Well to be honest things just aren't working out. We did get a new rug, two chars and tried some curtains that did not work soooo had to take them down and return them. But I did get hubby to finally put the curtain rods up so not a complete loss of time. Anyway, the two chairs, I like them but I don't know where to put them??? Our problem is our sofa is way to big, I wanted the fireplace wallto be the focal point but the sofa covers it. What I really want is to re brick the fireplace make it more modern and hang the tv over it, but again the probwiththe sofa issue!! I'm exasperated with the entire thing and wish I could just hire someone fix all the issues. Sigh. :-/

Yes it can be frustrating, but I think you are on the right track. I don't htink it looks bad at all--just needs maybe a few bold accessories and pillows to tie it together.

The birdman poster is great and a good size, but the colors don't jibe with the rest unless you go bright with the carpet and everything else. Too bad your husband thinks it is retarded--perhaps you could just use it for color inspiration. Or let him put something in there that you aren't crazy about! He has the huge TV--right?

This space makes me think of another Houzz post yesterday for fireplace window advice--maybe their bright and modern decor with a massive light masonry fireplace will inspire you:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ideas-on-windows-treatments-dsvw-vd~222634

Everyone says paint the fireplace, but it is already a nice neutral color, and once you paint, you can't go back, and already quite contemporary with a dash of rustic, which can warm up the contemporary, It doesn't look country or lodgey or anything like that.

---Besides it is a lot of work to paint brick, and result can look sort of shabby chic rather than modern, or if you still don't like the color you are back to square one. Stucco requires a really good mason or it will again might be something you hate. It still looks great, no staining or anything, and is low maintenance as is.

I like the rug too--very soft and muted colors. But if you want to go bolder, paint behind the shelves a bold color like lime green/chartreuse (it will be tricky to get the right shade) or turquoise or some other color you love, maybe from the poster, and the wood would blend in better.

I do think the lounge chair is too big for the corner--you mentioned the bedroom and that is a nice place for a comfy piece like that. Maybe the rug could go in the dining room or a bedroom too, or you can keep it and go more muted. If you have a sofa table, perhaps it would help to have it behind the sofa so it looks less like a wall. You got some great space for wall art and sculpture so go for it!

I would leave the TV as it is--abovr the fireplace would be a big black box and way too high. If you hate, hate the stand, paint it charcoal grey or black, but I think it is OK as is.

The big clock is great--it just needs something around it to tie it in--maybe something bigger and more interesting on the left side to balance out the candlesticks.. Do you have books or anything for the shelves? How about baskets or metal bins or something for the kid's stuff and DVDs and whatnot?

Well at least you now have some decent photos that aren't too yellow and you can bring those with you to help shop or create a PinInterest or Houzz board to your liking. Take heart, and let the ideas simmer a bit-- IT ISN'T HORRIBLE AT ALL.

Hello, regarding the bed... maybe it will be nice if you can rethink the overscale bed and go with a softer feel, such as a tufted headboard that is velvet or microfiber..this will give the room more of a sophistated look without crowding the room with hard edged furniture. A pretty rug! to anchor it, a muted tone on the wall, a credenza and some side tables will all make this room comfortable and chic. here are a few furniture pieces that is just an idea/example that will pull this room together on a freindly budget of any kind... I Love this website because I have learned so much and I am able to chair my design blogs with other people.

Has anyone suggested tempered glass or even thick plexiglass to replace the wood beam shelves. I wonder if that is even possible ... but think glass shelving around the fireplace would definitely "modernize" that area.

p.s. love your rug

Thank you for the suggestions. I think I need to take new pics. I've changed the rug to the smaller one michelle suggested its in my living room idea book 2 I think. I've also got two new chairs but I don't know where to put them. . The shelves I dare not mess with as far as removing or painting, that was a big slap to my hubby's man ego when I suggested it before because he worked so hard on them. The problem with removing the chaise is that the seat cushions and back cushions slide off and it not being a tight fit makes it very uncomfortable. If anyone is interested in what I've done so far I'll post some pics. Thank you all

