First impressions, the color combo you selected is pretty...I agree with getting rid of the gold paint. I think there will be high contrast with the entertainment center, and I would consider painting the wall behind it a deep accent tone so it is less contrast....

I'm not a fan of blue with the color scheme, but esp not the pillow ticking which is very casual vs. your sofa fabric which is formal and more traditional.

Teal and rust which the sofa can easily pass for look great together.

This is the rug I have behind the sofa. I was thinking if you added throw pillows (with a pattern, not solid colors) in these color combo's it would match the sofa and give you an opening to add more blue. Teal is the best color option, IMO.

Although you have carpet for now, you can still lay an area rug on top of it. Maybe under the ottoman, just to add more blue.

Hi shee,
Nice to see you back on decorating. I love your drop cloth drapes, very nice.
I agree the gold walls can go , and I have seen shaker beige in friends home and always love it.
Maybe try the drop cloth as your undercloth on round table.

Have you looked into a light blue-gray for your walls? It might bring out the blue in your furniture.

We'll have some fun now - Shee is decorating!!

Shee have you thought about trying to use a green in the sagey or greige family. And instead of navy blues, a silvery blue for an accessory or two.

I love your new drapes. Much better than the dark brown silk.

Wow, this feels like I'm looking at my living room with somebody else's furniture moved in! Our room and window are the same size and our carpet the same color. Our sofa is in front of the window and a large entertainment center is on the same wall. We even have deep red and gold in the room. I like Shaker Beige with your carpet and upholstery. Our walls have been a light olive green for 8 years and I'm tired of them.

I just wanted to address the unbalance you're feeling. We have matching upholstered armchairs and a round table where your wing chair is and two tall prints on the wall over them. It gives all three walls equal bulk. Where your end table is between the sofa and loveseat, we have a floor lamp with a hefty, dark-colored base (we don't have a loveseat and our room opens to the DR). I think you could move that table and lamp next to the wing chair and try a floor lamp in the corner between sofa/loveseat. I think the smaller lamp and table by the wing chair will make for a cozy-looking reading area. Try the big plant in the corner near the wing chair to help bulk up that side of the wall. The floor lamp will give you the height back in that corner once you move the plant.

Annie - I never thought about an accent wall where the e.stand is. I'll keep that in mind.
I agree the ticking stripe is casual. In years past, I've tried to deformalize this room some from what it used to be. I very much love the home of Savvysouthernstyle's blog but the bones of my house are nothing like hers for comparison really.

Oakley - I like rust. I'll have to think about the suggestions of lighter blues because that's not a favorite color of mine. Your rug looks light blue on my monitor vs. teal.
I went there with the area rug before but never found one that worked. Maybe that'll look back into that after I get the rest of the room sorted better.

Lyban - Hi! Thanks for the Shaker feedback. I thought about combining the dropcloth for the tablecloth somehow but I didn't think that would work with the wingchair being lighter.

Gracie - I've seen rooms with light blue that I thought were very pretty but I'm not sure how I'd feel about a light blue paint. It isn't a color in wild about in general. I'm keeping my mind open though!

Tuesday - :)
The sage as an accent? No. Hm... I tried greens in here as paint but they were yellow green and didn't look right. My kitchen is BM Olive Branch which is beside this room.
Thanks about the new 'curtains'.
Here are photos from Savvysouthnstyle's blog showing lighter pillows with a red sofa. However, he main sofa isn't paisley.
This one shows a lighter gree. It's not what I would consider a true sage though.
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Mayflowers - Thanks for the Shaker feedback.
Two chairs and a table might be a tight squeeze for that wall. The table between the furniture is about the same height as the round one but I didn't care for it over there. It's really formal looking, which I've gotten somewhat away from what I used to like, and it added a lot of 'legs' to that side of the room. I agree that would open the space up more but a table there is practical for us. I may try it later and see.

Here is a link that might be useful: savvysouthernstyle - linking since I used photos

Nice blog! The flash from the camera makes the rug appear light blue, but it's a muted teal.

I'm going to throw this out there, but I think your house is more french country leaning towards a tuscan style. Which is my fave, btw. Have you thought about going in that direction?

Plaids and checks would be great for curtains. I want to say SunnyCottage has the plaid curtains I'm thinking of that would go well with your room, and you wouldn't even have to paint. Maybe she'll see this topic and post her curtains. Check out Country Curtains though, you'll get a lot of great ideas.

