First of all, I love the new addition to the right (your precious baby!) How sweet is that?! Congratulations.

Your entertainment center is similar to mine. I wish I had a better picture - this was taken right after we moved in last year. Our living area/entertainment center is to the right in this pic. Since you have a painting over the fireplace, I don't know if you'd want another print, but perhaps a mirror or other type of wall decor would balance it out. This is ours: {{!gwi}}

I totally forgot to say how nice your room looks - love your paint color and floors. Maybe a pair of sconces, either over your fireplace or your mantel. Have fun with it - you're off to a terrific start!

I like your picture on the mantle. The room looks good but I would not put anything over entertainment center.

We have the same couch--only yours is a sectional, which I really like. Our walls are a similar color too.

That being said, the new pic over the fireplace is great. I too, as the others said already, would leave the wall empty over the EC. I think a reddish/golden valance would tie in well.

So I just played with that in publisher, and don't know that it would work so well. Maybe a deep tan with greens/reds?

Also, I forgot to tell you that I love your fireplace. It's gorgeous!

I'm just wondering what you didn't like about the original picture above your fireplace. I actually think I like that better with the red accents.

Laurie

Here is the original thread I had posted way back when about my room. It's funny because then everyone said I needed to put something above the EC and now, everyone says no. If I do put something there I was thinking one of those big clocks. Not sure though, again, I don't want it to get too busy. For the valances, I do like the idea of reds but I don't think it will work...again, maybe too busy? My mom mentioned like a beige. But maybe that's too boring...can someone photoshop something for me?

Here is a link that might be useful: Original thread

mkrzyz22, I just have to comment on your fireplace. I absolutely adore it! It looks so substantial and really looks nice with the wall color and are you have choosen. Beautiful room!

mkrzyz22, I don't blame you for being confused, after reading the earlier threads. Maybe just wait and see as far as whether or not to put anything over the fireplace - save that for last. Get your valances hung and your window treatments finished, and then you'll have a better idea.

I chose to put something over our entertainment center because our ceilings are so high and we definitely needed something for ours. But that's just me. You'll know better than anybody what works best, just trust your instincts.

Also, didn't realize you had twins - doubly blessed!

Another question
-Does the picture need a frame?
-any good websites for purchasing valances?
-any comments on the other stuff on the mantles?

I do like the new picture-- but I think I prefer the original (as I remember, I grew to really like it the last time around too). I think the mantle looks much better-- much more balanced and with the right "weight". Love the throw on the chair.

It looks like the artwork is on canvas stretched over a wood frame-- if so, no frame required. A frame around it might help give it that little bit of contrast to stand out more though. I am not sure how you'd frame a stretched canvas piece-- maybe remove it from the frame?

Hope you and the twins are doing well..

First of all, the "after" picture is great. The mantel, wall color, picture are all striking. However, I would consider hanging long panel curtains on dark wooden rods (to match furniture) hung right at bottom edge of crown moulding on all windows. Maybe use a neutral solid fabric (a silk blend) with pleats at top hung with rings, and either just to the floor or trouser length (small puddle). Good website for draperies is halfpricedrapes.com I've used them and the quality is excellent. Have you also considered painting your ceiling a lighter version of the walls? I think this would warm everything up! Good luck!!

Forgot to mention you could hang something behind the EC, like an architectural piece (antique wood piece or wrought iron). I wouldnt hang a mirror or picture because it would compete with the tv images. Also, I didn't realize the room doesn't have crown moulding which could be added. But you can still hang your rods up to the ceiling to maximize room height.

funkyart- The other piece of artwork started growing on me as well but since this is one of the main focal points as you walk in the front door, I wanted something really special and the size of this one seems to fit better. It is on canvas so I probably don't need a frame I suppose. The twins are great, thanks ;)

angeldog-I will check out that drape website. Drapes might be ok, of course now that the twins are starting to pull up on things....I'm not so sure....
I like the idea of an architectural piece. That could be really neat! Thanks!

Glass doors on the FP is another thing I really need to get soon now that my twins are into everything!!! YIKES!!