I think they work just fine! You wanted something that would not fight with the rug.....yes! You wanted something to add softness to the edges....yes! And the color/shade of these panels work well with the paint tone.

Sham814,

It looks like your furniture is more on the traditional side, is that the style you're trying to go toward or trying to get away from? The drapes are more modern and I think feel a bit unfinished. If you're going the traditional route, I'd go with drapes that include a valance.

Also, I think the space could use some color. To me it looks like your main colors are cream, red and dark wood like a mahogany. All colors with warm tones, can you bring in a cool tone for contrast? For example, a light sea blue or a sage green? What other colors do you like that you can you pull into the design? My recommendation would be to bring in a local designer for a consultation or if you're comfortable working with someone over the web, I can give you more advice via email. Just let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.

Best of luck,
Laura Stratton
Inspirational Interiors
laura@inspirationalinteriors.org
www.inspirationalinteriors.org

Yes to the drapes and a simple valance that covers the wall above the window.
A simpler more elegant mirror. If you must have a runner at all, go for a longer one that falls over the ends of the table. The candlesticks and red candles are too tall, very staged and self conscious. Something lower and prettier would work better, don't you think?. Go to some classy stores, look at magazines, get inspiration and then go shopping to Pier One, Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx. Enjoy the process, it should be fun!

You on the right track. Here are a few suggestion....Your drapery rod needs a center support so it will not sag in the middle. Think about adding some trim to the lead edge (center close area) something simple but it will bring more to the panels. You can use iron on tape to do this. Your furniture is heavy so adding to the panels will help balance them.

Your light fixture is nice, but it needs something more.
Two suggestions, add a medallion on the ceiling. A simple one. You can get them at a local builders store (Home Depot or Lowes). Paint it the same gloss white as your trim and it will again help balance your room. You also could try just raising your light fixture all the way up with no chain, then adding a tall floral center piece with your candle on each side. I agree the longer runner is better.

The mirror is not right for the room. If you do add a mirror (remember to see what it will reflect) something that size but with a wide wooden frame in a finish of bronze. The pictures you have hanging are not the right feel.

Just remember you can get advise for friends, strangers and professional designers, but in the end it's your home so go with what feels right to you!

Hey Patricia what do you mean by the lead edge?? Please explain a bit more I'm confused

How is the height of the curtains?

yes what if we took out a leaf, and two chairs? i like the drapes, i do understand hanging them higher than the window, but i think people are not creating an illusion of heght anymore, but exposing the bare wall atop the window..perhaps use the ones you have as shears and get something a little more "heavy' for the outer.

Can you Guys reference something that could go on the wall? How are these ?

How does this runner look ?

I think the runner looks fine. I also think that your room looks great. If you like flowers, I would have a local florist design a centerpiece to compliment your room. I have been working with an interior designer/ florist, and it is amazing how real faux arrangements can look these days. Also, the designer I have been working with likes to bunch the table runner.

You are working way too hard... Edit the decorative items... The runner is not necessary.. Too small and ordinary. Ditto the candles, prints. Mirror looks good. Sconces not so good. Good design is not a 'quick job... Nor should it be. Take your time, take a deep breath.. Finding that 'special' decorative piece is all part of the hunt. Keep your eyes out for something special whether it be from little antique shops, home goods, yard sales... It is out there.. Just waiting for you! Best wishes!

Yes I think I am working too hard , I just want to finish fast and want it it to look perfect then I can enjoy . I am new into the designing world and I really need to slow down

Enjoy the 'journey'...... It will make the destination so much more enjoyable when it has your heart in it!

Love your furniture! This can become a wonderful room!
You need a longer and wider table runner...with a beefier feeling. A center piece and make the candles in the hurricanes a more neutral color...the chairs are pretty but I think the side chairs should have the chair backs a different upholstery with some definite color...and bring in a little black...then some light sconces on the wall on each side of your mirror....although i would have probably used a heavy carve wood like frame for the mirror. Window treatments ...this is where the room will come together perfectly...use a traditional style of cascades and swags with trim and make use of good color here to compliemnt the new chair fabric. Take down the blinds and use sheers for the under window treatments.

