HI -- Yes,please remove the chair rail , it cuts the room in half . Your room needs to lose the visual clutter. Add crown in both rooms and paint the rooms in all one color . Paint the base boards and new crown and trims in a warm white . Paint the doors the same color as the walls , door mouldings also . You don't need to outline the doors and or closets.You could also paint the ceiling a light color . The front window needs some draw drapes. Hang the rod on the moulding under the half round window , and take it the full width of that wall. If you get a long cabinet w/ doors for the TV , then it would hide away all the TV stuff and wirers etc. Paint colors --WALLS -Benjamin Moore " flawless AF -320 or " handmade AF 325" CEILING "full moon 2119-70 " CROWN / BASEBOARDS/TRIMS "decorators white CC -20 . PS: When I said to paint the TRIM , that did include the trim around the windows. And crown mouldings would work very well in the living room.

Due to your vaulted ceiling and prominent window trim, I would skip the crown molding.
Is the vaulted area an addition? You have white trim with the exception of that window area and it would be preferable to have all the trim match. You can make the chair rail more of a design asset by getting rid of the coral color and using a subtle paint scheme like this inspiration room with the rail itself matching your baseboard and trim moldings.

I agree with discarding the chair rail-the color and combo feel very 1980s. I wouldn't do crown molding unless you want to match the window trim. I'm sure you hesitate to paint it but you want to have a feel of continuity to the whole room. I do like the idea of semi-sheers across the entire wall where the windows are.

You have lots of furniture in the room-it is all used or is it a room that collects furniture from elsewhere? I'd rethink some of it-is it necessary?

Also, the walls have a knickknack look with the small prints and too-dads scattered but I don't get a sense that you are striving for a specific 'look'..just that you have these prints and things and needed a place for them. I like tchotchkes and things like that but have kept my living area in a French Provencal theme almost entirely-things go together more that way. Before you paint, think about what sort of real theme you want..country, french, etc. maybe pick up a book about that look and don't be afraid to get rid of the clutter.

Finally I suggest a cabinet for your TV and wiring. It's not attractive on the side table and all the wiring looks messy. You have a potentially great space here that needs to be pulled together.

Have fun decorating and deciding!

Oh gosh - two totally conflicted comments here. I absolutely would lose the chair rail. Since you have the soffit in the middle - what about covering this with WOOD to mimic a beam? You can actually do this with composite wood, or a high grade plywood - which you sand first before finishing. I would also suggest doing this and staining it BEFORE you install if you like this idea, then finish in place. Since your ceiling is vaulted and NOT trayed - I would not add crown molding. But do take out the chair rail - it serves no purpose here. - looks chopped up! :-)

Since your room seems to be more traditional in nature - and you did ask about ARCHITECTURAL ACCENTS - this space beyond the Soffit/beam just might be the place to add some great open architectural shelving with baskets along the shelves to hold your miscellaneous items - games, videos, toys - magazines - etc. Check out Pottery Barn for ideas or purchase?

Painting: I have a totally different perspective - there is NO rule that claims you must paint your trim white - etc. I would either paint it the same color of the room for a continual visual impact, perhaps in a satin enamel finish - but certainly NOT a different color. from what already exists on the walls. IF you enclose the beam in wood to mimic a true beam - then make this match your current window trim?

I do however, believe in painted ceilings - this always adds a nice touch . The beam does NOT have to match the trim. It is an architectural accent. - OR stain each a new color of your desire - as long as the wondow trim matchesthe beam - or things might get confused.

Have you considered adding one of those non-vented new fireplaces - to be used as a focal point for your room? They are most usually installed with and/or on cabinetry? You could certainly consider this down the line - as it would add yet another layer of interest to your lovely room. I would also match the door hardware with the new window treatment if you use rods & drapery rings. I would consider extending the rod about 12 inches beyond each side of the window below the fan light - use double the fabric for volume and make sure you get a very heavy rod & rings - to match the size of the room for balance. Fluffing this up and filling out this empty space with fabric will add a great texture.

