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beechsweet

Decor Fail! This, not that dilemma

10 years ago
Suggestions please I've give my best shot and switched out accessories a few times and I just don't like it- something is off! Do I get rid of the orange and yellow? add a rug under the coffee table- I had one but wasn't feeling it. I never pick the right rug- suggestions? The room is long and narrow L shaped need help with the l side of the L.

Comments (77)

  • 10 years ago
    Your TV wall looks great. Perhaps if you should want to add something else to your shelves in future, consider baskets or decorative boxes for texture. They may fit on bottom shelf rather than folded throw but for now you have made a great improvement. Relax and enjoy.
    beechsweet thanked connie912
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Yes, the rug, while pretty, is too busy and pink. I'm not a decorator but, personally, I wouldn't use a rug at all, there's already so much going on in this room. I'd remove the glass shelves altogether, put an accent piece on the bottom of the tv stand, maybe try the plant back on top of it, take down the metal wall birds and either stack the white pictures next to the large art behind the sofa or try them on the window wall or where the mirror is.

    I think the shelves are lovely, as are your individual choices, but I also think there's too much furniture/too many accents, especially in light of the lowering ceiling and darker carpet.

    beechsweet thanked barncatz
  • 10 years ago

    I think you will find the pink rug will make the sofa look dingy. Wherever you buy, make sure they have a solid return policy. Once you have other pieces adjusted, you may determine that you don't want a rug, after all.

    Personally, I felt your original styling of the shelves was more interesting, and only needed a move of the largest glass, the mantle bits, and the little blanket.

    beechsweet thanked studio10001
  • 10 years ago
    Use a orange or yellow rug
    beechsweet thanked Kristy C.
  • 10 years ago
    I would begin with a modern-version wingback chair angled at the shelving and facing the sofa. Add a floor lamp for softer lighting other than ceiling lights.
    The orientation of the living space right now is only about watching TV - makes conversation awkward.
    Your textiles on the sofa are quite nice, just add some colored pillows once you decide what colors to echo in the rest of the room.
    In the far corner of the shelving, add a small lamp or faux lantern to bring in some softer light.
    To the shelves, balance out your cold/shiny/slick with some rough/organic/natural features such as an antique box(s), antique storage/luggage, woven baskets, etc.
    Add something of yourself into the room so it feels more like home and less like magazine perfection - photos, books, a collection.
    Change out your baskets at bottom of tv unit to woven, more textural baskets (less modern) and it will help warm the look.
    I don't think you need an area rug - might make it look too congested - it's already cozy.
    I do think you need something atop your tv shelving - maybe a long carved wooden bowl.
    If you can, add some plants faux or real if light allows.
    Select colorful art and hang it rather than stand it.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Of the rug photos YOU posted, the first and the last were the best, and would really look great.

    beechsweet thanked Barbara Griffith Designs
  • 10 years ago

    i love both but they rarely get chosen! I think that first even has stitching. i did not put up because they were not in the exact direction op was going. but thanks.

  • 10 years ago
    I ordered this rug- crossing my fingers- I'll post a pic when it arrives- still need pillows - I also ordered the cute lemon table runner cuz it's fun! Mixed feelings with the metal birds- I find them whimsy and fun but everyone I ask tells me to set this birds free lol. Thanks for help I hope some of you will stay and comment on the new additions and any art a pillow ideas would be great!
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago


    First, I have a very short period of time to do so, want me to take rugs down?

    Also, i will put together pillows for that rug. yummy. all pillows under $25.

    Diamond Yellow Pillow/Travel Case 12"x16", Cotton and Linen · More Info

    Amazon.com: Manual Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Throw Pillow, 24 X 18-In · More Info

    Beautiful Home Decor, Beautifully Priced | Joss & Main · More Info

    Ikat Argyle Birch 16.5" Throw Pillow · More Info


    Amazon.com: Set of 2 Simpledecor Cotton Canvas Hexagon / Honeycomb Accent Decora · More Info

    Amazon.com: yellow decorative pillows - Decorative Pillows, Inserts & Covers / B · More Info

    Amazon.com: 20 to 20.9 Inches - Grey or Yellow / Floral / Decorative Pillows, In · More Info

    i can be more floral or graphic, just let me know.

    beechsweet thanked havingfun
  • 10 years ago
    The only things the shelves are missing is a small stack of books.
    beechsweet thanked Heather Macdonald
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Hello Beechsweet,

    I think you have a lovely setup and everything looks cozy enough.

    Adding anymore furnishings to this room will make it too busy for the eyes, so my first thought is don't add anymore.

    Really studying your photo about this room and reading your dilemma, I think the problem of it 'not feeling right' is because of the wooden panelled ceiling. When you look at any of the photos that captures the ceiling in it as a peripheral view, the ceiling divides the rest of the room rather than looking like it is inclusive of the room, and that's where I think the problem is.

