as much as i hate "move the pillows" decorating threads.... your loveseat wall needs a stronger color on it. if you move one or two of the red pillows over to the loveseat, the loveseat will have more presence.

Yes to some more colour on love seat. What about a red lampshade in that corner. All looks really good. If you have the $$ perhaps a bigger rug with some brighter colours including red.

Agreed. Perhaps just a little less of the accessories. The room appears a tad too dark overall. I might use "vented" white colored wood blinds to at least provide more filtered light, the room needs more light. Your color scheme is layered with almost dark on dark to some degree, more color contrast with lighter colors I would have used. I love burgundy wine color paint, with a small room though dark wall colors tend to make a room appear even smaller. With the curtains, I might pull them back at an angle and tie them to give less of a boxy look if you must have them, honestly with the way the window is designed below and above, it's kind of a feature. I tend to lean toward simple and subtle with a splash. I'd likely not have the rod and curtains at all, that's just a preference. And I'd paint the frame of the windows white to match the base boards on both windows.

Wow, thank you so much for all of your inputs. I will get back to you.

A very quick (an inexpensive) fix would be to bring in another color to
make your furniture pop. Right now, it feels too subdued, which is
probably what's making you feel like it's missing something. So, in
addition to your gray (sage green? hard to tell from this photo) and
cranberry red, think about getting a bunch of throw pillows that bring
in more pattern and coordinating color. Golden yellow would work nicely,
or even a really terrific peacock blue or teal. Don't bring in more
solids; go with patterns that will coordinate with your drapery panels
to liven it up. I tend to love lots of mixed patterns and colors
together (see photo of one of my projects), but done correctly, it
really works well. Lastly, I suggest you get livelier paintings or
prints and framing them in a gold metallic finish. Metallic accents
really help finish a room and provide a bit of shimmer. And think about
multiple smaller artwork that can be arranged "salon style" over the
sofa to give it more interest.

I just happened to come across this photo with one of my agent's and it made me think of your inquiry, I believe this photo best describes what I was attempting to convey. Lighter, less and brighter. :)

Thanks, I like the idea of lighter, less and brighter.

A little art inspiration that seems to tie together your existing colors.

I suggest a nice mirror in place of the art.
I suggest if you can spend some money on a white shag rug, coscto has 2 sizes that work well to lighten up the space.

If you can get white cushions or white cushion covers.
The red vase can be placed in the corner.

Hi, sdhami1 thanks for responsing. I am confused by white cushions and placing the red vase in the corner.

The red vase can go on the corner table.
A punch of white cushions instead of the red cushions will complement this space.

What is your budget?
If you need better lighting then hiring an electrician to get wiring done on walls to get silver sconces would be suggested.
Or you can buy scones on either side of the mirror that can hold candles on them jysk has some nice ones.

The sconces to go on the wall above the sofa

Here's another artwork suggestion. This piece would add a specific focus to the wall - it's 40" diameter. The silver and aluminum gilding would also pull in the other tones in the room.

I would replace the drapery finials with larger ones. Also, horizontal artwork would look better. I like unframed canvas artwork. I agree with the previous poster about the reflective glass. It detracts from the art. If you replace that and pick a coordinating color from a new print, I would get pretty patterned pillows to offset the "too solid color, all the same" furniture. Also, a larger ceramic lamp in a color coordinating with the draperies would be nice.

I would eliminate the little things right under the TV and add lush fern-like greenery to the basket. I do not like faux greenery, but I would invest in a good quality one to save you the aggravation of keeping a living plant alive in that basket.

Instead of ALL red pillows, mix and match stripes and florals.

It's a little too busy. Remove about half of your tchotchkes.

The art in the dining area is a bit too dark. If you can't replace it, at least hang the two pieces level at the same height as the lower piece.

