last pic

will something like this work for the tv area?

I would also love to put a wet bar...do you think it will look good in place of the big frame by the dinning room table? My wife has been wanting to put a wine fridge but there is no space in our kitchen

Hi Jason-

A lovely space, but definitely in need of some color and a little floor plan adjustment.

First, consider putting a really bold wallpaper on the wall with the TV and wall in your dining area (the one with the 4 pictures on it all the way to where the kitchen cabinets begin). Paint the rest of the space a subtle, pale color that coordinates with your wallpaper, just so there's a bit more contrast between the walls and the floor, draperies and ceiling.

Move your sectional sofa away from the windows so that it is centered in the room, or at least so that there is a path wide enough for walking on all sides of it. The room will actually feel bigger, and you won't crowd your draperies. Also, some colorful accent pillows and maybe an interesting area rug would be great here. The coat rack and the large vessel with the branches should switch places.

I don't know if I'd add a wet bar in your dining room, but you could certainly have a buffet designed. That would allow you space for you wife's wine fridge with bar or service space on top. With a buffet there you'll want to move your dining table so that its nearly centered on the wall between the large sets of windows -- that would mean moving your chandelier, too.

Rather than wallpaper on your TV wall, I love that stone application and long console to give your sleek space warmth and texture. I agree with pulling your sectional away from the drapes and adding some area rugs. I'd like to see the chocolate brown of your upholstery repeated somewhere in your dining area to tie the two spaces together.

I would move the couch closer to the tv and more away from the door. I think you need more pieces to balance the space out. If you move the couch up you can add a sofa table with lamps and books behind sofa and two small ottmans under table. Strong colors are white, black and brown, but they are not all over the room, just in corners spread the color theme around....so the black from the kitchen needs to be pulled over by the table and by the sofa, maybe add black throw and pillows to couch add black rug under table. Curtains can't be white

I don't think these rooms need much changing, just minor adjustments. I think you have done an outstanding job respecting the modern architecture with your contemporary kitchen and furnishings. You're on the path to a sleek and simple design. Unless you want to deviate from that, don't over do it! You and your wife are obviously thoughtful about your many of your purchases: Cool baby chair, mostly black and white art, silver bar stools, only black and gray bags because you know they will be visible in the room. Honestly, the bags hanging on the coat rack in that stark corner look like minimalist art.

Ok, enough of that. Remember, most of what I will suggest is in the context of keeping with cool, simple and modern. If you did want to deviate from that, then just ignore everything that follows. Your sofa is too wide and it's the first thing you see from the front door. You need an L shaped sectional pulled off the wall so you can access those doors. Probably one with equal lenghts due to size constraints. Not everyone needs to view the tv straight on. And it's fine to move the tv over to realign it with the sofa now that you have moved the sofa off the wall. New sofa should be white or white combo similar to what you have, with accent pillows for color. Think beyond the accent pillows you have now, there's no punch.
Don't do anything to the tv wall except a short media stand to define the space. This will help ground the tv, especially if you move it off center. Move your artisitc coat rack over to help fill the space. Do a weathered or cerused gray oak, you've about maxed out on the black.
The coffee table doesn't work. Sorry if that's harsh. I don't care for the green glass, its not a cool modern piece, and geez, it's too pointy to have with children. I do like that you selected something that allows you to hide books and remotes. You need an area rug there too. Check out Morrocan rugs. They are mixtures of beige, white, gray and black with simple tribal graphic design.
Declutter the kitchen if possible. I know it's hard to, but it really throws off the minimalist look. Get a larger area rug under the dining table. I assume you got that one so it didn't encroach on the doorway. That doesn't matter. What you need is the added width. You can take a regular broadloom carpet and have it cut and bound to your size specifications. Do one with color.
Yes, do the built in bar with wine fridge under the taxicab art. Keep the art, only do a base cabinet. Don't do a backsplash, white quartz top.
Do a 4x6 area rug for the front door. A worn, vintage kazak (again graphic tribal design) would add a lot of interest; they have color.
And keep your walls white, it's the perfect backdrop for minimalism.
Sorry if the tone of this was heavy, being direct was the only way I would get this all out.

