Is this your furniture? The tv above the FP has got to go. A sofa and loveseat in the space doesn't work. Let's start with one room at a time. Your furniture choices make a difference in lighting and window treatment ideas.

ok, 6 idea books, 0 living room pics. lol

from little i could gather, i saw pale grays and pale aquas, is that sounding right? does this color combo appeal to you?

Darzy, the furniture will be going and following the advice of both you and decoenthusiaste, the tv above the fireplace will be as well.

Decoenthusiaste, I love your ideas and the photo is gorgeous. However, I think we need something that is more like a family room and less formal. Having said that, I think we can still use the layout but chose less formal looking furniture. Does that sound right? Also, if I put the two chairs to the right of the fireplace they will be blocking the french doors to the office/den.

Havingfun, I do very much like the color scheme. The colors are indeed grays and pictures 1, 2 and 3 are of the living space.

so, since you love gray, did you want the couch to be gray? well, here are some color ideas.

let me know what i should toss.

Havingfun, I really like all of the colors. I really like that the blue area rug. Too.

This is a store that both my husband and I like. That doesn't happen often. Can you take a look and see if you see furniture that would go with the wall colors.

http://www.la-z-boy.com/b/sofas/_/N-103rjdd

I am now looking for drapes the same color.

Thank you,

Do you like this sofa? It comes in quite a few colors. The gray?

Lazyboy sofa

I would probably not do drapes. I think they would definitely overwhelm the dining area since it is small with so many windows. You could possibly do them in living room. But you said you wanted to keep the wood blinds so I would just put some $ elsewhere versus drapes.

Agree the tv is way too big for fireplace. Agree with painting fireplace mantle white. And definitely agree with swapping out lighting. For your casual dining room you could do ikea for budget, or cb2 or west elm if you have more to spend. Not rrally sure of your style though as the current pics are kind of "style-less". Do you prefer modern or farmhouse/rustic, or traditional?

Also, putting chairs perpendicular yo thw fireplace will not block the french doors because they wont be pushed against the doors. They would be "floating" ie not against the wall. It would create a walkway from the door along the back of chairs. If that makes sense?

Darzy, I cannot find that sofa in gray. I did the drop down for colors and it's not coming up. I do like the sofa and was looking it earlier. This is the other one.

http://www.la-z-boy.com/p/sofas/madeline-premier-apartment-size-sofa/_/R-620809

shiningautumn8, I initially thought the same thing about the drapery and was told it would pull the room together and give it a polished look.

I agree the room has no style because we have done nothing with it aside from starting to paint. We are still not moved in.

The eating area you see is not the dining room. It's just a small eating area off from the kitchen.

My style would probably be described as eclectic or transitional. I am fine with either. Not so much modern or traditional.

I am not a big fan of Ikea for decorating.

Thank you all so very much for helping me out. I know this comes easier to some than others and I am one of those others. My forte is more baking and cooking. That I can advise on all day. Thanks again.

Darzy, wouldn't the gray sofa be a little too much gray with the walls and drapery being gray?

On that link for the sofa...on the $699 row, click on the "gray" but it's really called toast.

That color would look lovely.

Darzy, it's the Laurel Premier one right? I see the price as $1499.

Yes, it's the Laurel but I see it on sale for $699 Try this...

http://www.la-z-boy.com/p/sofas/laurel-premier-sofa/_/R-610411

I'm in Canada, maybe that is why I still see $1499.

Time for some cross border shopping.

I think in the dining room you need a different shape and size table. I can see a rectangular table in that space. I do think a floor to ceiling straight drape would look nice and not be too overwhelming with the right weight-fabric. If you want a more formal feel I would go with a silk drape in a gold/taupe or gold thread in it. If you want a more casual feel you could go with a linen or batik print. I definitely would paint the face of the fireplace white. Yes, move the TV from above the mantle. I think a sofa with rattan base like a Tommy Bahama style would look very nice. It transitions casual or formal. It would also work well with the blinds you want to keep.

Hi Christy Reves, I would like to keep the table and use that $ toward the living room furniture. I do like the idea of floor to ceiling drapes in a medium weight in a silk versus linen. I will look for something with the shimmer through it. DO you think a silver metallic thread could work also? I will be painting the fireplace white for sure and freshening up the black. Not so sure about the look of the rattan base sofa. I am going to be taking the advice of someone else from here and doing an apartment sofa. It might be something like this in the toast color. Lazyboy sofa

Darzy has you on the right track for your sofa! I think your dining area would look better with roman shades that you could use along with the blinds. They can be stationary and will soften the windows without overwhelming them with too much fabric. Simply adding new lighting, along with a few decorative accessories, should be enough to make the room feel a bit more polished without making it feel too formal. If you would like to tell me your budget, I'd be happy to help suggest some chandeliers.

Hi,

Replacing the chandelier will make a significant change in the look of the space, and will give it a more modern and updated feel.

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Im worried about silk shimmer drapes in your small eating area. Not practical and very heavy stufffy and formal feeling. Is that the look you are going for? If you are dead set on drapes do an ivory linen or cotton, or even a subtle print (ie "eclectic" style), but silk shimmer? Ugh i feel a design dont coming on

the toast would still go well with the pillows, do you want me to do a whole set?

Havingfun, Do a whole set?

Shiningautumn, I have no clue as to design does and don't so I will keep that in mind. Thank you. If you come across one that you think I should consider pls do share.

Okay, so what about this chandelier? Yea or Nea? It doesn't have light bulbs in so, the shades look lopsided. Also, please ignore the plastic table covering. It is to protect the table during renos.

I have taken the suggestion of making the table smaller. The chairs in the corner will go downstairs for use when needed.

decoenthusiaste, what color credenza would you suggest? Should it be white to match the fireplace after it has been painted?

For the dining room, why not try something like this from one of our various designs:

Michelle, I absolutely love the dining table. If I could afford to, I would buy something like that in a heartbeat but for budget reasons I have to stick with what we have...for now.

are you asking me to do a whole set or asking what i mean? I meant the pillow i put up with the rugs. or do you want different ones?

I think your table, chairs and chandelier look great. Very pretty. I wouldn't add much else to eating area. Very clean and open looking.

The chandelier is a much better fit. It would work with your table when you expand the size as well.

I do like the couch you are considering. Yes, if you prefer silver it would be lovely as well. Good luck.

salayna, looks like things are moving, do you need me to work on something?

Havingfun, that would be awesome. I appreciate your help.

yes, but what do you want me to work on?