embwdc's Profile

Yes! Monkey does look like a dog! But then again, all of my nephew's animals are called "Guy", regardless of gender or species. :)
Love this focus on cleaning! So therapeutic, and I love coming home from a long day, to a clean house!

I see no reason why you couldnt use a lighter weight fabric, but there are a few things you might want to keep in mind when selecting. Cotton and linen do tend to stretch more, and yes, a backing would be great. A good way to test whether or not the backing is needed is to take the fabric swatch in your hand and try stretching it diagonally. If it stretches considerably then go with the backing. If it only pulls a little then you should be fine. A cotton-poly blend will hold up nicely. Also, when you take the chairs to get re-upholstered, take the fabric with you. If your seat is too soft then the fabric will give with every seating and look stretched out quickly. Address your concerns with your upholsterer - a good one will properly advise you on how firm your seat should be.
Hope this helps- those are great chairs!!

As a designer and a homeowner with a small galley kitchen, I highly recommend going with the two burner- anything to give me more counter space. On a daily basis, I cook for two, but on the occasions where I have guests, it becomes all about time management and warming things in the oven.
As for resale, its a toss up...those like me will covet the additional counter space and for those who cook (a lot and creatively) they will look for a balance..."it only has a two-burner, but look at all the storage!".
Bottom line...go for the two burner but think out the rest of your kitchen carefully. If you have higher ceilings, take the cabinets or shelving all the way up. Be careful with the finishes you choose as you don't want it to feel like a cave. Also, lighting is key. If you don't have the money for under cabinet lighting, find some of those LED Everywhere Lights (with dimmer $7 each) and space them out evenly.

These guys are great! I highly recommend them. They are very well priced and super courteous. I, too, use them for clients, and it leaves everyone feeling as if they've done their small part by recycling and supporting a local business. They have been at the DC Green Festival in the past, so look for them next weekend!

Great room and a great start!
I would keep the cocktail table as-is, the wood top tones in beautifully with the wood floors and also picks up color in your throw pillows. Perhaps bring out the white in two side chairs (Louis-like or Heppelwhite sheild back)-paint the frame white and upholster in a more modern fabric. Then add a small, short table between and stack books on it. Maybe add a bench (Nelson-ish slat bench?) for additional seating...