Too much red in this room - what type/color chair would you add?

12 years ago

I am sick of the goose neck chairs and the corner chair. What color chairs would you add here? Taking down the valances, too, and getting full window shutters. How would you style this room?

Featured Answer

decoenthusiaste

12 years ago

Have you tried the chairs at the two ends of a dining table? They could look great! Good for you taking down the dated valances! I notice blue in the sofa and perhaps in the rug. Navy is hot right now and might look great in the backs of your shelves or you you might completely paint them navy. Consider adding thick molding trim to the fronts of the individual shelves to give them a more substantial presence. Style them with 1/3 books, 1/3 large decor items and 1/3 open space. If you're doing wide plantation shutters, you may not need anything else at the windows. If budget allows I'd move from the tired gray trim to white, especially if you do the shelf system in navy - could be a stunner. Replace the art on the mantel with something rich and exciting. A pair of navy chairs could replace the red ones. I like the ones in pic #4 below.

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Comments (62)

bjens
12 years ago
Beautifully proportioned room and your ideas are a great start! The shutters instead of valances will look great, especially if the slats are fairly large. Blue and white is always a good combo. If you are replacing furniture, think about getting skirted pieces or some with simpler legs, like the photo above with the blue chairs. And accessories that are larger and fewer of them in the room will update the look. Or grouping smaller items together, instead of spacing them out. I think the artwork would look new again if the frame and mat combo were changed. We don't want to get rid of our collected treasures, but sometimes noticing how things are displayed in shops can give us great ideas for how to arrange things at home. Have fun!
lisask12 thanked bjens
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
Wow, all great ideas! I wish I could photoshop the room like you did, Groveraxle.

I am laughing about my little "dinky" lamp!

I am hearing from you that my Japanese wood block print must go or at least be reframed or re-matted. I have a more vibrant print across from it (most of the time the sofa is on the long wall facing the fireplace, so above the sofa).
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PRO
Maison Pompeii Antiques and Interiors
12 years ago
It appears to me that the two wing chairs and the corner chair all appear uncomfortable. I would get two new upholstered club chairs in a color from the rug. Leave the bookcases red and get your new white shutters. It is all going to look really great with a very simple start.
lisask12 thanked Maison Pompeii Antiques and Interiors
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
Yes about the art - think of adding a bit of fun to the more staid room. Art would do it.
lisask12 thanked decoenthusiaste
Nancy Travisinteriors
12 years ago
Paint out the red. Very dated. Shutters wide4-6" plantation are good.
lisask12 thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
I appreciate the advice!

See the "apron" between the bookcases? I would like to cut that out so that the window is fully exposed (and I can have the same size shutters installed). Would I be breaking any rules?
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
Are you saying that apron covers some of the window? I think you could do it, and while your reconfiguring that space, consider adding a window seat there to make a great little reading nook and a bit of additional seating. I think a sofa and two chairs is adequate for your space, so if you replace the two red chairs, eliminate the dark wing chair.
lisask12 thanked decoenthusiaste
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
That's right- i had been told that shutters on that one window would have to be different because of the apron. It only occurred to me a couple of days ago that we could get rid of the apron. I need new lamps there, too. I guess I wait till I get new chairs and coordinate.
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
I should add that from the vantage point where this photo is taken, there is still more room, and that there is a door connecting to a back hall, and a piano under a fourth (!) window.
PRO
The Classy Home
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
white color is good match with red. it gives designer look. you can add white sectional sofa instead of red chair in front of fireplace. check our ideabooks http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10881285/thumbs/Living-Rooms
lisask12 thanked The Classy Home
PRO
Debbie Krukowski, Ethan Allen
12 years ago
I love the shutter idea. Also the suggestion to lighten the color of the chairs to ivory. What about slipcovers? Either natural linen or even a darker natural tone would add a sense of "calm" to the space. I suggest the back of your bookcases are a darker shade to add depth. Perhaps there is a taupe or "greige" (gray/beige) shade in the brick you can use for the chairs and back of the bookcases. Just be sure it is darker than the trim and is a complimentary color. Navy also feels right. Have fun and good luck.
lisask12 thanked Debbie Krukowski, Ethan Allen
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
Funny - before this color combination, these gooseneck chairs were cream colored and the wing back was a cream print with red and blue.

