How do we update this living room/dining room area

14 years ago

Looking for ideas to update this living room / dining room. Thinking putting hardwood floors, area rugs, new paint and drapes. Is it okay to use dark hardwood floors? Suggestions welcome.

Jafrajan · More Info

Featured Answer

bepsf

14 years ago

Those thin gathered curtain panels over the cornices are weird, cheap and old-lady - They need to go! For future reference, window coverings are properly hung from within cornices - Not over them - and a formal living room needs lined draperies, not thin curtains.

The fake Ivy can go as well as about half the candlesticks you have all over the place and those long things on either side of the fireplace (Needlepoint bellpulls?) can go too. Then replace the silk bell shades with simple drum shades and eliminate the glaring uplight in the corner with a simpler, more modern table lamp with a drum shade.

Rearrange your artwork into simpler compositions - Perhaps the piece over the fireplace can go over the sofa with the larger piece to one side and with the two smaller framed pieces hung vertically stacked next to it. A new larger round (Sunburst?) mirror can go over the fireplace and the other painting and sconce over the sofa now can be used elsewhere, but in a simpler arrangement.

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Comments (8)

Stacey
14 years ago
Do you know what colors you want? Mirrors are nice they help with lighting and if placed right can help the room seem bigger. You can paint your fireplace as decoration, maybe even use stencils if a plan color seems boring. The room feels very crowded and cluttered I think simplifying the knickknacks and pictures would help the room. Painting with a light or bright color can help a room feel bigger because more light can give an illusion of openness. If you are just painting 1 or 2 walls, I think a darker color would work good. I think the dark wood floors would help dress up this room and look nice. Roman sades are simple and modern, and not bulky. Hope some if these ideas help. Have fun making your decisions. Can't wait to see the changes you make.
Jan
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks very much, Stacey. I did remove a lot of the knick knacks from the mantle and coffee table, got rid of the ivy and all other fake plants. I like the idea of painting the fireplace above the mantle to add interest. I will change the drapes, which are lined and custom made, but ready for an update. There are wood blinds behind the drapes that were pulled up and didn't show in the photo. For colors I'm thinking cream, black, gold and grey tones. wouldl ove to hear your thoughts....And looking for 2 companion prints for behind the sofa. What do you think? I'll put up another photo.
michigammemom
14 years ago
bepsf please be respectful of the homeowner
D M
14 years ago
I think your color choices sound great. And I agree with Stacey. Dark wood floors would certainly ground the space and actually emphasize your high ceiling. Roman shades would certainly be soft, clean and easy to do. I would also paint the wall behind the sofa a darker color to make it recede so your space appears to have more width to it. Also, I would add more curves to the space. The architecture has a lot of right angles. I see lots of squares and rectangles - the old rug even has a square motif. So maybe a circular mirror above the mantel or a group of circular mirrors over the sofa and a rug that more movement and less 90 degree angles. Good luck!
michigammemom
14 years ago
Here is a room that has a similar window and fireplace placement. The warm beige walls and simple window treatments would help you achieve the updated yet elegant look you desire.
Living Room · More Info
Jan
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, michiganmemom and deidrem1, that room is very similar and looks more like what we want, I did put up a round clock behind the sofa and it looks good. I love the paint color in the san francisco living room, it's warm but not too dark. I'll put up another photo soon. Love all your ideas, thanks very much!
PRO
essentials inside
13 years ago
jafrajan - how is your room coming along. Any "after" pictures to share?

Lyvonne
www.essentialsinside.com