Advice on "finishing touches"

13 years ago

After over a year of major renovating we are in the "home stretch". These last details are difficult though! I will provide some background information which might help. Over the past year we added a second storey to our bungalow. We have an open concept kitchen (with dinette) and family room. We also have a formal dining room which is separate but visible from the living room/dinette. We removed a support wall in the basement to expand living space and “dug out” an additional 500 sq feet of space which we plan to use as a rec room and playroom. (this will begin in the fall)
We have a preschooler and a toddler and plan to have more children. At this time we have toys in the living room but will have most of the toys contained in the basement once it is ready! (ie. Gerald the Giraffe and the childrens' table)
You will notice that some of the finishes are not complete. (ie. Crown moulding, banister, stain on floors etc) My husband and I have been working around the clock to get it completed. However, with his full time job and our two little ones this can be tricky! It will be finished soon so we can concentrate on the exterior as soon as it warms up here!
I look forward to hearing some input (but admit I am a little nervous!! This has been a long road and input can be scary!)

Questions:
Any suggestions for a better furniture layout?
Should we add an upholstered ottoman or coffee table between the couches?
Can the sideboard stay in the living room to use as storage? (I was thinking about using decorative screen in the place of the glass to hide puzzles, books, dvd’s.)
What would you suggest for the walls? We like to incorporate family photos if possible.
Should the photo shelves be lowered?
Does the mirror work?
Do you have advice on adding more pattern or texture to the room. (keeping in mind I love neutrals! Some might even call me boring! ;)

Thanks so much! I am so obsessed with reading the discussions but have been hesitant to add my own.

PS. Please ignore the dust. It is never ending with the ongoing renovations!

Featured Answer

PRO

Purcell Quality, Inc.

13 years ago

Great work so far! I think an ottoman would be great between the sofas, West Elm has a few good ones with neutral patterns and blues which would be nice!

It would also be nice to pull in some side tables and lamps (in a color). Neutrals aren't boring you just have to be sure to incorporate pattern and texture! Best of luck!

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Comments (76)

tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
laurae1967 Sorry I missed your comment! I would love to find some ways to add some interest to the room through accessories. Thanks for sharing your opinion about the ottoman!
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you!! I will post some additional pics of the kitchen. It is a work in progress but I'm loving it!

The photo with the ottoman looks great! I also think I'm liking the new layout though! This is going to be tough because I tend to be indecisive!
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tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
If I move the cabinet under the shelves...do you have any ideas for that space?
PRO
It's a Beautiful World!
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Adding art you enjoy looking at could also bring more interest to the room both as a piece of decor and, perhaps, a conversation piece. When you have a minute, you can browse our Houzz page to get some ideas. Enjoy and good luck finishing your project!... Raisa
Carolina
13 years ago
Actually, having seen the cabinet, it is smaller than I expected, so it will probably look a bit dwarfed under the shelves. The console table however.... might go well under the shelves? Wicker baskets with toys on the bottom shelve of the console table...
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
So you mean the one under the mirror right? I thought that was the one you were referring to all along!
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
That tiny cabinet is just temporary. It's storing puzzles/games right now but will definitely be removed once we have our new playroom. It's a leftover from my university apartment!
Carolina
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I'm off to bed now (it's 23.30hrs here), but I love the look of the chaise with the throw and the pillow. I'm not too sure about the blue pillows on the sofas though. Sorry. I think perhaps different cremes and beige pillows would be better here.
shelleyuk
13 years ago
I really like the blue cushions!
Carolina
13 years ago
No, not the one under the mirror, the other one :-)
megen20
13 years ago
Nice room fireplase maybe put a little different set color that stands out from the walls.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Oh okay!!! That makes sense :) Thanks for your help Carolins! Have a good night!

I like the blue too Shelley! I was so happy when I found them.

Do you think I should incorporate some more green accents with the blue?
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Megen20...sorry I'm not sure what you mean.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
decoenthusiaste- thanks for the suggestion to move my furniture. My husband just got home and really likes it!!