Oh. And I'm moving my bird man to my washroom. I need something in there that brightens my mood! :)

Oh. And I'm moving my bird man to my washroom. I need something in there that brightens my mood! :)

Could you go back to the people that made your couch and get them to make you another small end piece like the one on the other side? Then just sell the chaise or move it out. The birdman is awesome, but I know what it's like when a husband doesn't like something! Also, I really like the shelves and would not paint or take them out. Can't decide on your fireplace bricks though, something needs to change but what?

im sure the sofa place could do anything we ask, we would just have to load the entire thing up and take it to them... i have thought about that though, and have them add a arm or something to replace the chaise to keep all the cushions in place...its just alot of money..
if i really wanted to i could keep my birdman pic, but the colors really do not match anything in the rug.. i am adding some updated pics to give you an idea of whats going on now, im at a stand still.

few more- as you can see the chaise blocks the fireplace, which i hate but there isnt any other way to put the sofa unless we put it against the tv wall, but then we would have no where to mount the tv because of the windows....

I don't think the Eame's chairs work in this room--too hard and small and white compared to everything else. If you got rid of the end of the couch and put a table between them, it might be OK.

Would it be possible to put the end of the couch along the TV wall, perhaps even put into the recess with a shelf removed, and move the TV a bit. and then move the couch against the window wall. Looks like it might work.

Maybe you could mount the TV sort of cantilevred over the end of the sofa and remove some of the back cushions to make it more like a bench? And move the TV stand completely over, and connect the two with wires hidden behind a wood panel goint all the way to the ceiling about the width of the TV. Could fit with the retro vibe you got going there.

Mayve the Eame's chairs could go in the back corner where birdman was with a higher table suitable for games or homework. Not sure if there is enough room.

we have put the chaise in the recessed part of the wall, in between the tv stand and the wall, it fits right under the shelf but iit looks too crowded, ill see what hubby says about removing the one shelf.. The Eame's chairs... yes, i dont think they look right in the room either... i was thinking of returnig them, i dont think my birdman goes w/ the rug, so i am moving him to the washroom we are remodling... ugh! almost everything ive purchased for the room doesnt work and im either stuck with it or stuck returning it...

Tabitha - this feels like months and months (I've read all or most of the comments) of minor agony for you! I looked at Michelle idea book for you (which was great) and all the many comments ... and they are all great (best is stop buying, save some bucks, and hire a pro) ... What I'm hearing or taking away from this is that you love that birdman painting :-) (So ... I think you absolutely need to put that back, even if it NEVER goes with anything) and your clock, and it feels like nothing else works for you.
That is a gorgeous sectional, and I think it has the style you want, but I wish you could sell it, even donate it or ??? It is just too, too big to allow you to have the room I "think" you might want. No rug, no nothing is going to make it smaller.
Trade down for a cheap "modern" and workable - this ikea love seat (you might even do 2 of these - but measure first, buy once) comes in a ton of slipcovers so you could change your mind without it costing and costing ... Finally, read this article if you haven't already: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-savor-your-beautifully-imperfect-home-stsetivw-vs~3655403
In the meantime, sit on the too big/too beautiful sofas, put your feet up on the eame's chairs, and watch TV with your husband and forget about everything else for a while.

Hello,

I would suggest to remove items from the room that don't work, and then start from there. For example - removing the chaise portion of the section that is in front of the fireplace. This will open up the area and feel less cramped as well as give you a visual of the fireplace. I'd also remove the Eames chairs, and even the items by the fireplace, clock, screen, all the items. Then stand back and see how things are working. You can work items in as you first need to get your sofa sectional working right for your room. Lastly, as your room currenlty has two focal points, the fireplace and the TV, I would hang your TV above the fireplace that would change the whole room and really simply the entire room giving it a clean modern look (I think your going for). Good luck - you'll get there - be patient.

hahaaha your right about everything, i just wish i had a tiny bit of decor sense...but... the sofa... well, we had it built to my husbands measurements, it cost a small fortune.... no way would we want to do away with it... i do like the style, i think the best thing to do is just go ahead and pay for them to alter it a bit , maybe put a arm of some kind where the chaise is and put the chaise in my bedroom...
i do get wonderful ideas from michelle and everyone else as well, but i know its hard doing in online.. and the fact that i like modern by husband likes....more of a traditional look... so when michelle planned a room i would love it, my husband wouldnt.. so.. like you said, agony!

