DM, I tried everything I could think of to embed your photos here and nothing worked. Sorry. Snapfish doesn't seem to be set up to posted photos on forums. Too bad. Do you have a photobucket account? They are very easy to use and you can even share clickable thumbnails. They seem to have every kind of code you'd need to post anywhere that I've ever wanted to post to. As for you entry. I love the table! That is one gorgeous piece. It seems to have been made for your home. The table runner is awesome too, but it could limit you on art selection. Once you get a large piece of art on the wall I don't think the lack of wall color will matter. This way, as you both want, the features of your home along with the decor, will be the show piece. You won't need color on the walls to "make" the room. As for wall art, what about making your own? I know you don't like to paint walls, but.....? There's so many other ideas for DIY art too. You say you thought about horizontal wood. Why not do it as "art" instead of the whole wall? I just bought a square coffee table for three ninety nine at a local thrift store and if Restore a Finish does it's trick, I might just use the top for art. This picture is really terrible, but it has burled and parquet wood veneer. Check thrift stores for large works or art or mirrors with or with great frames. If you don't like the art just use the frame. My brain is slowing down. I need food. Good luck! It's good to "see" you again.

parma42, thanks for the Blonde chuckle! Those furniture sites are addicting too.. I spend so much time there! I like the one you posted a link to as well, but now (I am such a nut) think I found another... and after really studying the space and playing with photoshop, I decided the bombe chest #3 is too bulky for the area, so I am ruling that out. My list is shrinking and once again think Les is correct on her thoughts. So, I found this one that is a console - but is a chest too. The size is right, color seems to compliment floors and other furniture.. not sure if the 'style' really flows with the other wood pieces (bTW - I don't like the dining room furniture. It is new - but darker and plainer then I would have picked for this home). Here is my newest find, which is similar to kmcg85 posted. I like the bottom shelf, and that it is also open, but yet has storage. It's simple, yet my dining toom furniture is very plain and simple.

It is hard to tell from the upper left picture, but I am assuming that the entryway is that small space. If it is, I say, go with the tile. The tile shown is very appropriate for this style and age house.

I like the idea of leaving the floor space open as decoenthusiaste suggested. If you are looking for a quick easy solution try Ikea trones. They come in white or black and are an inexpensive solution. they also come in black, You could put a mirror above 1 or 2, They are for shoe storage but they can be used to store other items as well.