I would like to know more about where you are in the life of your family and your landscape plans. Meaning, more about short-term vs. long-range goals. For example, if you are only fond of a hedge or wall there because of the kids, and if it weren't for that you would prefer a different design, it might make sense to leave and spruce up/rejuvenate the existing hedge until your children are older, and meanwhile achieve some other landscape goals that could co-exist with that (whether that be curb appeal, flowers for cutting, potager garden toward the street; or, do you have in mind, maybe from some other home landscape you've admired, and have the budget for, a totally preferred concept such as the stone wall idea, or a preferred hedge species, which works for you with kids or no kids.

Otterkill - the glass shower enclosure was custom and done by a local glass shop. I prefer not to share costs publicly online. Not to mention costs can vary a great deal depending on the materials you use, prices and deals on materials, and regional labor costs. For those on a budget you can replicate this look for less if you use a different marble or other materials. There are some great porcelain tiles and quartz countertops that can create a similar look for much less. Calacatta gold generally runs $20+ a square foot for tile and over $200 a square foot for countertop slab. I suggest shopping around to get a sense of what you like and the costs and then drafting a budget. Then from there you can see where you have give and take in your budget to save on some items and splurge on other items. And as always check out Craigslist or Ebay for deals. Who knows, you may find a wonderful deal on closeout tile or remnant slab.

I don't really get the obsession w/ being timeless -- My purpose has always been in the pursue of beauty (together with function, of course). I bet most people who design a so-called timeless interior (or piece of art/furniture) didn't set out to achieve that. They set out to create something beautiful, and if that happened to stand the test of time, great. If not, who cares---great art are often misunderstood. hehe.. :-D 99.9% of the things in my house are bought used, and are often old (not antique). I don't know if they are *timeless* but in my eyes they are beautiful -- that's good enough for me. :-D the other 0.01% of our stuff are just really ugly, but they are loved & well regarded by my children/DH so okay, I'll let them take a pass. :-D I read magazine (uber glossy ones) a lot. I also kept older ones. There are always things to be learned, from the past & present -- There are a lot of bad rooms in 1930s magazines just as there are many of wonderful room in 2009 issues. I don't read magazines (or even catalog) so I can learn the newest trend (and jump on the bandwagon). I read to learn new ideas, to see beautiful things and figure out why are certain rooms more appealing than others. What really bugs me are new things that pretend to be old. Fake patina gets me. There is no shame in being new. I like patina that's there because the piece has been loved been used been around. So to answer your question, Parma, in order to decorate in a "timeless" style, one must decorate with things (which you think) are beautiful & useful, & well loved. As for what would stand the test of time, I think in general, a piece of furniture that has nice scale, good proportion, and well crafted has better chance of surviving the design Darwinism compare to something that's poorly designed.

thank you, reader! Hoosier-ahhh, I really wanted a BOLD "statement" color...but what I am hearing is maybe the floor is statement enough? What adds the my indecision is that the room is a blank slate, the only furniture is my dining room table and hutch. I know when I get furniture, area rugs, etc...it may "calm down" and bold color I put on the walls, but right now I am kind of scared to do it. I promise to post pics when we decide. I probably will chicken out and do the creamy neutral. Thanks for the compliments on the floor...I am excited about it...not something I would have chosen, but as time goes on, I am loving them more and more! I have gone from "Eh, I don't *hate* them" to actually diggin'them!