I have been looking at bobbin chairs, and I wonder if I bought one bobbin chair and a matching ottoman and maybe two matching upholstered chairs? That means 4 chairs out, and 3 in. I also wonder whether I should leave the walls off white if I go with off white wood work and navy behind the shelves.
PRO
Debbie Krukowski, Ethan Allen
12 years ago
Fewer chairs and an ottoman feels good and less busy. The room could use the anchor of a chair/ottoman combo. I hope you have some valuable feedback from your post.
lisask12 thanked Debbie Krukowski, Ethan Allen
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
This has been a great experience so far. Thanks for wonderful suggestions.
kellyzdesigning
12 years ago
I would make your changes before you get rid of the red chairs. Looking at this picture, it looks like you have too many chairs in the room. Maybe relocate one or more, and make the focal point the fireplace instead of the red bookcase and red chairs? Keep the rug.
lisask12 thanked kellyzdesigning
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks so much. I have attached a new photo with the sofa back along the wall, facing the fireplace. I think that the first effort will be to get plantation shutters, remove the valances and change the color of the trim to off white. If anyone has an opinion as to whether the walls should stay white(-ish) or be a different color, I'd appreciate that. Phase 2 of this project will be to change the chairs. For one thing, I think I want to get rid of the corner chair, as it is too ornate and not practical.
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
That is an improvement. What did you decide about the apron between the bookcases? if it were my room I'd want more drama either in the cabinet backs or on the walls and I'd probably go for the navy blue I suggested back on the 14th. That dark color in the bookcases and white on the walls would do nicely, or navy walls with a brighter color in the bookcases.
lisask12 thanked decoenthusiaste
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
I definitely want to remove the apron - I want the plantation shutters and the only way to have both upper and lower shutters for that window would be to remove the apron. Unless you think that one different window won't matter. I have been uncertain on the colors. So, maybe a soft white woodwork, slightly creamier walls (??) and navy behind the shelves?
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
That sounds like a great plan for color and for that window! Please show us the results when you're done!
lisask12 thanked decoenthusiaste
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
My plan is to order shutters, paint and then buy chairs, but I just saw this chair at Restoration Hardware today, and I wonder if it is a potential purchase if I get rid of the other chairs. I would buy two. I like the Belgian linen and black oak drifted finish on the wood, but they would be in a room with a navy camel back sofa and two black pieces from Ethan Allen (black coffee table and black/cherry chest - photos below). The other chairs I like are the bobbin/spindle, again in a khaki shade (fabric and finish TBD). It's an eclectic look, which may be beyond my skills.

