You need to buy both of those pillows, they both work.

Ryan'smommy - thank you, that's the perfect description for what I am trying to do in the room, is to add softness.

I also ordered the Griffin coffee table from Pottery Barn a couple weeks ago during an awesome sale. It's wood and iron. I had been staring at it in the store for what seems like forever now and I kept going back to that idea.

I hope it works! :)

Hayley Daniels - thank you for the kind words! I am an emotional decorator and can be picky if something doesn't feel right to me. I often wonder though, with all the dark, if it looks OK or if I am just used to it. LOL

The fireplace was a pretty easy endeavor. We had a smaller builder grade molded cement FP face prior to that. A contractor easily Demo'd it out, built up a base and used sheets of stacked stone to cover. Not too bad cost wise either. :) The doors had the 90's brass surround so I just painted over it.

If anyone needs the info, I can get it for you.

Shirlpp- Thank you, like that suggestion!

How would you suggest the arrangement on the chair and sofa, and would you also incorporate the pillows that are made in the sofa fabric?

I have a HUGE roadblock in my head when it comes to pillow arranging and mixing colors and patterns. The rust and green in the up close view of the chair/sofa fabric is what concerns me, and also I think is throwing me off. I need lots of help :)

This is what I have now. I switch out the two paisley fabrics every so often and have kept the sofa/chair fabric put with them. I'm not against incorporating them, I just feel they're tired after 6 years and want a new look.

Is it possible to swap the location of the chair and sofa? Moving the dark sofa might add more brightness to the room, and draw attention to the lightness of the windows.

With the lighter pillows and the cream decor you are bringing in will definitely liven up the room and make it feel more cozy! The coffee table from PB will work great. It is a simpler option than the one you have existing. It also gives you a nice texture that your space is in deep need of. With room for decor you have the right idea with lighter pillows, throw and plants! We'd love to see the after pics!

This picture from Paula Deen Home - might help with your pillow placement, and yes incorporate the pillows that match the sofa.

Hi Pam, not really unfortunately. I am adding pics of the rest of the whole room.

The sofa in the chairs place would pretty much create a road block in an area we walk through everyday to get to the kitchen. Evenly divided 50/50, the family walks down the stairs to the right through the family room or to left, through the living room.

Also, those front windows receive direct sun all day and as I am in So. CA, we have to keep those shutters closed a lot of the times to keep the heat out and direct sun off the interior.

Mariano & Co LLC, thank you for the help! I will for sure share pics. It takes a bit for a pillows to be made donut may be a few weeks. The vendor will be mailing swatches over the weekend. I would love to double check those with everyone as well. :)

Everyone -

The post above this one I shared more pictures of the room and adjacent dining room.

What does everyone thing about the dining table and chairs? I like the decorating style (farmhouse/cottage/traditional mix) and this table is fine, however I have been contemplating one or a combo of the following: changing out the top to a more reclaimed planked wood look, painting the chairs and table base, and/or changing out the seat fabric. I am also liking the look I the picture, all stained wood table with black chairs (or rustic white?!?)

Thoughts?

Shirlpp - very nice! Thank you!

What do you think about the two pillows in the new Ivory background fabrics on the chair, with a sofa fabric pillow on each end of the sofa, and then one of each of the new Ivory background fabric pillows in front of each one of those?

Mariano & Co LLC, thank you for the help! I will for sure share pics. It takes a bit for a pillows to be made donut may be a few weeks. The vendor will be mailing swatches over the weekend. I would love to double check those with everyone as well. :)

Everyone -

The post above this one I shared more pictures of the room and adjacent dining room. What does everyone thing about the dining table and chairs? I like the decorating style (farmhouse/cottage/traditional mix) and this table is fine, (Ashley veneered MDF...) however I have been contemplating one or a combo of- changing out the top to a more reclaimed planked wood look, painting the chairs and table base, and/or changing out the seat fabric. Thoughts?

I love these table styles, not necessarily the chairs.

Turn the mirror over the fireplace.