I'm not fond of the white curtains because I think they'd look better with wood floors.

For throw pillows, what about a toile (not red), or something similar with scenery?

I have small check black and gold throw pillows on the sofa and it looks pretty good. (Shee and I have the same sofa)

One more thing, more wall decor would help with the gold walls and not make them stand out so much. Ebay and Pinterest has a lot of FC wall accents with low prices.

I'm going to send you a picture that I promised back in January via email. :)

I agree the wall color change will help a lot. Drop cloth curtains will be nice also. I agree, the ticking doesn't work with your sofa. Like it or not, the sofa fabric leans towards more formal - not saying you have to go there. I'm not crazy about the blue either.

Instead of an oriental rug, since you want to go more causal, why not a sisal or chenille jute in a neutral color. Or a Soumak (flatweave).

Shee in the Southern Savy Style blog, the blues are blue/greens or green/blues and I LOVE IT. I can see her floral chair -wondering if the blue in it is "slightly" green. Do you have anything in your house for testing (a piece of clothing, etc) that might be close to the color of the pillows in the first picture you posted from the blog? It might actually look good with the green in your sofa. Sometimes you can fool the eye with the right hues. I also noted that the blue in the art is a true darker blue and it works also.

How is "little man" doing? Will he soon be a year old?

I think you are on the right track with the BM Shaker Beige and love the addition of the dropcloth drapes. Would you consider doing a burlap tablecloth for your round table? I agree it adds weight to the left side of the room. That said, your little one will try to pull up on it and it may be a safety hazard. Like it or not your sofa/loveseat is dictating the primary design of your room. You can either embrace it with a more traditional look, risk loosing cohesion by adding the more casual touches, or either resell (which you say you don't want to do). Would you consider slipcovering it? It's not a bad option with a baby/toddler. The Foxes Pad had recent thread on layering matalesse coverlets over a white slipcover for ease in washing. She also has young ones so may be good to take note what works for others with young children. It could help take you into the other direction you seem to want to go.

Well I just moved a bunch of stuff around and normally would post photos for feedback but I just don't like how the tables looked moved and we really need something between the sofa and loveseat.

While I still like my sofa and loveseat I'd have no problem saying goodbye to embrace different furniture, but DH isn't going to go for that right now.

Oakley - I do like the french country look but don't think I can pull that off in my home. I'll have to search for Sunny's curtains. I don't think I want to add a pattern to the curtains though. I agree the dropcloths would look better with wood flooring. They don't look stark IRL.

Allison - Hm, did you know the curtains shown in the photo are the dropcloth curtains? They honestly don't look as stark as they're coming across in the above photos. You can also see the texture IRL which I think helps.
I like the idea of those types of rugs but am pretty much scared to even try to pick one with the carpet being what it is. When I taped out an 8x10 before I thought it really helped to give the room a more grounded look.

Tuesday - I'll have to look around but I'm not sure I have anything that color to mock up.
He's getting big and doing great! He'll be one this summer and I soon need to start getting his birthday ideas together.

Val - I'd switch to a burlap tablecloth. I considered that before at one point. Would you still use that topper, no topper, a different one? I think by itself the burlap and chair would be too light side by side. I agree about the safety hazard but I feel any table can pose that threat. We watch him like a hawk and I should change out what's on top. I have decided to move the plant stand and large plant (with ceramic pot) from the foyer area.
I don't think I could handle slipcovers for a lot of reasons. If I had a choice between slipcovers and new furniture, I'd pick new furniture.

OK, so I repaint. What do I do about pillows? Can I keep the fringe ones? I'm off to look for something sage.

This post was edited by sheesharee on Wed, Mar 6, 13 at 14:21

Sorry, I was trying to post before picking up DGS from preschool. Did not realize it, but looking back I now see. I was more focused on the furniture and carpet.

Yes, definitely repaint. I'm proud of you for making the curtain! I like them! While they will look better when you get your hardwood floors, they are a big improvement on the brown drapes. They also help you achieve your objective of making the room less formal.

Kim's blog has alot of good inspiration pix. I was going to ask you about slipcovers also since she just used some this winter. But, I understand about just putting the money towards new furniture rather than spending it on slipcovers. Have you thought about selling your sofa and loveseat? That's just a thought. I do think painting and changing out some of the accessories will take the room more in the direction you want. Tuesday has some good suggestions.

tina

Shee, what am I missing? There's no green in the sofa. Burgandy, gold and black.

