what about some nice curtains? I will attach some photos you may like. For more curtain designs, welcome to my Houzz page1

I LOVE your space, the colour pallet, the mood, and the rustic feel; everything works so well together, it has a very "restoration hardware" feel to it, well done.
As for the empty wall space behind the couch, why not try a mural, it is the easiest way to fill up the majority of the space, you will have an outstanding "wow" factor to it, and you can find a piece that fits the aesthetic of your space.
Here are a few examples, but there are so many more to choose from here at Primewalls.
Good Luck, and Happy New Year!

Primewalls.com

For the layout. The dining room is about 12'x12 and the living about 12'x15'. I have attached the image of what my layout looks like from the front entrance vantage. I like the dining where it is because it gives me easy access to the kitchen and for when I have additional guests to extend the table and eat together.

I have guests over quite often and the larger living provides good space for discussion, fun etc... Another thing that was mentioned is the road. The front of my house is quieter than the back. My backyard is on a main road while the front is in a crescent rarely taken unless you live in the neighborhood.

With regard to layout, if the couch was on the wall with art and the 2 chairs in the bay window, I like the idea of industrial/rustic bookshelves on the blank wall. I would remove the coffee table and add couple of nice small ottomans in it's place (I have attached pic).

Only thing is that I have another family room which has a wall of bookshelves already. So that bookshelf in the living room would be more for accessories, art, decor a few books. (pic of my other room is attached also)

I also just got delivered a sideboard/console in the dining room for some extra storage, lamp and art above it.

Another option if you want shelving for accessories, art, etc would be floating shelves above any furniture, which would give you flexibility for whatever seating you wanted under it.

I think your final idea - industrial bookshelves and a couple ottomans is great! Go for it. You'll be able to do a lot of interesting things with the books, object d'art, etc. Sometimes Overstock.com has some great bookcases that are similar to your coffee table. I'd put a gorgeous mirror over that new console and maybe two slender tall lamps or two tall hurricane lamp/candle holders. Love that chandelier over the dining room table, by the way! You have great taste and a very nice little house. Bravo!

I think a small lucite desk would be nice paired with a Ghost Chair. Then in the seat of the Chair I would put a fuzzy seat cover from Ikea (they have a faux sheepskin for like $10 and you can cut it down for the seat.. For the wall I also like the juju headdresses. They come in a multitude of colors and you can do a small grouping of them combined with some African art masks. Just to mix the place up.

Those windows do not have a lot of depth and should use a cellular shade. I carry some amazing motorized shades that are low profile and very inexpensive.

Outside of that you can add a few drapery panels to really finish off the space.

I see you are in Toronto. Check us out.

http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/contact-us.html
http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/blinds-toronto/cellular-shades.html

Your space is Gorgeous-Love it!
Simple art for behind the sofa---you could probably make it yourself-wood (2 x 4's) painted with various patinas, sooo inexpensive and easy... 2 small tables on either side of sofa (mirrored as in pic #2) and paired with lamps will complete that side of your room. I think a small scaled chaise, table and lamp OR a console table with an ottoman or two tucked underneath could fill the bay area. Hope this is helpful. Keep us posted. Good Luck!
[houzz=][houzz=][houzz=][houzz=]

this room needs a t.v . otherwise no one will use it!

and also a close to the ceiling chandelier or light fixture in the center of the ceiling.

Jokyrt, no t.v needed. I'm not a big TV person. Don't even have cable. I think another chandelier is too much since the dining room chandelier will be in full view.

Daniel, I think it is funny that you asked the question of the wall, etc. As I said in my earlier post, your space is amazing. I am sure that YOU could teach all of us a thing or two about design! I am even more impressed since you posted the additional photos. Wow.

i agree vtlady52!

Thanks! I just wanted more opinions than perhaps my own box in my head. It's a work in progress and I enjoy design a lot. I'm a Realtor and do get the opportunities to do renos and decorating work for clients before a sale.

Sometimes other people have ideas you haven't t thought of. . I'll post more pics as it comes along. Just need the budget to do so. I'm very cost conscientious. If I wasn't than I can m are the room exactly like how I want it but because of price restrictions, I must wait for the right pieces at the right price.

I think you got it right here with this photo you attached above. As far as the wall art goes, I would try to draw in different media with some sort of sculpted piece as suggested above. Adding a plant (real or good quality fake) will help too.
The room looks very nice with what you have, you really don't need to do much to the room at all.

I'm still on the fence with that layout. It might look good in pics but I'm not sure if it's practical since I use my living room for conversation. It's not a great conversation if you're not facing each other.

Here's a coffee table that might fit and add the same function at a smaller size and make it look spacious.

I might just do a console in that window with room for a laptop for guests and myself to do some quick work on.

The dimensions on that coffee table are about 4 inches shorter in length and width as well as about an inch and a half shorter. Seems to be a better fit for the space plus the glass will really open it up. The chrome steel finish in the legs will go well with the spotlight.

