inkwitch Many studies have been done of the affect of color on people's psyche, mood, emotions and attitude. "Jailhouse Pink" for instance. Who'd have ever guessed that one! Some people don't "notice' color; some people can't live without it. Whatever floats your boat.

bonnieinflorida Gee, now I'm wondering if it was the caramel color of my favorite satin nightgown that . . . Never mind.

Kendra Daniel Explains my selections in blue and caramel.

inkwitch WANT vs. BUDGET has always driven design. Except for those folks with more $$ than sense.

Patricia Pelgrims Absolutely hilarious ! :D

Zachary Muriithi Wonderful.quite clearly spelt out.

mforr You go girl!!!

inkwitch No insult intended. It's a challenge to keep friends from giving me stuff that they think is so cute! I have to admit a liking for gazing balls -- they fall into the same category as pink plastic flamingos!

inkwitch It sort of depends on what colors you love. (For isntance, I am not a "yellow person," so I would never use that color.) So what do you like? Greens? Blues? Grays? Browns? "Modern" tends to go towards the grays all over with variations in light/dark from space to space. "Country" tends toward softer colors.

Therefore: suggestion: a blue-leaning-towards-gray for the walls, darker tone (almost a navy) for the island base, and (it can't be helped if you want the "country" look), white on the wainscoting. Or cream, since your backsplash tends toward "tan."

If you plan to change the backsplash in future, that might figure into your color considerations, but it's easier to paint than to replace that. If you were to change the backsplash, a white subway tile or penny tile would minimize the color limitations and give the kitchen a "vintage" air. This will go well with stainless, the countertops (beautiful) and cabinets, in case you plan not to paint those. If you were to do so, suggest white. Classic and beautiful.

Suggestion: it's easy to have the middle section of cabinets doors cut out and replaced with glass. More glass cabinet doors would "lighten" and add to the country vibe. You have a beautiful room with excellent proportions and good furniture. Almost anything will work when the basics are right.

ASVInteriors @carolins - I was intrigued by your F&B paint because I didn't recognize it. Just gone and checked it out on my colour deck and it is completely different! On my screen it looks a lovely ecru (hints of yellow and green undertones) On my card it looks like pale pale grey - and is, in fact, placed amongst the more greenish grey palette section...! A salutary lesson in what our monitors show us and what real life does!!!

carolins I know, I have a simple F&B paint deck (one that they send you if you send them an email), chose a colour for a wall in my home, got tester pots out and the colour on the paint deck was totally different to the colour on the wall and they were both totally different than the colour on screen. Still a nice colour, but really... nowhere near close to what I chose based on the on screen and paint deck colour. But again... it's a simple paint deck, not a pro one. I can imagine there may be a difference between those too.

inkwitch Style: eclectic cottage. Decor is silvery/taupe faux shantung draperies, oak pedestal table and plain 70 yr. old oak buffett (small), chairs to be decided on, composite (?) wood floors to go in w/6" baseboards. Art is B/W & sepia photos in black frames.

The whole wall, floor to ceiling, is beadboard. (I took 4' off the dining room to create a storage room so this is a "new" wall.) I'm leaning toward one or 2 shades darker taupe than the draperies. The floating shelf will go across the entire beadboard wall, ideally painted a vivid turquoise, but that 's flexible depending on wall color. Arched doorway into LR which is light golden tan so I want it to blend.

Would flat paint be better than than eggshell/satin finish?

mforr Even semi gloss.

judyg When you say a dark color…black, navy, brown? with the turquoise floating shelf running across? I bet you could, but you need to highlight the dark.

inkwitch Stripe Frost! Although all 3 are gorgeous, I'm in a blue-green phase! 5 years ago it would have been red.

yleonardo729 Hotel collection red frame!!

blamport Hotel collection classic stripe frost!

ASVInteriors An idea:

66marjorie this is the coffee table I was thinking of.

inkwitch On-demand hot water apparatus. No need to store. It heats as water passes through it, as hot as you want it. Instantaneous. Storing hot water is a thing of the past.

apple_pie_order The efficiency of solar and wind power depends on your location. Log burning is prohibited in some locations due to pollution from smoke. People who camp in the Western US often use a special purpose camp shower bag which is heated for hours by the sun (if there is any) using local water, not potable water, and "soap" that has minimal polluting effects on the drained water.

I suggest that a more specific question with context might get you some comments in return and perhaps some websites useful to you in the UK.

ASVInteriors Experts on off-grid living are the Earthship designers in New Mexico - I am always amazed by the ingenuity of this "craze" that began in the 1960s. Pioneers before it was fashionable....
Here is a video on hot water storage for plumbing for an earthship. It might give you some ideas or at least a beginning resource for your research
Best of luck
http://earthship.com/earthship-hotwater-systems.html

PS Is this your tinyhouse with the disco lights (I think you were subconsciously inspired by the tardis! :-))

inkwitch Before you commit to a paint color based on a 2" sq chip, buy samples and paint patches in both direct light and in shadow. If you're really lucky, you'll find a color that changes with color and gives you greater variety. Of course, Swiss Coffee is a common color used for trim and cabinets, but the wall color will be more important since it has to go with both counters and cabinet and floor. Consider painting the ceiling the same color as walls, cut half with white. A stark white ceiling against creamy walls looks blah.

