I agree about painting the trim the same color as the trim in your kitchen. I would also paint the fireplace surround. Change the rug and add curtain panels. I agree with editing also. The room looks very cramped.

Having said all of that you have a lovely home! I love your kitchen!

a) wouldn't paint tons of the trim and that great window frame

b) wouldn't paint the brick

c) would, probably though, take a kitchen wall color and take it (maybe diluted by 50 or 60%) to the den ceiling

d) would take out the valances and leave panels. Or just go for other drapes, in more simple silhouette. If choosing patterned-would go for a larger pattern.

e) would reduce amount of things, especially on the mantle. Maybe go for an art instead of the mirror.

forgot my alphabet lol) would bring in couple new throw pillows..preferably textured and light.

Rugs are hard. In general-so if you decide to go that route as several people here suggested, and get new rug(s)-I wouldn't be in a hurry..I'd roll the ones you've got for now, so as they don't interfere..and see what the rooms want. Now it's probably not the best time to do it though-winter coming, all that.

It's a very nice home, and things look pretty consistent to me.

But if you're going for that very cozy traditional look-go for more shabby, cozy, mismatched elements..bolder art, and things that are a tad unpredictable.

And if you prefer it more traditional yet polished-keep it a bit more spare.

Again, very nice home, and I love, love your hutch!

Ok So far I took down the valences to try it out

That looks much better already.

I would definitely paint the mantle. I'd also look at painting the brass fireplace insert. You can do this yourself with a black fire-proof matte black paint. If the budget allows, you could look into a different fireplace surround instead of the brick. Or just paint or use a wash on the brick.

Have you considered a different light instead of the ceiling fan? I know some people really love their fans and want to keep them (I can't talk my DH out of some of ours either) and they do serve a purpose in our climate.

Agree with replacing the matching sofa pillows, but I'd wait until you decide on a new rug or a new color scheme.

(just to share that we specifically bought-on Craigslist-old antique brass fireplace doors..)) little bit greenish tone, you know? we had black insert left from previous owners

well i'm not from here, and i haven't had fireplaces until we came here, I think haven't even seen them unless it was in the movie..so i don't have any connotations with any metal being dated or something..

sorry, it's totally off top, it's just very interesting to compare different ideas, and how preferences are born, develop, etc.

For example I finally figured out why I love greige so much, for years already..it was a total enlightenment moment, lol)

The bright windows are a great change! There is a lot of trim in that room. I would evaluate painting the brick, the trim and woodwork until after you have finished the easier, less permanent changes. New pillows and removing some accessories and plants would be my next step.

I feel like I just got a haircut taking the valences off lol. Just confused about all the trim, I know the popular thing to do is paint it white which would be consistent with the rest of my house. I just have this fear because there is no turning back. So if I did all the trim would I have to do the mantel or would it be nice to have that remain wood (or would it stick out too much)... and would washing the brick help compliment the stove in kitchen since they mirror each other. What color would you use on brick and if I could replace what would you recommend?

I know the fireplace grid needs an update, its from the early 80's. I need one there to keep the draft out so doors are a must otherwise I think I'd just have a screen. I have seen a few demos on how to paint it black online so I may try that.

The hutch was a Craigslist find as were the light over the island and chandelier over the kitchen table. I lucked out with a house going in foreclosure that was selling everything, The kitchen table was also Craigslist.

Thanks so much everyone for all your advice, please keep it coming.

Thanks d_gw, just saw your comment on the wood. Was wondering what type of rug would you suggest.

I had to laugh about the haircut :) But it looks so much nicer. What I notice, however, is that everything is beige, the couch, the drapes, the pillows, the rug, even the art work.

So, can you go and "borrow" some pillows from other rooms? And a different piece of fabric to see what different curtains would like?

Then, I'd remove everything from the mantle and prop up a large painting/piece of art to see what that looks like.

I wouldn't paint the trim or the mantle, at least not now. As you say, there's no return once started:)

As far as rug, if you want to replace the current one, I'd go for a more colorful oriental (style) rug.

Didn't have too much art lying around lol so I used what was on the wall to see what a pic and less stuff would look like

I'd try something more colorful but definitely like the pared down look. What if you just use the clock?

Oh, I like it but still a lot of brown/beige/burgundy (the mat).

What does it look in real life in your room?

Someone here on GW has this rug:

I don't know. I definitely like the round shape. Maybe a round mirror?

Or others can chime in. I'm no use :(

Nosoccermom, good memory! I have the second rug and someone else does as well. It's from esale rugs and it's nice quality and was a good value. I think both rugs would like nice in her room.

Nursetamml, which mantel design do you like? I like your elephants and the clock but the other versions look nice too.

If you are still having trouble deciding, try a separate "help me decorate my mantel" post. I think some people get overwhelmed by the whole room questions but might be more likely to help with a specific request.

