Need Help for my open concept living room

13 years ago

Hi there, I'm looking to purchase new furniture (with the exception of the armless chairs) and I am looking for feedback on what to get and possible placement. Do I create an intimate setting by drawing all furniture closer to the fireplace? Or do I take advantage of the long space I have and keep things open? Also, that rug drives me crazy (it is 7x11), given the sand/neutral colour of my walls, what colours should I be looking for? Please disregard the kid clutter, I have twin girls so until they can naviagate the stairs properly they have toys in almost every room. To the right of the large brown arm chair they have a play nook along the railing. Also, I seem to have a hard time placing a sofa anywhere where when I walk into the room I see the back of it - even though I see plenty of set ups this way on the site. Is it just me? Or is it perhaps that the sofa I have is too large?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Pics attached.

Featured Answer

Natalie

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Hi---well first off let's tackle all those toys by storing things in cabinets or ottomans, on either side of the fireplace.
Next you need a rug to pull all of your colors together. (Pic). Pull your furniture in closer. I suggest some sort of window treatment---found these window panels from JCP-they come in a variety of colors-and all would look nice in your room and again would balance the colors.
http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/studio-trio-grommet-top-drapery-panel/prod.jump?ppId=17c8421&catId=cat100260226&subcatId=cat100260213&deptId=dept20000011&dimCombo=null&dimComboVal=null
A few more things: lower your light fixture above the dining table (30" above), paint your outlet/switch plates the same as the walls, and larger art for the living and dining walls or several small/medium prints. See pics...
HOpe this is helpful---Good Luck!

[houzz=]

[houzz=

Family Room Fireplace & Built Ins · More Info

][houzz=

Holiday Decor · More Info

][houzz=

Andrews · More Info

]

RUG:
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/bombay-rugs-contemporary-handmade-wool/sage/D1238918-23076.html

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Comments (7)

charleee
13 years ago
I like the arrangement you have now, but I would move the chair that's against the railing more toward the rug. You could do a sofa table around it that will provide toy storeage: [houzz=
Katrin Black Wood/Console Sofa Table · More Info
]
I would also suggest purchasing some storage ottomans for the toys, covered in vinyl for easy cleaning: [houzz=
The Jameson Double Storage Ottoman with Tray Tables · More Info
]
For the rug, how about something bright and cheerful: [houzz=
Jaipur Grant Design Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug, Bough Out Orange/Gray · More Info
] [houzz=
Safavieh Courtyard Terra Natural/Brown Area Rug · More Info
] [houzz=
Espana Area Rug, Orange · More Info
]
Jonathan Graham
13 years ago
The sconces are fairly weak, consider visually stronger ones. Get the TV off the stand and raise it a few inches. Put a white casement around it so it ties in with the rest. Remove electronics from top of fireplace and place elsewhere.
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heatherd1968
13 years ago
I think you need a coffee table in the centre of the room. I would also bring the third chair closer to create a more intimate space.
If you could I would get the TV of the wall and put it on a unit in the corner. You could have a great picture over the fireplace and pick out the colours in it for cushions, new rug, vases etc. etc. I like you lamp and the sofa and chairs. (I'm thinking purple accent.)
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Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you everyone for the great suggestions so far! I love the suggestions for colours and rugs. I'm a little worried about putting panels up over the windows since I don't want to block the southern exposure and light. I don't have a lot of room on either side of the windows to get the whole panel off to the side (at least I don't think so). Maybe tie-tup up sheers? Also, if I pull that large arm chair closer, does it really matter if all you see is the back of it when you walk into the room? My entry is about 6x6 which is ok but wouldn't your eye be drawn right to the back of the big brown chair? Storage, storage, storage...definitely a must!!! I may go with a round coffee table and then try some kind of cabinetry or bench under the windows. And I know I need to get that cable box off the mantel. I like the idea of a built-in frame for the tv and a possible sound bar. I would actually love to get the tv off the fireplace but I feel like I'm limited with space. If I put it against the long wall, I feel like I lose a large seating area. We have a media room downstairs so I'm hoping that once the kids are older, I can lose the tv altogether...of course that is a few years down the road.
Natalie
13 years ago
Hi---yes, you have plenty of room for one panel on each side of each window or 2 at outer sides. :)
7215o4
13 years ago
To break up the square look of the room I suggest you add a curved sectional and use a round
leather storage coffe table for toys. The T.V. could be put on the diagnal of the floor or low stand .
A large picture over the fireplace or mirror may have large frame.

You could use a sofa and a loveseat on either side of the fireplace and a highback chair or leather chair
Use a round table and chairs for eating Put a valance or boxed valance to cover the top of your sliding
glass door.
Your color for a round carpet could be patterned to cover accidents easier, and perhaps a storage
built into a wall with sliding doors or folding doors to hide toys I wish I had a picture or able to draw
but not with a computer. I do not have that much tech. ability