I think I'll buy this tomorrow and see how it looks.

Nice pain color

I like your original layout with chairs opposite the sofa. I agree that it's more conversational. Rather than buying a new coffee table, how about a glass console for the bay window? It won't impede the light that comes through - in fact it will bounce it around the room.

Hi Daniel..Your idea of a "workspace" table I like! This one is curvy and yummy.

The artwork you have make the room look narrower , when the room actually needs to look wider.
A mirrored wall instead of a wall of mirrors would be quite effective.Tinted glass would give the best effect.
You could also consider adding "windows" matching arched mirrorsi with metal overlay to imitate a palladian window.
A capiz sheel wall covering from Maya Romanoff Is also another option (see photo)

A photo mural or trompe l'oeuil wallpaper would open up the room through perspective - a window to the world-a wonderful garden vista, a city skyline at night or panorama on the Amalfi coast.

I like your original layout, move your large framed art to behind your sofa,(opposite wall) and put a few smaller art pieces on the wall with your chairs, really like that coffee table you are going to purchase, will look much better. Your console idea is good too, I love the minimal clean lines, do not add too much, a few more art pieces in your dining area...perfect!

Holy crap!! This whole house is gorgeous!! I'd like to know where you bought everything if it wasn't Restoration Hardware because I'd copy you almost piece for piece!! Love the look, the neutrals..gaaaa!

My only, ONLY comment is to add something alive, something that speaks of YOU. Your family room says that and I feel that element is missing in this room. If I lived here (which I would gladly do) I'd buy an antique telescope on a wooden stand for the bay window area. And a stool. Just enough whimsy and a conversation starter to be sure!!

...and another lamp and a big fern or two. Over the sofa, I vote for Barbara Griffith's round mirror and "etchings" suggestions. Hope to see more pictures on this one!!

Really? Gorgeous? Not to be blunt, but it looks unfinished - has no personal soul, to me. I know we do not want to get all grandma knick-knacky here - but this room needs some color (It reminds mean of how everyone in The Giver could only see shades of black and gray.) and some art, and to look like someone actually lives there. Here's an example of a mostly neutral room with a bit of color and some personal things to make it seem like a home and not a furniture display. If the aqua is too feminine, pick black and red, or orange and charcoal grey.

I also think that that room needs some color. How about this art print? http://alexeirebrov.com/collections/frontpage/products/living-room-wall-design-2

or similar from the same collection...
http://alexeirebrov.com

Daniel, would you like to see how it looks on your wall?

Wow. Great additional comments.

The reason why it may look unfinished and not like a home is because it really is not finished. Secondly, I'm a single guy with not much personal things to begin with (I moved here with literally just clothing.

@Manon, I might go with both that coffee table and a similar console (maybe even matching a bit) I'm still unsure though.

@ Darzy, that option is still there for me although a roundish table may not work.

@Gina, not sure if I'm really into that style. The rest of your post looks like another language to me haha.

@Jansgirl, Thank you, it's still in the works. Only my dining table and chairs were from restoration hardware (mind you on clearance and it's one of the cheaper dining tables). The rest were sourced from different stores. The Rugs are from ELTE in the Toronto area, got it on sale. The 2 tub chairs are from Wicker Emporium (A very minimal $350 each). Found the spotlight lamp at Costco (about $200) Sofa was from Conerstone Furniture (Manufacturer is Robin Bruce by Rowe Furniture) Sideboard Console in Dining Room is from a store called a Special Place, it's from a previous manufacturer of RH. Artwork is $80 at Homesense.

@Norma, I haven't got to the point of adding accessories yet. That will come. I'm setting up the neutral palette and will add colour as I see fit. I actually like the neutral tone for now. I'm trying to get my furniture pieces in first before I get those little things.

@Alexei, I'm not a big fan of the modern abstract for my decor style in this house. (Other houses maybe)

I agree that you need accessorizing, window treatments, art, mirror... However, you don't have to add wild, bold colors if that is not your style. I personally love a sophisticated neutral palette. You can add interest with texture: woven wood blinds, pillows, area rug, floor-length drapery panels with pattern or wide banding at the bottom, minimalist accessories, live plants...etc.
We know you are just starting. Take your time and get what you like. After all, it is your home and you should do what suits you and gives you a comfortable, attractive space. Looks like you are on the right track, and you have a good sense of style. You can get many ideas and inspiration from home design magazines, furniture showrooms and galleries, and on this site.

Happy decorating!

I like the arrangement you did with the back of couch to the dining area- it created good traffic flow. I am not sure how much space you have but one other option ( like you need it :) is perhaps leave couch against wall as you had it first, and put one leather chair on the left of couch with back to bay window and the other one with back to dining area - coffee table in front of couch - like in a C formation - this would be good for conversation. This would keep a good traffic flow from front. Beautiful neutral palette -so soothing - love it. Keep it neutral :)

@curraghgirl The other arrangement I tried too but than I feel like the back of the dining chair and the other chair would be too close and looks a bit silly. I think the best is slightly smaller coffee table in glass to open up the feel of the space.