A chandelier and lighter, brighter art will bring some WOW.

my room is similar to yours and not that big. First I would move your sofa to where your chair is placed, using the sofa as a divider for the dinning area. Put the chair in front of the window. You can also use throw pillows with pops of color to brighten up the room

Also, center the love seat under the picture on the walls

Thank you groveraxle for the visual it was very helpful. I really love what you did. ksmth007 I have tried to use the sofa in the past as a divider but it is too long. My furniture is from a previous home and I do not have the money to buy new furniture. Maybe I should remove the loveseat all together and place the chair in front of the window. I am heading out today to look for pillows .

Sabrina Alfin Interiors my furniture is sage green, thanks

Dining area

1. Not a fan of accent wallls, would paint same color as the rest of room.

2. Would get a mirror for that wall instead of the art work, will make room look larger.

3. Would change position of table to be parallel to wall.

Living area

1. Would move art work over the couch and hang horizontally instead of vertically.

2. Would get a taller standing lamp with alarge drum shade.

3. Change throw pillows, maybe a nice neutral color, not a fan of red.

4. Would place some branches in vase near loft seat.

5. Would get a bigger side table lamp with a drum shade for balance with standing lamp.

I think you ought to try moving the chair to the love seat location and see if it looks better and if you could do without the love seat.

I agree with the 'accent' wall. Add a hanging light fixture to reach about 36 -40 inches above the table top. Check Lamps Plus 'sale' & Ikea. I agree with the poster about not using reflective glass over art. Check Art.com or Great Big Canvas for art (they also have wall peels too which will peel off when you need to remove w/o any damage.) I like the way you have covered the TV cords with the items under the table, however if you can get one somewhat wider it would be best. Check thrift stores or Ikea. Also The poster who suggested more smaller pillows with additional colors & print in them was a good suggestion. You are almost there, don't give up. Use what you have & just add some tweaks.

can you paint your window trims white?
replace the light fixture over the table to hang.
put a mirror on the red wall behind the dining table to reflect the new light fixture and window at other end.
paint the red wall the color of the other walls.
move some glass vases to the buffet table. but the silver below the tv.
the rug is off center? should be equil on either end of the couch. tho it maybe too small.
try that rug under the dining table. and go for a creamer rug in the living.

Easy, you need some plants to balance the room. Good luck!

Flip-flop mirror and dining room art (sans glass). The simple mirror would allow your gorgeous red wall the opportunity to take center stage. A low chandelier is a good idea and may love looking at its reflection!

LVR: Thin out half the pillows and kick up the volume with bright patterns and shiny fabs for the few remaining. A light-toned area rug would help offset the dark furniture and give "lift" to the room. Consider non-glare glass for your artwork.

OK - now the whammy: You have a cool clerestory window that is screaming for attention! (I am so jealous!) Consider painting window trim. Lower the curtain rod to just above the window to eliminate competition with clerestory. A valance or cornice would mitigate the rod and streamline the wall. If you're brave, ditch the curtains, and dress the main window with sophisticated roller shades, or even Romans. This would truly allow your guests to appreciate the room's towering feature. Exposing more wall on that side will also add visual "freedom" for your corner table lamp and ultra-beautiful clay vase.

Great job...pulling together red and grey. These colors are often a balancing act, and getting the right red to match other reds in you decor. Even getting the greys and reds in the same hue family. Everyone on the post has given great advice, so lets see:

1. LVR: Transfer the rug from the living room to the dining room. Using the colors from that rug for the pillows and make sure they are texture this will balance the heaviness of the sofa.

2. Add a colorful unframed oversize picture over the sofa by using the measurements that "decoenthusiaste" posted .

3. Switch the basket with the red vase by the love set. The basket can be use for extra seasonal pillows. Put the vase under the credenza.

4. Change the lamp shades to a creamy white the color this will help brighten the room.

5. Move the silver vase to the coffee table and add white or yellow flowers. Try put the vase in a blue tray (the color from the rug) this will also detract the darkness from the coffee table.

6. If you still like to have a rug in the living room use the measurement from the early post purchase in the colors of creamy whites or lighter grey ( lighter then the sofa) with white accents.