Like I said before, it isn't horrid--esp. if you move the chaise.

Decor is always compromise in a family--I'm living with mottled harvest gold shag rug in my living room because "the boys" like it and it matches my cat (who really sheds). I would have torn it out in a heartbeat, but I added some green and turquoise and dark brown for a color harmony I can live with. Not my dream, but livable.

Keep the sofa - get it modified - now! I think you should take back the chairs (you can always get them again) and just change one element at a time. The first element NEEDS to be the couch. It is the item that defines the usable space in the room and everything else you buy will have to work around it. Just suck it up and tell your husband that you promise not to change the shelves if he agrees to get the sofa changed. Then, while the sofa is away getting a makeover, go through some photos on here with your husband that border the line between modern and tradtitional approaches, remembering that these images will be ones he likes so you may not. (You might want to make a board with images first to lessen the pain for your husband!) Try and judge and isolate what aspects of traditional style he likes (wood tones, country style, harvest tones, whatever it is) then you can try and evolve some of those aspects to a more updated look. I think that your room (with the fire and exposed wood in the shelves and the beam) would look wrong with complete modern styling but with modern take on tradtional elements, I think it would work really well.
Also like a previous comment, I really really like your birdman and I think it would work well in this room even with other more traditional elements. But before you get into those debates again, get the couch changed!

lesliejane, yep your right. i need to focus focus! i am all over the place, i know i get on my hubbys last nerve....1st the sofa... i actually just emailed the sofa place and ask them what we could do to come up with a solution that wont cost me too much.
i have two questions,should i work on getting the long back peice shortened so i can turn it to face the fireplace and move the tv over the fire box? or do you think th tv would be too high there?
or
remove the chasie and add some kind of end peice to keep all the cushions on and leave it facing the wall where the tv is now?
to be honest what i really wanted was to cover the 80's fireplace with something, slate or ? and remove that ledge that way the tv wouldnt have to be so high,(like what homestyle said) but..... that going to take getting my husband to do it.... he wouldnt be such a thorn if it hadnt been for me, buying, returning, changing, painting, repainting, hanging, taking down etc.....ha.

I hope you get to read this. I like the sofa. It holds a lot of people. I think the wall color does nothing for the room. Especially the accent color around the fireplace. I would paint The walls in the room in beige or white, along with the wall at the fireplace in beige or white and paint the wood shelving in white to bring life to the space. I would move the clock to another location in the room and replace it with a nice piece of abstract art or a big flower picture. I would add a different rug with brighter colors in it. It barely shows up. Add a few more pillows in patterns to go with the solid colors. maybe 2 to 3 spread out in 3 or 4 different areas. I would fill the shelves with books, more pictures, small plants in pots , standing art pieces and color vases (but fill up the shelves). Add a plant in the conor of the fireplace also. you also need some curtains on the windows in a color such as rust, red or another bright color that you like. I like th ceiling fan also. Let us know how the room turns out.

although i like the clock you hung on the fireplace, I think a nice mirror would look really good and open up/brighten up the space if you hang it on the fireplace wall

Anita. I think the wall colors need to be diff as well, but, this is the 3rd time I've changed the paint. My husband would choke me. And I just bought the rug R u saying add more to the one I have or a diff one all together? Because changing it would also be an issue since I just took a $1000.00 big rug out of there and put the smaller one in. He does like the idea of two or three more similar rugs kind of layered. ? If I do not put the tv over the fireplace I will def move the clock and put up cool abstract art. Haven't really done much as far as pillows or shelf accessories because I was told that should be the last finishing touch. Sigh. Maybe I should hire a professional. Anyone know of a good one that has reasonable prices ? I live between houston and Beaumont Texas