    Everything you've put together to create this room of warmth and coziness is all modern contemporary furnishings. Wooden panelled ceilings are the warmth and coziness of the yesteryears gone by. If you imagine the ceiling in any of your photos as a plain off white colour, smooth texture, simple and straight forward roof, then everything in the room seems to work with each other with no clashes!

    As regards artwork above the sofa, I think it's ok. As for the birds, that's a personal preference. If you were to consider new artwork for that wall, then I would suggest removing the birds and try something contemporary and recognisable but not too abstract, like these as a suggestion:


    Zebrart · More Info


    White Wine · More Info


    Please Be Seated LND CNT · More Info


    Allure of Arabia Brown · More Info


    Miss Talk-a-Lot · More Info


    Erythrophobia - Fear of the Colour Red · More Info

    I wish you all the best with whatever you decide to do to get that room right.

  • 10 years ago

    all i can say isaw is poooor zebra:- (

  • 10 years ago
    Small art like your black and white pair is meant to be viewed up close. Over the shelves is putting it too far away to be appreciated. It looks like two black splotches at such a distance. Second, baskets are great on wood shelves, but you have lovely open glass that is best accessorized lightly. In your initial pic, the biggest items on top made it look top heavy. That's why it looks good now, the biggest weight visually is low to middle. Mix some textures into your objects. Colored glass is nice because it captures all the light on your open shelves, just mix with something more opaque and rough. The throw on the shelves would do better in closet or on the sofa; I don't think it's working with the shelves, nice color though. That spot needs a taller object, maybe that big glass orange globe?
    beechsweet thanked Olga Kramar
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    HAVINGFUN, My Zebrart friend was more happier with his afro before, but I had to straighten him out for an art experiment!

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I think you need to stick to one accessory color(too much for the eye), either the orange or yellow(the vase looks greenish). I agree with Okramar, that your accessories need some texture - so if you stick with the orange, do it with different objects.

  • 10 years ago


    Orange Bowl, Canvas Print · More Info

    Orange Abstract Ii · More Info

    "Lemons And Oranges" Art, 20"x13.38" · More Info

    i'm seeing more abstract artwork and these colors for your room

  • 10 years ago

    Love your shelves.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Too many glass objects in too many colors. Pick a couple of glass vases and mix it up with some solid metal objects and other textures.

    Do the shelves need to stay? They are crowding the room

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Are you collecting the art glass? If so, they should definitely be showcased. And you can add to it with whatever pieces speak to you, no matter the color. They just need to be distributed evenly on either side of the tv. Vertically also...do not place them all on the top shelf. Nothing on the shelf above tv. I would keep your existing rug but add one of havingfuns pillows and change out the throw on the sofa with the one on the shelves. Not sure what it is that is covering the window? Your painting is lovely but a bit more colorful piece would be ideal.

  • 10 years ago
    I think you are moving in the right direction. since you selected the gray/ yellow rug, I would keep your yellow glass and just a few pieces of the orange. Looking forward to seeing photo with your new rug, runner, pillows. And I love your open glass shelves.
  • 10 years ago

    Get cushion covers from Ikea for some of your gray sofa pillows, in the yellow and orange. Maybe 4-5 total.

  • 10 years ago


    "Biscarrosse Lake" Fine Art Canvas Print, 60"x30" · More Info
    Ok I'd like to get this picture to replace the one over the couch. So am I on track? Does this go well with the rug? Also I like the Ikea pillow idea I will check those out and thanks so much for the ideas and suggestions. I also like the Yellow, Purple meet Orange abstract suggested by 111ideahound. Just not sure we are brave enough for that one. We have other Parvez Taj pieces in the house. This has been so helpful, I am excited to get to a finished point that I feel comfortable with.


  • 10 years ago


    "Farolo" Print on Brushed Aluminum, 60"x40" · More Info

    Very Large 24x60 Original Painting Seascape Sunset Impasto Wall Art by T John · More Info

    Extra Large 24x60 Abstract Landscape Acrylic Wall Hangings by Thomas John · More Info
    Three other maybes ?

  • 10 years ago
    I think any of those could work, which makes you feel happy? I like to have art that makes me smile when I see it. some just give me a peacefulness, but I never choose art just because it works.
  • 10 years ago

    I wish I'd found this dilemma sooner. You don't need a rug. It's not a design fail, but the room is a bit too busy. I don't know why you're adding yellow; the orange and green are great.


    Set the birds free and get a second art piece that goes with the first. Or a couple and make it a gallery wall.

    beechsweet thanked groveraxle
  • 10 years ago

    beechsweet thanked groveraxle
  • 10 years ago

    The only thing I did on this wall was move one of the orange glass jars and replace it with books for some variety, and bring a little orange and green to the coffee table.

    This room just needs a tweak or two, a little experimenting with placement of your color pops, and art to cover the back wall.

    beechsweet thanked groveraxle
  • 10 years ago

    Absolutely Love what groveraxel did with the wall! LOVE IT MAKES ME HAPPY! Now can I find the pieces and sizes to pull it off? LOVE IT! THANKS- Anybody need a yellow and gray rug. LOL! I might need to return that when it arrives.