Definitely get rid of the fan and put in a neat light -- 36" above the table. I liek the table, but you might want to get different chairs so they aren't all the same color wood. More colorful rugs in the kitchen -- don't have to slap you in the face, but a little more vivid.

Backsplash is where you can really be interesting. It doesn't cost much compared to the overalle xpense. Copper penny tile would be stunning with those countertops. It's making a huge comeback. But whatever, before you pick the wall paint, choose the backsplash or you may be repainting!

Remove the little shelf attached to the cabinets flanking the window. Consider removing the middle wood section on a couple of cabinets and replacing with glass. It will lighten the look tremendously. Doesn't have to be transparent; it could be etched, frosted, ribbed, whatever you like and can afford.

inkwitch All backsplash tile comes as 12" squares on a mesh to more easily attach to the plaster applied to the wall.

That particular shade of copper is a little too much with the countertop. Given the variation in the countertop, a one-color backsplash with perhaps a narrow stripe would give it less competition and look better. There's tons of color choices so you can play around until you get the right tone.

Blackboard is an invaluable addition to the kitchen! I have one for grocery reminders and another in my computer room for quickly jotting down phone numbers and to do lists.

Removing the doors over the micro provides shelving for cookbooks or, with slots built in, for pot lids. Painting the insides of cabinets makes them less dark, especially if you're using swiss coffee.

If you want to snazz up your kitchen more, consider painting the lower cabinets a different color from the tops. A friend painted her lowers red, white uppers. houzz has lots of photos showing this in case it appeals to you.

Consider dropping a light over the sink (you'll wonder why all kitchens don't have one!) and replacing the ceiling fixture.

mccortb How much work can you do yourself demo wise? If w/d are behind those closet doors move them and use the space for cabinets--you could make it look like china/buffet. If that is a false fir down take it out as well as all the upper cabinets and re-purpose those in the closets. Get new doors for all--go online and look for doors--how about aluminum and glass? You can buy the frames online as well as different glass inserts. I would do new doors if budget permits--and there are a LOT of websites that sell them. I suggest splurging on pullouts in the lower cabinets--again its amazing whats out there and that would give you the same effect of draws for less cost.
The space now open from the upper cabinets can have a few shelves here and there holding items. I personally love glass tiles a complimentary color from the granite would bring it out more. Does your floor have to be tile?
What about cork or even eco cork/vinyl? Cork today is incredible--there are some that look like polished concrete. Easier on the feet and cheaper than tile--plus maintenance is a breeze and you can even do radiant flooring under it. Good luck! Hope I expressed the ideas as I saw them in my head.

mccortb I forgot to add--ditch the fan--or at least get a contemporary minimal one-and add contemporary lighting.

inkwitch Given that it's very shady and an area that will involve either traffic from the car (with minimal room), putting a planting bed next to the house would probably end up being forgotten adn neglected and end up being both an eyesore and constant aggravation.

If you want a planting area, next to the fence would be a better location, giving you options for fencing variations, vines, lights, decorative items that you would not want to attach to the house.

In all, it does not look like a good area for many plants - moonflower vines, night-blooming jasmine, shade loving plants. A really snazzy wall with a mural or some decorative stonework might be a better idea. Consider other options.

pcmom1 Given that you may park there, and that it is sort of an out of the way spot, I vote to pave the entire area. You can always add some half wine barrels for plants or veggies if you like. But, why create more of an area to weed if you don't need to.

Actually, this spot looks like it would make a great dog run. Maybe some paved area, some other ground cover, dog house, dog swim pool....

cyclingthroughlife Thank you everyone for your thoughtful advice. My inclination, based on your thoughts here is to pave the entire section. We can use planters, etc. to soften up the area with shade loving plants, as well as to move the planters around as needed.

Originally we were looking to put a planter area by the fence side of the side yard, but with a car there, we need all the room we can in order to get out of the car. That said, some good ideas here - a little mural, or other decorations on the fence may enhance the area.

We will also be fencing in this area with two gates - one in front of the utility area and one behind it (thus shielding the utility area from the side patio further towards the back of the house).

carolins Why not get a couple of chairs in stead of the sofa? You'd be a little more flexible with furniture arrangement.

inkwitch This last arrangement is good. I think you may be giving your dining table too little room, but this works. Think small scale. Also multi-purpose. If 2 chairs that fit the dining table can also be used in the LR area instead of a larger chair. A floor lamp. Perhaps one that arches over the sofa that will also illumine the table.

Idea: Do you need 2 bedrooms? If you don't need the 2nd BR, perhaps it would be worth turning it into a dining room. (I have a 3-BR house, but because I live alone, I turned 1 into a DR and another into an office. But that's just me.)

yaqbpl reasonable. but how to explain somethin reasonable to wife.. anyway i think it would be better to have kitchen counter and be able to eat there also.