Anita. I think the wall colors need to be diff as well, but, this is the 3rd time I've changed the paint. My husband would choke me. And I just bought the rug R u saying add more to the one I have or a diff one all together? Because changing it would also be an issue since I just took a $1000.00 big rug out of there and put the smaller one in. He does like the idea of two or three more similar rugs kind of layered. ? If I do not put the tv over the fireplace I will def move the clock and put up cool abstract art. Haven't really done much as far as pillows or shelf accessories because I was told that should be the last finishing touch. Sigh. Maybe I should hire a professional. Anyone know of a good one that has reasonable prices ? I live between houston and Beaumont Texas

Hmm, I have not been a fan in the past of TVs over fireplaces but it is becoming more and more common and in this room, with that couch, I think that perhaps it is the best idea. I think you should get a piece of paper the same size as the tv and blue tack it to where the tv might hang. Does it fit exactly between the brick? Does your husband think he could watch tv at that height? Would the tv there bother you (maybe black paper for this to replicate when tv is off.) The other consideration to make is cabling, you would either need to go through the brick or get a small conduit to run along the side of the brick, through the mantle and then to a tv cupboard. I think that if that would work, you could then build-in both sides of the shelving with built-ins in a traditional style (your husband appears to be a bit of a handyman!) but in the same colour as the white trim in the room. It would really set off the shelving that is already there and anchor that wall as the space under the last shelf is really drawing your eye down to the floor when it should be raised up in a room with such a great ceiling height. I would paint just the back of the shelving wall in a double strength of the trim colour. This is a design trick that is often used in rooms with more architectural features. Ideally you would paint the rest of the room too but see what double trim colour looks like with the other colour, maybe not necessary. Now for the brick.....I would just paint it the same colour as the trim, that way it blends in rather than sticking out but the texture is still there. Also it is cheaper than tiling and if you are going to tile anyway, might as well try that first. The colour bricks are not ideal and date the house the way they are now so I say go for it.

Ok, first step - couch, get pricing and ideas from manufacturer, I think that you should turn it to be on the wall the tv is on now, that way the entrance to the room is more open and you can look at the nice shutters and you are facing the light coming into the room. But as I am not in the room, I cannot say this is the only way to do it. Turn it that way as it is now (removing the chaise). Sit. Walk around, see what you think. Does it feel right and flow well? Put the chairs (if you still have them) on either side of the space between the window and get a small table from somewhere in the house to put in the middle. This is just to see structure, not colour or design of furniture.
Another idea for the couch is to get a large strip of Velcro from the craft store and sew one side to the bottom of the cushion and one to the seat. Do the same to the back cushion that keeps slipping off. If the couch is turned to face the window, you are creating a more open aspect to the couch as you enter the room. If the couch stays where it is you are creating a more open look to view the fire.
If you do get it modified, maybe just get them to put an arm on the section that it already the, rather than adding another 'square', if that makes sense.
Second step - do whatever it is you decide to do to the couch. I don't think you can go any further until this happens.
Third step - sort out the fireplace wall, get a test pot of the double strength trim colour paint a piece of board or cardboard. See if it matches the other colour on the walls. Check out options for cabling the tv. If you husband is on board. Start making enquiries about cabling and such. I know this is the boring part and you want to start looking at rugs and cushions but if you get the bones of the room right, then everything else will be much easier and more rewarding because it will look right.

Oh, also if you don't want to build in units, take the measurements and check out some solutions at ikea or the like. If it is a standard measurement, like 1200mm (sorry I only so metric!) then there will be tons of cabinets that work there.

But if I turn the sofa facing the windows where would I put the tv? I'm so confused.

But if I turn the sofa facing the windows where would I put the tv? I'm so confused.

It would have to go over the fire.

Or, if your husband would be wiling to remove one shelf (the lowest near the window wall) and you bought some free standing units to go under the shelves, the tv could sit in the corner of the fireplace wall and the window wall. It would then have to be on a stand, it will have probably come with one and they it would be tilted slightly into the room.