Here is a great ideabook on perfect throw pillow placement. If you intend to use the pillows that match your sofa, I prefer the embellished linen pillow for contrast and brightening up your room.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/heres-how-to-master-the-throw-pillow-mix-stsetivw-vs~466139

I do not think that you have to match the dining room chairs fabric with a pillow for the sofa. I am glad to hear that you've ordered swatches.

Beverly, that mirror has literally been in the same position for 16 years. It was originally orange oak. :-/

I'm open to a change, although will it look too similar/matchy with the same position of the rectangular coffee right below it?

Shirlpp - I was toying with a another fabric for the chairs, coordinating with the new pillows yet more neutral for longer usefulness. That was before I found the pillows on etsy. I might tuck that idea away for a while.

What do you think about the look with changing out the dining room table to 100% stained & rustic table mixed with the existing chairs? I'm thinking it would get rid of the sea of black with the table legs and chairs being black. Or perhaps painting the existing table legs a worn looking white, similar in color to the white trim?

A new table wouldn't have to be costly, my hubby and I have been dipping our toes in DIY wood crafting with a few trays and a porch bench under our belt. I would love to tackle a dining table next!

I am not really liking the idea of the white table legs. I think that your idea of the 100% stained and rustic table with the existing chairs would work.

shirlpp - that's what I kinda thought you were going to say. I wanted to throw it out there, just in case I have been missing something.

I do like the look of painted white furniture and/or cabinets, however when it comes right down to it, I always back out as I don't feel it flows as well in our home as black or wood tones do. Too casual or cottage-ish, maybe? Hence my need for the pillows and accent pieces to help with that.

Thank you so much, honestly, I really appreciate your help!

IMO turning the mirror will will visually expand the room.. People will make the connection between the fireplace and the mirror.......not so much a comparison between the mirror and a coffee table. I would say that 90% of the time I place mirrors or art in opposition to the object placed below it to make the area more interesting.

Beverly- that makes sense!

I'm telling ya, I have been stuck in a rut. I'm so glad to hear all the great ideas everyone has taken the time to share.

Thank you :)

To the original question, I like both pillow options; but if you ultimately choose one, I prefer the first pillow in your space, particularly in light of the new coffee table you've selected. Good luck with your updates!

Love what you have done AND your Tuxedo cat. I miss mine called "big boy".

Patrinkac, I wish that was my table! I found those inspiration pics on Pinterest.

Sorry you miss your kitty. :( Pets are wonderful creatures...I wish they lived forever.

I just realized that you had an older post about your paint color. Is this a different room, or did you get rid of the leather sectional?

michigammemom - thank you for the link and advice!

To clarify, you like this one?

Tgb1 - We still have the leather sectional. That was a different room, our TV/family room that is open to the kitchen and faces the back of the house.

Yes, the paisley though lovely, gets lost on your chenille sofa. The lighter pillow will provide contrast.

Tgb1 - I think the thread you are referring to the thread about overall paint color for the house that I started in July when we were first considering the paint colors.

I should have went lighter to begin with, but I chickened out. :-/

Did this room get that same lighter paint color? Your house is so clean and fresh-looking!

You're definitely on the right track. I love the two new pillow fabrics you have chosen and I would go for both. They will make a huge difference in lightening up all the brown in the room. You need to buy a larger rug. I would tape out the area so that all furniture rests on the edges of the rug. I would keep it simple with a light colored textured rug. Maybe a jute or sisal rug in a soft cream. I would also consider moving the mirror for art over the fireplace. You could look for something that has browns, burnt orange, and greens with a light background. That will pull the whole look together. I agree with haleydaniels, your room looks so warm and inviting.

And yes, I would get rid of all the old pillows. Don't try to incorporate them.

tgb1 - Thank you! Yes, all the rooms were painted in the same color as the room ("formal" living) in this thread that is needing new pillows. The color is Exclusive Ivory by Dunn Edwards.

The kitchen and attached family room (leather sectional room) are both situated in the back of the house and are north facing, tinted windows and a lot of greenery reflecting in. I have another thread requesting help going one more up in the paint chip (Ball of String) as I think the Exclusive Ivory is a bit too dark with the medium wood floors and dark cabinets.