Inner Visions Interiors Let to the talk, but I would add a standing uplight in the corner to the left of the entrance. Slide the sectional tightly into that corner too. Put the T.V. On the opposite wall abutting the bedroom.
Get a half round or rectangular table to be placed right against the back of the sectional with 4 chairs around it. That will leave you some open space and allow you to take advantage of the view while dining

inkwitch I've seen a lot of powder rooms like this, and they always feel like being in a well! There's no way to change the size so ignore the size -- to a degree. The idea is to make it look unique and interesting so that the size is ignored. There's many things that could be done to make it look snazzy. The right wallpaper would be stunning, and houzz has many photos.

Painting the ceiling a slightly different darker shade than the walls. I would hesitate to mirror the entire wall opposite the toilet; few people want to see themselves in that position!

Love the pedestal sink and the oval mirror although the mirror needs framing. Consider changing the light fixture. A unique free-standing TP holder. Floating white shelves for supplies and some decorative items. A glass jar of shells, woven basket or unique box to hold TP, a stack of hand towels in a unique color. Keep the color scheme simple. Post an "after" photo; we'd all like to see what you do.

Kevin Retired Decorator Cutting in to the middle of the studs would be great but I would do it as a decorative feature maybe a curved arch top and give the bath a architectural feature. Good idea "inkwitch"

momof5x Just curious, is that the room shape ( curved?) or some camera effect? Also wondering how you got the Ariel view from near the ceiling haha, sorry for that!

inkwitch If you put a gray roof on a brown/gold/tan house, it's going to look awful. Given the strong color of the brick, it'll have to be a "brown" tone so I suggest Merino, Wheat or Afghan. I know these colors don't reproduce true on a computer.

Having said that, you should see if it's possible to get a color called Bronze. It may have to be another color palette. It's a fantastic color, rich, classy, and looks like old copper.

inkwitch It's called "Antique Bronze."

HERE Design and Architecture Thanks, Kevin Retired Decorator - we unfortunately don't have any insulation (the house is 1948 original) and the landlord isn't putting it in, although we do have roof vents. Part of my point is really to get people to think about being responsible with respect to sustainability and energy use - an issue that I think isn't going away.

HERE Design and Architecture Hello, Margaret Philips - we have an in-floor heater that we never use (winter, frankly, isn't much of a problem) and no AC at all :)

inkwitch Love white rooms! But I'm thinking you'd have to live alone with no children or animals to keep it that way without constantly cleaning. I admire anyone who can l iive with a white house!

The Vero Stone That first bedroom is stunning. Here are 2 more beautiful white on white kitchens - countertops and sink are made from our white glazed lava stone. Enjoy!

annsliee There was a time when I would have said no to white. I had been living in apartments. When I had my own homes, I learned about the many whites and had used a few of them to absolute joy. After a few moves to different states, I've been renting other people's homes. I am becoming so depressed with their selections of dull shades of greens, pinks, etc. I would LOVE, JUST LOVE to see white walls again. As the example photos illustrate above, it's the shade or tone of white and other colors in the room that make white interesting, lovely and peaceful to live in.

inkwitch Don't worry about the kickplate. You could prime it and paint, but since it's metal, if it gets knocked, paint will eventually flake off and you'll be constantly repainting. Flaking looks worse than the silver. Up to you.

I agree with whoever commented about the white trim. It looks great around the windows, but around the door, it's too contrasting. Search houzz for front door photos and check out ones that have the framing painted the same color as the door. I think it's worth looking at. Otherwise, it looks very smart and classy. Love the ferns. Nobody notices the containers w/ferns like that!

Gabberts Design Studio New to this post....just wanted to say how much improved your front entry is. Great job!

brody1313 Nice job!

inkwitch That's a lot of wallpaper! I don't envy you this job! Hint: stain remover ("Shout" for example) will disolve glue proteins and make it easier to remove. It peels off -- ideally. Then sponge off the remaining blue.

Don't try to match wall colors to wood other than to avoid glaring mismatching. But you do need to decide on a color scheme, based on furniture, carpets, accessories you already own or plan to purchase. Buy paint samples once you think you know what you want and paint a patch on the wall (about 1 ft. square) in sunlight, artificial light and shadow. This is not a fast process unless you have a really good eye for color. I've never found those little 2"x2" paint chips tell me anything, and store lighting is definitely misleading.

Once you've stared at the paint patches enough to decide "this one is too yellow, that one is too pink," you'll choose. Since you're tearing off the wallpaper, you can paint on top of that.

With cherry kitchen cabs, you might choose a cool color like gray, greige, blue (navy maybe?), sage. If you choose yellow tones, you may make the cherry cabinets look either sick or more "pink." The floors appear to be light-toned without overt reds so that will influence color coordination.