Two drawings explaining my floorplans I described

See what I mean about painting tp same colour and using the texture rather than a difference of colour so it's not too in your face.

Image 4 has built-ins and image 1 a tv above, tilted down in this case to make up for being too high to watch properly

lesliejane99 - I think you've got it! GREAT(or should I say Brilliant?) suggestions. I could totally see floor plan #2, the sectional facing the windows, as working. Wonderful pix to illustrate the painted fireplace.

Yes now I see ! Are you suggesting I paint the fp white like the trim? I don't really like the built ins we actually tore some out when we bought the house, they were too outdated it looked like something my grandmother would have. The tilted tv looks good, but also the tv near thewi dow wall, iif it would fit .i like them both, If I decided on the tv over the fp. How should I modify my sofa so it's not closing ppl out when they come i? I like open clutter free clean lines. My husband is out of town but I can't wait to show him your drawings! Thank you! I wish you could come to mY house!

Yes now I see ! Are you suggesting I paint the fp white like the trim? I don't really like the built ins we actually tore some out when we bought the house, they were too outdated it looked like something my grandmother would have. The tilted tv looks good, but also the tv near thewi dow wall, iif it would fit .i like them both, If I decided on the tv over the fp. How should I modify my sofa so it's not closing ppl out when they come i? I like open clutter free clean lines. My husband is out of town but I can't wait to show him your drawings! Thank you! I wish you could come to mY house!

Ok. I would start over by painting the walls and the shelves at the fireplace white or beige to brighten up the space. The rug on the floor does nothing for the space. It's very dark without much contrast. Next add some panels or drapery to the windows that have some rust or red in them. I like the red pillow. Find other pillows with colors of green, red, tan that may have stripes flowers or another design to go on the sofa. This is a start. Just go slow. start with the painting of the room though.

Haha, I'm in New Zealand so that would be pricey! If you look on the ikea website there are some cool powder coated cabinets that I could imagine in that space. I actually like the idea of matching units as opposed to built-ins as well. I will have another look at your sofa and think about modifications. If you send me the measurements (room, doorway and couch), I will generated a better floorplan. I'm not an interior designer but I do up houses to sell for profit so have done floorplans a time or two!

For paint. Leave the shelves, love the timber against white look. Then paint the fireplace the same whitish colour of the trim in the room, then get the paint store to double the colour (make it richer) to paint the wall behind the shelves. This way, you get depth to the wall but as there are 3 element going on (fire, shelves and wall colour) the same tone doesn't make it overpowering. Just a thought, paint the wall first, just on the off chance that the fireplace looks ok in the white shade it is. I have a funny feeling you will need to paint it though, it will look great!

Do you know what I mean by the emptiness between last shelf and the floor? You really need to fill both sides with the same thing to maintain the balanced look in the room and draw the eye up instead of down.

I think this will give you the clean look you are after and a good backdrop to add accessories. If you don't like the more industrial look then a clean wooden cabinet would suit as well (same colour stain as the shelves if possible.

Another option from crate and barrel. I think the key is not buying (are you listening Tabitha!) until the bones (wall with fire and couch) are sorted. But there's no harm in looking right?!!!!

The one I just posted is more traditional but sort of a contemporary version of a classic. This is what I mean by traditional updated for 2012.

Wow, what an odyssey Tabitha I read alll the comments and it was a learning experience :D and I can relate so much on the impulsive buys that its not even funny =/ Also I think even with all the overspending you have furniture and taste to be proud of, stuff i buy never looks this good and I would say my tastes lies always between transitional or overly contemporary also.

I wont add to ideas or will tell you to stop buying as you know it better than most. I would however add that I love your couch and all your furniture and your birdman and your hubby shelves and those chairs and the entertainment unit i love everything, but for me the whole dilemma is you trying to make the fireplace work, then everything becomes a problem. So would you be open to the possibility of closing it for a while? I mean just making a drywall cover and plaster over it so you can work with the room without the fireplace as a distraction? Or you could put the TV on the entertainment center instead of mounted to the wall and then use that space? maybe also use the curtains as a projection screen maybe?
Also take the birdman and put in between those chairs near the lamp I think it would look good on the corner.

