@magspag Thanx for the advice. We wanted to save some cost by not replacing the floor tiles, as well as save by retaining the upper cabinet in its current grey shade. Guess we will go for all-black for the cabinets: both below and above the counter; and put in a new counter-top that contrasts--maybe, a light coloured granite or slate. Examples for this color-scheme are in the ideabook

This arrangement works much better, but some adjustments are needed to make it work. First, the fireplace grouping needs to be tightened. It crowds the dining area and you need a passageway behind the couch. Turn the rug lengthwise, parallel to the fireplace. Pull the large couch about 2 1/2 feet closer to the fireplace, and place the two chairs and loveseat on the ends of the rug, and pull them closer together. This will give you a more intimate conversation area, and not impose on the other areas of the room. Remove that floor lamp from behind the couch. If you need the light in that area, put it by the fireplace. Also, the stereo system on the mantel needs to find another home. Maybe it can go IN the fireplace instead. At the other end of the room, I think the arrangement would look better if the seating were rotated 90 degrees. Keep the rug and coffee table in its current configuration, place the sofa either facing the window or with its back to the window, and put the two chairs opposite it. Finally, the dining area. Now that you've moved the big leather chairs, you should have enough room. Your rug is too small. It should be big enough to give you at least a 2 ft. border all the way around when the chairs are pushed in. And it's a really beautiful table; please uncover it. I can't see what kind of lighting that area has. It really needs a pendant or chandelier hanging directly over the table.

Do you plan on keeping the paint gold? It seems to clash with the floor. Will the inset design on the wall stay? It seem awkward.

Hi, Our new home is nearing completion. We are looking for suggestions and ideas in decorating our living room and kitchen based on the plan attached. All walls in living room are double ceiling. 1) We plan to put our TV on wall B. We are open to wall mounting or getting a custom made cabinet there. 2) Fireplace has a nice mantle 3) Wall A is really big and tall. I am wondering what to put there. 4) Ceiling has 4 recessed lights 5) Windows on wall D faces East so there will be ample morning light. Windows are really huge. 3 at the bottom and 3 at the top. 6) Flooring is hand scraped hardwood in dark color Specifically it will help us if you can suggest - Wall Colors, faux finish ideas, art work, paintings, pictures ideas lighting ideas Blinds / shutters ideas - Is it advisavble to put blinds/shutters on the 3 top windows Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks