

I'm not much help. We have a similar set up but we have casement windows so all we did was have the upper ones match the lower windows but be fixed (i.e., not open). My one comment though is that I think the upper windows should have the same number (and size) of divided lights as the lower windows (i.e., squares of glass--you have 8 in the lower window (which I think they call 4 over 4 in double hungs) and I would get an 8 divided light fixed window for the uppers and then add the arched top if you want it).

Here is a few from my files: Also check out this article by Joni on her blog for guidance. http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/08/top-ten-design-elements-4.html ">

Thanks, all! Yes - these pictures make the trim look more black... but they are definitely brown (painted). and I agree that the window and door in the kitchen are great, we really like those. It's the living room and dining area that feel dark and old to us. Thanks for the helpful feedback!