Entering construction area: hard hats required beyond this point

We are trying very hard to transform our house into a space that is both functional for a large and busy family, and lovely to look at. Right now, as you can see, it is neither. This room is still under construction, as is evidenced by the power tools laying about and the tape markings on the walls that indicate where we'll be putting new book shelves. The lack of the aforementioned bookshelves explains the enormous stacks of books piled on the floor. And since life goes on as always, regardless of construction work, there are Lego creations on the hearth, empty coffee cups near the computer, and some stuff the dog chewed up last night still on the floor. In the 11 years we have lived here, I don't think there has ever been a time when every room in the house was in its finished state at the same time; yet in spite of the perpetual chaos, we've always had our welcome mat out. If we'd wanted a Better Homes and Gardens house, we'd never have had six children!