What do you think?
Ann
13 years ago
I like the new furniture arrangement which brings the chaise into the grouping!
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
Much better arrangement. I agree with carolins about the cabinet. I thought that piece was wider. Since you're moving it, I would simply hang a great piece of art on that wall as it is a pretty tight passageway. Consider matching credenzas for either side of the FP with art above them too. It isn't a sin to put your buffet in front of the windows in the dining area. If you're replacing the chaise, think about a pair of upholstered storage benches under the window on the open side of the conversation group. Great place for toys and they can be pulled up for more intimate conversation. Then flank the FP with a pair of arm, club or swivel chairs.
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Patty Eades
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Haven't had time to read all the comments, ....I am a sucker for balance, so would not do the two small shelves on wall by fireplace....looks like you have one or two more furniture pieces, one of which would balance the other side of the fireplace......if you use the blue pillows or ottomans, then find a pair of round blue base lamps for each piece.....just now getting a glimpse at your great kitchen, looking more contemporary......so would suggest two coordinating type canvas artwork above each piece on either side of fireplace....enjoy
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
brody1313 is on the same page about the art!
Carolina
13 years ago
I do think that the blue pillows are nice, but I thought you were going for a more neutral room. No worries... So I made a mock-up for you with the heavily patterned Ottoman. Again, don't look at size or how it's positioned in the room, it's just to show you how such a pattern would work:
Carolina
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
and one with the striped one (have to say that I like them all in your space, but beige is for me 1st choice, 2nd the ikat, 3rd the stripe):
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you everyone for your comments and input on the room. We spent the evening with the room rearranged and realized it just doesn't work. There were some aspects which were better: we liked having the chaise part of the furniture group. We decided that it really interrupts the sight lines that we love from the kitchen and dinette. Looking at the back of a big brown couch really created too much of a division. (maybe when we replace those couches with a lighter colour one day we can try it again!) It also makes it dificult to see the kitchen from a seated position in the living room. I'm so happy that we tried it because I've wondered if that would work better. However, I think we are going to have to go back to having the couches facing eachother and add an ottoman.

Carolins- thank you for doing those mock-ups! I like them all for different reasons! I guess I'm struggling because I read the advice all the time to add a "pop of colour" to make a room interesting. That seems to be the most common advice I read on this forum :) That is what I was hoping to accomplish by adding the blue. I also think that the blue doesn't photograph well. When you're in the room it seems like it fits and is more calming than in the photographs (if that makes sense!)

brody1313- We don't have another large piece of furniture to put on the other side. That might be something to consider when we budget for some major changes! I usually really like to go for balance too but I was hoping to switch it up a little and also to include some additional seating.

I would like to replace the chaise with a couple chairs and a little table. At this time it does make a cozy spot to read a book so it will stay until I find the right chairs and then will move to our master bedroom.

Decoenthusiaste- I love the kenter club chair you added above! I am going to look into those!
Carolina
13 years ago
Okay, see, that does make so much sense. I can understand why you like the sight lines. Although you may feel the need to break up those long lines one day, but you'll have that option. And I also understand the difference between a photo and being there in reality. Photos do emphasize certain things more.

When you're putting the sofas back to facing each other (you'll probably already have done that), just make sure you center it on the fireplace. A rectangular ottoman will work best with that arrangement.
I also like the club chair. If you have enough space, you could put two of those in a light coloured fabric facing the fireplace.

Will the console table that you had behind the sofa not fit under the two little shelves? I thought that that could work.

And I did think that you could pull the entire arrangement (including rug) somewhat towards the fireplace. It seems a bit 'disconnected'.
PRO
AID Community
13 years ago
i think Carolins is right! plus i love those pillows she added, more seating and no big furniture used.
if not, maybe you can add two chairs and a little table between the ''vis a vis'' seating you have. i think for a fireplace 2 sofas towards each other are the best, gives a warm feeling so try not to change it.
for more info check this video:

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Carolina
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Hi AID Community, nice promotional film you have there :-)
I didn't add two pillows (boy, would I have been clever if I did though, because I do think it's a good idea), but they are the two other ottomans, just hanging around, waiting to be put in the photo of the room.
dgarv
13 years ago
NBC
amymsm
13 years ago
Small yellow pillows and yellow flowers on the table behind the left couch.
amymsm
13 years ago
And maybe a funky yellow bowl on the table on the left.
aloha42
13 years ago
I really like your room. My first instinct is to suggest the walls on either side of the fireplace be painted about two shades darker or wall paper is making a comeback, maybe you could find subtle paper to give interest to the space. A more costly fix would be to add built in cabinates and shelving on either side. I'd leave the couches where they are - facing each other. I think a chaise is nice, but you really don't need another "couch" in there. They are all three approximately the same size. Side chairs would work better. You could use a third color to give the room "pop" maybe some yellow accents here and there. Good luck.
mjmil
13 years ago
I found a couple of ottomans that might work. One is more neutral and one adds a pop of color.
http://www.cb2.com/julius-grass-storage-ottoman/s233717 http://www.potterybarn.com/products/seagrass-ottoman/?cm_src=SEARCH_TOPPRODUCT||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule|Ottoman-_-&cm_re=OnsiteSearch-_-SCHBillboard-_-SEARCH_TOPPRODUCT||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule|Ottoman-_-
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the comments- Carolins, anymsm, aloha42 and mjmil!
Here's a quick update:
(Sorry I haven't responded. My little ones had a bit of a bug and I have been busy taking care of them!)

We decided to leave the room for a few days with the new arrangement. Now that we have moved the rug closer to the fireplace and made a few minor changes we have decided we might leave it. It is really growing on us. We miss the sight line a little but feel that we are making better use of the space. It also leaves us with a better view of our yard. Which looks onto a nice wooded area when the leaves come back (we're in Ontario, Canada and it's still quite grey and cold right now!)