I would love your opinion! :)

lilac - thank you! If I utilized both fabrics for the sofa and chair, is it overkill to also use it for a table runner in the adjacent dining area? I like the idea of a patterned runner, and I'm not so sure I can be lucky enough to find a third fabric with my color criteria. It's basically one large room.

As far as the rug, I think I may be stuck with that for a little while. It was a custom rug I ordered less than a year ago, directly through Tuftex. The style is Bling and the colors are actually very close to what is on the trim of the lighter pillow with cream mixed in. It ended up being pricier than I thought. I know the shape isn't ideal, however hubby likes that It's not covering up so much of the wood floors.

Do jute or sisal rugs always shed? I have looked at them, love the look, yet can't get past the mess they seem to make underneath. I wouldn't mind, for the time being, getting one for inside the front door which is in the other end of the sofa from the fireplace.

I think it would be fine to use a table runner in the same fabric. I love your rug better than my suggestion. Perfect choice. I know what you mean about the jute/sisal. I've wanted one for a long time but struggle with which one. I've heard they shed, are rough in your feet etc. So confusing. Please post when you get the new items. I'm excited to see the change.

Hi, Alwaysonabudget, love what you have done, just wanted to know what product you used to get rid of the brass on your fireplace, I have the same issue but can not take the brass trim off with out destroing some of the brick.

thank you

Denisedaze

In my search for pillow fabric, I found this medallion pattern ( 1st and 2nd picture) last week at Hobby Lobby of all places.

It's beautifully detailed up close. The background reads on the grey side when placed on the existing couch sofa and chair. Hubby thinks it's too busy and doesn't care for it.

Although I don't feel it's something I want to invest having pillows made out of it, I was thinking maybe a table runner.

Thoughts?

denisedaze - I used a heat safe paint similar to this, blue taped and then just slapped it on. The handles were also brass with wood centers and I used the same stuff to paint them.

This is what the FP looked like before the stacked stone. It was faux painted to looking wood. Yeesh!

Thank you so much for the info, I will be getting a hold of that. I to have the same handles, need to update all though hubby says everything looks fine. Lol

denisedaze - the husbands always say that! :)

Hello - I have to agree with hubby on the fabric from Hobby Lobby.

Hi, I have a time sensitive same room, separate issue thread...if anyone could please take a peek there too. I think I'm losing my mind. LOL

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ordered-a-table-please-need-advice-asap-dsvw-vd~3464649

Shirlpp - I can see it now, it doesn't really go with the tranquil look that the other two fabrics have in the room, does it? Thank you :)

Glad I found your thread on pillows and fabric. I really like your townhouse living and dining rooms. I found this beautiful pillow fabric on Etsy the other day and think it would look great on your couch.

ashtonchic, thank you, I really appreciate you keeping an eye out! :) Although the pattern in the fabric you found is beautiful, pink (or any other pastels) just aren't my thing, in clothing or decorating. It must be something from my childhood, I'm not sure. Sigh.

**Update**

Sample fabrics are here! I am so glad I got samples as I am not envisioning the linen one working as well as the other more colorful one because it's not actually Ivory in person. Hmm.
NOTE- I have to divide pics into two posts.

More...

I would love thoughts and opinions! :)

Linen looks kind of orange to me. I like the paisley really well.

Ashtonchic - thank you! I agree, it almost looks as if it's a tea stained fabric. It's pretty in its own right, I'm just not sure if there is a place for it in that room. I'm liking the paisley as well. I can't wait to get some more opinions!

Have you finished redecorating yet. I'm new to this conversation but it looks like the last comment was October 28, 2015. Have you uploaded you completed design?

How about some draperies or at least valances to give more color and interest to the room A larger area rug coordinated with printed draperies would be very pretty too. Do you sew? Making pillows is very easy. Ready-made curtains are easy to find, and you could get material that would coordinate with them to make pillows for couch. I love floor, couch, etc. Keep going little at a time!!