@janelink love the new do! I was following this just to see what you'd end up with. Also love the airy feel of the kitchen. Not sure if you're ready for it just yet, but if you're looking for artwork check out my work for ideas. I have many originals, and hundreds of configurations of canvas prints that I can print to the size you choose. For large walls, I typically take commissions to do it to the size/color you choose. Available work here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/katshoa Some ideas below. The first one is a commission I did for a client with supersized walls. They used the artwork as inspiration when they redid their decor shown below. Enjoy decorating! Looks gorgeous so far.

Nope...you have me confused with someone else...I hate swags...and oversized curtains and drappy fabric of any kind...I like clean lines....contemporary to modern. :) "Those curtains above are heading in the right direction and I like the natural blinds too as they would go with anything and create a warmth." This quote was referring to carolins ideas right above mine... the clean looking contemporary curtains and the natural blinds. You will NEVER hear me say "I like those swags."....LOL http://st.houzz.com/simgs/36c104f10022a167_7-6830/traditional-living-room.jpg http://st.houzz.com/simgs/2f610981019cdfb0_7-5384/traditional-roman-blinds.jpg See above. I almost feel "icky" thinking you guys thought I liked swags...ha ha ha

I actually like the urn planters. I would spray paint them a pearl white. The handles need to be parallel to the windows : ). Maybe they will work better with the desk and chair if they flanked each side of the desk. Bring them in closer to the desk. There is a possibility that they may carry the weight of the art in the original grouping with the large art that is there now.

Basically the conclusion is that Michigan subcontractors are very very very busy right now and as a result, are quoting very high rates for any job (demand exceeds supply) -- this is compounded by the fact that the economic downturn hit Michigan so hard that the folks in the building industry are trying to sock away savings for future slowdowns. I don't blame them, but it is silly to do an expansion project of 1,000 square feet for a price that is LARGER than the purchase price of a 3,000 square foot home (with lot). So, with sadness, I had to let go of this dream & am purchasing a well-built MCM ranch that requires only cosmetic updates. Very sad. :-(