Ok, I'm going to start in on the dining room as y'all are having so much fun in the living room! Let's go with a modern,masculine style...so:

Love the table- keep it as the star.

Lose the rug, the floors are better clean and uncovered

Paint the walls a matte black after getting rid of the wine racks, art, curtains hanging lamp and plants.

I want to see a huge black and white photo on the end wall: something edgy, vintage and moody

I want to see a steampunk/industrial black metal hanging lamp over the table

No placemats or frou frou allowed on the table: something modern sculptural or nothing1

Now I'm off to look for inspiration photos!

Looks like the cougars or in my case(Puma) lol, are circling and getting territorial ....

Margo - lol!!!

Heh heh... fight night at Houzz! Anyways, here's a couple of ideas for photos for the dining room wall!

Even though I don't know what Kirklands is, I 'm assuming it's a furniture and accessory store. You have a lot of small pieces, try removing everything you don't love or need. I would get rid of that metal scroll above the window for starters :)

Inspiration Board for Living Room. Used your sofa and loveseat, but assembled objects that should work well with your existing items. Will work tomorrow on my suggestion for a wall mounted linear fireplace and media wall.

Ill start each of these messages with a thank you....So thank you all again. I love the ideas. Ill focus on the living room first and then begin working around the rest of the home matching the feel of it. I do not have an endless amount of money but I do recognize spending a bit will improve the home significantly.

First the living room: I am a tech dork so there are a lot of electronics inside of the entertainment stand...so much so that I think I need to keep some kind of center (like I have) to conceal all of them and wires that go along with them. I like the fireplace idea but I guess I would have to find a way to wire everything going to the TV. I've looked at the fireplaces in the past and considered putting one of them where the piano is. There is a fireplace slab on the outside of the home at that location (So I expect that is where the builder intended on one going). I am not attached to the piano...honestly it doesn't even work. My last roommate (yes...my ex fiancé) painted it and we brought it in. Maybe Beverly agrees that it would be a good candidate for inside of the new fireplace:) The catch with fireplaces is the cost. I'm under the impression that to have one that looks nice it will cost a large amount of money. The ones I've seen in the sub $400 range don't look too great.

I would seriously like to paint. Before coming here soliciting advice I was going to paint the walls a light gray color and a dark color around the wall with the large window for contrast (I've seen pictures like that here and really like it). I understand I'll have to change the window curtains to match and that is OK. They are tan right now.

Good points on the tacky pre printed "art" I have. Perhaps that's the best thing to get rid of.

Can the book shelf stay (its the one on the right side of the TV)? I spend most of my life in the recliner but I recognize that color and a different look is needed so I will probably have to say goodbye to it (even though its so damn comfy).

I love the rugs you are all suggesting. I will have to dig around and find that look (nothing is offered like that at the big box stores around here - Rochester, NY). I love that steel lamp (has a steampunk vibe to it - Ill be trying to find that exact thing too!).

I'm adding two small surround speakers to the wall near the foyer. I think I am going to mount them to black steel plates and hang them on the wall (more industrial look).

Someone put a picture of a map of the room. There are plants in the corners (closer to the foyer). What plant look are u suggesting (fake is better for me).

The coffee table idea looks like a padded ottoman with a table above it. Is that right? Ive never really seen that before. What color ottoman should I go with. I bet my best bet is to dive in and see what works. I suppose some things could be returned.

My immediate plans are (unless you all disagree) are the following:

• paint the walls as described above/new curtains

• replace coffee table and end tables

• buy that cool lamp

• new ceiling fan

• new rug

• burn the piano (unless you all like it..then its staying!)

• remove the iron above the window

• The couches will remain (thank you for not convincing me I needed to replace them - a lil cost saving goes along way)

• new recliner

• send you all flowers (beer for the guys) as a big thank you

I hope I'm not making the inside of this very suburban home too modern.

Annnnd...to whomever talked about the new wardrobe to go with the new house....already happening. I ditched the hoodies and polo shirts awile ago and because of that my buddies pick on my everyday for my new appreciation for "trendy".

I intend on starting this whole project at the end of the month. I am having a Christmas party in a couple weeks and:

1. I don't want the home to be a mess when people come
2. I don't want to have to work around my full size leg lamp and Festivus pole in the dining room:) picture attached -

One more thing...

This is what I was talking about when I said pipe shelf. Do you believe it will go well to the left of the TV? Should I instead make one with less abstract look to it and do straight lines so its more symmetrical?

?

The dining room update is free and takes less than five minutes, give it a try!