Without seeing your furniture and accessories, it's hard to suggest colors and you may have a particular love of some color you're just dying to use (lime? copper? cobalt? silvery taupe? chocolate?). Also, your decorating style, what "atmosphere" you want to project, will all be influenced by and determine workable colors. Post more photos once the rooms are cleared out, with intended purpose and an idea of your furniture/rugs/art, etc. You'll get more advice than you can use!

inkwitch I looked at "sea salt" - it's a pale aqua -- but couldn't get BM to open. Gray? With this palette, pale colors will work well and your house will make the rooms light and airy, sunny. You might use shades of gray -- a darker tone for either the kitchen or dining room (darker colors provide drama and intimacy), although "dark" is relative to other colors used. You will definitely have to prime over that red dining room!

Color patch testing will still be necessary to avoid tones that don't match. Picking a particular color gray or greige and lightening it by adding varying amounts of white can give you a coordinated palette throughout. Using the same color is boring.

The rust, deeper aqua, sage in your fabric samples will make terrific accents -- cushions, draperies, lamps, rugs. If you have a piece of furniture that is just too dated and mismatched, consider painting it a "wild" color (in relation to your palette) in gloss. Even the ugliest piece takes on a new life!

You can search houzz for "gray living rooms," "pale dining rooms," "country cottage" to see what colors you like, how they work. The hardest color to achieve is the aqua. It tends to turn gray at night/low light so consider what time of day you spend in that room before committing to it. I love it, but I have struggled with finding the right tone to paint my dining room!

When you get a chance, post photos of the empty rooms (even before you tear off the wallpaper). It will be easier to make suggestions. Good luck. It looks to be a great space.

Genevieve A light blue like in his picture for example

[houzz=Oakley Home Builders]

[houzz=Gossamer Blue 2123-40 by Benjamin Moore]

and for the kitchen I would go into the green

http://www.christies.com/lotfinderimages/D54714/a_wedgwood_pottery_charger_early_20th_century_impressed_marks_blue_97_d5471401h.jpg

[houzz=Farrow & Ball - Green Blue]

Cheryl House_Maiorano Some advise from a professional, stick with the HC pallette if you are using Benjamin Moore paints, if you don't have an eye for color they are the most classic. Go with a subtle color tone for the first floor in a neutral and add a splash of color to the dining room in burnt orange, chocolate, or deep grey. Make sure the samples look good together and with your fabrics as the rooms should flow.

inkwitch In the pink room, folding shutters on the lower half would help with heat. Your daughter's age (I assume this is her room) will determine the drapery style. For a younger child, frothy white dimity will thrill her girlish heart! For an older child, you'd better consult her as to color preferences. Given the amount of pink, something lime or yellow? (is the sofa staying?), perhaps stripes or geometric as a counterpoint to the flowered chintz.

In the blue room (your son's?), just white shutters on the lower half, no curtains. How old is he?

jakesparents1 I am glad u like the Mullions! They are in every window of the house. I do not care for them, but they are inside the window. New windows are not in the budget. I will learn to get used to them! Glad u like-hopefully in time I will too!!

Cheery Curtains here is a curtain designs for kids

inkwitch Thank you for this article! Lighting seems to be a "red-haired orphan" in decorating, and so crucial to the finished effect. And too many people think a ceiling fixture is enough! And thanks for eschewing matching lamps! Matching lamps, end tables, all so boring!

ilenegross Having just moved into a new house this article provided the needed information I require regarding lighting. One question. I just had built a custom "live edge table" for my dining room. 46"x100". Any thoughts or photos would be appreciated. Just artwork and applied molding will be in the room. Custom but simple parson chairs will be used not to fight with the beauty of the table. Since the chandelier is so vital to this room I could use some design help.

august42 Look at http://www.briandschneider.com/home.html for some nice lighting ideas.

inkwitch Raisa - love the art! Some wonderful pieces!

Jill: here are a few thoughts. Decorating requires a plan. The plan is: what do I want this room to feel like? What do I want to see when I walk in? Right now, it's all neutrals, and you have some great pieces. I actually like the coffee table. Child friendly. And those stainless drums can be painted, covered, whatever.

What colors do you love? A lot goes with neutrals so it's an open field. Once you decide on a color scheme, the first purchase should be an area rug or art, both of which must coordinate in color and style. The rug must be big enough for the front feet of all seating to be on it. 8x10. With all these neutrals, you can pick anything! Royal blue! Turquoise and cream! Copper and cream. Rust/brick/clay.

I suggest you search through houzz photos for LRs you love, note the colors, the accessories, the furniture. Once you've decided on that, you have a base. Draperies follow.

Love the mirror. It will have high impact above the sofa. Hang it no more than 6-10" above the back of the sofa.

Post more photos as you go. We're all addicts for this stuff you know!

warholsuperstar59 Jill, what do you want to do?:).

Larry T Hello, try standing the mirror vertical on the back wall, float the sofa in font of the large window with the two chairs across from the sofa, facing the window. The sideboard can go along the wall where the mirror was lying. One great piece of artwork above it. In the far corner, small occasional table, chair and lamp.

inkwitch Lovely! Warm and inviting. Guests aren't going to want to leave the table!

coratan Thanks for the comments!