I know I'm biased, but I can't see selling the sofa. It's one of the softest and comfiest sofas I've ever had. Plus it goes with many things in your home.

All you need is new paint color if that's what you want, and more accessories. IMO, accessories makes the room.

About the arranging I did earlier, I wanted to say I didn't like how anything looked because everything about it was wrong (scale, style, etc.) The furniture arrangment I have is far from perfect, but I think it's the best I can do for now with the pieces I already own.

This shirt and the pillow are the only two things I could find that have blue green in them. This is just for a visual. I don't wish to purchase anymore of the floral fabric.
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Tina - DH is the one that wouldn't be ok with selling it. I'd take care of everything but he just doesn't get the need for correction or any change. I will say the furniture is starting to get fade marks from the morning sun and I really should probably do something about that before I end up with very noticeable patches of orange red. I REALLY DON'T want blinds. I'd have to put the dropcloths on clip rings to pull the blinds. It would bug me that they'd look sloppy when opening unless I fixed they every time; and I won't. I suppose the best option would be make additional curtains, add pleat tape to the top and attach cliprings. Wow, that was off topic. LOL On the flipside, maybe allowing it to turn orange would get me new furniture sooner. j/k

Oakley - Hmm, mine has green it. Some areas only have gold and black but other parts of the design are gold, black, and dark crayonish green.

DH doesn't yet know I plan to adjust most of the room. He was very reluctant about painting. He likes the wall color and thinks it's fine. He also reminded me how I'm recovering from bad case of wrist tendonitis and I should probably wait a bit to paint. (I'm sitting here with a brace on as I type and am going to ice when I'm done here. :( ) DH and paint don't mix well. Everyone else we know is either too busy or physically can't and I won't pay someone to paint. I'll get it done.

Am I correct to say that the gold pillows should at least go? I'm a visual person so it'll help me greatly after it's done. I do know I can't screw up picking this new paint color. I think I have leftover paint of the Shaker to make a large sample. I also wanted to check out BM Stone House. I have the physical paint but couldn't find a poster board sample.

This post was edited by sheesharee on Wed, Mar 6, 13 at 19:21

I can definitely see green or blue in your fabric. Maybe the shirt is making it look more blue. Whoever suggested a blue/green (sorry I can't remember who) made a good suggestion.

Yes, get rid of the gold pillows. They look shiny in the pix. One thing you can do to make the sofa look less formal is to use some pillows (and table cover) in less formal fabrics. Textured is good too.

I don't know what to suggest about a table cover. I think I would like to see something bigger/weightier in place of the round table. Do you have anything in another room that would work? Or maybe you could watch Craig's list. I'm wondering how a painted piece might look?

tina

Tina - Yeah, the pillows are silk.

I thought about a beefier table and have also been thinking of something painted. I do have a hard time painting wood though so I'd hope to find something with a binked up finish.

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Dimensions are 24-1/2"H x 22"L X 25"W. The top of the arm on the chair is 23-1/2"H and the current round table is 30"H. I wouldn't want to paint this table though. See, LOL.

I really like the shirt color with your pillows. Brings a bit of cool in to the room-- very pretty.

I also like the shirt color with your sofa.

Since you have Olive Branch in an adjoining room, how about coordinating with that? I could see the Saybrook Sage on the walls (and on the back of the entertainment cabinet) with just a smattering of the dusty teal/blue color as an accent.

Geokid - Wow, I do like that color in searches. It might be better for me to use it as an accent color though.
Here's a photo showing it with a lighter pinky beige carpet. Does it actually work with the carpet though? I think the carpet still has a dirty appearance like mine does with the yellow undertone walls.
BM Saybrook Sage

Definitely put that table in your room and I agree, don't paint it.

I also think the Saybrook Sage is perfect. With your curtains the room will have a serene feel to it. Great color!

Yesterday I was going to reccomend a fabric for your pillows and couldn't remember the name, but thanks to Allison, she mentioned it in another topic. lol..

Suzani. Here is one website showing different color combinations.

Here is a link that might be useful: Suzani fabric for pillows

I'm not sure that table is much beefier Shee. I can't really tell from that picture.

