Here's an update: I bought a new rug. The picture quality is not the greatest as I took it with my phone, but here it is: It is returnable, so I would like some thoughts on it! I love the colour (a mixture of blues and browns), and I think the pattern will help hide our day to day messes (compliments of Bandit, on the loveseat, and her two teenagers!) I also like that it is a less traditional feel than the old rug. I went on my first fabric hunting trip yesterday, but came up empty. I'm still not sure what direction to go for the chairs. Thanks, Carrie

The tile is so neutral, you can go with almost any color. The lighter colors will seem brighter in the dark space. I would find an inspiration piece and go with the colors from that...it can be an outfit you like, a plate, a pic of a room you like, a poster you'd like to hang on the wall...anything. So long as it's something you'd like to look at. Then go with it. My laundry room was inspired by a kitchen I saw on a house tour where the owner had white cabinetry and painted the little bit of wall space in heather. It was luscious, and i loved it so much that the color stuck with me....so now I have a heather colored laundry room...crazy to some, but I love it. And what the heck....it's a laundry room...why not liven it up.

Thank you Cpartist. That is what I meant to say (instead of move the cooktop). I just think that is too much renovation for us at this point in time. Just looking for a little freshen up. Kids are almost ready for College and my discretionary funds are being diverted elsewhere other than my kitchen!! We will have to make do with the cooktop in the island but after these discussions I am leaning towards getting the best downdraft I can fit in my space. Although in all fairness, I rarely use the downdraft that I have now.

It sounds like those people may have two 36” over/under Sub Zero fridges. I had one in my former home...was still going strong at 25 years old, when we sold the house. In our new home, we put in a 42” French door SZ. Once again, terrific refrigeration. Not a lick of trouble after 4 years, unlike other brands complained about on this forum. I expect this fridge will be the long lasting workhorse our former fridge was. A big plus...Sub Zero has the best customer service in the industry. Since you stated that you and your husband are willing “to spend some money,” I urge you to find a store, where you can check them out.