Purcell Quality, Inc. Looks great!

inkwitch I watched the video about the Yorkshire castle. Now there's courage and gritty determination! Always had a fascination for old places -- archaeology is my passion !(Decorating is next.) My first exposure was the replica of the Parthenon in Nashville. Inside was an art gallery, but at 7, I saw ceremonial processions of Greeks through the oversized doors! And I didn't even know what Greeks were! I weep for the losses and celebrate the restorations. igner, do it. If you have hte passion and the determination, it will happen! What a beautiful castle! It felt familiar. I have a european soul!

joyful_lady Just had a thought when reading sunnie2day's post - My business has retreats and plans for annual cruises where our programs that increase human thriving are given. After you finish this it would be really cool to have one in your palace - a living example of someone successfully pursuing their passion. Other than personal experience, meeting someone is one of the best ways to inspire and help others believe their dreams are achievable. My Clientele is international and I would love to visit Poland.

Sharyn Is it possible you can get a few investors to go in with you to help with the costs? Silent partners when you open it as a hotel? Just an idea.

inkwitch Margo gives good advice. Start from scratch & bare slate. Remove everything from the walls (except the TV of course, unless you plan to put it another room). The art isn't working unless you're 75. Having said tha,t I really like the picture over the loveseat. Have it framed in something pale, not black or gilded. I wouldn't have that done until you've painted the walls.

If you're painting the walls a pale color, paint the ceiling the same color. Keep the trim white. That's a strange ceiling, so painting it to match will minimize its emphasis.

The curtains are good, although the dark curtain rods (are those tie-backs?) seem overly contrasting to all the pale colors. Remove tie-backs. if you want open curtains to reveal the whole window, hang the curtains outside the window framing. In fact, take them all the way into the corner. You may need to purchase an add'l pair if they look "skimpy" that way. This will create the illusion that hte windows are larger.

LOVE the parquet floor! Parquets are priceless if real wood and making a huge comeback! The rugs are good. Layer on top of each other. Pull sofas out from the walls. Create a cozy conversational grouping around the coffee table. All front feet of seating must be on the rug.

Need more photos of the left (?) side of the room. Is there an entrance? Staircase? Dining Room? Or is that where the loveseat and armoir stand? Too many pillows. 2 are enough. There's no lamps. Are you depending on the ceiling fixture? Unless the fixture is stylish and attractive, replace. Use softer lower wattage bulbs and get some lamps, perhaps a floor lamp. With those sofa arms, side tables will be more decorative then useful, but they'll provide a base for a lamp.

Search houzz living rooms -- traditional style seems more you. Find rooms you love and note the components that create the look you love. Note the color schemes and how accessories are used, how art is used. A lot of these rooms are done by designers so they're like movie sets, but it gives you a benchmark to frame your own space.

judygilpin Are we to assume you're keeping this furniture ? If so, I'd remove the things that look like placemats off of the arms. Move the sofa to face the TV (away from the wall, however). Then place the armchairs on either side of the sofa facing each other to create a conversation area. If you can purchase any new furniture, I would get a new coffee table as this style doesn't really go with the other pieces you have. Also, PLEASE hide those TV cords /cables. You can purchase covers at any home improvement or electronics store that you paint the color of your walls.

I can't tell exactely where the love seat is placed by your photo, but assume it's oposite your sofa. Move the book case to that wall and lastley update your artwork with larger and more current. Be sure not to hang artwork to high on the walls. It should be eye level. One should never have to look up to view it.

driaatdio Wow your after is amazing and looks far more expensive then what you paid!

Dytecture excellent investment.

inkwitch Haven't lived in Atlanta for at least a decade, but Peachtree/10th St during the 60's-70's, Little Five Points in the 80's, and Midtown in the 90's -- Love seeing places I remember well! Raised my daughter there. Grady High! And I've no desire to go back! But it's a beautiful city with more to see and do than any Southern city outside NO.

Poggenpohl Atlanta Great timing on this, Becky. I just bought a house in Kirkwood and already put in on my calendar to go on the home tour this weekend. Also, Carroll Street Cafe is a favorite and they have the BEST mussels in the city. Also, I love that you listed Modern Atlanta.

Elena Vega This is so fabulous; it makes me want to visit. Thanks, Becky!

inkwitch I know everyone is gaga for SS, but once it's not new and you touch it, it's fingerprints and smudges forever! It will never look that good again. It shows every print, every swipe, everything! Personally, I don't like it, but that's just me. I have a country galley kitchen w/white appliances.

Gray cabinets would be gorgeous. Consider a darker gray on the bottom, and a lighter shade on top. Do you plan to replace the countertops, too?

pitbulls In my opinion there is nothing better than SS

cdrdesign photoshop and for iPad: "paint my wall" .

inkwitch Since I didn't read all the comments, you may have already said why you're ignoring the FP. It's "the elephant in the room" if your furniture is not arranged with it as the focus. Is there some reason why you aren't floating the sofa in front of the FP? The fact that it's on the diagonal is unfortunate (when will architects wake up? They don't have to life with this thing!), but you can't ignore it unless you remove it, even if you don't use it.

