Some time ago there was a good thread on this topic on this forum. Here is the link: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/restoration/msg032230316739.html Here is what I wrote - others wrote even more - worth checking out: RE: need ideas for shed and garden restoration Posted by: ginger_nh z4 NH (My Page) on Sat, Mar 6, 04 at 13:31 I've seen pictures is many magazines and books re decorating old garden sheds. Typically they use old chairs, apple ladders, trellises, antique bedsprings, etc as trellises for vines. Also hanging a collection of old garden or farm tools(hoes, rakes, scythes) or anything that has a nice form for visual appeal like old maple sap buckets, zinc flower buckets, hand tools, old wheels. Surrounding the shed with lots of containers with both flower and vegetable plantings. Painting the door a striking color(cobalt or periwinkle blue, lime green, red), leaving rest of shed as is. Windowbox and shutters if you have a window. Adding a weather vane or collection of metal objects along the roof line. Planting sides of shed with tall 5'-8'+ annuals like hollyhocks, sunfloweres, amaranthus, purple millet, nicotiana sylvestris, or Indian corn. And of course, putting an old seat or bench of some sort to one side of the door. If you go to the Garden Junk forum they will probably have more ideas. Or do a search there. Luck! Ginger

Not knowing the sq. footage of your space, it's hard to push you in that direction... my tile is just those three walls (can't see the the third) - as the sink is set into that space and stands alone. I think all said and done it was $400 for tile and labor - but the guy just came in to do this job. You'll be bidding out for more tile than just this.... so labor wise, it probably won't add much to your overall labor cost. I purchased at a local tile store - but was just in Lowes last night and they have some really pretty glass accents (like the one I used) -- if that's your thing. It just added a little extra interest. The wall where my towel holder is (to the left of the sink) was just full of water drip stains. You can't get them out. It was either re-paint every couple years or tile. As for your sink choice - I truly believe it comes down to the look you want to achieve. The all white cabinet, with white subway tiles and accent tiles would look pretty awesome. I can't imagine that the fiberboard is any less durable than the pine....

I love vintage kitsch, but in small doses! But if you paint them, they just won't be what they are, which is goofy smiling fruit! My SO would hate them too, but I hate his mug collection and inspiring Vince Lombardo framed quote too. I love, love Nosoccermom's montage, but that would definitely not work in some kitchens. But there might be some place in your house that could use a punch of color, like a half bath or a skinny wall spot next to a door or something. I'd find a place to hang a set of three and rotate them. I have two ceramic parrots that came from my grandma's old house and I'm gonna have to find a discrete little corner to hang them because they remind me of grandma's house and I always like them as a kid. They do not go with the current decor, but they could brighten up a little nook or corner and just be a fun surprise, not dominate the whole room. Grandma had them in a place like that, a skinny wall between a door and another wall. My friend had some goofy old fruit advertising pictures framed in a small plain half bath on one wall.

Your room is lovely; it's unfortunate that some people get satisfaction from being rude - must make them feel better about themselves somehow. When you put the sample against the couch are they different or the same? Or did you not actually have a sample or just the pic of it. If you don't have a sample, I'd order one and see if they are the same. The color is lovely; I personally think it is much more interesting and livable than a darker gray would be, but that's me, not you. It looks great in your space. Will the store take it back if the fabric doesn't match the sample?