Hi Tabitha. I just wanted to take a moment to salute you. Your room is really shaping up. I know it's a long haul, and it's hard to live through every stage of an unfinished room. I just took a minute to look back at what your room looked like before your endeavor. You're off to a great start! I'm confident that you are laying the foundation for a beautiful room. P.S. It's time to put West Elm and C&B gift cards on your Christmas list:)

Get a professional or even just someone whose taste you admire and respect.Let them see your idea books.Last resort find a room you like on houzz that has your similar furnishings /room size/ layout and then mercilessly steal every idea.YOU DO NOT need to spend a lot of money to get what you want. The sofa is a great investment you are putting it too close to the fireplace.

ok, do we all agree first thing i need to do is paint the room? and if so, what color? maybe if i come at my husband with the paint chip he will be more willing (or just give up and let me do what i want to) give me a off white color, hell i'll just go buy the paint and start painting while hes out of town! haha
i have emailed the sofa place, but until i know where i where im going to put it, i dont want to do anything to it. i dont think what i want will cost alot as far at furnishings... because i dont like clutter or crowded... maybe if i promose not to buy anything else i can get away with alittle paint here and there...lol...

These Midcentury Contemporary houses lend themselves to very simple decor. The architecture is the statement. The big clock looks out of place on the brick wall - should not be in any living room. If you put a clock in a living room, it needs to be small and inconspicuous. The portion of the sectional with back to fireplace should be removed. If you do these two simple things you will be 95% improved. If you want more improvement, paint the whole room (not the bricks) off-white, including behind the bookshelves. Add a window treatment that unifies the two very small windows, Buy some used books and put them on the bookshelves. Then you can go one step farther by removing the ceiling fixture.

I thought your sectional looked fine without the chaise portion blocking the fireplace. You just need some more throw pillows, coffee table and accessories to tie it all together. I like your chrome lamp next to your entertainment center. I would repeat the chrome element with a simple, modern looking chrome/steel and glass coffee table. Something like this:
http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=563&categoryId=8019

I would then get a comfortable lounge chair to put opposite your sectional in front of the fireplace.

I think your room colors are fine. I would paint the fireplace. Your floating shelves need something heavier at the bottom to anchor them...I would consider removing the shelves and adding some base cabinets (or used pair of old dressers painted a fun color) for more storage. Hang a mirror above each cabinet and place two lamps flanking the fireplace for more light.

Eventually, you can add a sofa table on the back of your sectional facing your entry way. That'll help break up the wall effect of the sectional as you enter the room. Replace your entry way light with something more modern, like this:
http://www.hinkleylighting.com/products/product-detail.aspx?pid=6189&cid=14

I suggest a simple clean square wood coffee table (more family friendly than glass or metal) combined with some colorful modern throw pillows for a pop of color and interest such as the Bloom or Dahlia designs below.

Where did you get the sectional sofa from? We're looking for a mid-century sectional like this. Thx!

I know this post is way over the point of being considered old on houzz! However, I literally just read word for word of over a 120 comments, and I'm hoping that I can get an update :)

I would love to see what this space looks like today :)

Yes, it would be great to see what became of this dilemma.

Lesson to be learned from this:

Always make a floorplan (to scale) with proposed pieces of furniture (with accurate measurements) before purchasing custom made furniture that can't be returned! The room is very narrow & long. The long sofa chosen (although lovely) only makes the room look longer & narrower.

The sofa is a problem, and I can't add anything that hasn't been said already. I hope you can fix that! I haven't noticed anyone mentioning window treatments, though I did not read every single comment. You have an opportunity there. If you chose a punchy, bright pattern (perhaps similar the sofa cushions shown by Wabisabi Green, or a geometric), you could tie it in with throw cushions to either match or contrast the draperies, picking up some like colors. Your basics are fine, but some additional color and softness would make the room more welcoming.

hi,
I remember following this design, do you have updated pictures of the finished results? love to see how it all came together.