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janetarn

multi-use family room dilemmas

12 years ago
My family room is in desperate need of an overhaul. The 15x22 room has a white brick fireplace wall with a concrete hearth extending across the entire 15-foot width. We use this end for movie viewing when family visits. The other end of the room is a step down from the kitchen and must serve as our dining area. There are 3 ceiling “beams,” a sliding door (half must allow access to the backyard), a picture window, and a frequently-used exterior door. We would prefer to keep the treadmill in this room if possible. All ideas to bring this room into the 21st century are appreciated!

Comments (9)

  • 12 years ago
    I went looking for Ben Moore Simply White, and it occurred to me that a soft, greyed-out blue/green would look very pretty in your space.

    Showing below the Simply White, as well as Healing Aloe and Quiet Moments:
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks so much, karemore55! The shelves on each end of the hearth are old, mismatched ones that will definitely go. At one time I considered installing cabinets/shelves on each side of the the fireplace. I'm also open to replacing the sectional with less bulky furniture.
    And yes, decluttering will definitely help. A toddler granddaughter had just left and I hadn't put everything away. :)
  • 12 years ago
    Here is a color scheme using Ben Moore Healing Aloe for the wall color. I used a nature theme, with a stump side table and capiz she'll chandelier from West Elm, and mother-of-pearl mirror from Pier. The branch art is from World Market. The pillows are from an etsy vendor called pop o color.
  • 12 years ago
    Posts crossed!

    The shelves on each side of the FP look matched to me. Are they in good enough shape to paint?
  • 12 years ago
    I was thinking that the sectional could be replaced, but wasn't sure if that was an option for you. Definitely a sofa and one perpendicular arm chair would carry less visual weight. You should be able to fit a 7' sofa, and if the armchair was pulled up tight next to it, you would be using about 10' of space for your TV/ conversation area.

    Do people sit on the FP ledge when you have these Movie get-togethers? Or, have you considered using comfortable side chairs (with arms) at the ends of your DR table, which could be pulled into the TV area when needed?
  • 12 years ago
    I love, love, love everything you chose! Do you suggest I use them with the current burgandy sectional? Regarding the shelves, the left side is composed of two Sauder towers with cardboard backs. The right side is open-backed wooden shelving. It is 9 inches taller than the tower shelves.
  • 12 years ago
    Sorry, it appears that our posts keep crossing while we're typing.
  • 12 years ago
    Hi Jane, So it sounds like a re-do of the shelves is in order? Yes, I would get that done - do any "hard" or permanent decorating first, then focus on the fabric and furniture updates.

    I looked at those light blue/greens with your sectional in mind. I can see that it has some red in it, and these beachy colors would not only look good with the reddish tones, but would lighten up the look of the sectional.

    You know your budget, and if saving money by keeping the sectional enables you to get more done, then I'd say keep it. You could consider replacing the sectional down the road (at which point, I might try and steer you toward a slipcovered sofa and chair from Pottery Barn!).

    If you do decide to have the FP shelves rebuilt, now is a good time to decide on the color - stained wood or painted? I'm not sure the exact shade of white in the FP brick, or the color of the grout, but if the grout is gray, then I'm wondering if a medium to light Gray would be best for the shelving.

    This then leads to the color of the beams. They could stay dark brown and would be fine, OR you could maybe paint them a dark-ish Gray for a very modern look. You could also go with a grey-white for both beams and shelving - you will just need to find that perfect co,or that harmonizes with the bricks and grout.

    A grey-white that comes to mind is Ben Moore Classic Gray. I'll post it below.

    Also, I could put together a collage using indigo and wheat or caramel for another possible color combo. Your room is actually very neutral, and would lend itself to several color schemes. The new wall color will support whatever color scheme you want to go with.