Sorry about that Sham84...the lead edge is the edges that touch when you close the draperies. The drapery height is fine. NO on both the wall "art" you have pictured above. I have a few ideas and will try to post them.

Question? How do you post PDF files to this site?

Ok lets see if this works

Again bring the light fixture to the ceiling with no chain showing. Add an odd number of Lighter colored candle sticks in different sizes. No table runner needed. Add a smoked mirror with dark frame. This will bring light into the room and the mirror will not reflect the details of the other space.

oh no do not bring that light up to the ceiling.....if you ever change center piece youve got a light that is floating not grounding to the room. this is why i said maybe take a leaf out, but dont raise it.

Ok so not raising the light fixture up but I can't take a leaf out, need seating for 8

ok so the light is totally fine!

For now this is what I got , party is Saturday. Will update in the future :)

What do you think ?

Quick change

I think you are going to have a wonderful party. Having a deadline like that sometimes is what it takes to get things going....and done!

Just wondering .. What is the view if you were to raise the blinds all the way up? sorry if this was already addressed.

My dear Sham814 - you have done a wonderful job! -- I prefer the two prints rather than the one -- however, they look a bit high - the middle of the picture should be 5ft. or 60" from the floor. Have a great party!!

Your room is coming together after all your work. In every picture I look at the blinds seem to cheapen the look of whatever you do. Could you take them down or put up silhouettes.

I like everything in the pic except I would put the two prints on the other wall. They look a bit lost on this very large wall. I would go with a large art piece instead.

wow!! i just love to see simple things shifting around making huge impact, with a bunch of minds working out the kinks....great job all! what a nice room!

sham814 ... soooo, how'd the party go?

How does this mirror look?

The mirror looks good. Hang your two art pieces on the opposite wall so they reflect in the mirror.

I like the reflection of the chandelier in the mirror. The room would look stunning with place settings in front of each chair. However, you may want to consider removing the table runner if it does not compliment the overall look.

The frame on the mirror looks so nice with the other furnishings right there, and the size is great!!!

The mirror is good if it is the right size for the room .you may need balance to really show it off . The chandler should be changed something sparkly and bright to go with the mirror. every thing is bland and you need colour and more texture . it is a nice room but could be a wow room , practical table and chairs .however it really needs way more thought to bring it up to the special dinning room to entertain guest. you should wall paper the top half of the room .

I agree to hang some reflective art, and flank the mirror with something.I m thinking candle scones, and replace the center piece. or some reclaimed looking corbels or wall art

The art opposite looks like it would perfectly fit that space.

Some more pics !

sham814-I really have enjoyed reading this thread from start to finish and love all the great changes you have made! All those small details really make a big difference. Looks beautiful.

Looks great! The mirror definitely finishes off the space.

Very nice! You are ready for Easter!!!

agree with Abbey! very nice, looks finished and formal! simple and not over done, way to go!

Thanks guys!

I love all your furnishings and the red and cranberry accents. I believe the dark metal color is a great contrast from the lighter neutrals in the room. I would suggest that you put the mirror between the two floral prints and have the bottom edges of these items at the same level. On the other hand, if there is a blank wall where the mirror would fit, it would be great as a conversation piece.

More is more! lots of flowers in buckets, no table runner!

http://www.veranda.com/decorating-ideas/g981/watch-hill-rhode-island-historic-mansion/?slide=8

Just a thought about this pic?

http://latesthousedesign.com/2013-dining-room-colors-for-a-small-room.html/dark-red-2013-dining-room-colors

You have a beautiful room. The new mirror is great,love the curtains. If I have to suggest a change it would be a formal,large flower arrangement. Great job!

Needs som luxurious curtains to go with the elaborate dining suite....maybe with a slight pattern.

I love your formal dining room and entry chandelier. I wasn't sure I was at the right house in your living room discussion! It is beautiful and more contemporary/modern compared to the traditional style in your dining room. Both rooms beautiful and amazing with small children! I go back and forth between both styles myself.