7. Dining: Move the sideboard on the red wall and add the gold bottles and the gold plate.

8. Take the mirror (if you can) paint the frame a creamy white and possibly fleck gold flakes on it and seal with clear yellow lacquer. Hang it over the sideboard; it will balance that side of the room.

9. Like the other posters said hang the two framed picture in place of the sideboard. Later you may want add two small neutral ottomans .

10. The gold glass bowl that was on the coffee table move to the dining table.

11. Do get a hang light over the dining table.

12. Paint the window frames in both living and dining area. Also, some suggest to add bamboo shades under the drapes or try sheers, either will give a finish look to the windows.

Now, everyone has given our suggestions to choose from; this should give you "the wow factor you're looking for." I would love to see the end result.

The TV and the table it is sitting on are the same dimensions. A little longer and/or lower table would make a more pleasing design. Perhaps you could add a new and longer top over the existing table. I think you should paint the black metal TV support to match your wall color. And, I think the accessories on the table should be removed, unless you are able to repaint the black support system. You have some very nice accessories to work with, and I think you are off to a good start.

I agree with a previous poster that the couch would make a better room divider. And I would try the buffet behind the couch facing the dining room, or against the red wall. The mirror should look better on the red wall, and the paintings, on the walk-way wall (hung at the same height).

Your rooms are lovely! But I sense the same thing...that something just isn't right. It feels a bit staged and stiff, not as much an inviting place to visit, relax, and unwind.

Add a bright cheerful accent color, using the 60-30-10 rule for colors... 60% primary color (in this case, sage green), 30% secondary color (red), and 10% of an accent color. Bright orange would be a nice accent color with the red. Or, I see light blue in your rug, so maybe that could be your accent color (not too muted or you lose the desired pop). You can tie the accent color in with patterned throw pillows, artwork, place settings or table linens for the dining area.

A large pendant light over the dining table that's a little funky or rustic would help take the formal edge off the area and add some fun and visual excitement.

The framed art in both areas is too matchy-matchy, and the shiny glass and matting feel old. You could liven it up with something abstract and joyful over the sofa (landscape perspective--wider than tall), or two or three smaller side-by-side pieces, to fill up more of the void on that wall.

In the dining area, replace the framed art with a grouping of smaller unmatched but complementary mirrors and framed pieces, maybe a few family photos mixed in, to make that wall more interesting and personal.

Good luck to you and have fun with it!!

You're right that the wow factor is missing and the guilty party is the colours..you definitely need another colour in the mix and some pattern
with punch. Less red perhaps; there is too much tension between the sage
and the dark red so the result is staid. A third tone to balance it out would be welcome or dare I say, lose the accent wall colour. A lighter warm colour
for the walls, with punch pillow colours and throws. Sage works wonderfully with teal and yellows and they would bring life to your life. Have fun!

we had the same dilemma. we got rid of the bulky couch an just used love seat or v/s,

I think you did a very nice job. I have two very easy suggestions.

1. Your drapery rods are a bit too high. I would suggest hanging them on the trim instead above.

2. Try switching the art work you have in photo one for the two you have in

The second picture. Hang the pair over your sofa. Not too high , and

Hang them side by side ( do not stager them- hang then level to each

Other).

Then hang your single piece where the pair was hanging.

I think you will be pleased with the results from thers two very easy

Changes.

Good luck , keep up the good work!

I love the look you're going for, and what you've achieved so far. But I see what you mean about lacking the wowness of it all.

Try hanging the two pictures from the dining room over the couch, and the picture that's over the couch hang in the dining room. In other words, trade places with them. You could also try putting the couch where the love seat is, the chair where the couch is, and the love seat at an angle from the chair to the dining room. This may help take away the crammed full cubicle feel of the living room.....round it out a little. Also, bigger red pillows may help add that pop you're looking for. Something red and fluffy on the coffee table....flowers, feathers???

Here is an update on what I have done so far.

