Help finish decorating my living room!

11 years ago

We recently finished a major remodeling, enlarging kitchen into seldom used dining room, opening kitchen into adjacent living room to create an open kitchen/dining/living area, enlarging windows and adding a narrow deck to better integrate our lovely back yard. We absolutely love it!

I have made a lot of progress decorating (especially figuring out what furniture and arrangement work with the massive corner stone fireplace, the bane of all furniture arrangement), but need help finishing the living room end of the room, and also need ideas for window treatment. Here is what I'm planning:

1. Find a small console for the left of the fireplace. (Need help)

2. Find a new lamp for the console (or is the bronze one there OK? Too traditional?)

3. Hang a mirror over the sectional, with two framed family photos next to it. (No matter where you sit, the mirror will reflect either the pine tree outside or the fireplace/portrait. My 15 year old daughter insists on getting some family pictures into the décor…she says it looks too cold without. I assume the black photo frames are too black but just checking.

4. Either reframe or paint the traditional portrait frame. The portrait stays…it is my daughter and me 10 years ago and has great meaning. I was thinking about painting the flat part of the golden in a dark antique bronze color, and maybe sponging it for texture. Thoughts?

5. Cover the window over the sectional for privacy at night, as it faces the neighbor’s house. Maybe just a simple shade inside the frame. I don't want/need to cover the windows/doors across the back of the house, although I was thinking about maybe decorative bamboo shades above the windows/doors overlapping the trim. Thoughts?

6. Not sure about a coffee table. Afraid it will look too crowded. Thoughts?

Our design/build firm posted photos of our project on houzz. Link in next post shows kitchen/dining area. (Ignore the chair in front of the pony wall in the one dining room pic—photog put that there but it blocks an entryway. Also ignore the picture next to the wall cabinet in the dining area? Wall was empty so he photoshopped it in there. I have a Crate and Barrel Starburst Wall Mirror there now.)

Photos attached of living room area from various angles and mirror I plan to hang, with frames I could use for the family photos.

Thanks for your help!

Featured Answer

PRO

CDR Design, LLC

11 years ago

If you place something under the starburst mirror that is a little weightier visually, it will look better. Suggestions are to move the wine try under the cabinets. The issue is that the area without a cabinet does not seem part of the bar. My opinion.

Ideas:

bring in a few more blue vases and arrange them so the "fit" around the round mirror
place some wine bottles along the back.
candles

(something to fill in the void).

A more permanent solution would be to add a backsplash I would do something with some shine, but there are unlimited applications. Your more traditionally bent might sway you to something more conservative. The backsplash would go under the cabinets and then run up the left side, where the mirror is now. This would connect the spaces and identify the end area as the drink area. So, it would form and "L" shape. You could consider adding shelves for glasses, liquor or wine bottles. This would really complete the area.
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Comments (73)

er612
11 years ago
Also, I don't think you need a console to the left of the fireplace. How big are the mirror and pics as you currently have them positioned? You could also try grouping the art that's left of the fireplace with the family pics (instead of the mirror).
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
There is a lot of pink in your fireplace stone, so the art frame is not relating.

I agree about the lamp in the corner. You might try an arc lamp. Not a huge one. [houzz=
Adesso Gala Arc Lamp, Natural, 3029-12 · More Info
]
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groveraxle
11 years ago
If you're going to use a console behind the chairs, get one that is longer than the art, then lower the art to relate to it, about 8 - 10" above. The lamp is fine, but a new natural linen shade would jazz it right up.
everdebz
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
@CDR design -- I really don't need to know but I'd like to understand why doesn't the rockpink not relate to goldframe? is it because of flooring or this or that also in the room?? Thank you, Deb p.s. maybe I see the goldframe relating to gold in rug??
groveraxle
11 years ago
I think the room will look more finished with curtains. You can hang them high and wide and they won't obstruct the view at all.

I think the frame on the fireplace needs to be just a bit darker.

