Taller lamps, larger more interesting rug that ties in with the pillows (if the dogs are done eating them), chair and ottoman instead of the brown sofa, simplified walls and windows.

Nice idea @groveraxle however, space wise, tight for chair and ottoman. Might work better with chair on other end of room? I will play with putting the TV on that wall. I did this earlier, but didn't like how big the TV was in that space, but I guess it could be an option. Where is the bird cage? Maybe on the stair wall? But I don't want to see the birdcage as the first element entering the space? Let me play with the layout.

Flo, I didn't include the birdcage because it would have been a pain to cut and paste, but I would put it in the back corner. You know I hate TVs in front of windows which is why I left it where it is. The chair and ottoman might work there if it were squared up and not too large.

Building on Groveraxle's mock up, here is a variation. (btw, this is to a 1/4"=1' scale per your posted measurements). Keeping the long sofa (I used 90Lx40"deep) and two swivel chairs 28x28 with the TV in that little niche between this room and I think the kitchen on that half wall (not sure how high the TV would go above that wall? This layout would work and provide a bit more seating. You could also do a small desk or a console table on the stair wall with a couple of little seats under it.

And you can walk behind the swivel chair to get to the bird cage. That is a bird cage right? Just wondering?

It is time to remove everything, repaint and perhaps put up some crown molding? If that is not in the cards then plan on some new furniture. Is there access to add lighting? One of the things is that the scale of your furniture does not suit this old home. I had the same problem and found that vintage finds along with a good upholster can help. Modern furniture for a McMansion is never going to work in this space. Think smaller scale sofa and chairs. Id even contemplate painting everything the same light color if there is not crown. A light sedate grey or cashmere grey would be calming and nice. But it depends on your preference. And I concur the rug has to go. Think of going to an estate sale to see if you can find a larger rug for a good price that you like.

Sell your sofas on Craig's List and replace them with a reversible chaise sofa whose 5' long chaise side will flip opposite of this one and tuck it in under the pony wall, facing the stairwell where you'll place the TV on a credenza 25% wider than the TV, but that can wait for your budget to grow. Lower that piece of art to hang 5" above the sofa . Place a swivel chair left of the big window and reserve the opposite end of the room for the birdcage (where Flo shows it) and the desk on the wall opposite the cage. Use your rug back there so the pets will be comfortable in their own lounging area. Change the window treatments as groveraxle shows, and flank the back window with a pair of floor lamps.

Hi

Don't throw in the towel yet! Just needs a bit of freshening up and updating. You're on the right track with the placement of the TV and the sofa.

Once you take care of these larger pieces the rest kind of fall into place. I would definitely try to update the window treatments and at least some of the furniture - rugs, lamps coffee tables armchair and sofa (if that is in your plans at this time).

But first I would start with a fresh coat of paint.

If I may suggest, I wouldn't have so many end tables in a room this size - I would stick to just one coffee table. As for the windows at the far end, I would not put a sofa there. A desk or console table would add to the functionality of the room while making it look a lot more spacious and airy. Next I would add a pair of wall sconces on either side of the window to make it into a cozy nook.

I played around with a fun layout with contrasting accent walls - just to draw the eye outward and enlarge the space visually - based on the dimensions you provided.

Hope this sparks more fresh ideas of your own and happy decorating

Don't be afraid to be daring. Have fun!

TORI

TORI BLACK HOME

LOS ANGELES, CA

Been sort of following this thread but can't offer anything more. Really great comments here! Hope the OP comes back!

Holy smokes!! I went and did some yard work and came back to a ton of suggestions. Thank you all so much!!! Yes, I do have a bird cage. I have a large TV due to eye sight and astigmatism. I have about 800 I can put into the room. I am going to pull everything out and paint a lighter color. I love the ideas that you have all suggested. I think I'll toss the long brown sofa and find a chair. I'm going to de clutter for sure. It's only myself and my 12 year old daughter. The bookshelves on the walls my husband's special things. He died two years ago. That's why his special hats are hung up. This is going to be project over the next month. I was thinking of putting a light color wall to wall carpet, but not sure with the dog's. I truly feel inspired and so grateful for to every one. I LOVE the ideas!!!

Glad you got some yard work done while WE were playing inside! Lol. Sorry to hear about your loss. Very difficult i'm sure. As to carpeting, i wouldn't recommend it with your dogs. Glad we gave you new energy to tackle this project and i feel confident that doing this will help lighten your load! Keep us posted. When shopping for a chair, look for small scale. 28x28-30deep. Good luck.

whchesney, you've got some suggestions from talented people. Your space will look great...and I love the dogs!

