Where the tall white shelf is where you come into the front door, put a waist high table there that would look like a built in half wall. You can create an entryway and it will help separate the two areas. Then a thin sofa table running down the back of that chair or loveseat that backs up against the dining room area would complete that division but keep the area open. I'd move the desk and shift the table down more to make room for the entryway but the light over the table would no longer be centered. I think I'd find a way to move the light so you could shift things down a bit.

What color is the chevron pillow on the couch? Yellow? If you aren't afraid of color, curtains in that shade would make a bold statement. As suggested above, declutter mantle, get a console table for TV and, I would add, remove tower shelves. You have a great start!

I am rather liking your idea of using the dining area wall as an accent -- using a darker, slightly richer version of the blue on your ottoman. The difficulty is that the effect on a photograph can be very different from the effect on site, so if you were to contemplate this I'd suggest painting a fairly large board with the colour/s you are considering to see whether it really does work. The lighting in this pic is just wonderful for a dark wall, but maybe not so much in reality.

For an accent colour, I'd look at the brick on the fireplace -- a bricky red-orange.

Thank you so much everyone, your advice is very helpful! We have been in our home for three years now and no ch ages in this room, it's driving me crazy and I would love to do something about it!

Jck910: love the idea of simplifying the male space. Right now it's way too cluttered. I need to remember that less is more with e mantle. Do you think I should remove the framed photos? My husband put the TV on the wall and I also think it looks great where it is.m love e Ida of a console table under the tv, I think that would add a lot to the space! Also like get idea of a rug under the dining room table. The large window behind the sofa does not have rosettes. Good idea on moving the shelf units, this will look much nicer. Thanks again!

dgripens: haha thank you! Oliver our dog likes to blend right in! His barking helps us keep track of him:) the front door to the house IS between the dining table and the couch. We have a small table in our kitchen with two chairs, it 's just an old round table. As far as colors, I love chartreuse, peach/salmon pink, oranges, yellows. Thanks for your help!

weaselemu: thank you, love your ideas of creating an entryway! Love the idea of a waist high table where the white shelf is.. Also putting a thin sofa table to create a division is a great idea, never would have thought of this:) the desk was a hand me down, still trying to figure out what to do with it.

Kaye1951: thank you! the chevron pillow is a light chartreuse color... I'm not afraid of color and I've often thought about adding more of this particular color to the room. The problem with curtains behind the couch is, the couch is against the wall/ the radiator... But I'm sure there's a way to make it work!

Rina: thank you! I also think a darker wall could make a nice statement. The previous owners had this idea, but I did not like their colors so we reprinted the entire room. I love what you did with the photo by adding a dark wall, it really looks awesome. However, like you said, it will look different in reality. Thank you for the inspiration! I'm going to start making a color board :) we have great lighting in this room, bright natural light all day long. A dark wall could work. Like the idea of using the fireplace for accent color ideas.

I think the fireplace wall should be the accent wall. Consider a darker shade of the current wall paint.

I think that's a great idea!

There's so much I love about your space - and I think you're so close to having it look professionally decorated. I do think you need to move the desk to another room. Move the table closer to the wall and door (to the kitchen?) It does not appear to be centered beneath the chandelier (or is that just the photo?) Move the corner unit that is by the fireplace in the corner where the desk is now. It can serve as lovely dining area hutch, displaying dinnerware or glasses, further defining that dining space. Then on that wall, add a shelf for your pictures or lovely artwork and candlesticks perhaps? Put your fresh flowers on the table, centered. It's a lovely way to be greeted when you enter your room. As nice as it would be to put a lovely rug under the table, I don't think you have enough room for that. Instead, put a little rug in front of the door to define the entry. You might want to balance that corner behind the door with a heavier looking table; mirror and maybe even a lamp. I wouldn't put curtains on those windows. The woodwork is lovely. In the living area, a TV console that is either centered on that wall, or, if you want the TV exactly where it is, add a tall plant to the left of a console so you have both height and balance on that wall. I'd move your couch just a bit closer to the TV, leaving some room between the windows and the couch. These windows could use some decorative long panels with color, but not covering the window at all just to either side of the windows. I'd put a sofa table behind the couch with 2 lamps on either side. It looks like you use the ottoman for your feet rather than a coffee table. If that's so, add two small airy-looking (glass?) end tables.

