How about removing the arch and putting in a door. Could open outward to the left side. Sorry to be critical but the shape of arch looks a bit funny.

A summer must have for me is a big glass jug — whether it's used to hold infused water or a fruity cocktail to share, it's something I'll definitely be buying to ensure I stay hydrated.

Given the wall behind that sofa is going (did I read that right?), I'd not replace with anything other than some more photos on the wall perhaps....just for the interim. Oh gosh- I'm sorry about the rug. I'd be looking to pull a colour from the adjoining dining room- the lovely linen/neutral colour from the chairs would look good, a natural sisal, woven grass-type (West Elm has some on sale). Could the new Ikea rug go under the dining table?, to take colour pallet across the dining room. In terms of a coffee table- round or oval, glass, finely detailed legs. Something that almost disappears. Add a couple of linen/neutral cushion to the grey sofas, a neutral throw. This would really lighten the whole look up.

m_mdimond; My constant whippet! Yes change is inevitable. Youth was great! Middle age more challenging, now the dread of what happens as the body slows, bu the mind still runs at top speed! Funny how we eventually become our parents and live with all the things they once complained about: eyesight less sharp, glasses, threading needles a challenge. Oh what we so easily dismissed or took for granted when we were young! Pain at bay to this point. Sad to hear of yours, but fantastic you are still managing to walk your Shepherd, despite it! Dogs keep us centred and motivated. They shower us in love and lack of judgement. My dad had his Jack Russell at his side into his nineties. He was his constant companion and often his sole company for days at a time, other than his twice weekly cleaner. Animals are so special. They deliver their own unique greetings and communicate in such different ways. My life would be so much the less without the animals who have been part of it. So lucky to have had two wonderful ponies and an incredible galloway. So lucky many of my friends had horses too. Horses, dogs and cats are always a point of connection into special human experience and also lead us to new human and animal connections. Nothing wrong with memories and sentiment. I think we feel it even more accutely as we age. Glad I kicked up my heels, as well as keeping those "heels down, legs close to my horses side and and elbows close to my own" for much of my fantastic and sometimes wild youth! I was a pretty good kid really, but do admit to having been a teen groupie, back in the day, wouldn't swap that either. Somewhere here, I believe is my scrapbook and definitely a few photos in the albums. Still like to kick up my heels, too! Yes. Gratitude is vital.