THAT was the most remarkable 24 hours I've ever NOT experienced! What a lovely process to see so many knowledgable people kibbitz on a space that we've yet to actually buy (15 days to go til closing).
Also, thank you for the kind complements .... though I have little in this game at this moment except a $1000 deposit. Yes, I guess I chose well.
While you all were coming up with the answers, I was with the painter finding out how much it would cost to get him to the top of the 17-foot ceilings and do what Groveraxle did with a flourish of his e-pen.
In response to your discussion, this is where I'm leaning:
I do think I can remove the mantel. The painter and I talked about his making those repairs (thank you for the concern about damage and budget).
I like the grey wall as suggested and, yes, the cut off is placed just exactly where the wall changes angles (nice job Groveraxle).... would it be less "truncated" if the color matched the fireplace bricks?
The floor may be in excellent shape. It appears as if it matches the base trim — so it's slightly darker than Groveraxle's image.
As the stained glass is something newly added, I will plan to move it elsewhere (reminds me of a church, too).
I plan to fill the bookshelves with books and think the actual wood shelving will blend away (may be wrong, but...).
Last question here (I have plenty more rooms to finagle including an 8 x 9 foot kitchen): I hear the discussion about those dark ceiling beams. What would you think if we kept the dark beams, kept the floor darker like the base trim, and painted the window trim to match the walls. Would that help to unify, squish like a sandwich, or loose the Tudor character of the room?
Again, thank you. I'm overwhelmed by your generosity of spirit, ability, and time.
J
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