Dining room is all right angles and straight lines. Can you remove the placemats from the table and the cloth from the buffet? More modern already. Then slide the buffet 18 inches to the left, and bring the plant from the corner of the room closer to the buffet, making it part of your focal point and covering the lower right corner of the wall art, softening a right angle. Now everything is not all lined up and uptight. :^)

John, I was wondering if Ureeka is on the party list?

John,

First, everyone has to work within a budget and as funds permit. The important thing is to have a masterplan and goal to work toward.

Here is more of what I was thinking for your TV/Fireplace wall......................not with stone, but with some 3D textured wall panels to hide wires and a few small cabinets to house your components. It's a really long wall and there a few ways to handle this feature wall. The piano wall is not the feature wall in this room, so I wouldn't suggest that as a location for the fireplace.

I don't know the region where you live and if the fireplace is appropriate, but I was only thinking of an electrical fireplace which have improved in appearance lately.

Another option is to just have a storage shelf (taller than what is shown in these photos) for components and the flatscreen mounted within a rectangle that is an accent on the wall.

I like the pipe shelving idea, and if you prefer to go in that direction, I'm sure that I can draw up something around the flatscreen that will incorporate both elements.

Margo, the man has a full sized leg lamp!! All he needs now is a moose head and he's ready to go. LOL

John, you have been given some wonderful ideas and the rooms will look smashing when completed. Yes, please, paint the walls. :))

LOL unwanted- you can imagine how my eyes lit up when I saw that leg lamp- full size no less!!

Festivus for the rest of us! http://youtu.be/xoirV6BbjOg

Beverley,

I love that black sheeting behind the TV in the picture you posted. It looks like corrugated steel sheeting for a roof. Is that what it is? Did they spray paint it or did it come that way? That looks great. I think that is the route I want to go after. I will have to find solutions for concealment of electrical and components though. The shelf looks beautiful but I imagine it would be thousands of dollars to buy a piece of wood that large. Maybe a long credenza like the one pictured below (maybe wrong color addition)....Or I suppose I could keep my current entertainment console sine its already here and free! This metal sheet idea has me wanting to start this project today!

Any idea where I could find that sheeting?

PS, you girls got me laughing over here haha

There are corrugated panels available from roofing suppliers like HD and Lowes. Also other shapes made from recycled paper products. Not sure you want galvanized metal because it will affect the sound from your TV, but there are panels in fiberglass too.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_12748-1115-156_0_?productId=3010611

http://www.overstock.com/3d-panels-wall,/k,/results.html?sort=Highest%20Price

http://inhabitliving.com/collections/wall-flats-3d-decorative-wall-panels

http://www.textures3dpanels.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiA4qSzBRCq1-iLhZ6Vsc0BEiQA1qt-zo0pxnSkyC8iWwWdR9xDM-60AfFN1DtyVX8HtnbHtp8aAqa88P8HAQ

See Margo, size does matter. lol

Roxsol, ALL leg lamps matter!

Thank you to each and every one of you. I will respond back to this thread once each room is done. You guys are truly great people.....I am happy to see that people like you are out there willing to help out without expecting something in return. BTW Merry Christmas!!

You're welcome, John. Good Luck...............you might want to consider using IKEA Besta wall hanging cabinets to hold your media equipment. They are inexpensive, come in a variety of finishes and colors, easy to assemble and easy to hang. This way you may need less corrugated wall panels.

John, your current TV placement is great ! It's eye level. You can wall mount the TV with electronics and wires hidden easily.

You enticed me to open this with "need to stop shopping at Kirklands" which is often a problem. Do remove the kirkland scroll metal piece.

I clicked "LIKE" on what Michael Gainey suggested, less is more and bigger is better.

I wish I was good at this so I could get in on the fun.... But these women (and men!) have it all covered! You're place is going to look great- you are in good hands! Bev and others have given me great advice so far and anxious to get going!
That leg lamp is awesome. Got one for my brother a few years back after getting the go ahead from my sister in law that the basement room was completed and it had a home

John, not sure if this was already mentioned - make sure a furniture store doesn't insist you purchase a "matching set" of cocktail table and end tables, it will be more interesting if you mix it up....Metal, wood, stone, different shapes, etc.

You'll feel great about your sofas once you like everything else, such as art, rug, end tables. They are nice and neutral!

I was hoping you might consider a cocktail ottoman for your seating area, so people can'hang out'. However, to make sure that people have a top to place a drink maybe you could build a small panel end or sled base coffee table that slides OVER THE TOP of the ottoman like these tables over ottoman in these photos.

