jacquipru: I kind of like it without the lamp. Do you need the lamp there for ambient lighting? If so, then the blue/silver shade for sure. My family would love for me to give advice on other matters. Keeps me out of their hair. HA When you start the other discussion, be sure to include lots of pictures, and include information like "I need to work with all the furniture, except for _________." And what kind of budget you are on. (Champagne vs beer!) You'll get TONS of ideas, but if you aren't working (sorry you are sick) and need cost-effective ideas and products, leaving it open ended might not be as on point and helpful as it could be. It's also helpful to generally indicate your location if you are comfortable. That helps people develop ideas based on what stores/vendors may be available to you. :)

The taupe countertops are nice. Have you seen all the new choices of backsplash tiles that are available currently? There are so many beautiful ones, there isn't a need to settle on white subway tiles. Venture out to the big box stores or flooring showrooms and take a look... There are tile caps of all sizes to finish off the ends. A nice one is called a tile liner, and it's about 1/2"-wide. There's also metal strips that can be laid in to finish the tile, it looks very nice. They are called: Schluter Systems 0.375-in W x 98.5-in L Aluminum Commercial/Residential Tile Edge Trim and can be found at Lowe's. They come in different colors.

I am so excited about the opportunity to finally have a pool at my home. I really want to get it right and wonder if I should consult a landscaper prior to deciding on the house plan to ensure the layout of the house is going to be in the optimum position for a lap pool setting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The photo gives a bit of an idea , but an inside shot would really be needed , plus an idea of your favourite things . Probably the two best guesses would be art on the walls , and/or plants . Plants would only work if it 2 metres or more deep , but boy could you have fun , with different coloured leaves , textures , heights , leafy plants , cactuses , all sorts . A marble statue or a rock water feature depending on style and taste . Art is more personal -- family photos may be important to you , or you may like WW2 planes , or large colourful abstracts may suit your tastes and draw looks . Other things like a wallpapered feature wall , even timber may work , but you need to suss out what suits YOU -- unless you want a home and garden magazine clone .