I would like to suggest a MUCH larger rug. The furniture should actually SIT on the rug. Otherwise - it serves no purpose - and is too colorless to add to the design elements of the room. I have just been to my rug cleaner place - where they sell investment rugs - for those who can afford them and to my surprise - they have a host of rugs - rather inexpensive -which folks can now order to FIT - your individual space. These types of services will add a trim of YOUR choice (color)! How about that - in highly trafficked areas of our home - I have the natural fiber rugs - with banding - because if they get ruined - they can be replaced inexpensively. There are also softer fabrics which are easier on the feet.

Lastly - to save money and have some fun - IF you can DIY - go to a flea market, yard sale, etc. - and look for a an chest. OR Buffet. Repurpose this - think about taking out the doors and making shelves which can be painted a lovely constrasting color - adding baskets to hold media items. OR, find one and refinish in a totally fun out of this world color - add glass on the top - and new hardware. All of your "stuff" can go in the drawers. Add a lamp - get a fun one YOU like - to add some interest to your room. In the back space - find an old chandelier - I bought seveal for our wedding and spray painted them and hung them from trees. Rustoleum has GREAT new finishes - and you can find any time of new little shade you desire.

Sorry - but hope all of this helps. Have fun!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to my design dilemma! I will carefully read each reply and try to implement the ideas. I agree that the chair rail needs to go or at least be painted a sublte color or stained to match the window trim. I also like the idea of adding a window treatment, buying a TV stand (I hate the wires being exposed) and getting rid of the wall decor. Oh boy! I'm already feeling overwhelmed! Deep breaths!! Take it a step at a time! Once again many thanks!

Do not remove anyrhing just paint everything one color look at restoration hardware store catalog linen finish is very nice .....

Most important-don't hide your window with drapes. It's the best point of the room. all over color in the same shade with the ceiling about 10-15% lighter would enlarge the room. Stick to the same tones and the crown mold is a good idea, The fireplace matching the crown molding is also a good idea. Not too much clutter to distract from what you're doing. It confuses you as you work. Take that first step and add back with thought.

kind of reminds me of a space in one of the model homes of the builder i work for. I'm not an interior designer. Just sharing what i've seen...

Of course I don't know the floor plan of the rest of the house, but it looks as if this was planned as a combined living/dining room, with the dining room being the area with the lower ceiling.

As such, I would treat it almost as two separate rooms. Start by rotating the sectional to act as a room divider and re-locate the TV to act as a focal point. The vaulted area needs at least one bold vertical element--a large interesting plant or two would work wonders. Pay special attention to the lighting. Create pools of light, not blasts of overhead spotlights (put the ones you have on dimmers for a soft overall glow).

I'd lose the chair rail and paint the vaulted area one neutral color, including the window molding. Then I'd paint the what I'm calling the dining area a darker shade of the same color, or a totally different accent color. Furnish it with a table and chairs, either as a dining space or home office or game room, or maybe a nice big desk. Bookshelves would make a huge difference and add texture and create a welcoming look. Add a nice overhead lighting fixture to the dining area to further define the space.

I agree theres's simply too much clutter and small objects everywhere. Edit ruthlessly. Less is more. Go through design magazines and catalogs for ideas. Keep tearsheets of rooms you like and use them as inspiration. (Or just browse Houzz!)

Good luck--these large rectangular rooms are a challenge, but it's always better to have too much space than not enough.

The chair rail HAS to go.It should have been placed at the one third level,not so high.This is a great room but because you have a big room with big furniture you need big accessories,art lamps etc.Have you considered a wood floor? So much fun to spend other peoples money:)

SAVE THE RAIL ! At least initially, just give it a coat of paint complementing whatever wall colors you choose. Much quicker, easier and cheaper than removal and subsequent wall repairs! I actually like it but find it a bit to prominent which is accentuated by what appears to be a very sharp contrast in colors above and below that line.

I'd also paint the window trim just to tone down the sharp contrast of that feature.

Doors and door trim also stand in strong contrast with other features. Consider painting them the same color as rail, and window trim.

I like Michigan's photo with more muted colors and reduced contrast suitable for what appears to be your more traditional furnishings....

Do not try to do all at once. Start with a plan, live with incremental results, enjoy....

Good luck!

Cheap Charlie in Downey, CA.