I think we're going to go with a large neutral ottoman. (Thanks Carolins!) I do like the idea of keeping the large pieces neutral and being able to add colour through accessories. (or remove the colour and go totally neutral if I decide that is the direction I want to go in!)

amymsm- thanks for the idea of adding some yellow- I never would have considered using yellow accents in there. We had some additional green accessories that we were able to add to the room. We will probably stick with that for now but like the idea of using yellow down the road.

aloha42- I will definitely be looking to buy a couple chairs in the near future. For now, we are going to leave the chaise for a while since it works a little better with the new arrangement. (We did move it back closer to the corner and now it makes a nice little reading area)

mjmil- thanks for looking for those Ottomans. I couldn't get the one from CB2 to open but I like the pottery barn one. It might be something to consider if I can find one in a bigger size.

I'll add a few pictures of the room with the green added when I have a chance.

I'm also planning to start a new thread with some questions about my dining room. It is a pretty blank slate and I'm having a hard time deciding what direction to go in. I hope that some of you have a chance to take a look at it and give me some advice :)
Carolina
13 years ago
YAY!!! Happy that we could be of help. The good thing is that you now have ideas of how you can shuffle your furniture around. Perhaps the two sofas facing each other could be a winter arrangement and the L-shape a summer arrangement? I have to say that I'm glad you've decided to go for a neutral Ottoman. You'll be so much more flexible with other colours you'd like to add. Blues and (lime)green for summer and orange/beige for instance in winter.

Would love to see and perhaps help you with your dining room.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
aloha42- I meant to add that I love the idea of built-ins. We have definitely talked about that as part of the plan down the road!

AID community- Thanks for the input on the couches facing eachother. I agree there are definite advantages to that set up! I guess that's what makes it so hard to decide. There isn't a right or wrong way :)
Carolina
13 years ago
And I hope the little ones are feeling better.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Carolins! I love that idea of switching it for different seasons now that I know I like the couches both ways. It will keep it fresh and new all the time! Love the idea of a fall/winter colour as well. The blue and lime work for spring and summer but we have cold winters and warmer colours will make it even more cozy!

Looking forward to hearing your input on our dining room. It needs some serious help! :)
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Much better...thank you!
aloha42
13 years ago
I just checked out the new pictures of the room arrangement. I noticed the addition of green which helps. I too suggested yellow as an additional accent color, however in the picture your green throw looks like an apple green (yellow-green) that really brought some life into the room. I'd like to see some more of that. I checked out the picture that includes your dining area, the first think I would suggest is an area rug. One that is big enough to completely accomodate the table and chairs . Bring the accent colors from the family room into the dining room rug and a centerpiece with those colors will help give continuity. You are moving in the right direction.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks aloha42!. Sorry I missed your suggestion about adding more of the green. I'll post a couple photos with the additional green. I totally agree with your suggestion to continue to add some of those accent colours to the kitchen. I am keeping my eyes open and looking for some fun dishes/accessories to continue that into the kitchen.

The area that I'm going to post is actually our formal dining room. The area that you can see is more of an eat in kitchen area or a "dinette" (at least that is what the architect called it!) We use that for everyday dining.

I'm not sure if it's best to start a new thread for the dining room or continue on this one?
aloha42
13 years ago
I think the dinette fixes are simple, - just continue with your color scheme and you won't make a mistake. Colorful cushions on the chairs would be fun too. Post whatever you want, if you aren't ready to move forward with it, at least you'll have food for thought. There is always someone out here to help. Remember you have to live there, go with what you love. I always tell people - "If you like to look at it, it's your house- do it." Only have things around you that you love. Put yourself in there. (Well, your family too.) Hope the children have bounced back.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
Here are a couple photos with the additional green. I don't like the way the colours are showing up. Not sure if it's the camera or my monitor. It will give you an idea though...
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
The cabinet by the chaise looked really pretty with fresh flowers on it. I had planned to go out and buy some new ones today but we're having freezing rain and hail. Decided to stay indoors instead! :)
The white bowl will not be staying on there!
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
I can't believe how different the greens and even the wall colours look in those two images. I need to learn how to use my camera a little better!
aloha42
13 years ago
I like the switch to the green "barrel" I hope the green is a bright apple green. I like the green piece on the table too.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm going to attach one more photo of something I would like to incorporate. It was the first new thing my husband and I bought for our first apartment. I would love to incorporate it somewhere as it has real sentimental value. Hoping to get some ideas.
FYI The colour of the wall hanging and the mantel look much redder than they appear in "real life".
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
oops forgot to attach!
aloha42
13 years ago
BTW, the chaise/reading area could use a lamp. If not on the table, then maybe a floor lamp.
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
I totally agree! What type of lamp would you suggest?

I know that the little cabinet isn't ideal but do you think it will do for now until we figure out the whole chairs vs. chaise dilema?
Carolina
13 years ago
Could your wall hanging not go next to the window, behind the chaise?
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
I tried it there last night....I wasn't sure if it worked. I'l get him to hold it up later when he gets home from work and take some photos!
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
I added a thread for my dining room. (blank slate...) in case you want to take a look! :)
tdpowers
Original Author
13 years ago
oops him meaning my hubby!