That makes sense. Maybe I move some around to the coffee table?

This is such a big help! I'm going to move some stuff around based on this advice and see how I can improve things. I'm up for the challenge and hopefully I'll get it right eventually!!

You can see here some concepts nicely. The reason you need to decide on location of big pieces, then on wall pieces, then on accessories is because the big piece here is the cabinet. The art is long, vertical and horizontal lines with some gold, aquas etc., Then because of the size of the art, it is "off center" and it's balance is provided by the tall lamp with long gold artistry, then smaller pieces with the white of the lamp shade in the porcelain white head and the blue of the small dish and blues in the leaning painting. So this is a perfect arrangement, IMO.

You will. With these simple tips, you will be a new woman!! haha.

Another example with sconces. A Nice large print with black thin framing. See how it "repeats" the lines of the sconces? Then an offset arrangement again, with the right end being high, using books for height variation (another designer trick) and a beautiful sculpture to repeat the blues and greens and then a small row of glasses with gold accents.

In this example, they use one lamp that is beefy because....beefy legs on console that need balance. The on the right a plant that brings some height to that side of the console table. 3 candles, varying heights (varying heights also important factor) and one small piece in center to balance mirror. Round mirror to repeat round base of lamp and planter pot and rounded curves of the legs of the entry table. See how all these details are considered and you can do the same. Shop in your house I like to say, and find those items with similar "elements" to group together. Same basic principles apply to coffee tables. Large display books, for large tables, large sculptural pieces and varying heights.

I love those design photos and agree they look much better than mine. I can tell what works/what doesn't I just can't figure out how to make it work on my own! I just started a new design dilemma thread where I posted photos of almost EVERY decorative item I own and every surface that I'd like to work on.

Would you mind taking a look and telling me what would look best where? I'd love if I could make this work with what I have and then spend the $ on the art/frames, etc...

I truly appreciate this! I'll send you a present when it's all done ha!

Pamela Qarbaghi's last photo is an example of the scale needed for a chair next to the fireplace.

I do like the idea of of a mirror to the left of fireplace with a console in front to help balance the French doors but yours reall would take to much attention away from the fireplace.

Since the chair isn't really working out, I would move the console back to the left of fireplace.

If I move the console back to the left of fireplace then it defeats the purpose of taking out the sectional wedge no? Would I put it back?

The room does feel so much nicer and more open now. Not sure if that is because we moved the console or because we took out the sectional wedge- or both? I brought up this little mirror I had in the basement as well as this little table and bar stools.

Could we make any of this work? What do you think?

Thanks again!

How tall is the window wall?

Sorry, I don't think the table works to left of FP:(. Try this round piece where it was before. Clear the table of all except the round piece and we can help you slowly add just 2-3 more pieces.

I honestly believe in having things that fit a purpose just not fill a space. Your console to left of fireplace hid your electronics very nicely. Just needs to be "styled"... I would start with the mirror and the big round thing. No matter where the console is, you are better without the wedge in the sofa. It was just too much with it.

Omg this is amazing! What app did you do this on? Thank you so much! I love these ideas!

So.... got my hubby to move the 300lb. mirror! What do we think? I also stuck a console I already have in front of it as suggested.... just to give us an idea of the look. I'm happy to change it all!

I love this! Thanks so much for your help!

moved it once again? What is the winner?

The mirror is much better between the sconces than next to the fireplace.

Nicole I just wanted to say that I admire your enthusiasm! Taking the wedge out of the sofa is a huge improvement. Take your time and it will all come together!

The mirror is a bit too ornate...really distracts from the fireplace when placed to the left. Looks better between the sconces but just not sure it is right for the casual room. I do like the console to the left of fireplace and the idea of a large piece of art between the sconces, not console there. You are getting there and hopefully won't have to spend a dime...I know you have the right pieces already.

Sectionals are dictators: they tell you how to arrange your room. The window needs proper, taller, (?lined?) drapes or Roman shades (perhaps in conjunction with blinds).

It's the sconces - but it seems monumental / impressive.

I kind of like it between the sconces! Hope it can reflect something good?? Christmas tree? Chandelier?

I can't tell - what do you think of the sconces with it? Maybe a funky art piece to its right, over the console.

Yes, some art, but not too much. The fireplace wall can't be diminished. Perhaps an offset arrangement on the console with a tall lamp on the left end and a interesting wall hanging on the right side and a big bread bowl in the middle. Something like the photo I posted with the Tall metal lamp and metal wall hanging. (MAK Studio one) above. That way there would be some light in that corner.

!!>>?? I almost hope [and think] you won't like this, cause it's dark and I don't understand it... but the look and house shapes seem eclectic fyi:

OK NICOLE. Looked over all your dilemma posts and tried to remember all the pieces you have. I now have a blueprint of your house on my mind! :) Let's do this room per room.