It seems like the sofa needs someplace to set drinks. This little table from West Elm won't take up much actual or visual space: http://www.westelm.com/products/wrh-clover-coffee-table-pecan-white-h838/?pkey=ccoffee-tables|4294963182&cm_src=coffee-tables||FN-Shape-_-FN-Round-_--_-

Even if you don't do these things, the room looks great.
sandradclark
11 years ago
I love your newly remodeled & redecorated rooms. I see nothing wrong with your two accent chairs, nor with the way your area rugs are placed. I agree with lightening up the frames for the two photos you will place by the mirror & I agree with your idea about using something to darken up the frames of your lovely portrait, however I do not think it is necessary. I also don't think you need to remove your little table with the table lamp on it. I don't at all think your room is too crowded, however you will need a coffee table. It can be small like maybe only one like is posted by Marlene M. There really is nothing wrong with leaving your back windows bare as they are. A wooden blind should work for the front window I think. The kind with a self valance that pulls up like a Roman shade. You know they also make these little 'C' shaped tables that kind of fit under next to where you are sitting on the sectional which should have a very small footprint. You might check those out on Houzz under coffee tables. Love your new rooms & enjoy to the fullest.
sandradclark
11 years ago
Hey, why not try an uplight on the floor in the corner behind the sectional. They enlarge your space too.
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Marlene, Avery and groveraxle,

Thanks for the coffee table ideas! I think my favorite is the first one Avery posted. I think the shape is good with the sectional and the color reflects the bar/sideboard in the dining area. I like the one Marlene posted, too...seems versatile with the two pieces. Grover, the one you posted is fabulous...is it too mid century modern for my decor, which I think of as transitional?
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
As for lamps, I do need light in that corner. It's my favorite cozy reading spot, out of the way but with a view to the kitchen and the dining table where my husband is often sitting with his computer and my daughter does her homework. I also love the soft light it gives. The lamp is on a long narrow "console" I made ... Needed something really narrow so the sectional wouldn't encroach on the door. I see that it looks crowded, maybe a smaller shade would help?

When I mentioned a floor lamp, I was talking about the other side of the fireplace. My original idea was to replace the small table that is there with a wider console and lower the art (like grover's rendering...thank you!) but if it looks too crowded I would consider a floor lamp and no table. I like having the lamp light there...looks inviting with the two lamps on.

What about this floor lamp from target?

http://www.target.com/p/threshold-floor-lamp-mosaic-wood/-/A-14846472?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14846472&CPNG=Lighting&kpid=14846472&LID=32pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14846472&kpid=14846472&gclid=CL-4vd-MrsMCFdgagQodLBwA0w
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Sandraclark, I have a C table (at the end of the sectional), so for now, I put my drink on the "console" behind the sectional and hubby uses the C table if he is sitting next to me. But I think a coffee table is important for guests.

Do you think it would be OK to put a roman shade or blind on that one window, and leave the others bare?
PRO
Thyme to Accessorize
11 years ago
We think both of these lamps would go well with your new accents and area rug! Plus there style won't compete, but just accent what you already have going on!
carmonincali
11 years ago
looks great! love how u arranged sofa in the space. It looks like the floor plan would be hard to work with furnishings placement wise.
sandradclark
11 years ago
Yes to the Roman shade or wooden blinds, and no, you do not have to carry anything over to the other windows. Maybe a small leather cube that can easily be moved around for quests & also be used as extra seating when needed (coffee table idea).
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
Behind the sofa, the rectangular lamp looks out of place. Try using a round floor lamp, with a slight arch to it, as I posted above. Remove the console table, to give your self more room.

Wall with the tree art:

-Eliminate the small table Try moving the console table there and placing 2 lamps on it. If that doesn't work, use a floor lamp.

Windows: I would add something to each window. It will finish the room and add some soft lines.

On the window behind the sectional, a second option to the cornice and shade is hanging drapes in the same fabric as the cornices on the other windows. I would make the panels on the right side of the window wide enough to cover the entire wall So, you will have more fabric on the right side, but it will still look great.