http://www.westelm.com/m/products/embroidered-wavelet-pillow-cover-rose-bisque-t1609/?pkey=cthrows-pillows

http://www.westelm.com/m/products/silk-hand-loomed-pillow-cover-rose-bisque-t1594/?pkey=cthrows-pillows

Do you think this color pillow would work in the living room? I think the color would go nicely with the walks and brick fireplace? I like the suggestion of tying in rusty colors:)

For the fireplace, definitely less things and 2 plants on either side and you're done!

With the coolness of this room, those lovely light-coral colors would be very warm and inviting. Nice choice!

Thank you Barbara! I love what you have to say here and I appreciate it! I know I am close to getting the room to look really great, but I need to make some changes! I love what you said about moving the shelf unit that is near the fireplace, to where the desk is! I think that will help to complete the dining area. The light over the table is not centered, and I need to fix that! Like the idea of a small rug in front of the door... you are right, the space is too small for an area rug under the table. I have one snake plant, but really want to add more plants to the room! Any suggestions as to what types? Should I do a matching snake plant? or something different? I think we are going to leave the TV where it is, so a console table underneath plus a tall plant to the left would work well. We use our ottoman for our feet (and our dog loves it, ha ha). I have two end tables, but they don't match and they are wooden... it bothers me that they don't match... one of them has a lamp on it.. I like the idea of more airy tables. Glad you agree with the light coral colors as accents! Now time to find more plants... and figure out where to put the desk... :)

Try moving a couple of the pictures on the wall to the mantel instead of the mirror that just reflects the ceiling.

Love the lush dark green of your plant. If you put curtains up, another that mirrors this one will look lovely. I like the symmetry that would provide. But build it up slowly. Less is more.

Basket by the fireplace to hide plugs and cords.

Thank you so much! LOVE the basket idea to hide plugs and cords by the fireplace... why didn't I think of this before?!:) Also, good to know about pictures being in a line, I didn't realize this and now it makes total sense (well except for a hallway). The mirror does reflect the ceiling, and doesn't do much for the room.. like your idea of moving art work from the tv wall to the mantle. I want to simplify and de-clutter this space! Now time to find a console table... :) Do you think the TV and table should be centered on the wall? We were trying to center it with the couch/window, but is it better to center on the actual wall? Thanks!

Lovely room. I love the fireplace and the dog is ssssssssssso cccuuuute. Move the desk out if you can. Add the sofa table & lamps on it. Move the dark tall cabinet to where the desk is now. I like the placement of the pictures surrounding the TV, but maybe adding a media credenza under & another snake plant will tie it all together. Lovely light space.

Try it both ways & let your good design eye determine which works for you best.

Thank you sandradclark! Love my puppy:) Although his fur is everywhereeeee. Definitely moving the desk, it makes the space feel cluttered. Definitely looking for a media credenza/console table for under the TV.. and another snake plant (since I can't kill those). thank you!

here is a photo of the current layout, showing the large window and the two couches

Those shelves need to go. Replace the corner cabinet with a tall thin palm tree. Replace the ladder shelf with a floor lamp. They do not add to the look of your room and they could easily move to another room, yes?

oooh love the tall plant and the lamps! Yes the shelves can certainly be moved. I can put one in our office, and the other will go where the desk is, I think. Thank you!! Need to simplify!

Thoughts on where to put dog toys? they are currently under the TV in a bin, which is not the ideal spot.... However, they need to be a place where our dog can get at them:)

Dog toys can go in a basket that is not seen upon entering the house. (next to the couch by the fireplace?)