Rug is lovely, but not quite big enough. It might be if you draw the furniture closer or situate in front of the FP. Just because you have all that sq. footage doesn't mean you have to spread the furniture out to the walls. In fact, if you look at houzz photos, you'll see that most current LRs are intimate conversational groupings within almost arm's length. Think cozy chats.

I don't care for the dark cabinets when the rest of your furniture is pale. You have collected some elegant pieces with beautiful colors and patterns (although photos don't do it justice). Your palette is pale, which is uber elegant. The cabinets are sort of "sore thumb" in comparison.

norma034 More photos

norma034 More!

inkwitch This sofa will define your entire room

inkwitch Sorry. Slip of the finger. Do you plan to paint the walls or are you sticking with -- what color is that?

Consider a silvery gray shantung silk (usually faux these days but silk does exist at a price). It will have a sheen to contrast with the matte look of velvet. Love the sofa and the colors!

aniluap2 I agree with carolins

carolins And I agree with aniluap2 :-)

inkwitch Color is quirky: if you use blue greens, it's going to make the yellow flowers pop out. If you use creams/yellows/tans, it'sgoing to make the blues and greens pop out. Your first task is to decide which way you want to go.

You can go with a variety of shades of green/aqua/sage, accenting with yellows/gold/rust/earth. Or you can go with yellows/cream/ecru/greenish yellows, and accent with sage/turquoise/greens.

You can't go too yellow with that kitchen floor being the tone it is -- photos on the computer don't always represent true. However, the further from that floor that you get (bathroom/bedroom/foyer), the "yellower" you'll be able to go.

Once you think you have colors you like, buy samples, paint a 1 ft. square patch on something that has been primed white (drywall pieces? don't use cardboard.), something big enough to give you a real chunk of color. Move it around the floor, against walls, in light and shadow. You'll be amazed how a color will change, and it will hone your choices. Painting is a huge chore; don't hesitate to buy a half dozen different samples. It's cheaper than repainting! And if the sample isn't exactly the right tone, you can tinker with it (add white, yellow, black, etc.), to make a custom color which, frankly, is what I end up with 90% of the time. Most big box stores that mix paint can do custom paint. Get an extra label with the formula when you lock onto a color and mark it with the room. Great for future touch-ups and additional cans.

BTW: laundry stain remover spray is excellent for removing wallpaper. Breaks down the proteins in the glue. A large damp sponge will remove the remaining glue. So much easier and faster! Good luck. Keep posting photos. We're all crazy for do-overs!

Sharyn I understand your dilemma. Why are area rugs so darn expensive? Been looking myself and I can't believe the prices. I could recarpet half my house for price of a 9x12 area rug. I have considered buying a remnant and having the edges bound - a budget friendly option. I bet your floors would look awesome refinished though.

Stamps Design Services A light taupe or soft sage green (with grey undertones) could actually be used in all the rooms. If you are planning on selling your home, you want as neutral a palette, without going all white; so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there, not be distracted by personal color choices....

inkwitch Looking at that room, my first question is what look/decor are you aiming for? Do you want spa/cozy or elegant sleek? \

Does the bed have a skirt or is the comforter too small? It looks elegant, but it's hard to tell with the lack of lighting.

Do you want white walls? Can you paint?

FP: 3 dimensional sculpture on top. Or lean a mirror on top that is large enough to eliminate the awkward depth. Perhaps something with a metallic frame. Might have to be made-to-order. Search houzz for "awkward FP" photos. Until the style and intent is clear, it's hard to know what to suggest.

Angelina Vick I like the mirror idea...it has a classy beauty to it.

I was thinking a loose flowing sculpture would be cool, one that attaches to the wall as a free floating form. I couldn't find anything like that when I was looking around the internet though....=/ Metal sculptures but not one that would fit right in that space.

Sounds like you have a lot of choices to make. =)

Let me know if you have any questions about my art or printing options.

I'm familiar with a lot of living artists work. So if you describe what you are looking for, I can probably offer a few suggestions.

Katherine Adams Definitely make a focal point over the fireplace. If you have something that catches the eye in the corner of the room, you won't need anything else to flank it. Since your color scheme is pretty neutral, at least that is what I can tell from the picture, go with something that pops in your favorite color!

warholsuperstar59 None are worth lauding.

Keitha Another vote for Westchester!

inkwitch It is an awkward arrangement. Too bad the windows and sliders can't change places! Float the sofa closer and squared with the FP -- can't ignore the thing. Is it possible to mount the TV above the FP? Not the best option, but sometimes it works. Floating the sofa may give you space behind for a shelving unit or a computer station.