FAMILY ROOM:

1 or 2 (if space permits) RH Lyon Round back chairs beside fireplace, Entablature mirror between wall sconces, replace

Great work on removing the wedge from the sectional. If you love the position of the television over the fireplace then keep it there but finish off the area. Use one of your RH French Lyon (round back) Chairs from your living room and place it beside the fireplace at a diagonal angle facing the sectional. If the space permits, you might be able to use BOTH of them on each side of the fireplace. They are the right scale for fireside seating and will finish off and cozy up your seating furniture in the family room. (Tackle your "front" living room later and finish the family room FIRST as it seems like it is the room that gets used the most).

The RH Entablature mirror has a good position between the sconces - probably the best position it can have on the main floor of your house where it is displayed most effectively (after having looked at the other rooms - it will reflect the light nicely from the double height windows across from it and brightens up the rather darker space under your mezzanine. Having it there also means that your visual axis to the family room as you turn left from your front door is clean and all clear (i.e. you won't see a the side of the media cabinet sticking out from the wall as you approach the room). The downside to placing it there though is that it blocks a wall vent and it is indeed very grand for an otherwise casual space - if you don't mind this "rustic grandeur" then keep it there. I strongly feel that you should change the wall sconces to something more elegant (less geometric). Depending on the size of the new sconces you might choose, you might also have to add a column of frames (artwork) on each side of the mirror to cover the awkward gap (if any) between each side of the mirror and sconce.

In this scheme, I think the media cabinet should also GO (to an upstairs bedroom or to the basement perhaps). Do you actually use it for storage? Just look for a compact and barely noticeable `storage solution' for your media appliances (a very small cabinet, a seagrass basket, chest/ trunk) which you can discreetly position behind the LYON chair beside the fireplace, making sure it is NOT visible.

For the blank wall behind the Round back LYON chair (beside the fireplace), create a VISUAL ILLUSION and decorate it with LARGE WHITE gallery frames (or at least with White matting or white as a dominant color) and arrange it to MIMIC THE FRENCH DOORS on the other side of the fireplace (they should have almost the same height and width). You can do 2 or 3 columns of large pictures that are mounted quite close together. Just make sure that the art you choose for at least for this wall is NEUTRAL more subdued and muted (think manuscripts, music sheets, letters, cameos, intaglios, etc) for this VISUAL ILLUSION to work. This will create balance in the room, reinforce the fireplace (err, tv) as focal point and the eye will almost read the series of frames as another doorway.

I do suggest that you FINALIZE YOUR LAYOUT first before you worry about which accessories, accent pieces, textiles (curtains, pillows, rugs etc.) and plants you will need.

For accent, be mindful where you use COLOR: perhaps in the small column of artwork between the entablature mirror and sconces, a large art piece or gallery wall behind the sectional, in textiles (pillow and throws).

Do SPLURGE on double height curtains to frame your beautiful windows in the family room!! I suggest going for a NEUTRAL COLOR on the curtains though as you might get tired of the material easily if you choose a bright color or something patterned. I kid you not, dressing those windows with quality will be expensive (but worth it) so make sure you can live with your choice for a looooong time. You can add to the neutral color base a border, piping, trim, leading edge design in your accent color (which you can easily change later but you still get to use the fabric base).

Do not forget LIGHTING as well! (perhaps that deserves a whole other comment page)

TO RECAP:

>>>SUGGESTION A<<<

- 1 or 2 (if space permits) LYON round back CHAIRS beside the fireplace

- ENTABLATURE MIRROR between sconces (sconces to be changed, add column of artworks on each side of mirror if the gap between mirror and sconce is too large)

- Replace media console with more ingenious "tech appliance" storage solution (small cabinet, wicker basket) to be HIDDEN behind LYON CHAIR

- WHITE FRAMES / NEUTRAL GALLERY WALL beside the fireplace and behind lyon chair (MIMICKING FRENCH DOORS on the other side of fireplace)

- worry about other lighting, decor, textiles, as the next step...

..just another thought...

this time entablature mirror is mounted on wall behind sectional and sideboard from dining room table is placed center below wall sconces

>>>>SUGGESTION B for FAMILY ROOM <<<

- 1 or 2 (if space permits) LYON round back CHAIRS beside the fireplace

- ENTABLATURE MIRROR mounted on the WALL BEHIND LARGE SECTIONAL raise it about 1.5 to 2 feet from the floor ((just to make it seem taller) but low enough that the base of the mirror is still covered by the back of your sofa.