  • 10 years ago

    The location of the vases makes it easier on the eyes.

  • 10 years ago
    grover always has a magic touch. (: check etsy.com they have great art.
    beechsweet thanked RubyRoses
  • 10 years ago

    Beechsweet, your current art (which I like very much) reminded me of an artist named Sydney Edmunds so I went to look at her work here: http://www.greatbigcanvas.com/category/emerging-artists/edmunds-sydney/?pstyle=b&utm_expid=126186327-7.UuXOL10HRWex45wJw0edKw.1&pagesize=90&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbigcanvas.com%2Fcategory%2Femerging-artists%2Fedmunds-sydney%2F%3Fpstyle%3Db


    I concentrated on finding two pieces in the same color palette as your original, and knew I wanted one portrait format and one roughly square to fill out the wall with a bit of variety.


    Take a look at her work, and peruse other abstract works in the same colors till you find some that complement your original piece.


    Then add a touch of green and orange in pillows or throw or even candles opposite the shelves.


    Here are some more Edmunds pieces, these with a tiny bit of color along with the mostly monochromatic gray:




    beechsweet thanked groveraxle
  • 10 years ago

    very nice room. This is nitpicky (ok its extremely nitpicky I know :) ) but I'm going to mention it anyway. Do the bookshelves that flank the TV have a back on them? If not, could you turn the one on the right around so the front becomes the back. that way the shelves within the bookcase become mirror images of each other?

  • 10 years ago

    they do have a vertical glass piece that runs down the center. But interesting idea.

  • 10 years ago

    I definitely want some of the Sydeny Edmuds pieces and Groveraxel selected ones I really like- crazy intuitive there! . I'm checking out pieces now. I don't know how to space them on the wall or how to pick the correct sizes. The current piece on the wall is 40X60 and the wall is 15 1/2 feet - Can anyone recommend a way to figure the placement out.

  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Go by the length of your sofa. 2/3 the length.

  • 10 years ago
    Fail to dab maybe? Here are the results after all of your great feedback. What do you think? I'm not thrilled with the rug but oh well.
  • 10 years ago
    Oops fail to Fab?
  • 10 years ago
    I agree about the rug. go no rug or a much larger rug. but I like the shelves now and your new art.
  • 10 years ago

    I think you are very close to fab, but it needs a tweak or two. It's still a bit busy, and a bit too symmetrical.


    BTW, I love the dining area. The table and chairs, runner, white vases are perfect. But there are places where you go one step too far. Case in point: the placemat thingy under the orange flowers.


    I'd remove the rug altogether. It's distracting. I'd offset the abstract vase above the TV so it's off center, and maybe add a small orange vase if you have one that's 1/3 of its height. Here is a little orange glass flower that might work.

    Global Views Lily Bud Vase & Reviews | Wayfair · More Info

    I think I'd like to see the two new art pieces together instead of on either side of the big canvas. I'm going to Photoshop that now so we can see how it looks.

  • 10 years ago

    following


  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I like the yellow. Get rid of he orange. If you add a rug I would do a large pattern with grey and yellow to pull that color around the room. Yellow is complimentary to grey while orange is to blue. A little goes a long way

  • 10 years ago

    I probably wouldn't have chosen two such similar paintings, so I think I would flank the large canvas with them, but align them at the bottom like so:

    Putting them together on one side is a bit overpowering:


  • 10 years ago
    The suggestion about turning one bookcase to mirror the other one was clever. Gave me the idea to hang one of the two new paintings upside down in order to be a bit different when they are placed next to each other. The elephant in the room for me is the window treatment in LR and kitchen. Needs to be more contemporary IMHO. I like how the room is evolving. Good job.
  • 10 years ago

    beechsweet thanked groveraxle
  • 10 years ago

    Seajay, I tried flipping one of the art pieces; it felt odd:


    beechsweet thanked groveraxle
  • 10 years ago
    Agree but thanks for trying it. I believe your idea to flank large piece with bottoms even is probably best position.
    beechsweet thanked Seajay Sparkles
  • 10 years ago

    Thanks grover! You are awersome. the aret pieces were inexpensive pieces from Home goods and I actually added the color- they were all silver gray, now I have orange and yellow and white. They do look kind of cool up close, The orange addition to the room all started because of the big orange glass piece. I may just move the rug out to another room I probably need and expensive 12 food rug that extends beyound the chaise on the sectional and in front of the second shelf. is that right.

  • 10 years ago

    Grover, what about hanging them horizontal?

  • 10 years ago

    about the curtains, custom made at my request by my sister and very expensive fabric. I just hope the pic on here doesn't do them justice and they are not as bad as everyone says.

  • 10 years ago
    Beechsweet, if you love the window treatments and they are special to you since your sister made them, that's all that matters. ;-).
    beechsweet thanked Seajay Sparkles