Made some small suggested changes. I tried to take pictures of most of the angles. I moved the dining room table to the center of the wall and it was really close to the couch. There was about 7ft btwn the dining table and the wall with the 4 frames where the buffet table would go. The buffet table wall is 5 1/2 ft.

Can you guys help me pick a nice wallpaper to go with the dining room back wall (with the 4 frames)??

So far I like the idea with the stone for the TV wall..

space left

Nope, not sure why you moved the dining table. I liked it in its original position, but I do like Chroma's idea for a bar and wine fridge beneath the black and white graphic with yellow cars.

P.s. forgot to upload the fifth pic I worked on........LOL I go away for 20 mins and there are more pics uploaded :-P Oh well I can't manipulate them all. Again all the best, it's a great space! :-D

I loving the ideas!! The Buffet table/bar idea right under the yellow car frame is a Keeper!! I totally agree with getting a new couch to not block off that door way. For my new couch can you guys help me pick something that will go. I know what I like but I'm terrible at putting things together. I will also need an area rug for both dining and couch area.


Here is a picture of the entrance....Critique away!!!

very nice eddy! That couch works out a lot better.

Nice eddy! I like that sofa size too and the side chairs. You're handy with that pen.

way to go Eddie like your ideas seems perfect

How bold do you want to go with the color? You have a great yellow in the photo in the dining room.....depending on your level of boldness, you can pick it up in pillows, lamps, small kitchen appliances, dinnerware, paint.....Have fun with it! :)

I think you've done a terrific job-- just need to tweak. I mostly noticed that more texture would help--Think you need a rug in the sofa area: (could be like the cowhide one above under the yellow dining chairs)-- also liked the suggestion of a Moroccan rug-- or, a fun wood texture like the one attached--Then, remove the small rug under the dining table (actually more practical to forgo nice rugs under dining table when kids are very young and spilling!)-- Also like the idea of a color or texture on the TV wall!

Do you guys think of these from west elm? I'm going with Eddys layout...

Purchase list:
-couch
-need two chairs
-coffee table
-area rug - living area
*possibly changing out the rug in the dining area.

http://www.cb2.com/sofas/furniture/club-atomic-orange-sofa/f7236

They have an orange and "caper" color

I like the graphite sofa from west elm...even the throw pillows pictured. The off-white would look dingy next to your white walls and white drapes.

I recommend the white to keep with the light look. I would not worry if the white walls and sofas are not identical....they are on different planes. Treat with Scotchgard on a regular basis. Lots of yellow and black and white patterned pillows...if the white pillows are included I would have the covers professionally dyed...1/3 yellow, 1/3 black, keep 1/3 white...or have new covers made. Scotchgard these also. Do post after photos! :)

I like the white for sofa but not necessarily that one. It's the pillow backs. Would prefer more modern and I've never found them to be very comfortable. Eddy's furniture layout is terrific and I think it will work well. I'm not sure about open shelving by the front door, I like it open. For the dining room area rug, wider is better. I don't think you want to increase the length too much, remember you will be putting in a bar near there. A larger rug will fit in the space better and make the table seems larger. I suggested cutting a broadloom to your size specifications and having it bound. Just in case you don't know what a broadloom is, it refers to a rug off of a roll.

Chroma: I was going to go with the open look instead of the cubicle. Where could I go about getting a rug off a roll? Should I keep the same color scheme of the living room and dining rug? I need some ideas on that!