I liked it pared down! and I like the elephants and the parrot(?) print most of all. like different pillows too

I like the round shape; but the room has enough round elements, I think art is cooler than..well, mostly than anything lol

(Art can be round too by the way; just much more rare; or it can be something like a plate-some plates are exquisitely beautiful)

It's all a matter of preference of course

Some mirrors are pretty amazing.

but I like the direction it's going, that's for sure

@d_gw. I remember because I've been eyeing this rug :)

Could someone "paint" the woodwork in Photoshop so that the OP can see it mocked up? I'd like to see it too, since I'm reluctant to see nice woodwork painted unless necessary. The room has a very warm, cozy feel, and paint would be quite a change. That's not necessarily a bad change, just so different that it would be helpful to see it before committing.

Your home is beautiful, nursetammi!

Thank you so much, it would be so AWESOME to see what it would be like painted.

I'd remove the current drapes and replace them with sheers or something with more color or nothing at all. I would also totally declutter the coffee table.

What a difference "editing" can make! I like the changes you've made. I would probably look for a rug without a border or medallion since the coffee table wouldn't be centered on it.

I agree, get a rug that is uniform and not cut out shapes within it, that way it will merge better. I'm the naysayer who says "don't paint the woodwork or the brick". I feel you've achieved a very compatible compliment to the kitchen area and the wood tones warm that lovely room and fireplace is lovely. There's no hurry, just take it a step at a time. I like the ceiling fan, it's nice looking and makes the room more comfy in hot weather. Love your lamps, can you share where you bought them? I'd like to see a toned down rug rather than color or brights. The room is so restful and you wouldn't want to upset that aspect of it. I'll look at some rugs and see what I can find. I love the way it's coming along.

Painting the crown molding will absolutely make the room lighter...just be sure you will like it, as ya can't go back...For me the two lovely dk brown leather chairs weigh things down. I could not decide if it was there was just too much furniture in the room or not. I wonder if you removed one and just used the rocker how things would lighten up? The stain of the TV stands echos back to the kitchen...but again it is very dark compared to the woodwork trim and just isn't working for me.

Does this rug interest you? It's comparable to the one next to the big table. I like it because it has texture and is quite light which would bring up the brightness of the room in a muted way. rug

A coffee table something like this would lighten up the room, I like the shape and the glass will give more lightness to the room. coffee table

I didn't read ALL the replies so I apologize if I repeat anything anyone else suggested. I do want to say I can't believe even the little change of the valance and even the round clock over the fireplace makes. My first thought was a different coffee table. There's a lot of wood going on in there. And as any have already mentioned, a new rug would really liven up the space. It's looking good though!!

I do like the rug yayagal...never thought I had to replace rug until almost all of you have said too LOL. What do you guys think of something to help with watching TV. Because of the rectangular shape of the room and the bay window, furniture placement is limited. Was wondering if instead of a coffee table, an ottoman or something to put legs up would look ok. I'd love to make it more comfy to watch TV but yet look good too.

I was also wondering if painting the ceiling like Aprilneverends suggested would help because the woodwork in the room never bothered me as much as the crown molding. I always felt like it stuck out too much. Maybe if the ceiling wasn't such a huge contrast being so white, the molding wouldn't be so pronounced.

One more question, is there anyway to change the shiny brass fireplace grid to a more antique brass, kind of like the plaque over my stove or do you think black would look better? For some reason black seems so black (ha ha) with the dark brick.

Something I just noticed- why doesn't the crown molding on the fireplace wall go all the way over to the end of the wall? Something is wrong where the tv and fireplace walls should meet, isn't there, or is it an optical illusion in the picture?

There is a staircase there..not a corner.

Thx. Can't tell that in the pic and if told I forgot.

Sometimes even people in my house have no idea there is a stairwell there lol

Even if you don't paint the fireplace....definitely paint the crown! I never like stained crown even when it is large & lovely like yours. I feel like it "outlines" the room and makes me feel claustrophobic. Removing the valences made a HUGE difference! I think a different rug would look fresher...the medallion one looks a tad grandmotherly, lol. Could you try a more contemporary piece of art for the mantle? Perhaps with a less heavy frame? I do think a round upholstered ottoman would look good. Love your kitchen!

I think removing the valances made a great difference. I think you have a beautiful home. I am not at all bothered by the wood trim- but agree that a different rug would also make a huge difference.

I like the idea of painting the crown to match the ceiling in a very light cream, a stark white would be too bold with your wood. And for me, I'd like another color in the room light a muted soft blue. You could find an ottoman in that tone and then add various throw pillows. I'm beginning to think a round mirror over the fireplace is the right thing to do to bounce some light over to that wall.