Good idea, he will have no problem finding them, I'm sure:)

Agreeing with the console idea. Also, if you can move the desk to another room, I think it would help balance the room, that end seems heavy. I'd arrange artwork a little differently, not so linear with the tv, maybe do some of the smaller pictures in a gallery style to left of tv and also over the console. I'd put the dining chairs two to each of the longer sides of the table instead of one on each side, that way, when walking in the front door, the back of a dining chair isn't facing you. Love the house, you have made a good start.

This is a lovely room and that big bank of windows is really great!

It does feel as if all the furniture is crowded toward one side of the room, Though. Have you tried pulling the couch a little away from the wall so that the Ottoman is centered on the fireplace? It looks like you have enough space to visually separate the sofa and wall, which may make things feel more balanced, and change the visual focus of the room from the TV to the fireplace.

I also like moving the corner shelf to the dining area and taking the desk out. The white shelving unit might be better next to the fireplace, (where the corner unit is now) because of the color, and would be a nice anchor for the visual corridor that will be created if you move the sofa away from the wall. Another way to draw the eye toward the fireplace and away firm the tv.

Your paintings could be grouped with your mirror on the TV wall, and you could get just one really amazing, colorful thing to go over the fireplace, and take away everything else. Great project! :)

A couple of ideas for your "TV wall"..... You can surround the TV with photos or do a mix and match.... A small console table (behind the loveseat) with a lamp and a dish or non-breakable objects would help give that separation of space you want.... Both of the ones below are from Pier One and are 36" wide and only 12" deep; sometime small changes make the largest impact.

Just popping in to say this is a really enjoyable discussion -- and I can't play because I have piles of work right now. So sad. Kristin: now you are someone I can truly admire. An OP who puts her dog's needs right up there as a priority.

Kristin we are ranch twinsies. I actually have the same rug and a very similar light fixture over our dining table. I feel your pain though, it's our first house and we have been here for 2 years and everything is in a half done state. I loved Rina's suggestion of painting your dining room wall. Our paint is also a very neutral grey and I ended up painting the walls that flank our fireplace a very similar dark grey/, and it was a big improvement. You have a dog, I have a 2 year old and a 1 month old and trying to hide his toys is a pain, plan on getting baskets that will fit the bottom row of our bookcases and then the rest have to go to his room.

Rugs are a great way to create space. http://www.decorist.com/question/786/hello-erin-we-have-an-open-floor-plan-and-our-living-room-seating-area-is-very-close-to-the-dining-area-we-have-a-sectional-wit/. Our design team can make some more suggestions. Ask a free question here.

http://www.decorist.com/question/786/hello-erin-we-have-an-open-floor-plan-and-our-living-room-seating-area-is-very-close-to-the-dining-area-we-have-a-sectional-wit/

Thanks so much everyone!! I think pulling the sofa away from the window will help the room look even better. Love the idea of a table like the ones from Pier One in the photo:) I also really like the idea of doing a smaller gallery wall, possibly with the mirror on the left side of the TV, making things look less linear. Like the suggestion of moving the dining chairs, too!

Bergiesgirl: would love seeing a photo of your dark wall around your fireplace, if you don't mind sharing! love how we are 'ranch twins' :) Thanks again to all, this is super helpful and I've already begun making changes!

Yes, try centering the TV on the wall. When you're looking for a console, consider one that's closed so you can hide all the clickers, cable box, games, etc.

Great idea, thank you so much!

Great suggestions so far! I would remove all of the tall shelves and use one of the longer ones as suggested under the TV. Love the floor lamps flanking the sofa. Be sure to give yourself at least 3-4' between the end of the love seat and the shelf/console under the TV for a pathway. You will want to add larger end tables once you remove the shelves about 24" would be good like these (http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tanner-round-side-table/?pkey=cside-tables&;) from Pottery Barn, they introduce glass and iron to your room, balancing the elements and the second shelf gives you extra space for magazines/books/collections.