Yes, you can can add drape panels to all of your windows and doors, placing them carefully to avoid the door openings. However, you seem to really like art hanging, so keep in mind, the stack-backs will, in many cases, preclude you from hanging art.

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Plimpton Arc Lamp · More Info
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Irene Morresey
11 years ago
That looks so lovely and cosy, great job, you could put a nice glass coffee table in there, glass tables with legs are meant to be great in a smaller area and I would be tempted to add a roman blind on that window, will make room even more cosy
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
here are a couple of tables that would eliminate having to paint your frame and bring in the gold from your rug as well as highlight the art. Not sure exactly how much space you have there, but you need 18" between table and seats.

Riverstone is 42x26.
Finnmark is 23" in diameter.

[houzz=
River Stone Cocktail Table, Gold Leaf · More Info
][houzz=
dCOR design The Finnmark Coffee Table · More Info
]
nancy lindsay
11 years ago
I think you have done a great job with your room. If your gold finish frame bothers you there is a rub that that sell at Michaels- so sorry can't remember the name of it- comes in a tube and you just rub in on and wipe it off- its awesome- I did two buffet lamps and tons of gold frames with it. Gives you a pewter/silver like finish. I agree with you that coffee table would be crowded. As far as the window, maybe a roman shade with a pop of color in the blue that you are using. Your room looks inviting and comfy!
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
With the open concept, I think you've done pretty well with the arrangement. Just a few tweaks to suggest. With the square table between them, the two chairs need to sit squared with it, not angled. Angle when you have a round table. Art left of FP is hung too high. When shopping for the console to go there, it should be 25% wider than the art.My mom always had a portrait of me over her mantel. I hated it, but the formal living room was seldom used, so no one saw it much. It hangs in the hall near the bedroom now - much better location! If daughter wants some photos, try putting a stand on the backs of smaller ones and stand them on the console behind the sofa - 3-5 of them layered a bit for interest.
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Decoenthusiast...

So far my daughter (age 15) loves the painting. It is by a local artist whose work is primarily impressionist. That's what we wanted (I.e. To not be able to clearly identify us, but to ave an impression of us in the garden) but it turned out more realistic. We love it anyway!
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the idea of photos behind the sofa... I'll try that. The tree art to the left of the sofa will be lowered. It is on a hook from another wall hanging (rectangular) that I moved. I didn't want to reposition it until I got the console.

I will straighten the chairs. That's easy! Thanks for your help.
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Blenheimwizard... Thanks for your kind words. I'm intrigued by that first table you posted. Where is it from? The gold in it could help tie in the frame. I was trying to avoid glass because my husband doesn't like it, but I think he might be OK with it if the glass isn't just resting on a base.
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
CDR,

I like the idea of gold in the coffee table but the ones you posted may be too much for me. (I'm a traditional gal who has been moving toward transitional/contemporary, mainly because I think it fits my home better). So far, I have a bit of gold in the Starburst Mirror, and the rectangular mirror I bought has some gold too if I end up using that. What about something like the table Blenheimwizard posted if I can get my hubby on board with glass?
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
Well, I did not suggest glass, because you said you didn't want it. Sometimes, though, people have a certain vision of a "glass table" . Maybe if you show your husband a few different styles, he would be open to one. The one blen posted is a possibility.

Can you try the starburst mirror over the sectional? That might tie in the art, without having to look for gold table.
User
11 years ago
I like CDR Design's idea to consider a coffee table with some warmer metal/gold-ish tones. Here are a few more suggestions (at various price points) from Horchow & Crate&Barrel:
User
11 years ago
2 more ideas from Mitchell Gold:
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
As soon as I can get my daughter to take a homework break and hold up the Starbust Mirror over the sectional, I'll post another picture.