You may want to shorten the sofa so as not to overwhelm the space. Play around with different arrangements.

decoenthusiaste Using an apartment sized sectional (two equal sides, no chaise.) put one side against the wall to the right of the FP. Dining will be behind it so try a bench on the wall and a narrow table that extends when needed. Put a built-in bookcase all across the wall opposite the FP, adding a library table and pair of swivel chairs that can be pulled into the other area for more seating. Mount the TV on a swing arm between the windows. You can also build room for a very large flatscreen in the center of the library wall so it can be seen from across the room. You could also float the sectional in the center of the space and mount TV on the wall to the right of the FP. This still allows for the built-in library/bookcases.

jal09 Loving all the ideas! Will try moving the furniture around and see which works the best. Thanks sooo much for all the suggestions!

inkwitch How about going lighter than the kitchen? Actually, Wouldn't it be more logical ( and visual) to contrast the floor color?

Stamps Design Services I would go with the "natural finish", it will give a light, clean, contemporary look to your space. :-)

noramak oh my! talk about different perspectives! thanks everyone...did I mention how much i dislike renovations?!?...Gotham, I know what you mean, but I don't like dark floors as they show dust too quickly...and I would have loved to go all white in the kitchen but it's not within budget.

inkwitch Agree w/intoit -- these are not really small kitchens. I have a small kitchen: 7.5 x 14 ft! A true galley. I love it. (Well, I would have to, wouldn't I?) I have never understood the desire for a kitchen big enough to walk six blocks just to cook. (I also don't get the passion for "open concept." Who wants to look at a messy kitchen?) The only challenge that requires innovative design planning is countertop space.

Scott Cook & I would argue that 12 feet wide & up aren't particularly small to begin with.

The Sky is the Limit Design Scott, don't you think you are getting a bit caught up in the term 'small'? It's a subjective term, and honestly, most of the kitchens, even a so-called small one, in North America are most likely larger than what we really need to create a healthy meal.

inkwitch Yes, I like this color! Who and what name please!

saffronbleu29 Want to know paint colour too

shellyannslaght Please share with us the paint color of the cupboards and where we can purchase it.

inkwitch Actually, the suggestion was to add more size to the painting than just a frame, but now that it's done, don't worry about it. Suggestion: lean the painting against the wall off-center instead (before poking more holes in the wall) and put tall items on opposite side -- not too separated. Something should be slightly in front of it so it looks connected. Also, I would suggest (since the mantel is so deep) a long low dish. Something earthy or deep turquoise. It can connect painting to tall items.

The other objects, as much as you love them, are rather too small scale for this mantel. The bird could stay on the box, but the other stuff just gives it a cluttered look. They could decorate a coffee table or the bow window.

Opinion (not asked for, of course): if this were my LR, I'd pull the furniture closer to the FP, drag that chair out of the corner, get a coffee table. Just because you have all that sq. footage, does not mean you have to spread everything out. It will look cozier if there is a conversational intimacy between teh furniture. You're not going to shout across the room -- and what if you wanted to pass a cup of coffee or a book to someone else sitting there? GIven the size of the rug, all furniture should be on the rug. Then full length drapes would be possible (they are already, just pull out the sofa) because the short drapes diminish the elegance of the room. You get the idea. I do realize there's the rhino in the room (TV) at present, so this is a suggestion for future. Love the furniture so far. LOVE the chair. It needs a side table or a small chest (look for a nightstand w/drawers that you can paint a hot glossy color) with lamp. Keep posting. We're all addicted to giving advice!

house1121 csevene whos pic were u referring to ?

kathleen MK I love the picture. I can see those beautiful blue/greens echoed in some large stoneware pieces. Til you find the right pieces maybe big pillar candles or tall glass vases or jars. I like the blue pillows and would add more of the painting colors around the room.
As a potter I can understand why those porcelain bottles with tiny necks are expensive. Check some colleges for student sales of pottery for lower prices on original pieces.

inkwitch OnePlan has a point -- people are notoriously unaware when attention is elsewhere -- like getting to the front door. Laying pavers in a different color/pattern/size (pick an option that appeals to you) that will be the same level as the remaining pavers would give you the distinctive path. Shame to cover the pavers; can they be removed without destroying?

Alternative that comes to mind is to create a barrier along that line. A railing mounting on the pavers either 3' high or 6' high -- pick your medium. metal posts w/railing. glass panels in a framwork. shoji screens. colorful curtains hung from above. A photo from further back, showing the front of the house would help suggestions.

rajeshbansal Hey thanks all for those quick feedbacks really appreciate them all will share final pic once done

inkwitch well, everyone's certainly put in their 2 cents worth! I didn't read everything, but with the latest photos, it looks good. No -- it looks great! Don't miss the animal rug at all. However, still a little table between the 2 chairs -- perhaps a small wooden "barrel" with a cut-out design or something metal. Love the new trays and the mantel looks clean and classy.

Actually, the only thing I would change is the white cabinet behind the sofa which blocks the left bookshelves with the glass doors. Too much. Also, a long "thin" table behind the sofa would help to anchor the whole living room vignette.

