Need help with small, dark living room.

11 years ago

I need help with my living room. We moved in a few months ago with the intention of building elsewhere on our property in the next few years,but really like to create a nice space for us i the meantime. I really don't like anything about this room, ( other than the artwork on the walls). We downsized from 3400 to 1100 sq' so part of my frustration is just the lack of space compared to what used to, but I know it's possible to have a small, stylish space. I don't know how to accomplish it though...
Pertinent info:
7 people live here , so we need plenty of seating.
The piano must stay, it's needed for our budding musician and won't fit anywhere else in the house.
I don't like the wall color. This room tends to be dark and cavelike, with little natural light, so I'd like something nice and bright.
The door seen is the front door.
Popcorn ceilings, ugh. Hate them, but not a project I can tackle right now. Ceilings are also very low, 7 ft.
I hate the orangey brick hearth. Thinking of whitewashing it....?
We plan to replace the massive stove with an insert soon, so that will be an improvement.
Limited budget. House was trashed when we moved in and we've replaced floors and kitchen. Not much "extra" money.
I want to see warm and inviting, but now I just see dark and cluttered. Is there hope for this room?
Suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

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Comments (5)

abbyjean
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Can you turn the rug the other way and float the couch, so it faces the fireplace/tv? That will create a small foyer for you, too. Maybe the large mirror could go by the door instead of over the piano??? Angle the chair by the fire place toward the room. Maybe the chair and ottoman could go by the fireplace and face the couch and one of the smaller chairs by the piano and one by the window?
Kate Moody-Reynolds
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I have tried the couch facing the sofa, that was how I wanted it, originally. It puts it too close to the piano though, and makes the walking space too tight.
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groveraxle
11 years ago
What about putting the piano on the wall to the right of the bookcase? Would you have enough walk space then? And if so, would the TV fit in the space to the right of the fireplace? That would save your necks.

All your art is too high. Groupings also shouldn't be staggered. The room really isn't cluttered, but the way the art is hung makes it seem that way.
groveraxle
11 years ago
Art goes at eye level, and eye level is lower when you're sitting down.
auntqueenie
11 years ago
Switch bookcase and piano. You may need to scoot piano down a little more away from door. Maybe. Put the small rocker, angled, and sit it more on front side of bookcase instead of in the corner, move piano lamp to the side where rocker is, or buy another for that side to keep the look symmetric on piano. Put chair with ottoman where large rocker is and move small table way from door and use between sofa and chair. Hang your art by the door to fill that space and balance out wall where sofa is. move rocker to left side of fireplace bringing it away from corner and angled toward other furniture. Set little tiny rocker just to the side of large rocker, and back towards wall a little. If tiny rocker isn't used stack a few books on it. I would get a larger rug, you could try to angle it or get a round rug which old soften up all the square edges and get it with a nice shot of color to brighten room. Oh and a lamp on table by sofa would make it cozy!!