Margo, what happened to the sponge debate?

http://avidprodesign.com/interior-decorating-ideas-for-living-room/contemporary-decor-living-room-gray-and-yellow-design-ideas-with-white-sofa-and-table-lamps-cute-and-interesting-yellow-and-grey-living-room-design-ideas/

http://beautifulhomesdesigns.com/living-room-lighting-ideas.html/urban-lights

http://beautifulhomesdesigns.com/5-reasons-to-paint-your-walls-gray.html/dark-gray-dining-room

So... Let's see the bedroom

Hey everyone!!!

Just a little update for you. I have begun the living room design ideas you offered. I bought the tripod/gear lamp recommended above and replaced the carpet. A tufted ottoman is on order and im looking at oversized recliners. New paint on the walls and ceiling as well. I built a 13ft diamond plate steel shelf for under the tv and stored all of the components i have under it.

Originally i was going to put black metal roofing material behind the tv, and the length of the shelf. Now im concerned it might be too much metal.

Anyone have other suggestions what i could do behind the tv. 3d wall paneling? Black or bright colors? Keep with doing the metal anyways?

Thank you everyone (if your still listening)

John, with such a nice clean set up, why did you not fish your wires behind the wall?

I was waiting to see what ill do with wall covering before i start cutting more holes in the walls. Once i figure that out ill conceal them. After two days of staring at it im still not sure what to do haha

Glad to see ur still here Margo!

Room is really coming along. Like the new paint.

Don't the corrugated panels come in fiberglass? Or what about 3D panels? You can paint them any color.

Hello, when you're ready to pick the ceiling fan, here are some good, modern options that come in several finishes. Good Luck! http://www.interior-deluxe.com/fans-c599.html

I like what you did with that shelf under the TV! Nice!

Yeah, the roofing comes in tons of colors. I could really do anything. I looked at 3d wall panels too....maybe get away from the black to brighten it up???? White might not work but what about something else? Wood paneling maybe?

Or 3d wall panels in painted charcoal?

Thanks again! Im glad you guys are still here listening!

Your room isn't dark, just different. Here is the room with the black panels on the one wall. You're so close to the finish line, keep going.

Oh man!! That looks neat. Wish i knew how to photoshop like that! Ill be following up with this idea.

Ill check back in next week with more pictures once i get more of it done.

Hi everyone!!

Ive made a huge improvement in the living room and i owe it a lot to all of you. I still have work to do. The recliner is going to stay for now, i think, just so i can spend money in other rooms. Im very happy with it though. Ottoman from over stock, lamps from target, wall panels from inhabit, fake tree from home goods, fan from homedepot, shelf is homemade from diamond plated steel.

The bird may stay or leave. I was hoping to just have people say "cool metal wall art" but most recognize it as the logo from a trans am. The cool part is that I cut it out of the hood of my rusted trans am hood (which was from my first car i ever bought when i was 16). It carries a sentimental value so it may stay up until some woman tells me to take it down.

Im going to wrap the top of the table next to the recliner (which used to have that ugly lamp on it) with zinc metal sheeting (left over from another project).

Ill keep soliciting you all for advice. This website is great and you have all been so great to me.

Enjoy your super bowl sunday!! Im having a party in my new living room!!

A couple more pics to reference

What an improvement! I absolutely love the tv wall(words I never thought I'd utter)!

You've done a great job on this room. Expressed your personality. Those panels on the wall turned out better than the corrugated panels. Enjoy your party!

Never walk into Kirklands again.

Just looked through the whole thread and the transformation is impressive. Great advice well-executed. Happy super bowl to you.

WOW! Your transformation is amazing! And cool metal art! I really like everything about it. That is what art is all about, personal stuff and meaning to the owner. Everyone is so helpful to you and you run with it. Good for you and keep it up!

Wowza! What an improvement!

Wow, your transformation is like night and day! So well done!

I think the Trans Am bird is amazing. On paper, hanging a Trans Am logo in your room sounds wrong, but everything about it is perfect: it looks great both in scale and design, it came from something meaningful to you, and it took skill and imagination to repurpose that the way you did. (And I'm a woman.)

That is awesome. Love the trans am. Totally hot.

WOW! Enjoyed reading this post. Great job executing the many thoughtful ideas. The "former roommate" might come crawling back once she sees the new digs!

Hey everyone again! Ive attached a picture of my dining room. Although I'm not calling it completed, I did think you may all enjoy what i did. Im attaching the old picture along with the new.

Thanks again for all the inspiration!