I need to get the husband to look at some of these responses and to do a few searches of his own so he knows what we could be in for with absolute black. Of course, he is the more "mellow" of the two of us (notice I didn't say messy!) and rarely feels the need to wipe down a counter or an appliance -- all of which are dirty and streaky constant;y -- so he may not heed anyone's advice. Too many decisions to make and too many choices!!

Wow! Already looks awesome! I like this rug that you laid tho it's shorter. You can make it work for sometime till you buy another easily. Second last photo of rug posted is great too if you intend to buy. Please do remove the tall wooden thingy on the mantel piece from this room.. And the animal head that you have on the opposite walk..

I heard about these and have heard mixed reviews (most likely due to how people have decided to design/paint them). The rest of our house has white hardware. In my opinion, the back splash should have light almond and any painted wall should continue to have white. My wife feels everything should be white. I guess I am throwing the question out there to see what the community thinks.

Just a few small things. In dining take off runner it is too short, it will look better without one. also remove all the stuff on top of china cabinet. Love the chandelier. In LR, the table in front of sofa is too tall and has too much stuff, Remove books the table at end is too short remove books. Seating arrangements needs to be closer. Can't see entire room, but could sofa by DR be moved to face piano closer to other sofa?