If I do move the Starburst, I think the mirror would look good in the dining area, and would reflect the yard/large windows if you are standing right in front of it, but it won't reflect as nicely from other parts of the room (my husband likes the idea of the mirror over the sectional because he works from the dining room table and from his regular seat it would reflect the trees outside if it were over the sectional).
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
Okay. I am surprised you did not continue the upper cabinets on the bar to the end of the bar (left side).
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
CDR, that was our architect's recommendation. The upper cabinets line up with the window across, plus we didn't want it to look so much like kitchen cabinets (which they are). The plan was to hang art there but I'm having a hard time with that given the height of the cabinet. I have the Starburst there, with decorative glass vases below. Starburst looks high to me, but any lower and it would seem out of balance with the cabinet. It probably needs something rectangular to line up with the cabinet at the top and come down low enough at the bottom.

Here are several more pics. First is with the starburst where it is now, and the mirror leaned up on the sectional in the background. Second is starburst being held over sectional (too small?) Third is mirror leaning next to dining room cabinet.
biamel18
11 years ago
The round mirror is to small for the big wall...unless you plan to make a composition of things.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
Hi. Neither of the pieces work. I'm sorry.

For the sofa,

Option 1) Find a piece of art in your home that is at around 3/4 of the width of the sectional. Then, you'd probably have to move the tree art.....too much in one area

OPtion 2) (preferred) Buy a mirror that is tall and around 3/4 of the width of your sectional (or several mirrors that together achieve that width. For example, it looks like if you bought 2 (or maybe even one more) of the mirrors you have and hang them vertically, that will work. The mirror does have a nice reflection. Mirrors are magic and this will "expand" your space.

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C P
Original Author
11 years ago
We don't have any horizontal art that large. My original plan was to hang the vertical mirror next to two smaller frames (stacked) with "artsy" family photos taken outdoors, but I think hanging two or three mirrors as you suggest might be better; thanks! Now I hope I can find at least one more of those mirrors. I got it at TJMaxx so they are likely out. :(
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
For the bar, gosh, I have to disagree. I would consider adding a cabinet to "finish" the look. Did you have an interior designer as well as an architect? The two have distinct functions. Your room looks great overall, though. The "cabinet" would not have to be a cabinet per se. It could be an upper wine bin, glass holder, .

I would also recommend a mirror as a backsplash or a metallic tile.

Instead of the cabinet, you could add glass shelves in that space (I would continue the mirror in back of the glass (as in photo below).

For a temporary fix, I would recommend a piece of art that fits the space. So, it should be a a couple of " smaller than the size of the cabinets in both directions.

[houzz=
Traditional Kitchen · More Info
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Connecticut waterside · More Info
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PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
You could always return that mirror to TJ maxx. So, recommend that you take painter's tape and map out the area which you would like the mirror to fill (75% of the width of sofa and not higher than the door frame. The art you have now is probably the max height you'd want to go.

When you shop, take those measurements with you. Obviously, you'll have to figure space in between with more than one mirror.
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Disappointed that I couldn't get more of those mirrors, as they seemed perfect...a bit contemporary, but with a touch of gold. And inexpensive. Oh, well.

We used a high-end design-build firm, and the architect worked for the firm. They also have a designer who worked with me and the architect to make various design decisions. We actually find it functional not having a cabinet there, as that is where we "work" when entertaining...mixing drinks, opening wine, using the blender for margaritas, etc., and it's nice to not feel crowded with a cabinet in the way. A few glass shelves might be nice, though. I'll keep that in mind for sometime down the road. In the meantime, I actually like the starburst there, except for the nagging feeling that it is too high...
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
Because of your busy fireplace, I would consider a solid material backsplash.

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PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
I don't know what size you need, but I would try Kirklands. They have inexpensive mirrors. You can buy at store, or order online. Don't like it? Return to store.