- use SALVAGED TRESTLE SIDEBOARD from your dining room and position it centered on the family room wall between the sconces (your dining room will look better without it and it actually complements the glam rustic ambiance of the family room). finish off with artwork on walls.

- Replace media console with more ingenious "tech appliance" storage solution (small low cabinet, wicker basket) to be HIDDEN behind LYON CHAIR

- WHITE FRAMES / NEUTRAL GALLERY WALL beside the fireplace and behind lyon chair (MIMICKING FRENCH DOORS on the other side of fireplace)

- worry about other lighting, decor, textiles, as the next step...

So much to comment on the above posting. But too late. I'm closing up shop for the night. I will say one thing. You cannot hang that mirror. It would require backer wood framing inside the walls due to its weight. That is why it is a "leaner".

everdebz, love you but that painting is darn right creepy!

With all due respect Ms. Mangan, I understand what a "leaner" mirror is and that Entablature mirror is NOT sold as a "LEANER" mirror (as we are technical here). The vendor website actually suggests having it "set against a wall or professionally mount". I have seen it mounted on the wall all the time as displayed by the mirror's designer himself (visit Timothy Oulton's gallery at Harrods) as well as at several RH galleries. It is technically not a "leaner" and it can be and has been mounted on the wall. If, from a design perspective, however, hanging the mirror behind the sectional does not make sense, perhaps due to glare from the television or as a matter of design or personal preference, then that is a different issue altogether. Do share your suggestions as well Ms. Mangan so we can learn from your expertise. Cheers.

Liv's suggestion of a gallery wall to mimic the French doors is a nice idea. If you do keep the console there, can you use the art over the French doors to place above console?

I guess it is the moon, but I have been on this thread and been contributing along with others.

With mirror's different style, need a funkier art.... ?

I too like the mirror between the sconces and the console to the left of the fireplace.

Guys... you seriously are fantastic! Thank you so much for your help! I really couldn't have accomplished anything without you!! I am actually going on vacation tomorrow ( Dominican Republic for 8 nights yippee!) and am going to use all of your advice as my beach read!!

One last thing before I go ... I just purchased this lamp from pottery barn so have about 25 days to return now... it doesn't work in dining room we have decided.... doesn't look right to me on media cabinet to the left of fireplace... how does it work here? In formal living room?

Also.... I do actually use the media cabinet to hide all the wii, xbox games and karaoke disks.... and just bought it so I'd love to make it work if we can...

I love the idea of mimicking the French doors.... can we do this over this cabinet? I also love the idea of a gallery wall which I now feel more confident to accomplish...

One last thing- I agree the sconces are hideous - What would be best to replace them with? They are about 14 inches x 14 if this helps.

It makes sense to balance them out with art if they are too far as well. Any suggestions?

Thanks again!!!!! Have a wonderful thanksgiving! I'll check in again tonight and tomorrow morning! I'm obsessed ha!

I don't think it is tall enough and the shade is too big for table. Need a rectangular shade. Have a wonderful get away! Enjoy and clear your mind of all this "stuff". You will come back renewed!

Imo the round shade is fine as the base is rounded [?].... enjoy time off from work and work and more work?! ;-)

As to total height, I don't mind it, since it's near a couch, and who wants a towering lamp near..... but my opinion that it's ok.

Return it, I think you can do better. Sorry everdebz it is a proportional thing.

Hello everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm just back from my family vacation and refocusing on the decorating! What do you think of replacing the sconces I currently have on either side of the mirror with one of these? If not, any other suggestions? Also- they are quite far apart and I know we mentioned some art to fill in the space on either side beside sconce and mirror. Like what?

And do you like any of these art pieces for above the sectional? How big should it be?

Thanks again!

This can be as large as 72 x 48

17" or 24"

a few more sconces I like ...

I don't know if someone thought there was wall space for art between mirror and sconces, but I don't think so... I wish for elongated sconce shape since nothing is underneath them.....

Personally, I like the 2nd, that its details are few and has neutrals that seem there already [even a bit of the chest's?].

Also has a mass of 3 rectangles, a bit like the mass [of stones in fp].

Simple shapes [like a calla lily a little!?] with another finish / other slants the other way. Seems a bit like the plain windows [do they have trim?]

$300 each:

Thank you! I see what you're saying with the idea of something long to balance it out. Unfortunately the 2nd one (which I love too) is really small! I went back to look again at the stock photos (on pottery barn). What about the art?

I like the second picture (with the purple Chesterfield sofa) and I have an alternative sconce. The reason I like this is because it will take up some of that "visual" space you have due to the location of the junction boxes.

Sorry to be confusing - my comment [on the 2nd one] was about the art - simple beige/ grey...

Looking for the RH Entablature mirror...anyone trying to get rid of one?