And along those lines, can anyone recommend what type of kitchen table I can get for the attached living room? Should I do a wood table with wood chairs? Or metallic? I'd like to be able to mix traditional and modern if that's possible for the bar stools and kitchen table. If it helps, I have the kids every other weekend - and the rest of the time I'm on my own or I'd have a dinner guest. So I'd love to get something nice for two for dinner, but also that's kid-friendly. Thank you!

For barstools, maybe something like these from Pier 1?

Crate and Barrel has metal dining chairs at a great price.

I think metal chairs look good with a wood table -- not so matchy-matchy.

Crate and Barrel has some nice pieces on a smaller scale so when it's just two for dinner, you won't feel swamped by a giant table.

I concur with amyfgib on the stools. Get some upholstered stools, in vinyl or maybe leather, which will be easy to wipe clean. With your kids, avoid swivel stools with backs, because they will constantly be twisting and banging them into the counter. I also think black stools would go with everything and be easy to care for.

Be aware that stools generally come in "counter-height" and "bar-height". I can't tell from your photo the height you are dealing with.

Bed, Bath & Beyond has a nice selection of 24" stools. Print the 20% off coupon online before heading over. Kids like to swivel...any of these would be great! Dark wood with an "X" on the back is cute.

Two friends and I have Cost Plus World Market Sophia chairs in our houses. The color and style is not perfect for my house (I have gray, friends have espresso) but with kids you can't beat them; easy to clean bonded leather, light but stable and truly comfortable for adults. They're on sale right now:

http://www.worldmarket.com/mobile/search.do?query=Sophia+chair

Thank you all so much! I have a back and a back-less one that I like. I'm going to let the kids make the final choice. :)

As for the kitchen table, should I start a new thread? Thank you!!!

Asking what table to get is a really wide-open question. There are so many styles, so many price points... at the very least, you should share the room dimensions, what other furniture is nearby, etc.

Ok I'll get that info together and re-post. Thank you!

Hose-able stools is genius.

If you get stools with arms, try to get them that will tuck under the counter. It's frustrating when chairs don't fit underneath.

Go for comfort. Let the kids decide so long as both of their potential solutions are comfortable to you.

Agreed. And I want the kids to have a sense of ownership of the furniture so they feel more at home :)