[houzz=
Dark Woodtone Framed Mirror, 33.5x45.5 | Kirklands · More Info
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Dark Bronze & Gold Framed Mirror, 33x45 | Kirklands · More Info
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C P thanked CDR Design, LLC
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Would this work for a coffee table? I like that it is small, takes little visual space, and easy to move (as hubby uses the room for seminar-type meetings that requires us to move furniture to the side). But would the color work? I do have polished chrome handles on dining room bar/cabinet and a stainless steel C table next to the sectional, so I think it would be OK, although some gold would be better.

http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock-Fair-Trade/Antique-Nickel-Coffee-Table-India/4714332/product.html?refccid=NCXHFOSBIR4I7VKOEYEG32HPTU&searchidx=9#reviews
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
What about this one? Ties together my espresso side table and stainless steel C table, and the "condo" size is only 30" diameter.

http://www.wayfair.com/Caravel-Cirque-Condo-Coffee-Table-CAAA1060.html
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
Questions before buying a coffee table

-seems that 28" in diameter would look small there, but need measurements
-I would be worried this selection cannot really be used. Would a drink be stable on it?
-Consider if you really need a coffee table at all
-what do you mean by a "seminar meeting"?
-consider an ottoman with legs and on wheels. Can be used for extra seating also.

40" $987. Probably more than you wanted to pay, but you might consider the idea 40" in diameter.
[houzz=
Maison Tufted Round Ottoman · More Info
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PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
36" $230. no wheels.

Consider also a square ottoman, turned. So, turn it so it would "fit" into the sectional. So, one corner would face fp, one corner would face wall corner, etc.

[houzz=
Tufted Ottoman - Parchment · More Info
]
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
I'm not sure I need a coffee table, but thought it would be important to provide a place for drinks for guests sitting on the sectional. I like the look of the ottomans and like the idea of having a place to put up your feet, but not sure they would serve the function of a place for drinks. I've always thought that a wine glass on a tray on an ottoman has seemed too precarious, especially because we have two good sized dogs. Actually I think the small hammered tray table is disqualified for that reason...the dogs would bump it and knock over a glass of wine. :::Shudder::: what do you think of the other one I posted, with the wood top and stainless steel base?

The seminar meetings are mini personal growth workshops, with 5-25 people, it varies. Hard to explain. We move the dining table into the kitchen, and put the chairs (dining and folding) into a big circle spanning the living and dining areas and including the sectional and the two upholstered chairs. The side table and a coffee table would be moved to the side. This happens about once/month.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
11 years ago
If you have dogs, placing drinks on a coffee table is precarious.....tails wagging. I find that most people don't want to put their drink on a coffee table anyway......too far away.

Now that I know more about your seminars and lifestyle, I would recommend a nesting table. When people are over (small groups) or large seminars, you can place the tables around. Here is just one example.

[houzz=
Parsons Edition Nesting Tables in Espresso · More Info
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C P
Original Author
11 years ago
I like that idea! Thank you!
everdebz
11 years ago
Beautiful. And will we hear from you about how things are in your room/ home?
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks, for asking, everdebz. Never got a coffee table (still considering it), but I did get a console table for next to the fireplace, and put a mirror over the sofa. I will keep looking for art but didn't want to buy something just to fill the space. The mirror was not expensive (IKEA), and it's the right size and color. Plus it reflects either the window or the fireplace depending upon where you are sitting, as well as reflecting the lamp, so I like it. Trying to add pictures but I'm on my work computer and it won't seem to let me (I'm sure it's a security measure of some sort). I'll see what I can do from my phone. Thanks again for following up.
everdebz
11 years ago
Ikea has some wonderful things it's true! for me too. :) Just to share - I bought a beautiful shade of teal glass dinner plate, for so little money.
C P
Original Author
11 years ago
Here are the photos, including one from my favorite reading spot in the corner of the sectional looking over the yard. Ahhhhh!
everdebz
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
So beautifully lit at night! Warm and welcoming. Your new table's slightly curved legs seem like dining chairs' legs.... I skimmed a bit just to refresh my memory, and seems not much has changed. Still the lovely fireplace and art above it. Thanks so much for posting photos. -- Deb
Geneviève
11 years ago
Perfect for a triangular table to keep the design flowing

Triangular Coffee Table, Walnut · More Info