It seems that 2 story houses are becoming much more the norm here. At least in the metro areas. People are wanting bigger houses and builders can get more house on less land. Mattresses, box springs and dressers have to be the WORST things to get up stairs ;-) I love the look of staircases and love the view a 2nd story provides. I'll tell ya though - we're not elderly (YET!) but I love not carrying laundry and other items up and down stairs ;-)

Just a quick note to thank you all for sharing your thought, ideas, experience and time. I especially want to thank Bluenan and decoenthusiaste for being with me through the all process for the last 6 months or so..., just wanted to post few photos of the results (https://www.houzz.com/discussions/any-ideas-for-final-touches-to-this-living-dinning-room-dsvw-vd~569586) as I feel it is not only me who created this space but it is your creations as much as mine. It may not be perfect or according to the the "Rules", but it is Me and my family. Each and every piece was chosen by me in different parts of the world and each one of them has a unique story behind. I am very pleased with my space. I love it! I am very blessed. .... and so I am off to my new project now... Back to school.... that's really going to be hard ;) Thank you all, once again.

I agree deepen the color, don't change it and yes art art art! maybe lessen the presence of the brick with the earlier suggestion of the metal cogs its and use traditional artwork pics/nature/paintings on the painted wall. I also like the idea to paint the part of the wall that juts out in a darker shade of the same color. Now you have lots to consider and lots to dismiss as well. Good luck and have fun

I was left with this eyesore when the builders took away an old concrete shed. It is a west facing wall although not much sun in evening as there are lots of trees opposite and the grass you see is artificial. Capstones on the top, some kind of climber? But if there is a climber which kind cans be grown from pots? Thanks in advance for your creative brilliance.