Thoughts?
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
The table and chest above are from the current catalog at Ethan Allen. My table is actually oval.
PRO
Turkish-T
12 years ago
Great ideas in these comments! What about adding a neutral throw blanket? We have some luxurious ones that may match your style.
lisask12 thanked Turkish-T
kellyzdesigning
12 years ago
I like the first chair and the tables. I would consign your other chairs (if you don't have a space for them elsewhere), I think the scale of the first chair is good for your living room and ceiling height!
lisask12 thanked kellyzdesigning
PRO
Debbie Krukowski, Ethan Allen
12 years ago
Although I'm partial to Ethan Allen, I do like the RH chair. It has a better scale to the tall bookcases. Did you look at the Ethan Allen Lucien Chair?
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
I see it now, Debbie. I like it, but the RH chair is much more affordable.
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
Btw, the more I look at those valances, the more I want to rip them down. What a mistake. I knew it when they were installed.
PRO
Nuts 'n May
12 years ago
Bah humbug, love the red, but ditch the carpet and recover the floral chair- way too Nana.
lisask12
Original Author
12 years ago
I appreciate all of the help that I have received. I am planning my changes, with work to begin this fall. That said, I am now wondering if everything is old-ladyish after the Nana comment above. I have added a photo of my sofa below. I am kind of committed to much of my furnishings - the sofa, chest, coffee table - but as I mentioned, not the chairs. Any suggestions as to how to update this sofa on the cheap, and make it go with the other changes you all have graciously suggested (paint colors, chair types, styling)?
Maureen
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
In additon to all of the suggestions, in regards to your last question around updating look of couch, I would just add lots of pillow, new lamps, and more modern art above couch. This room has a warm, library type feel, which really never goes out of style, so just go with that look.
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lisask12 thanked Maureen
Heidi Timmons_Owens
12 years ago
This is funny because I have red in my living room, too, and am sick of it. However, I actually think its starting to come back into style! I'd keep the two red chairs and place them on either side of the fireplace. They are pretty. The valances are dated and I love the idea of shutters. I actually think the patterns on your other pieces are a bit dated. I like the other posters ideas to get a new sofa. Keep that pretty rug. I'd put a pretty wallpaper on the shelving units. Keep the walls the color they are.
lisask12 thanked Heidi Timmons_Owens
lisask12
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Finally had shutters installed and room repainted. Here is an updated set of photos. Would love to have suggestions now that you see this in progress. Photos don't really show the new shutters, but they look great and the room is brighter and cleaner looking
wickedwhite
10 years ago
Wow! Looks great! Big improvement.
wickedwhite
10 years ago
What are your goals now for the space? Still looking to replace the chairs? New lamps? Style the bookcase? Sofa pillows?
lvpugs
10 years ago
It looks so much better.
lisask12
Original Author
10 years ago
Looking for pillows and accessories. Furniture will stay for the time being. Suggestions welcome especially for bookshelves.
greyorbrown
10 years ago
I love the couch. How about some bold patterned, colorful pillows on it to modernize the look. this probably sounds crazy, but I'm thinking yellows or bright pinks. I think you should move the dark piece between the bookcases to another spot. I don't like the way it interrupts the white woodwork and expanse of the bookcase unit. Plus the height is off with the bookcases. How about grass cloth wallpaper for the back of the bookcases? The chairs look uncomfortable for living room seating. They seem more suited for the ends of a dining room table or next to a table in a foyer.
lisask12 thanked greyorbrown
havingfun
10 years ago
lisa, did you like the pillows? or are you looking for more modern? Your room does not really say that though?
lisask12 thanked havingfun
lisask12
Original Author
10 years ago
I am struggling with this room. Happy with the new paint color and the shutters, but thinking I have to sell the chairs and sofa and start over. Kind of discouraging, but want to move away from strictly Williamsburg and to more eclectic.
havingfun
10 years ago
Wait, wait!
havingfun
10 years ago
ok, i tossed the pillows, I do not think there is anything wrong with your couch and chairs, how about we start by updating the rug, some pillows, things like that - oh yeah, coffee table ok, lets toss the side table though.
lisask12
Original Author
10 years ago
I've thrown in the towel and called in a decorator. I am thinking new rug and chairs, but keeping my new painting.
wickedwhite
10 years ago
Not sure what your budget is, but these chairs would look fantastic with your plantation shutters.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/blake-grey-wash-chair-with-fabric-cushion/s635929
A like your rug, but a new one would really breathe new life into this space and open up more possibilities for you style wise. It's a big decision though. All other purchases, including art and accessories, will stem from that decision.
lisask12 thanked wickedwhite
havingfun
10 years ago
Lisa let me try, i do not think your things look old, I think it is like a DR we did, it was just needing a couple updates.

Start with the rug
5x8 Green Rugs | eSaleRugs - Page 4 · More Info
pillows

Home | Living Room | H&M US · More Info
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Amazon.com - Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Throw Pillow, 24 X 18-I · More Info

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Amazon.com - Blue and White Howarmer® Square Cotton Canvas Decorative Throw Pill · More Info

I can get more rugs, i can do more birds or geometric, or more colors, or cute animals. But this will definitely lighten, brighten and thoroughly modernize your living room for under $500.

Coffee Tables - Accent Tables, Modern Coffee Tables | World Market · More Info
lisask12 thanked havingfun
wickedwhite
10 years ago
I changed my mind. I would replace the furniture before the rug. It brings character to the room. Besides it's timeless and can easily be seen as a neutral in this space. I would also consider adding a mirror over the sofa that repeats the arch in the doorway.
havingfun
10 years ago
lisa let me know if you want to remove anything, have about a week, are you still ditching it all?
classysass
10 years ago
Well to me you can't have too much red or too many shoes. I LOVE red. It's so dynamic. Anyway, I see you adding some bold accents like maybe wide navy and white striped pillows. Havingfun get on that one. You have such a classic look in your room. I love the second picture that Ted showed. You could easily go in that direction. We'll see if we like what your designer picks for you! (Kidding) a little.
classysass
10 years ago
Looking for a picture of your new painting. Did I miss it somewhere?
wickedwhite
10 years ago
Some inspiration. Here are a few ways you can take your room using the rug, but changing up the furniture.
(You may want to start a new post featuring new photos of your room and explaining your new dilemma.. A closeup of the rug and pattern pattern would be helpful too.)
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lisask12 thanked wickedwhite
havingfun
10 years ago
lisa, are you set on a decorator? did you want me to remove some stuff? have to do it soon. otherwise give us a new direction? remember it is a fun thing. and show us when you are done please?
lisask12 thanked havingfun
lisask12
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is an update. Feeling a lot better about colors. Still need pillows and some accessories.