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Living Room Help Needed (pip)
We moved into our house (new build) two years ago and I have not done any decorating to the downstairs at all. I want it to be cozy and feel like home, but right now it is just blank.
So, Operation Decorate Living Room has started. I want to start by replacing our couches. They are almost 9 years old and have been well used by us and three kids! My problem is that I don't know what to replace them with. RIght now, we have a couch and a large chair. What do you think would look best in this space? Two couches? A couch and a loveseat? Throw some chairs in there? I don't think I want a sectional, even though that might look best.
After I pick out the couches, I want to work on my mantel. My husband bought me the Pottery Barn clock that currently hangs over the fireplace. So, I'd like that to stay. What else should I put up there?
My style is farmhouse. I love old, reclaimed wood. Eventually, I'd like to put handscraped, wideplank wood floors down on the entire downstairs, but that won't be for a couple of years.
Here are the pictures of my lr. Please ignore the Resurrection Eggs on the fireplace. My daughter made them in her prek class and I have kept them out so I can videotape her telling the story with them. Just haven't done it yet!
The room is 15'9" by 17'6" and opens up to the kitchen and breakfast room.
Thanks!
Re: Living Room Help Needed (pip)
I'm usually anti curtains but this room is gorgeous and just needs some color. I would add some sheer curtains in a bolder color. Add a couple nice color throw pillows and some flowers on your mantel or table and you are set.
And if you have the $$, some crowne molding would look fantastic!
I personally don't see anything wrong with the couches and chair.
Colored curtains hung at the ceiling. Colored throw pillows. (By colored I mean not neutral.) A rug if you don't object to rug on rug. A potted palm tree if you think that's your style. Colored art.
I also don't see anything wrong with the furniture.
My Pinterest
The Googlesites Paint Bio
Thinking of doing cosmetic updates to a dated home? These were our costs.
The couch looks good from afar, but it seriously needs replacing. Its almost 9 years old and I can't even count the number of stains on it! Its sort of gross! I know its hard to tell from the pics, but take my word for it!
My parents gave my husband the saw he needs to do the crown molding, so that is on our list to do in this room. I think it will make a huge difference.
I think it definitely needs curtains, but I was sort of waiting on the couches to figure out what to hang and what pillows to buy. Figured, since we've saved for couches, I'd buy those and then decorate around them!
The Crafty Mama Blog
I would do a couch, a loveseat, and one or maybe even two low chairs on the other side to make a conversational grouping. It looks like the t.v. is high enough that they wouldn't fall in the sightline for it.
And curtains, throw pillows, and a rug. :-)
I agree with the PPs. I really think curtains, a rug and some color would do wonders to transform it. The room itself is lovely. It's not bad. It's just very, very bland and doesn't showcase any personality. Easily fixed!
What colors do you like? I see aqua or turquoise. What about replacing your coffee table with an old (or old looking) steamer trunk or something since that's a look you love?
Personally I think loveseats are dated, aside from maybe in a breakfast nook or in a bedroom seating area...I'd do a big sectional because I'd want to leave the window wall empty. Have the sectional run where the couch is now, and extend on the right. I agree, adding curtains hung at the ceiling on a black rod would be really pretty to "dress" those amazing windows!
I'd also look for a big old dresser to paint and distress to replace the unit under the tv. If you like farmhouse, I'd decorate the mantle with some fun pieces and fill it up, rather than just the clock. Layla from the Lettered Cottage is the MASTER at mantlescapes, check out her blog for some inspiration!
You just need color and texture, really, aside from a new sofa. Curtains, pillows, a throw blanket on the couch, and to fill up the mantle area with some decor.
Beautiful room, just needs to be finished off!
What about a big, soft couch done in French Ticking stripes? Like this (this one's from Ballard).
You could do a couple of smallish chairs in a fun fabric and float them out in the room with a small table in between them. Something small would be easy to move around to accomodate parties, movie watching, etc.
I would order a couple of throw pillows that match the chairs to use on the couch. I would also pull the couch off the wall and put a console table back there, maybe. And pull a color out of the fabric for drapes, maybe in a nice lined linen.
I love the idea of a chunky dresser under your TV.
Ugh, tiny pic is killing me. I'm not sure why the second picture isn't showing.
ETA: fixed picture.
I love your space. It's really beautiful.
I would use a leather couch and a large round lamp table in the corner with a substantial wooden rustic lamp. I would then find two, slightly smaller chairs for where you have the one chair. For the chairs, I would choose a patterned fabric, something that sets the color scheme you like, but something that gives you options. (Don't be afraid to go a little bold with the pattern of the two chairs...) I would place a square wooden side table between the two chairs. I would then find a larger scaled media console to anchor that wall better. A large tree/plant between the window and the fireplace would be nice.
I agree with Tarheels about using an area rug to pull the space together. Since replacing the flooring is a long term goal, I think rug on rug in this case would work very well for warming up the space. For warming up the space, I might keep the walls a tan, but go a few shades darker, esp. if you want to bring color in through the curtains, throw pillows and a rug.
OMG! The space is beautiful! What color paint is on your walls? We're redoing the living room and kitchen and I love the color of your walls. And as for your space I agree with the other ladies. Hang curtains from the very top and try adding some bold colors throughout the space.
Good Luck!
Thanks everyone!
Grace, I'm not sure of the color. I'm sorry! I know its Kwal and it is the standard paint they use on all the new construction homes. I'll see if my husband can find the paint can this week. He's already in bed!
I cannot decide on a couch! Ugh. Its just such a big purchase for us, and I want it to be comfy and pretty.
The Crafty Mama Blog
I would do a sofa and two chairs. Like pp said, I think loveseats are dated. For the sofa, would you like a skirted sofa or something with legs? I really want to get the Rachel sofa by best slipcover company. It's about 2500. Not sure if that is in your budget.
Here it is with a box pleated skirt http://urbangraceinteriors.typepad.com/the_blog/2009/01/newbies.html
straight skirt
http://www.realestatestyleblog.com/cheap-art-ideas/
Coffee tables
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/hamilton-reclaimed-wood-coffee-table/?pkey=ccoffee-tables
http://www.shopcandelabra.com/currey-and-company-brigadoon-coffee-table.html
http://www.customfurnitureworld.com/Tapered-Leg-Distressed-Wood-Coffee-Table_p_1713.html (available in many colors)
http://www.customfurnitureworld.com/Distressed-Solid-Wood-Coffee-Table-with-Magazine-Rack_p_1707.html (available in many colors)
Or if you are feeling crafty, you could paint the coffee table that you have a light gray color.
I would add crown moulding, some window trim. And when you are close to finishing the room, some curtains would look awesome! How about some tall distressed candlesticks on the mantel? I'd also put some kind of beachy piece in the middle of the mantel--a clam shell, piece of coral, etc.