I thought it may be a little tight - I agree with your coffee table idea - your house is beautiful and I love your taste - so I am sure it will all come together soon. Please post pictures of the finished look - I would love to see it - you are inspiring me!! I love the neutral look too!!

A great piece of art has the loudest voice in the room and will complement your already existing nice design. Choose one that is horizontal to mirror the size of the wall.

A great piece of art has the loudest voice in the room and will complement your already existing nice design. Choose one that is horizontal to mirror the size of the wall.

I personally would love to see some antiquity. Large columns, a warrior. In the window nook. I think the room needs a contrast. Find an architectural salvage yard. They are a great source of interesting items. The room is so smooth. So new. adding something from antiquity will add texture, dimensions and a hip conversation piece.

Daniel, your postings on your site here sort of answer your own question. The rooms you picked consitently have a simple black framed something, on a white matt. VERY nice!

look for something akin to what you already like.

you could get an antique map, framed in the style you are drawn to.

other options that will stay with what you are drawn to would be black and white photographs, again, framed as above.

or come graphic modern chinese calligraphy.

Hi Daniel. We all know you have great taste and have we have all given our two cents worth..and more. : ) I think we've covered all the possibilites and we hope you show us your finished design! Truthfully, I think your space would have been great, with, or without our input! Please post your final product.

Love your style Daniel and I agree furniture should be neutral and accents and color can come with accessories that can easily be replaced. Can't wait to see your after photos I love your home.

we are manufacture in China , looking for distributor of solar garden light, web:www.oksolarled.com Email: kinglingelectric@gmail.com

Hi Daniel. Here is an idea for a mirror collage: Mirror Windows that match your trim would look great above the sofa. They would also give the appearance of an added architectural element.

http://mirrorwindows.com/id92.html

Hi Daniel,
I haven't read all the other comments, so I hope I'm not repeating any ideas.
How about putting the artwork that's currently above the chairs over the sofa, and installing a wall mounted electric fireplace over the chairs? (they mount like a plasma tv would)
A fireplace will add another element of design, plus a layer of accent/mood lighting to your space.
You've got a great start and have a beautiful space already!
Have fun, and I'd love to see after photos when you're done!
Caroline

Lovely home and design ! I would not add any more furniture though just some table tops and a beautiful large mirror behind the sofa and maybe some live plants and flower to bring freshness to the beautiful place you have

Drapes on the window with two ottomans for extra seating in a colorful pattern. Get some round accent tables next to your upholstered sofa and add some personal photos. You also need to dress your coffee table with at least a tray, a mirrored one perhaps to add some bling. Consider a thin bookcase behind the sofa to soften your room or flip the print and put bookcases along the opposite wall, then style it with personalized objects & photos along with some books.

old post

Love your couch. I would leave in original location.
However, how about no coffee table at all. Instead, a shelf behind your couch. I would then place the picture on the shelf along with some accessories.
I don't particularly like the small brown chairs...in this room. I am sure they are comfortable but a taller fabric chair in a neutral color similar to your couch would look better against your wall. I would also change square table to a smaller round one and put a tall(ish) lamp. To get an idea of what I mean place your dinner table chairs in place of the brown ones.
Also, for much needed texture and color I suggest getting a larger floor covering. I have seen some very interesting FLOR rug designs.
I would put neutral light colored textured drapes on sides of windows. Underneath the windows I would put a modern simple desk or table with ottomans underneath for those times you want extra seating or place to put a drink. Plants would look nice on the table. You could place your large floor lamp by windows on same side of your couch.
I realize I am talking about changing a lot. Especially since you probably just bought your furniture. I guess my biggest suggestion would be no coffee table at all, but a shelf behind your sofa instead. Your room would feel so much bigger.

Haven't been here in ages! Well, here's what I ended up with.

Good luck. Its been fun. Just remember, in a small space, less is best and a few colors will give you the sophisticated, masculine look you mentioned you want. I like the coffee table. If you add a large book with a light jacket cover or a stack of light colored books and something else that interests you, your done.

I like the idea of one large mirror over the sofa or console table, with a contemporary painting on the opposing wall. Simple, and elegant.You have some great pieces. Just need to compliment them with a few new furniture pieces and some nice art and accessories.
Good luck to you.

One large impact piece above the sofa-great. Also like the introduction of color which is repeated on the cocktail table and in the adjoining Dining Room.

How about a large giclee print or painting to tie it all together. See this one I did for a home decorated by Design the Senses. www.ldanielsart.com Lisa Daniels

or

Anyone notice this is from 2012? Check the date before you respond as there are a lot of old dead posts out there...