I love your room. The stained crown molding doesn't bother me at all. Much better without the valances. I agree you need a different rug, something with some color and then pick up that color in pillows and a throw. A round upholstered ottoman would look great!

We purchased a furnished home (2nd house) that was done by a decorator, but it was a sea of brown. We replaced the coffee table with an upholstered ottoman with a colorful throw. It's the "Butler" from Arhaus which they now make in round! I made all new pillows and think it looks so much better now.

Here is a bit of an update, we are presently painting the old fireplace grid, so I put a screen, that I had purchased at an estate sale a while back, on to see what removing the shiny brass would look like. Had to decorate in the meantime so possibly what I uncluttered (per your advice) I put back in Christmas decorations lol. I do think I want to paint the trim and Yes that scares me, another lol.

I really like the FP screen better than the doors!

You have a beautiful home. My suggestion is...after the holidays- put all your accessories on big table & only put out what you truly love. We just did this at my friends house. She sold the leftovers at garage sale & raised enough $ for a new rug!

Well, it's too bad we don't decorate for xmas year-round, because you room was lovely before and now looks simply gorgeous! Love the screen. I'd have a difficult time painting the trim, as it looks so warm and fits the room. Maybe, as someone else suggested, someone could photoshop the trim painted out for you to see.

What a beautiful home!!! Your kitchen is stunning :) It's so nice to see traditional and no gray. I'm sure you love everything in your living room or it wouldn't be there so I understand it could be hard to weed out some of the accessories. I think you did a good job in blending the kitchen with the living room. (For me) there's just too much decorative stuff in the LR. I LIKE the (light colored) rug but it's unfortunate that the coffee table can't be centered on the rug. I would keep the stained trim. I like the less clutter on the fireplace mantel. Fireplace looks mucho better without the brass. Love the different screen! Love the ceiling fan. I'd want to change the brick surround.

I have the same deco piece behind the stove only mine is a bit smaller and cast in a light ivory travertine-look that matches the light ivory travertine backsplash.

One more thing...why does the crown molding stop short of the corner to the right of the fireplace?

Monicakm, In the corner on the right is a Stairwell, its kind of hidden, others thought the same lol.....

Actually I have enjoyed seeing the room with less in it, seems more open, like spring cleaning, now I just have to decide what to do with everything I've taken off the tables. That's my biggest problem, getting rid of things. I always think I might use it again sometime.

Thank you all for you wonderful comments and compliments. I love your willingness to help and your honesty. Its going to cost me a new rug though lol. (unless peppapoodle you are right that I can sell it all and buy a rug with my proceeds).

Its funny I thought everyone would tell me to paint the trim. Seems about 50/50 and when everyone came over for Thanksgiving no one even noticed I took the valences down.

Is there a site to go to learn how to photoshop? Would love to see the trim white....

Lovely room. Looks gorgeous decorated for the holidays. There is too much brown and beige there, with the trim, furniture, rugs, etc. I second painting the trim, but I can see that it's an extensive project. I love the rugs NSM suggested. If you're not painting the trim, you may want to consider consider a glass top coffee table and/or ivory slip covers for the leather furniture to offset the brown and that rug NSM suggested?

My landlady has a big basement and stores a lot of her decorating items in the basement and then rotates them in and out. If I had the storage at my folks house, that's one way I would solve the editing problem. I already do that with my dining room, I have a spring, summer, fall and winter set of decorations, etc. But I have the storage room in there for the stuff when not in use. But for my folks house, that about taps out my ability to store and rotate. My landlady has a huge dry basement with gads of storage so she is lucky that way. If you have the room, I would consider that option.

Nursetammi, instead of messing with the trim--because you're not really ready for that, why not paint the walls a similarly medium-dark-to-dark color that looks wonderful in lamplight, makes the trim a quiet detail, the whole coordinating with the kitchen wall at the other end?

Very significantly, erasing most of the contrast provided by trim and possessions against light walls, so that your decor blended harmoniously, would keep the richness they bring but lose any feeling of clutter. This is why so many of the rich old layered rooms were in dark values.

To me, going this direction would only build on the inviting coziness you've already created in that area and make it a very appealing alternative to the brightness of the seating area by the kitchen. Most of my house is white with whites because it's not that large and I like that, but I think the trend for almost exclusively light walls in this era is regrettable, causing people to miss out on some very special options.

http://gossiplankasinhala.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Dark-Green-Living-Room.jpg

Painting the walls was my first thought but since she didn't mention changing the color of the walls, I decided not to mention it. I think it's a great idea but I prefer medium dark to dark walls and the cozy/embracing feeling.

I'd love to see this room with only the crown molding changed -- either painted to blend in, or removed entirely.

Nursetammi, have you considered asking for photoshop help in a new thread? Those that are good at it might have missed the request in this thread.