For the dining room, Center the table removing the desk and add a narrow taller credenza (like this for scale but finish isn't right http://www.potterybarn.com/products/wellesley-modular-entry-cabinet/?pkey=cbuffets-furn&;) placing your wedding photo above it, setting this up as a bar or using it for serving. Then moving the mirror from the fireplace to where your wedding picture is now. From a Feng Shui standpoint mirrors in the dining room reflect the table, create abundance and multiplying warm happy times. The tall dark corner shelf could go in the dining room where the shorter one is now balancing the scale of the door better. I'd suggest painting it so the wood tones aren't conflicting…what about matching your trim color? It would blend and be more harmonious allowing the items you place on it to show better. I always like the warmth a rug brings to a dining room it defines and separates the dining area from the living area. If there is room for the table there is room for a rug.

For window coverings I'm a fan of roman shades maybe a woven wood to bring texture. I would hang them at the ceiling keeping them down just far enough to just cover the top of the window frame. This gives the illusion of taller windows and is clean vs. draperies that conflict with the sofa and rad.

Love your enthusiasm for your home, the pillows from West Elm are nice…cute pup too!

A partition that you design specifically for this space may be just the trick! Get a few design ideas from us. If you're interested in customizing your own partition, contact an authorized Tableaux dealer near you (http://residential.tableaux.com/dealer-locator/)

Pamela, thank you very much for your input!! I really appreciate it. I love the idea of the glass round table, like the one from pottery barn you suggested, it's a beautiful table. Love the idea of painting the dark, tall shelving unit I have to the color of the trim... would be a nice change! Also moving it to where the short shelf is, sounds like a great idea. I've been looking at Annie Sloan Chalk paint for this unit too. I've considered doing a woven wood/bamboo roman shade for the room, and I'm glad to hear you think this is a good idea. Do you think I should do this on all windows, including the dining area? Also, really like the suggestion of moving the mirror to the dining area. Thanks again!!

Krisitin,

The Annie Sloan Chalk paint sounds perfect. Rule of thumb with window coverings is to use the same for windows within the line of sight…so I would include the dining area too.

Have fun…and post the after pics!

Cheers,

Pamela

Awesome, sounds great. Love the Annie Sloan paint look:) I will definitely post after pics! Thank you!

I am looking forward to seeing the changes. Aren't the Houzzers wonderful?!!!

Yes kaye! they are! I really enjoyed everyone's comments here, loving Houzz... I'm hooked!

Our first house was a ranch with a similar problem, we added a bench behind the sofa to separate the entryway and make it it's own space. You can even add pillows so it is not the back of the sofa you are looking at. You may have to get a smaller ottoman/coffee table to be able to move the furniture closer to the fireplace. Also adding some cube ottomans under the TV is a functional option for extra seating if you don't need a media cabinet.

The bench is a great idea... we have a bench in our mudroom that could actually fit nicely in the space behind the loveseat sofa. We don't really need a media cabinet, so cube ottomans could be a great option. Thank you!!

love the look of your room by the way:)

You are certainly off to a great start! I would consider moving corner cabinet to the dining area. I might add height there with tall tree or plant.i think an accent chair where the plant is know. How about some roman shades instead of curtains.

Thanks Brenda! Love the idea of Roman shades:) Thinking about adding a plant or two to the room, a nice tall tree perhaps.. :)

This has been great to scroll through. I'm dieting to see an update, Kristin!

Yes, I agree. Would love to see an update, Kristin.
Don't know what you decided to do, but, although It may be too late, I'd throw in my 2 cents.
I'd agree with the houzzers who suggested moving the corner shelf and the one by the door someplace else. Then I would replace the bold geometric rug with something like the attached which would pick up your paint color and the brick color in the fireplace. You could add the brick color on the sofa with pillows. Perhaps the navy and or green as well. I think that looks like navy on the ottoman? the suggestions for your TV wall were all good!
Would love to see what you did!

Thank you everyone ! Still haven't updated too much, life gets in the way:) I did move the shelves though, to make the room feel less cluttered. I also removed the mirror from Above the fireplace, but not sure where to put it now, suggestions are welcome! I like the most recent comment about replacing the geometric rug... rug also catches tons of dog hair and is a pain to clean!

I plan to update the pillows and have also thought about a gallery wall with black and white photos. Not sure where that would go .. I feel like the room needs more life!