Need help with living room

10 years ago

I'm trying to decorate my living room but I think this needs a touch of "something" or "warm" color to bring some sort of contrast. My concern is that, given the final look is more towards classic, how can I use color here? Questions:
1. Should I do an accent wall
2. How can I decorate the mantel to bring some "life" to it?
3. Any other ideas?

Thank you!!!!

Featured Answer

leemiller

10 years ago

I really like everything you've picked so far. What colors where you thinking of adding? A throw and some textured velvet pillows might be nice and I like the idea of a tray, perhaps with color on your ottoman. What about wallpaper on the dining room wall? Maybe a black and white print? They have the ones now that you wet and stick, but your ceilings do look quite high. I also think once you have some art on that large wall the room will warm up. Maybe pick the art first and then pillows/throws to coordinate.

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Comments (42)

susan2494
10 years ago
I suggest you add a bit of color with your accessories. You really need a longer console for the TV. It should be 25% longer than TV size. Also mirror is hung a bit too high. Add a table lamp. What is behind sofa? I wonder if a sofa table is needed?
Sarah
10 years ago
You have a lovely room with classic pieces.

I would lower the mirror by at least 6". For the mantle, pull a skinny vase from your stash & add some long branches to force bloom. Add a couple of candles in hurricanes. Then add a couple of cloth bound books to your media unit for texture & color. Change out the throw pillows to a color you love (and that is in a much smaller print than your other prints). Add a plant in front of the window. Put in some lighting unless there are already 3 sources (I can't tell from the photo).

Also- can you get a larger rug? The one you have is really nice, but appears to be too small by 1-2 feet on each side. If you can't get a larger one like that, consider layering a large sisal rug underneath.
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susan2494
10 years ago
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
Susan I really liked what you created above, all the comments were really helpful, thank you VERY MUCH!!!! I got the furniture delivered yesterday and still trying to decide what to do, maybe a nice painting with the same blue color on the wall below...

I haven't decided what to do with the breakfast area either, was thinking of black chalkboard wall but since the room is too classic, i'm worried it wont work..the cabinets are also white and i know i need some color on the wall to contrast, slightly darker at least, like a beige.... :)
susan2494
10 years ago
http://www.pier1.com/Nature-Walk-Art/3035488,default,pd.html?cgid=art-cool-colors#icid=cat_home_decor-subcat_mirrors_wall_decor-subcat_wall_art-banner_cool_colors&start=1&sz=115&showAll=115

Pier 1 has some nice art and accessories. If you have one near, check them out.
susan2494
10 years ago
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
I was thinking about adding some yellow since it goes well with light gray. I thought about replacing the mirror with a painting that has yellow on it, however having 2 paintings (one above fireplace and one at that wall) would be a bit too much...I will get some yellow pillows to contrast as well. Biggest challenge is the lamp: there;s no power plug and I don't know what to do :(
susan2494
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
You can buy cordless lamps, they are not cheap (250-350) but well worth to have a lamp. Do web search.

Yellow is a great color to add. You can even do yellow and turquoise. They are great together.
PRO
MG New York Architects
10 years ago
Definitely some green (plants!) would go a long way, also will introduce another dimension to the space.
susan2494
10 years ago
You can add floor lamps also
drdeb1234
10 years ago
You have a lovely home. What you need is some art. Fabulous substantial pieces that you LOVE! That will make all the difference!!!!!
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you all for all the suggestions. I wasn't happy with that mirror from ZGallerie and ended up returning it. I bought this Chelsea lamp from Pottern Barn and really loved it, and I'm using yellow to contrast. Any other suggestions? :)
Kim C
10 years ago
Your house is beautiful!!! What about adding a plant for a pop of green? You could have it in a large, heavy pottery pot that could be a shade of yellow or just a natural colour.
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you! Yes definitely will add some green, I wasn't sure about the 2 paintings I got today, I also bought like a little tree (not sure how it's called) but I forgot at the store and no one found it :( will have to buy another one. Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions, really appreciate that!!!
decoenthusiaste
10 years ago
I like the warm and creamy yellow you've added, but I'd prefer using it in the winter when all the light furniture could use a warm up. In warmer weather I'd opt for a cool color. Would you consider purple? Art above the FP should include the tones you'll use as your accent, and it isn't too expensive to switch out art and accessories twice a year. At the dining wall, I'd prefer a mirror to reflect the chandelier, as long as the TV doesn't dominate the reflection. If it does, then art or a carved screen could to the trick. Here's a color inspiration for you...

"Broken Majesty" Purple and Gold Textured Art Painting · More Info
Sal Conti
10 years ago
Sal Conti
10 years ago
groveraxle
10 years ago
Two paintings would be too much? Never! You can never have too much art.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Your breakfast nook is a great space for an accent wall. Against the far wall, to create an atmosphere and make it cohesive. Also any ceiling pendants look especially good when looking into the space and seeing the pendant against an accent wall. I could see a gallery wall behind the lr chair, to the left of the arch. You have a little one and I'm sure you have photos ....
groveraxle
10 years ago
I'm not generally a fan of mirrors--they're used way too much when people can't figure out what else to do--but in this case, I wish you'd kept it. Your room is beautiful and deserves to be doubled.

