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Design Dilemma
msteezzy

Size Matters

9 years ago
I'm working on the office/hangout room which is directly off the front foyer. It's a small room so I'm hoping fresh eyes can take a look and confirm if I have the best layout in place before I buy any additional furniture. I'm also looking for ideas on a media console, rug and pillows that will help make a beautiful room. I like the idea of a blue/grey/white theme... Something like the rug in the pics except it's too small :(

The sofa, bookshelf and desk are recent purchases so they're staying.

The room is 11 X 16

Thanks!
Featured Answer
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The rug in my first layout is 6'x9'. The rest are 5'x8'. As far as decor, is painting an option? If so, I would add color to either the walls or ceiling. I would also change the overhead light. The lights pictured are from Overstock. The rugs in the first pic are also from Overstock. The rug in the rest of the pics is from Crate & Barrel.

    Comments (61)

    • 9 years ago
      Jordan, thanks for the tip about the art. I want to somehow make the Bob Marley pic work but I have to figure out the furniture layout and then will be able to figure out the walls. And I'm definitely getting new pillows for the couch, just trying to nail down a rug size

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    • 9 years ago
      Er612 I'm really anxious to paint, only I know from being on here over the past year that furnishings and rugs must come first! I'd like something dramatic like this

      Elmira - Pintail whole house renovation · More Info
    • 9 years ago
      Or this
    • 9 years ago
      I love the dark blue in your last mock up
    • 9 years ago

      I like the dark blue best too.

    • 9 years ago
      Ok so I tried the first rendering with the desk and sofa on an angle. The desk has a much bigger footprint than it looks from the photos so the sofa comes too far out into the room. Awkward for tv watching and leaves a dead zone in the right corner where the desk previously was.

      The pic below shows just the couch on an angle. The bookcase would be relocated to the wall with the photos when I get some help. I'm kind of liking this set up. I need to go rug shopping again to see how It all looks.
    • 9 years ago
      Ok, I've moved bookshelf and centered couch on the entire wall. I may be able to get away with a 5 X 8 rug now I think.

      How can I make the white bookshelf relate to the room? I've been thinking maybe a white media console?

      Can Bob hang beside the bookshelf once reframed? Now what for over the couch?
    • 9 years ago

      What if you center the bookcase on its current wall and rearrange the pictures above the couch? Ex.

    • 9 years ago

      More rugs.

    • 9 years ago
      Er612 that picture placement works perfectly. Where are the 2nd and last rug from?
    • 9 years ago
      I had better luck console shopping than rug shopping... And I sort of fixed the pictures but I plan to have them reframed.

      Still need a side table, lamp, pillows, rug
    • 9 years ago
      And lower TV...
    • 9 years ago

      Msteezzy, the first and last rugs are from Crate & Barrel. I recognize them because I use them all the time. The first one is called Destry, the last is the Alvarez rug in mineral.

    • 9 years ago

    • 9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      Grover, I was in a vintage store yesterday and saw a caramel ceramic hound figure about a foot tall just like your dog.

    • 9 years ago

      Ah, Trib, perhaps I should paint a portrait of him. This'll make you laugh: when I knew Grover's liver was failing and was running hospice for him, I considered having him stuffed. I decided against it. He's on the shelf in a lovely cedar box. ;-)

    • 9 years ago
      Thank you Groveraxle. I'll have to see if they carry that one in Canada. And thank you for the picture tweaking.
    • 9 years ago
      Now that I see the pictures like that I'm wondering if the white bookshelf will balance out the window on that wall..
    • 9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      grover, about your dog, that was a bit touching that you have saved him.

      If that's Marley, is it sepia cause it looks different than picture to the right. Rugs that echo left art seem better to me.... I don't know if has olive-beige or what.

    • 9 years ago
      It is sepia. What other type of wall hanging would work with it?
    • 9 years ago

      Grover, as Nike says "just do it". Paint that pic.

    • 9 years ago

      Idk haven't read all.... is other Ali black and white? Do you have any other items you like that could become a mix? Metal plate that's pewter, or silvery...

    • 9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      I read, and last rug labelled "mineral" had nice neutrals, which you have a few of, and also your blue [?] and organic diffused pattern...kind of casual.

    • 9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      Not necessarily with blue accent wall, but if a rug included accent color for room - just a bit cause it's small yes? - this with chartreuse pillow? frame for a picture?