Yes. The mirror over the sideboard makes the accent wall pop. The pair of paintings on the long wall look like that's where they belong.

Not sure about the naked front windows. I think you might put the curtains back; it seems to want the softness they provide.

Two things that would make a huge difference: a longer console under the TV. I love the one you have and you've styled it well. If it were just a foot or so longer...

Finally, a pendant over the dining table would really finish that side of the room. Even a simple inexpensive drum pendant would do it.

Thank you groveraxle for your input. I too believe I would rather have the curtains. I will try hanging them lower as some else suggested. I like the lighting you suggested.

Is the piece in the dining room under the mirror longer than the table under the tv? IF it is, could those two be switched to get a longer item under the tv? You will be surprised at how it changes the look of that space.

Yes, I second abbyjean's comment. Switch those consoles. They look like they belong in the switched positions.

There is too much gray and nothing of any interest to really draw the eye to. You have too many accessories and need a more interesting area rug. The color scheme feels dated. I know you just did the space so I'm not trying to be cruel. Focus on taking out some of the accessories and buying nicer light fixtures, art and a new rug.

The fan should have not been so decorative here. as you really dont want people looking up. rather AT something decorative. So either a very simple fan if you MUST have a fan, or a hanging light would be much better. if it had maybe been set on a 24 inch rod or what ever would have gotten just a little lower it would be better. Its a lot going on and not really working.. sorry.

Hang the living room drapes exactly halfway between the moldings for the windows. Get a beefier rod.

@lorraine58, one thing I am learning is, if you ever feel alone in the world, post a question on Houzz! :-) I've seen a couple of suggestions to switch the framed artwork, the two in the dining area with the one over the sofa, which would be a quick and easy fix. The two pictures with red in them, hanging at the same height and side by side, would better fill the space over the sofa and add a little weight and color to that span of wall.

So much fun reading all these suggestions. I feel like we're all in a think tank! Lorraine, get it done and we'll all be over with wine and cheese!

You've received so many great ideas!!! I think I saw this mentioned above but you need some extra color. You have neutrals. And red. I would bring some other bits of color but not in a solid...try some pattern. There's a great rule in decor: 60/30/10. This can apply to pattern or color or texture.

• 60% dominant color (your neutrals)
• 30% secondary color (your red)
• 10% accent color

or

• 60% dominant texture or pattern (your matte finish solids)
• 30% secondary texture(s) or pattern(s)
• 10% sizzle! (in your case, glass and shiny)

You've got 60 % neutral, 30% red, but no "10%" in the color arena. Test some patterned art or pillows (even from HomeGoods!) to see what makes you smile! You also might consider a 30% texture. You've got glass for sparkle and lots of matte finishes but not much texture.

I would try some more throw pillows, preferably patterned. Also a larger rug with reds in it as well. Something that all of the furniture in the living room can sit on.

I would also get a larger work of art above the couch. Maybe something abstract with red and some other colors in it.

The console under the TV could be just a little longer to balance it out some. I would put the pictures that are on the small table beside the love seat on the larger console. Larger ones in the middle and styled.

I would also remove the vase from the coffee table and the one beside the love seat.

I really like what you did with the dining room so far. Looks great! The console there and the table turned really does the space justice.

An accent chair with a fabric that has ALL your colours in it.

Great update! The Living room do need that pop of color over the sofa. Yes, the drapes need to come back. Don't be afraid to use pillows as a decorative change. Try adding long stem flowers with color (maybe yellow or fuchsia) in the vase.
Goveraxle is on the mark with the pendent lighting and Home Depot is having a sale this week on this type of lighting.
Keep us updated on the changes and have fun decorating!

Beside the pillows you could toss a blanket on the loveseat or couch, one with the colors already there plus a accent bright color with texture to take away from the sameness of the furniture, I have the same problem and I love my blanket over a lot of pillows that are always being moved. Add the same accent in some glass bowls, vases pictures, etc. just something bright to catch the eye, it will made a big change, but you have to love the pieces.