I was looking at some mind-boggling $ lighting when we built. The designer said to buy what I loved and just put builder grade stuff everywhere else. That is food for thought. But what I found once I had a glass of wine or two and started looking online was that there is really wonderful lighting available that doesn't cost a body part. Also found a lighting store in a nearby city that has a huge sale every August. Got some great stuff there.

Thank you Groveraxle for the virtual ! you are too good a designer that is why I cannot help troubling you ;) you have your biggest fan in me ever since your first advice:)) As for an in-house designer I am certainly going to call somebody soon . Just that I get such a lot of options and great advice from highly accomplished and talented Houzz designers ..I would be better prepared after these conversations ..please forgive me for pestering you guys like this:)

I have some suggestions if you are thinking budget friendly changes. Make a photo gallery with different size frames and arrange them parallel to the stairs, so you can enjoy each photo as you climb up. And for the area that will be on a level with your upper floor, try some pretty decal that will connect the photo gallery to upper level. And last, if you have budget add some beautiful hanging lights in the stairwell. Also think about repositioning your refrigerator.

This is a fabulous room. It oozes a bygone charm that you would lose by adding false ceilings and tube lights. Please don't! Go all out to preserve this magnificent floor and the beautiful furniture. That mirror is superb, as is the old painting. Keep the wall colour as is and change the upholstery after polishing and keeping the beautiful wooden furniture. The upholstery is mismatchedat present. But the different styled armchairs look very comfortable. Keep them. No modern furniture will give you such comfort. When you re upholster, refrain from choosing firm foam and such nonsense. It is far better to have good quality down or cotton, which moulds to the body shape. Invest in a high quality traditional patterned Persian or Kashmiri carpet for a restrained stroke of colour. Your upholstery should pick up colours from this carpet. So should the curtains. Please never even consider vinyl blinds, horizontal and vertical. If you tamper with this room and remodel it to be 'modern'- you will lose a treasure.