I live in a townhome in a senior community in Scottsdale. Our yard was also drab when we moved in 16 years ago. I hate block walls but we didn't have the budget to have it refaced with nice stone like I wanted so we painted the back wall burnt orange (same color as our front door) and the side walls a soft moss green so it isn't dark and claustrophobic. We used stucco paint and in 16 years no peeling or fading at all. Everyone who visits absolutely loves it. I don't think our yard is as deep as yours but we have a nice size brick patio surrounded but edging with gravel. The gravel has served us well over the years as we have always had a couple of dogs. Now we have just one small dog and next week we are replacing the gravel area with artificial turf. Nice (moderately inexpensive furniture and plants along with two orange trees make it a very inviting place to be. I change cushions every so often for variety. You can do a lot with color.

Turn your home in to the place YOU want to come home to! Start with the couch because you love it. Keep your walls light. Take the chandelier down. Find a big rug to enhance the look, add color and design...classy and stylish. Hang a roman shade (bamboo or grass) at ceiling height and keep it partially open. This will add weight and balance above the couch. Hang a piece of art on the opposite wall. You might be able to hang wall sconces on each side of the window which will warm the colors in the shade and couch and will eliminate the need for side tables. Add a coffee table to bring the room together. Keep this space simple. No fake plants in the corners! Your art work and selection of pillows ie colors, textures and patterns will add to the room but don't over do. The art work and pillows is a great way to blend your style with the style of the house or the style you are trying to convey. You can't move windows and doors so you may never get the "look" you really want. However, your next house might be your dream house! Good luck and have fun.

Well well well..... I've been away for too long but now I'm back....and with new questions. First of all....does anyone know the brand QuickStep ? They make some laminate flooring and that's the brand I can find here. I went to the store yesterday.....they have different type of products....some are cheaper than the others of course so I was wondering which type I could buy for a living room. The minimum thickness (as they call it) is 7mm and the guy told me it wasn't enough for a room like the living room (only good enough for bedrooms). Anyone could tell me if he just wants to sell me something 3 times more expensive or if he is right ? Because someone else told me every QuickStep product is OK for a living room...... This is kind of urgent because I realised yesterday that the sales end tomorrow at this store. Thank you very much again !!!! =)

Hi Sarah! Nice of you to post. I check in about once a week during this busy season but, delighted to chat. I do like your drapery selections initially. I think a nubby cotton or linen is in keeping with your aesthetic. But, I will give you some things to think about : 1) Natiral fibers like linen and cotton are not as strong over the years as nylon, polyester and other oil based fibers made into fabric. So, an ideal fabric for windows would be a cotton or linen look but, made from polyester, nylon or a blend of fibers where the fabric is at least 50% polyester or nylon. 2) For a more romantic or luxurious look maintain 2.5 to 3 times "fullness". In other words take the width of your window and multiply by 2.5 or 3. For example if the window is 36" wide then 2.5 x 36" = 90" of fabric at the window. So "off the shelf" panels come @ 50" more or less. Opt for the greater amount of panels which in this case would be (2) 50" panels or with 3 times fullness you would want 108" or (3) 50" panels for 150". 3 times fullness can seem like overkill but, that is where the artistry comes in. You can't rely on pure math. You have to use your eyes and sensibilities to decide what feeling you get from the fabric quality and appearance. It can take "playing" a bit with the items so, in your case maybe you have to order MAXIMUM panels & plan to send back to seller what you elect to not use from what you've ordered. 3) Think ahead of time about how much you want to move drapes to open and close. Tie tops are not real user friendly. I like the rings with clips that slide smoothly and easily on a rod or cable. 4) Also, for a romantic and luxurious look, explore a 2nd level of drapes close to the window that are a sheer, open weave or another color. Drapes can get complicated fast. You'll have to do a fair amount of checking and research to boil it down to the level of simplicity / complexity that fits your temperament. Try to zero in on specific drapery picture looks you really like and then I can help you some more. Other sources I really like are West Elm because, they have had a really good selection in the past, Home Decorators Collection because, they have very inexpensive products & last but, not least JC Penny Drapes because, they have tried and true products that they have been selling for 20+ years! Lots to explore on this subject but, you are off to good start! Naomi Siegler