I think you have a good idea about using the green as an accent color - painting that one wall green? Or using it in your bookcases? I'm not a green walls person myself. I love some shades but would prefer it in the fabric or as accents as opposed to painted walls. If. that. even. made. sense. LOL!!

Looking back at Kim's pictures - what do you think about a monogrammed pillow? I'm pretty sure those brown pillows with the big buttons came from Pottery Barn. If I'm not mistaken they are a linen fabric and kind of nubby textured. They come in different colors. I can see something like that. Not sure what colors they have. Do you have a PB or PB outlet near you? If not you can order online.

tina

Well, I'm a big believer of "You don't know if you don't try!" I'd at least paint a big sample board and see. It's hard to tell with the picture you posted, so much is dependent on lighting and monitors, etc.

I think that color, with the drop cloth curtains, will bring in the casualness that you are looking for.

I'd also like to see you try the sagebrook sage on the walls. I really like the look.

I am loving the Saybrook Sage. Take a look at this inspiration picture showing a kitchen and living room. The room has red accessories and medium to dark wood tones and some blue.

Here is a link that might be useful: Meadow Lake Road Blog with Saybrook Sage

I think the table you showed will add more character to your room, especially with that lamp you're using on the round one.

Instead of painting the back of your bookshelves, what about using beadboard wallpaper instead?

1. I like the shaker beige as much, if not more, than the sage for your walls.

2. Your upholstery is almost a paisley---which is always "in"---and I would look for crewel work pillows for it that have a big paisley design on a lighter colored background.

3. Was also going to suggest burlap for the skirted table, and no topper. Instead, put a heavy round glass on top of the table to make it easier to clean and too heavy to turn over. You can have one made locally with a good polished pencil edge or buy one from Ballards. Leaving off the topper is a cleaner look.

4. LOVE the curtains!

If you're not comfortable with the sage on the walls (understandable), then use the shaker beige on the walls and accent with a lighter green-blue/blue-green. Maybe the backs of the entertainment center. Or do a cream for the backs and add accessories to the shelves for color. Right now anything you're putting on those shelves is getting lost. Can you take the glass doors off the cabinets? That would lighten up the piece considerably.

If you are going for a more casual look, doing burlap and no topper on the skirted table would help too.

Oakley- I like the Sisila but don't know that that works with the furniture. It also has gold in it. (Dang pinkish carpets.)

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I know it give the dimensions of the scale but it helps me to see the fabric IRL or a photo of it on something. I'll look around, thanks. I also like the Selim but the colors are little too cheery.

I'm going to pass on the table. I like it but starting thinking it reminded me of a nightstand.

I have bb wallpaper leftover. I actually have painted posterboard inside the ends, but could cover foamcore board.

Tina - That made sense about preferring the color in accents.

I think her pillows are from PB. I like all her pillows and would switch her houses, ha. Sadly, our PB outlet was really lacking the last time I was there.

Tuesday - I really like those photos, thank you.

Kswl - I like crewel work pillows. About the burlap tablecloth, with the wingchair being beige/tan you don't think that side would be lacking color; worsening the unbalanced feel?

I've been meaning to get a glass top so will look into local.

Geo, Val, Tuesday, Oakley, Kswl - I pick up a sample of the Saybrook. It is a pretty color and on and off over the past 6 months I've had occasional thoughts of painting the kitchen area (currently BM Olive Branch) a similar color. I think it would work better with the floor, etc. Anyhow, my biggest concern is I paint the room Saybrook and 6 months down the road we decide to replace the furniture. It's not in the plans but... I also think I'd feel more comfortable with a color like Shaker as it's similar to what I have. I was thinking about carrying the LR color through the foyer and hall, which also has the brown carpet, to help the flow. The color there is even worse than the LR color paired with the carpet. I never cared for it once on the walls.

Geo - I like the idea of the Saybrook better for accents in the room. I'd be ok with changing the back of bookends to that color. I like the cream idea too. I probably could take the doors off but DH and I both like the glass. Also the ends light up and we turn them on a night. The shelves consist of mostly books and wooden ducks that are sentimental, but the few other things could change.

This post was edited by sheesharee on Thu, Mar 7, 13 at 17:37

You are definitely on the right track with Shaker Beige for you wals and bringing in a few Saybrook Sage (similar) accents. Shaker Beige is a great neutral that you can work with as you make future changes without thinking you have to repaint immediately. I like the idea of using it in your hall and foyer also.