Now for the white sofa. The really nice modern ones jump up $2500 +++
I'm having a little trouble finding one

I found 2 other but they come as a set, too much couch for the area...Plus I wont be able to add the two side chairs

http://www.lafurniturestore.com/living-room/modern-sofa/white-italian-design-sofa-set.html

http://www.lafurniturestore.com/living-room/modern-sofa/miami-modern-fabric-sofa-set.html

Thanks for all the great feedback in response to my layout ideas and Jason I'm so glad you liked it! Yeah I toyed with the idea of the cubed storage near the entrance but looking back I don't feel it's necessary at all and would probably hinder the space and flow. Liking all the suggestions of couches and rugs, I have a grey lounge suite at home and find it very easy to dress with accent colours, white is good too but harder to keep clean. Remember that the accompanying chairs needn't match the sofa, for instance white sofa and black chairs? I don't know much about colour I tend to favour things in neutrals just because they give a more seamless flow but can be "grounded" or made to stand out using accents, i.e. want green? Throw on some cushions in shades and patterns of green and a green-hued, comfy throw, viola instant theme, the same could be said of any colour so long as your base couches are neutral and are a good solid colour. - basically "versatile style"! :-D. You'll also want to factor in comfort too... above all it's your taste and what you like Jason and the space would need to be practical for your needs, best of luck let us know if you want any further advice. Ooo...Just double checking... a lighter cream, beige, or white couch may contrast well with the darker colours of the dining table, kitchen and other furnishings...?? What do we think?

Have you considered a Barcelona sofa and/or chairs? They are classic contemporary and are comfortable. The Eames chair is also comfortable. You can get both Eames and Barcelona in several colors. I will attach a couple of photos. You might also look at a sisal rug. Hope these help! :)

There are some good neutrals, colour schemes, rugs and chair ideas in my lounges ideabook if you'd care to check them out: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1878790/thumbs/Living-Room
I hope that link works...? Anyway there's one in particular:

This has an example of Barcelona chairs as suggested by Mint Design in a living room concept similar to the arrangement idea. The colour scheme also works well...if a bit too neutral haha :-D

Mint Design: For the main sofa I don't think I would go with the Barcelona, it doesn't look to comfy. I like the barcelona chairs though

Please check out the last 2 pictures in my Living room idea book

What do you guys thing?!?!

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2275428/thumbs/living-room

It actually is comfortable, but, like you, I prefer the chairs!
I like both of those photos....1 suggestion though...consider adding the Barcelona ottomans....they make great Chaises volantes! :)

Barcelona chairs are awesome. Mint, great suggestion.
Jason, you can go to nearly any carpet store and they will bind rugs for you. I've always been pleased with the rugs I've have bound from masland carpets. When looking for a rug, remember this is your opportunity for color. And this will be the color that you use throughout in other accents.
Looked at the sofas in your living room idea book. All of them are great (except club atomic- it wasn't the color but styling, too bachelor. Really liked the Flynn and Vaughn. And you have to love the price points. Before you get psyched on one, measure your area so you select the right size. In the end, that may determine which you get. Will you have side tables for the sofa? Plan for that too. Your furniture, at the least, needs to be as far off the wall as the door swings open plus a few inches.

Chroma: I'm leaning towards the white couch if I can find one in leather. If I do go with that, I think some dark colored barcelona chairs would go nice. If that doesnt work then I'll play it safe with a grey fabric sofa with some white barcelona chairs.

Mint: "Barcelona ottomans....they make great Chaises volantes" Can I have an example..I have no idea what your talking about lol


For the rug color I was thinking a yellow ?? Using the yellow from the big frame by the dining room to kinda spread it around... Just an idea

Finding a sofa similar to the ones in your ideabook should be easy. I've only ever seen Barcelona chairs in black or white. Your back up of a gray fabric sofa is also a great choice, but leather really does clean up kids's spills terrific.
I'm having a hard time with the bold yellow as a rug and other accents. The photos above are really cool, but those photos are composed. Meaning perfectly balanced in the use of yellow. Your use would be spread out. Plus, choosing another accent color keeps the taxi cab special. I'd do a silvery blue or gray green. But hey, that's me. Go with your gut. It's your home, it should reflect your personality! Have fun with it!!!

Your home feels very modern. I think the furniture are fine as they are. Instead of changing the wall color, I think some area rugs would make the space feel warmer.

That is a beautiful space you are working with! I think adding a rug with a bright color would really help make the room pop and if you did the same yellow as in the wall art it would tie the room together nicely. How bold are you looking to go with your rug? What type of design are you looking for in your rug? Patterned or a solid color? What's nice about your space is that either would look great. Here are a few ideas of rugs with yellow.

