@stellahome and Others, as I'm filtering all the advice, think it's important to take into account any one room in the context of the rest of the house (or at least the visible adjacent spaces).

Like you, most of our personal photos are collected on a single wall. My husband did a great collection of b/w photos of kids and places and us which are still a work in progress.

The "staged" issue was exactly my problem from the outset with that room. As someone else noted, it felt too perfect, not lived in enough. But the rest of the spaces around it - kitchen, family room and even foyer, have a lot more "mixiness" (if there is a such a word). Maybe that makes the living room's relative seriousness a nice alternative. We'll see. What do you think - rooms on Houzz are one at a time, usually, but IRL it's more of an "immersion"?

Btw, there's no green bowl on the coffee table. Groveraxel kindly photoshopped that in when s/he showed moving down the mirror height and removing the greenery.

As long as you are taking comments, I will put in my 2 cents. :>) I do not like that mirror in the room, IMO unless you love it or has special meaning, I would replace it with a different one or a painting. I like the sofas, I get it about the coffee table and I especially like the dog.

The mirror is too ornate, too shiny and too small for that wall. There, I said it! Now will leave it to the other "experts". :>)

Susan, I think you're right! I do love that mirror but it ain't gonna work. It's fighting with everything. I think it's gonna move to the bedroom. (That'll be another dilemma post, maybe. Wish I'd been on houzz when we first bought the house!)

Very much like the large coffee table. For decoration without a cluttered feel, consider getting a thick glass top for it and putting family pictures beneath the glass then adding only one large decorative piece in the center of the table -- preferably something without much height -- such as a large oval wooden bowl or rectangular wooden box or even a planter -- a single item easily replaced by the candelabra when you actually want to light it and use it for mood or when the power goes out or another single piece reflecting a change in season or just your whim.

Edit to add: Have you considered framing the very large pic now in the middle of the table and finding a place for it on a wall -- maybe where that ornate framed mirror over the sofa currently is -- since that art tends to define the end of the coffee table as the bottom in a way that pics that are smaller and all around the table (under glass) wouldn't do. Mirror is a bit stark and doesn't fit the otherwise warm feel of the room.

bonnie, glad I didn't offend with my mirror comment, That has been bothering me since you posted. I thought for sure others would comment on it and I could skate by :>). I am not sure what you need to replace it on the wall, but sure that you will get lots of suggestions.

susan2494, I commented on the mirror last Saturday. I think Bonnie missed my comment. There are a lot of comments about the mirror(kaye1951, 11249,1shash,7417,smaroulis - to name a few).

Folks - Bonnie is moving the mirror. It is just that you have read her post, then if you don't thoroughly read the others - because honestly, who has the time - then sometimes your responses are a little off-target. I admit, I love her sense of humor - and I don't personally know her, just through Houzz. To everyone who made positive and relatively objective suggestions (instead of those that were personal - aka "I don't like red, so change everything to blue" or "I only like modern, change it to modern" sort of suggestions), thank you. You are the reason I participate in Houzz. You are so generous with your ideas and praise. Keep it up.

Yes hello all. Many people gave good advice about the mirror. Sorry not to have given credit all around :)!!

Cheers to all the houzzers weighing in.

Mirror could work in a glam dressing room/closet.

Ta-da!

Mirror now in bedroom entrance:).

Good job.

Much better location.

Wow!!! It looks great there and hanging it vertically was the way to go.

Love the mirror there!

Ok, folks, here is the latest result...
Son's painting still on mantle, flanked with sconces from bedroom (now I am sorry I painted the mantle dark from the original trim color :(

Coffee table with original candles, added vase and bottle collection and twig bowl from Wisteria. (branch on bowl is cracked 'course, so they'll have to replace it.

More to post in a minute...

Latest update continued....
Replaced ivy on top of armoire (which is actually a bar now) with very cool lanterns that can also go on table should I get bored.Those who suggested moving that piece-- I considered but there isn't enough clearance for the doors... And the cart is actually used when the bar is in use. (@stellahome, the red lacquer box is on the cart - you had asked :)

Scooched all artwork closer together. Still not satisfied with this and have moved em, split em and other variations but I'll keep this for now. I will likely reframe them. (They are sentimental so no suggestions about losing em, please!)