      Phaedra Area Rug, 5'x7'9" · More Info
      Cashmere and Cotton Reversible Blanket, Blue/Light Blue, Throw · More Info

    • 9 years ago
      Please make sure you anchor the bookshelf to the wall to eliminate the chance of the bookshelf toppling over on your little one.
    • 9 years ago

      Or if that green is too 'hot' maybe this other color from rug:

      Mint Colorblock Pillow, Navy and Natural Linen Stripes, With Insert, 12"x20" · More Info

    • 9 years ago

      Instead a fun pillow / or a symbol, a vibe of what you like:

      Papercut Plush Cactus · More Info

    • 9 years ago

      Someone mentioned securing the bookcase to the wall. A capital idea. Here are a few looks with the Alvarez and the Destry and the bookcase secured so you don't have to worry about The Tiny One:






    • 9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago

      Imo the room is too small for contrast with door/window trims....nice don't get me wrong, but seems a bit adult sophisticated. You have stark office desk, etc... and dark grey too.... but the blue is nice. I'd prefer for you if I may! a rug with organic vibe to [whether or not you place art in room] match the presence of the men in it. Vibe!

      Kids too.

    • 9 years ago

      The second to last rug is my previous post is from Overstock.

    • 9 years ago

      While I like your new TV stand, it seems really low. I was imagining something more like this (similar to the height of the desk)...

    • 9 years ago
      Hi er612... I really hadn't thought about matching the desk height. Does it look that awkward? My thoughts were to lower the TV and add some tall vases on one side. The desk is staying right now but I didn't want to build the room around it because I hate it. My plan was to build a nice room and in about a year, convince my husband that the desk brings the rest of the room down :)
    • 9 years ago
      Everdebz I'm also liking the dark blue a lot, especially with the Alvarez rug. I'll report back once I've found a rug. I appreciate all the advice
    • 9 years ago
      Just an update. The room is now pained BM Kendall Charcoal which I'm very happy with. But the rug hunt continues.

      I'm thinking of adding the rug below and floor lamp.

      https://www.wayfair.ca/61.25-H-Floor-Lamp-19973-000-VKGL2474.html

      http://m.costco.ca/ecarpetgallery-Nympheas-Area-Rug.product.100282284.html
    • 9 years ago
      And I'm also wanting to change the light fixture. Since the room is open to the foyer which also still has the builder grade light, I want something that coordinates.

      The dining room also opens to the foyer and will likely have the light below. Any ideas for light fixtures?
    • 9 years ago

      Nice rug - with grey and cream in the room. 25" wide lamp base, will it not be a bother.... ?

    • 9 years ago
      Sorry I should've mentioned the lamp is for the other side of the couch. I would probably just do a really slim side table between the couch and bookcase
    • 9 years ago
      If it were in the same room as the capiz chandelier, I'd say keep it simple. But since it's in a different room, I think you can do something a little more ornate like the crystal one.
    • 9 years ago
      Jordan I like the second one you posted. I also have this saved but not sure if it would work in the room.

      Smyth Flush Mount, White Gold, White Gold · More Info
    • 9 years ago
      Honestly, I really don't think that one you posted would go :( there's no white to accent the lapiz and the style is more industrial.
    • 9 years ago
      Designers Fountain 84211-CH Semi-FlushPalatial Collection · More Info
    • 9 years ago
      Are ceilings 8 feet tall? Important when determining lighting
    • 9 years ago
      Ceilings are 9'. Would semi flush be best?
    • 9 years ago
      The one I posted would be fine...the chandelier can be up to two feet long (chain included). Bottom of chandelier at 7ft or higher.
    • 9 years ago
      So you can do semi flush, flush, or pendant, as long as chandelier isn't below seven feet. Here are some that are about 2 feet (or can be adjusted to be so) but the shorter one works too. Does this help?
    • 9 years ago
      This helps a lot. Thank you!
    • 9 years ago
      Just wanted to post an update for all those who gave advice. Good news is that I can get a new desk now because the opportunity to give ours away came up :)

      Still have to get a light fixture and possibly a small side table.
    • 9 years ago
      The rug is much too small: it doesn't relate to any of the furniture.
    • 9 years ago

      Love the color you chose to paint. I do feel like you need a rug with a bit more presence.

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