Historic residential architectural styles were not based on a "look" but a collection of specific cultural, experiential and architectural influences that were adapted and modified by architects and builders often but not always retaining much of the original intent. American Colonialists brought the Post Medieval style from England but substituted local materials (lap siding and wood roofing shingles instead of stucco, half timber and thatch). As the colonies prospered they adapted and modified the more fashionable English styles that were based on Classical (Greek & Roman) designs from the Italian Renaissance. We know these styles generally as Colonial and specifically as Georgian, Adam, etc. They were later used as inspirations for the Colonial Revival styles. In the case of the Craftsman Style, it was originally developed in southern California by the Greene Brothers. They were architects influenced by the English Arts & Crafts movement, oriental wooden structures and formal training in wood & metal working and designed intricately detailed handcrafted houses of natural materials that joined the interior with the exterior. These designs and much simpler variations were published in many American magazines like The Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and The Craftsman and were quickly adopted by pre-cut material supply companies that sold mail order kits. This resulted in the rapid spread of a watered-down version of the Craftsman Style bungalow across the country. This is why it is difficult to find a Craftsman Style house that retains much of the inspiration or detailing of the Greene brothers. A similar thing happened when a vernacular version was developed of the Prairie Style. When a historical architectural style is reduced to a "look", it usually only retains the name for advertising purposes. When I see the term Craftsman it tells me virtually nothing except that the house is unlikely to have classical detailing but you can never be sure without a photo or drawing.

Aww ...I would have loved to see it jane

You' all made many great POINTS about the most fundamental 'dos and don'ts' of effective purchasing in preparation for resale, whilst NOT going overboard on grandiose, 'theatrics.' I spent a decade+ in 'the trades' (General Contracting, three businesses) after being an architectural, etc. drafter... and have worked on MANY a mid- priced to higher end residence, and delt with numerous home owners and realtors... and while I AGREE that home staging clearly (on average) results in a quicker sale (perhaps 2- 4 weeks faster?) needed architectural 'fixes,' and recoatings, etc. are often the smartest place to 'invest' in semi- permanent 'staging...' vs. (paying for) rented decorum, in an empty space. (i.e. Savvy 'light' remodeling DOES indeed 'add valuation,' so long as one doesn't 'go overboard...' and the space truly NEEDED IT (before it was remodeled) for REAL 'added value?' There is no consistent 'formula' to increase 'resaleabilty,' per se'. However REPAINTING (along with general cleanliness, minimalism and orderliness) generally adds the most overall 'value,' so always start THERE! Many realtors don't EMPHASIZE this point, as they want your BUSINESS. ;-) Always hire a GOOD painter (and perhaps, even a colorist?) before a 'decorator,' on the WAY OUT... And don't 'buy into' the 'white on white' perspective, when the majority want what's currently POPULAR. (Not to pay another painter to 'cover up' the new, 'off' WHITE!) As many mentioned, it's as much about price, location, duration of time on the market, choice of RE (marketing) company and realtor, and the TIMING (right buyer, right place, right time) and of course whether it's a 'starter home,' or an 'empty nester,' luxe abode? As someone pointed out above... a 'seasoned' or affluent buyer cares little about whether or not a king sized bed and ensemble FITS in the (oversized) master bedroom. They tend to care if the in- suite bath has a separate 'water closet,' sunken jacuzzi and larger walk- in shower, stylish dual vanity sinks, etc. Furnishings to wall art are afterall to be 'restaged,' at a later date... So 'for the money' (i.e. post 'curb appeal' landscaping, recent appliances, lighting, recoatings, new/er floors, a clean interior/ exterior and windows, etc.) don't put to much EMPHASIS on (non permanent) decorum... but rather on making the place look as NEW, 'up to date' and CLEAN as possible! If the market is UP and there's minimal 'competition,' then staging becomes far LESS important. And if it's a TIGHT market, etc., then make the place even more of a STANDOUT, for a faster (perhaps even, much faster?) sale! And a friendly word of ADVICE: Use common sense and SELL SOON (and don't buy again, til AFTER the coming 'correction') vs. being 'upside down' in this overpriced North American, European, etc. marketplace. Or alternately, remain 'content' where you currently reside (2015/16+) for the forseeable future??? And no... I'm no longer 'in the business' of: designing, building, or remodeling homes, etc. And at times, I really MISS IT...

Thanks Mtnrdredux, I appreciate the compliment! The problem is, the other rooms just immediately came to me based on their features and the pieces I had with which to work. I might have struggled over the exact wall hue or which accent fabric, but I knew what direction I wanted. This study is in pretty bad shape, and it's mostly for my husband, and we're reworking some big elements in the room, so I have too many choices! As far as the floor covering, that is up in the air also. The current rug is a nice old wool Wilton I really like with black and soft blue and salmon, but I could use it in two other rooms as well. I would love to pick the rug first and use that as the jumping off point, but nothing has spoken to me yet! I'm constantly searching CL and eBay, though, so maybe soon. Yayagal, do you mean mineral spirits, or did you really use mineral oil? I tested the finish with denatured alcohol to see if it's shellac, and I'm still uncertain. But a thorough cleaning is a good idea. The ceiling and windows were filthy from years of nicotine, so that could certainly be a factor with the original trim. I've been searching for some inspiration pics of wood mantels and white trim, but I can't find many. Here are two from Houzz: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/living-room-eclectic-living-room-chicago-phvw-vp~371189) [Eclectic Living Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2104) by Chicago Kitchen And Bath Rebekah Zaveloff [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/this-old-house-family-room-traditional-living-room-boston-phvw-vp~35004) [Traditional Family Room[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-family-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_720~s_2107) by Cambridge Architect LDa Architecture & Interiors I like that they are both vintage mantels in a more transitional decor. My mantel actually looks a lot like the second photo. It feels somehow appropriate that the mantel stand out from the trimwork in these cases. But neither one has bookcases or built ins surrounding it. Would that change the balance somehow? And they both feature light color walls which helps the trim blend away a bit. How would the overall look change if I did a deeper wall color, white bookcases, and my oak mantel? Too busy?