I like this art with your new yellow pillow and throw.
User
10 years ago
Gold and gray do go together fine, although it doesn't have the richness of a deep blush used as contrast. I liked your mirror and thought it just needed a few more pieces - vertical accents. The painting is okay, but I couldn't give it a front and center position, which the fireplace is.
anthip
10 years ago
I'm with Grover. You can never have too much art. It absolutely brings a room to life.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
groveraxle
10 years ago

Gallery Direct Fine Art Prints: Meadows Of Gold I by Maxine Price · More Info

Gallery Direct Fine Art Prints: Riding The Wave I by Maxine Price · More Info
PRO
Angelica Angeli ❤ Interior Design Journalist
10 years ago
These are some ideas, hopefully they will help you!
Chelsea Loft · More Info

Hamptons Hideaway · More Info

Hamptons Hideaway · More Info
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
Groveraxle- I really liked the mirror you've chosen along with the vase and candles, simple yet makes the fireplace stand out. Where is the mirror from?
Cynthia Johnson
10 years ago
I liked the mirror too. It was just hung too high. I like the idea of some colorful art and an accent wall in the dining area.
groveraxle
10 years ago
Quatrefoil Mirror · More Info

It's a quatrefoil mirror from Horchow. I don't know if it's the proper size, but lots of places have similar mirrors (and probably for cheaper, too).

http://www.horchow.com/Quatrefoil-Mirror/cprod73410004_cat000092__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat000092%2526pageSize%253D120%2526Nao%253D0%2526Ns%253DPCS_SORT%2526refinements%253D4294954130%252C&eItemId=cprod73410004&cmCat=product
susan2494
10 years ago
I'm pretty sure that overstock.com has one. At least very similar.
susan2494
10 years ago
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Osbourne-Mirror/10806445/product.html?recset=2016e808-1b42-4bde-bf0c-27daa88e71ed&refccid=T5MQFF6HSU63AR2CH7XPUBZZNY&recalg=828,512&recidx=0

$250
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago

Thank you for all the help, all the comments were very helpful. I just found this amazing paint that has yellow on it and I'm pretty happy with the final result (still need to hang it though ;-)
susan2494
10 years ago
Art is a personal choice so hang whatever makes you smile.
groveraxle
10 years ago
Love the art you chose. The little topiary and vase are too small. Let the art stand alone till you find the perfect pieces.
PRO
Home Innovations: Design Through Construction
10 years ago
Great job so far, excellent choices, especially for your anchor pieces. I read a few of the comments, but not all. Here are my thoughts. I would accent with some warmer color accent pieces. On the mantel for sure and possibly a throw that has your current colors but with your warmer color of choice woven in. There an also be art work for the walls or a sculpture piece that sits on the floor. The accent pieces you have, while very nice, do not have the POP you need, Not that you should change them all, of course not, just enough to get that warmer, energetic feel you are missing.

Again good job.

Rosalyn Redel

Designed for Dallas Living
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
I finally took the courage to paint the wall in the breakfast area, and I'm impressed what an accent wall can do to the final look. Now I finally have some contrast. Still working on the fireplace, got that mirror and will be delivered in 7 days. I know that z gallerie has a similar one and I saw some nice candle holder (tealight trio aquamarine)
terry toon
10 years ago
Looks a little squared up to me. Will you try the chair angled over the corner of the rug, with the table by the chair instead of the sofa? And the pillows on the sofa should be turned a quarter turn, so the fabric pattern is the same as on the chair. Put a green plant or something on the table. The accent wall looks great!
groveraxle
10 years ago
Tea lights? As in tiny? No. Think big.
groveraxle
10 years ago
Never mind. 12, 16, and 20". Very pretty. You have a great sense of style!
Tealight Trio | Gifts for Her | Gifts | Z Gallerie · More Info
Tati
Original Author
10 years ago
That's exactly the ones I was talking about
susan2494
10 years ago
http://www.kirklands.com/product/Home-Decor-Pillows/Candle-Holders-Lanterns/Candle-Holders/Blue-Brown-Mercury-Glass-Charisma-Set-of-3/pc/2284/c/2322/sc/2679/169988.uts?icid=RECScat
PRO
Pamela Qarbaghi
10 years ago
I would add original artwork. https://www.etsy.com/shop/PamQArts?ref=hdr_shop_menu

A few suggestions:

SOLD!! Original Abstract Painting, 48 X 48 SOLD!! · More Info

SOLD!! Art - Original Abstract Painting, 48 X 48 SOLD!! · More Info

Original Abstract Painting 48 x 48 · More Info

SOLD!!!-Art - Original Abstract Paintings 30 x 40 SOLD!!! · More Info