And...last set of current status. Questions in a sec!

Views from one sofa, view into foyer, and view from other sofa into dining room. (Did not mention this earlier but had moved three panels from basement up here behind the "head of table" wall.)

Now comes a couple of open possibilities...
The wall adjoining the dining room is now blank. I'm going to move this iron shelf from my kitchen to that wall. (I'll put different doodads in there. Sometimes it's pine cones (fall and winter); other times it's deco-balls.
Cue the opinions!

And I'm kinda over this large triptych since it's made from resin and my husband isn't a fan of fake (just one tiny reason I love him so much). So I'm thinking of putting RELAX across the wall. (I had done this in other houses and it was always a hit and nice reminder for me, but thought I'd give it a rest. I think it works, tho, and you would see it from dining room as well.

Thoughts??

Oh, the other candelabra (with the screamin' yellow candles) returned to its spot on my kitchen island. I bought ivory candles but they were too tall so I just have to exchange them.

And for giggles (and replies to the several great suggestions about using books, other personal and whimsical items in the living room...terrific advice. I have a lot of that in the family room already, so I thought I'd show y'all.

I like the 3 pc art. It ties in with the tree painting and twig bowl, which I love by he way.

So everyone, thank you SOOO much for the advice, enthusiasm, opinions insights and personal tidbits. This is a really cool exchange with everyone. I'm glad for all the suggestions -- even those that have been "less than kind" ;). I DID ask for it!! It's fascinating to see how people perceive things and how everyone communicates.

What a great community :)

Nice changes. The bar cabinet looks great. I like the twig bowl. Several have commented about having shorter and fewer objects on the coffee table. The candles are a bit too tall for the table. Maybe remove those and add a box or books. The blank wall cries out for large art or mirror. My first thought was to move the bar to that blank area, but there may not be enough space to maneuver around it. Like sconces, but something is not right about the scale or placement. No suggestions. At least the scones are easy to move. Shopping in your home works!

You really have a lovely home - I sometimes wonder why you need our help ! you seem to do well without us. The only comment I have is I thought the sunflower pics were a little high.

Thank you, Angel! When things don't seem quite right, that's when you want to bring in the community of experts -- who ya gonna call? Houzzers!

That coffee table is such a signature piece, I really don't think it needs much of anything on it!

Wow! Family room and kitchen are wonderful. Yap! You need to help me! You have a great sense of design.

Love your big clock have one just like it in my great room. Pier 1?

Yep! Cool! A present from my husband before we got married.

Looks great.

I just began to follow this discussion and think the suggestions are mostly great and you have done some wonderful things with your changes. I just have a few comments.

If you use your fireplace, it is not a good idea to put real art above it. The heat and smoke will damage it over time. That's why it is traditional to use a large mirror over a real fireplace. But the silver mirror is not the one to use; it is much better where it now resides.

Also, the spindly candelabras are lost on that huge and sturdy coffee table. I do think the table style would be more fitting in a family room as your living room is quite formal, but I understand your desire to have it there. Have you thought of putting the sofas in an L-shape and then the table might have more space in front of them? You might put the bar cart or an end table with a table lamp on it in the corner between the sofas.

Another suggestion is to put more of your small items away into your display cabinets. The room would look less cluttered and more restful. Just a large vase of flowers and a stack of picture books, as someone suggested would be perfect on the coffee table.

I agree that the triptych has had its day, and the RELAX hanging is more suited for a family room.

Bonnie, looking good! I like the dark fireplace, my home has cast iron fireplaces and reminds me of those. It adds a bit of definition and boldness to the room and makes a great focal point. Light and shade in a room looks good and adds interest. I'm not so fussed on the sconces, they take away from the painting, either something smaller or just leave the painting there. I also agree with comments above that the candle sticks are a little high for the table (which again needs very little), often less is more.

With regards to your small pieces of art ... why not try them on one of the other walls (and leave that shelf unit in the other room, looks a bit fussy) and leave the wall where the small pieces are now blank, as it already has quite a lot against it including the tall cabinet (which I like) . It's nice to have a place to rest your eyes. You say they are not quite right and I agree, firstly an odd number looks better, and don't try to line them up or match them too much. I learnt that one line either vertical or horizontal is enough (you have 2), but I think you just need a few more to make the collection interesting (add one or 3). Finally, glad the resin thingy is going, am not big on 'words' around the house (apart from in books) but if you love it go for it!