A chaise volante is a chair that can be easily moved around depending on the need, conversation grouping, etc. These can also fit nicely under a glass or acrylic sofa table of console until they are needed. They can also be moved from room to room so are usually in a color which will work anywhere in the home.....a really practical thing to have! will attach photo of 2 brown ones under a sofa table...ignore the colors.
Also attaching a couple of fun items in chartreuse in the event you do not stick with the black. white and yellow....a word of warning though, chartreuse is a bit more difficult to find in many items. Please post photos of your progress as you go along! :ps I see the "Heat" emblem....are you in Miami?

Thanks guys for the great start! Mint..Yes, I'm in Miami... Did you see that game yesterday?!

How would a white sofa look with my white floor? Wont it be too much white?Im going to start with the furniture first and leave the rugs for last...I like the idea of a silver blue or grey green for the accents to not go too bold.

I found some chocolate barcelona style chairs on the bay lol...I dont know about the quality though. The original barcelona chairs are super expensive!! What do you guys think
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3001-2-PC-Modern-Barcelona-style-Chair-and-Ottoman-Set-Generic-Replica-/120881091850?pt=US_Bed_and_Bed_Frames&hash=item1c2513150a

Great game Sat!
I would not do chocolate....would do white and/or black. I like the white for Miami. The site has 100% satisfaction so you are probably ok; I would recommend paying extra for leather on both sides though. :)

Thanks Mint Design! I think I made up my mind. I'm going with a white leather sofa. I haven't found an affordable one that I like, yet. I think the black would look cool for the 2 barcelona style chairs. I would go with white but I feel like it would be too much cause of my white flooring.

This white sofas legs work with the barcelona: http://www.modani.com/furniture-stores/living/sofas/modern-contemporary-3-seaters-black-sleeper-sofas

This one will work also but its sold as a set:
http://www.lafurniturestore.com/living-room/modern-sofa/white-italian-design-sofa-set.html
* I should be ordering the chairs by the end of the week!!

I would like to do something different wit the drapery. What do you guys think I should do?

Rebecca from Robeson Design, suggests that window treatments particularly drapery should be hung from ceiling height and in some cases just either side of the window or doorway that they're framing. (You guys should check out her work she really knows her stuff! :-D) http://www.houzz.com/pro/rebeccarobeson/robeson-design.
It makes the world of difference believe me simply moving a curtain rod from the height of the frame to the height of the ceiling = MASSIVE difference. I'd go with either an accent colour or black for new drapery. Loving the sofa and it's a nice price too!

I ordered this couch and almost 95% sure about ordering these barcelona style chairs/ottoman set by the end this week. What do you guys think so far?!?!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120881091850?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_15447wt_1163

Fantastic!!!! I love the white leather sofa. Has tufting like the Barcelona chair. And both have architectural chrome bases. Total score, man.
Are you thinking of doing the B. chair in that mint green? I like!

Chroma, the barcelona chair picture is a bad quality shot. The chair is supposed to be white leather. They have 3 options for the b chairs...White, Black or Brown leather

Oh yes, stay with white. Since you'll be looking at rugs, pillows and accessories a little later, have you and your wife discussed/ decided on what accent colors to use? You will find it helpful to know that in advance so you can start to picture it all together.

Sofa is great; yes white Barcelona chairs....post some photos as you progress; would love to see them! :)
what about the Heat?!

I think what you have is good enough! Add some plants with colorful pots; maybe a tree in the dining room and a table plant and another tree in the living room for balance. Paint (cheaper than wallpaper) the dining room wall and add some colorful rugs. I would go with yellow and blue or even green throw pillows and accent pieces. You could also change the glass on your table to a smoked grey or black and paint the base. Hope my suggestions help!

any photos of your progress? or you still celebrating the Heat victory? Would love to see! :)

Still celebrating!! Haha. The sofa is on back order so we ended up starting on our bedroom. We put in the new furniture this past weekend. Check out my other post. I will be posting a picture up later today

metal art in chrome - not brass. Lots of vintage handmade metal sculptures can be found at groovywares.com