Don't be afraid of pattern -- the sofa cushions in blue could be a pattern -- something geometric or a stripe with cream or brown. And don't feel you have to have a lot of cushions. Frankly, they're useless except as decoration -- most the time, people would just love to throw them on the floor as they aren't comfortable. LOVE the throw.

dianahb Well, I admit it. I agree with Susan above. This is a beautiful room-- love all the elements (those built-in cabinets and the fireplace and the opening to what looks like a sunroom)-- and while Theresa did a great job bringing in the blue -- I do think the room is not as interesting without the rug. I honestly think the rug was just an unexpected and smart choice that really did tie in with the fireplace. The house looks to be 1920's or 1930's (?)-- and that stone on the fireplace seems unusual and slightly rustic. So I don't know if that was added later-- but I think the rug really tied in with that so well. As is-- it's a beautiful room, no doubt-- but with the rug, it was less generic that it is now (to my eye).

simplybydana I say bring the rug back. Place it on an angle. You have a lovely chartreuse in your chairs. Bring that in to the mix. It will add to the organic feel of the fireplace and give the room a punch. Also, to add some funk and counterbalance the formality of the seating arrangement, I would move the hydrangea to another room and use some branchy, less balanced greenery on one side of the mantle with a collection of 3 objects (grouping always in odd numbers!) on the other side.

Kathryn Peltier Design What a fabulous house and what an opportunity! I love, love, love the stone. As others have said, go neutral on the trim and garage doors - especially the garage doors. Try to find a mid-range tone so that it doesn't look too light nor too dark. You want those doors to blend in as much as possible. I would go with an accent color on the front door, however. This pale green-gray looks great with stone. I would paint the front door this color as well as the great windows (trim and muntins) - it would make them stand out, but in a subtle way. Using a cedar shingle - although not inexpensive - might be nice at some point on the gable over the front door, too.

timmys_girl We found out they are putting a whole extra acre in so we are getting almost 2 acres!!! Yay!! Sustainable living here we come

inkwitch Like teh mirror, but don't like it there. If you want a mirror, get a long one that spans the whole length of the mantel. However, the mantel is high and the distance from it to the ceiling is narrow in comparison. A mirror might not be your best options. Art might be better, spanning teh entire length, a series of something, or three long paintings. Agree with above; definitely remove the scalloping trim in favor of something more classic.

Angelina Vick Momof5x-Thank you!

jjnman12 I think the mirror is fine but I think art would work better also.I think as far as uneven shelves,the thing I would do is make it make sense.I would put books on the larger side with a few turned on side with small colorful art objects on top ,then larger single art objects on each shelf on the other side. When arranging over mantle I would think asymmetrical. Center a large art piece over firebox and a grouping of smaller ones to the right of it .

inkwitch If you are willing to go with the expense of taking out a wall, it will change the whole "attitude" of the area. OnePlan's concept is what a lot of people are looking for although, personally, I have no interest in the "open concept" w/kitchens. Few people keep a really neat kitchen, have far too much junk on their contertops, and generally "live" in their kitchens. It catches everything! Yuk. But it's what everyone wants. It requires some construction expertise; find a good small-jobs carpenter. That's a load-bearing wall. Good luck!

nebraskafarmhouse Thanks! Which projects do you think we should focus on in what order? I want the appearance of big improvements but I also want to make sure we don't over-improve for a rural area. I'm afraid that if we spend too much, we won't get our money back when we sell because it will seem overpriced for the area. Maybe I'm just paranoid.

We'd like to:
Remodel Kitchen
Paint/replace all trim to white
Finish basement, maybe put in add'l bathroom (unfinished right now)
Bathroom/Bedroom remodel (described above)
Replace fireplace insert with new wood or wood stove insert (currently lets in more cold than the heat it produces, yikes!)

Can't afford to do it all at once but we'd like to accomplish over time.

By the way, we are on 20 acres with 3 outbuildings. About 15 acres are pasture with 2 ponds. So it's not something that everyone is looking for.

Thanks again!

OnePlan I would say
The kitchen will need doing before you sell - so you may aswell enjoy use of it before you go!
Bath and bed remodel will also be a benefit to you so again a priority so you get the added use!
While the contractors are in, get them to replace the trims needed and you can paint them yourselves .
Fireplace if its letting in cold also needs attention. Is there a short term fix available ( a question to put to your contractor maybe)
The basement isn't going to change your world, so I would wait for that one !
You can economise on some things - eg Ikea kitchens are reasonably priced -when installed with good quality work surfaces added from elsewhere - it give the whole room better quality look.
Also worth looking into 'job lot deals' as some companies might be offering deals where you can get the whole lot done and spread the cost over 5 years !?!
I design for/ with clients and produce CAD drawings and panoramics etc for them to shop around with - it keeps them in control and allows them to compare like for like with different companies - it also gives them perspective images so they can say to the contractor 'this is what I want it to look like!' - I can't do them for free I'm afraid - but if you check out my profile page there's some examples on there - and my email contact - email me, and I'll send you an info PDF ! Every one of my clients ends up saving more than the drawing fee - so in effect it's free!!! Might be worth considering !
Kind regards, Karen at OnePlan