And thanks for inviting us to 'play house' (or should I say houzz) with you, you've been very gracious and it's been a bit like having a big dolls house to play in with your friends ( never had one but wanted one), and trust it has also been helpful.

Your family room is lovely. .. thanks for sharing the photos. Agree the sunflowers are too high. Otherwise, perfection. Your new fun goodies for the coffee table? The twig bowl -- stunning! The other beauties are too high to be able to converse and would be nice elsewhere in your beautiful home.

Thanks for letting us see more of your home!

I am thinking that it would work to move that small arrangement of art (to the right of the new bar) over to the new blank wall. Then hang those two large sunflower pieces from the family room in that spot to right of bar.

To the family room, add simple off white linen curtains to the window.

How about a live green plant on your coffee table?

I love the scones on each side of the painting which I love!!

Bonnie, I can't tell what the black thing is under the red pic on the wall with the armoir. I'd move that next to the armoir and then move the bar cart under and centered with your art grouping.

Bonnie, why not consider freshening up your window shades? It's often the little accent features that can make a huge difference in updating a space (not to mention that the right shades can add valuable energy-efficiency to your home). Check out these options: http://www.halcyonshades.com/st-louis/our-portfolio/gallery/

Hello-- the changes you made so far look good. I think you should hang the tree painting eventually as it's not the right shape to just prop against the wall. Also, as others have said, to address the "sterile" question you first posted you will want to add the opposite of sterile and, to me, that's "alive" or something like that. I think that's why the tree painting was a success--it represents life and it is loved and precious to you and your family. Like others, I also suggest plants--and not fake ones. Real orchids are cost effective and the colors will look great with your color scheme. And most importantly, the room does tend to seem staged, as others mentioned. The couches and table look comfy and livable. So do so. Put some real stuff on the table that is fun and useful to you. Or loved. Just not more items from tjmaxx. Not that I don't love tjmaxx but the room does look looks decorated and not like usable loved stuff coming together. Having said that, it is a nice room, especially since you love it! Lots of lovely houzzer comments too!

The final (ish ;) results! Very happy for everyone's input, terrific advice and compliments. I really took a lot of opinions on board.

- You'll note I switched the chair and bar cart.

- Put our son's tree back in its original spot. It felt too big on the mantle, and the caution about possible damage from using the fireplace was excellent advice!

- New mirror above mantle feels much calmer. Mercury accent pulls the taupe and butter colors and floral etching "mirrors" the pattern in the sofas.

- Vases can hold flowers and can change seasonally for pinecones, seashells, etc. But I like them as "ghosts" empty, too.

- Replaced fireplace tools with chunkier ones.

- There's a basket with books and mags next to the fireplace.

- Live plants make a big difference! Also bought a great paddle leaf fern for the dining room corner.

- Reframed a couple of the art pieces so it feels more cohesive.

- Bought one floor lamp, which I like a lot! Not sure I need a mate for other sofa...Or if I don't need the lamp on wall shelf behind sofa now. Thoughts? (Will let Hubby make final call on that one :)

@pcmom, Susan and Angel who suggested moving panels in family room lower? Did that. Also much better!

Thanks again to everyone. I highly recommend this exercise to others :)

Here are rest of pics

Beautiful! I'm on my way over with a bottle of wine and a good book to snuggly upon the couch.

Looks great. Any chance you could do one more thing?

GREAT job!

@groveraxle, nice change!! So many holes in the walls, a couple more are worth it :)! Too bad you couldn't do your magic like that IRL!

@Linda, wine's chilling :)

It looks great...Your comment above "Thanks again to everyone. I highly recommend this exercise to others :)".............You have to be brave to do this, and you are. I could not stand the heat...Best Wishes.

Looking so lovely. My only comment would be (another hole in the wall), could you try your son's tree picture over the table with the large lamp - instead of the little picture.

Have you thought about painting the crown molding and trim a bright white, and adding some pillows with a different color and pattern for the sofa. That would brighten things up a bit by adding some contrast. Maybe also a brightly covered throw for the sofa.