How about the novel approach of actually hiring a designer to help you? I don't try to fix my own car... I take it to a professional mechanic

Nice job @groveraxle. I know how much work it is to do that, so we all appreciate your efforts! Thanks!

There are too many things and too many styles. Start by eliminating one of the sofas. The swirly rug is both too small and too aggressive. It's a small space so be aware of the scale of everything in it.

K D's suggestions are excellent!!

I was so excited reading as rereading all these suggestions. I honestly thought it would take weeks to get a few responses. I had no idea people would be so incredibly helpful. I'm heading to sleep thinking about the paint, the swags coming off the curtains, the clutter coming off the walls, a swivel chair, a desk, a new floor rug. I love the color of the blue sofa and blue wall. That have it a warm feel to the room. You guys were all amazing with your fabulous ideas. I can't wait to get started.

I am excited for you! Looking forward to seeing your new space! Is your daughter excited. Very important to involve her too.

My daughter is amazing! She is only 12 and doesn't have the desire to decorate. She loves to paint with me and she'll help me move furniture. When it's time to buy any pieces of furniture I'll get her input. Rainy day here which is why I got the yard done yesterday. I'll think I'll paint today and tonight we'll both go look at new drapes and area rugs to start.

how about removing the stair railing, sheet rocking that space to the ceiling (put railing within staircase) and wall mount the tv there. do L shaped seating or seating across from eachother. you want to be about 11' back from your tv.

I have never posted anything in my life, but must say this: Flo Mangan and groveraxle, you are amazing! I am always blown away by your talent and heart.

I knew you and your daughter worked together in your own unique ways! Great! Good day to relax and paint!!

@dvm1810 - Wow! That is such a nice posting about groveraxle and myself. She is totally awesome. We love bouncing ideas off each other too. The best!!

Look on RugsUSA.com for a rug ASAP! They're having a HUGE Mem Day sale. We just bought a 10x14 rug for like $300, and the quality of their rugs is shockingly great for the price. (Plus free shipping!)

I think if you ditch the brown couch in favor of the armchair/birdcage combo suggested above, then you might be almost done (except for the paint and decluttering, heh). Instead of a coffee table (and since you can do end tables with lamps), I'd use a couple of square ottomans -- when you have company, they can become extra seating on the stair/entrance side of the room, which is otherwise kept open.

Looks like you have a lot of good help coming your way. Here are a few great ideas to add. Note the chair, arc lamp, desk, and chair.

My daughter and I have worked non stop since getting all your advice and expertise. I still have to buy another set of drapes because it needs another couple panels on the large picture window. I need a new media stand for the tv (maybe fireplace) and a smaller end table for the lamp. I don't have an overhead light. Unfortunately my house is 800 square feet on the main floor so my living room must also be an office for my work and daughter's homework. What I've done so far cost me $755. I'll have to wait a few months to buy the other things. My barcalounger also spins and reclines. I love it! I love the blue color as well. It's peaceful. Someday maybe I can work the bedrooms around to get the table and desk in there. That would open it up for those tall plants. I want to thank you all!!! I'm not a decorator at all. I always wished I was though. I can't visualize things so as you can see the pictures helped considerably. If you think I should change anything let me know. The wall paint came out a little darker, but I'm too tired to redo it. Next time I'll go with maybe a light gray color. Again...I'm horrible with design and colors. Thank you again!!! I love all the help and advice I can get. You all inspired me to tackle this crazy shaped living room. Here are before and after pictures of what we've accomplished so far.

From the pictures you can hardly tell I painted. It is a shade lighter and the walls look so much better. It's just not the color I hoped for....

I'll also get my brother in law to raise the big picture and put up floating shelves. I probably should have bought one big rug. I put two 5x8 together. This is huge progress for me though. I think it looks more like a living room. What stinks is painting all night long only to discover you don't care for the color.

that looks wonderful! Good job!! I like the blue drapes too. You did an really good job.

Thank you Flo. Looking at where the birdcage is I really need to buy an actual desk like groveraxle and Tory black home pictured above and get rid of the tables and clutter there. I might be able to put a desk there and the bird cage in corner like you pictured...but it's really a small area. The bird might have to go live with my mom. Our old house was much larger. My husband picked this smaller house before he died because it's on a lake. I'll be glad when I can sell it someday.

I think you are taking this little gem of a home and making it special for you and your daughter. I would caution on giving bird to mom. If daughter is attached to it might be too much to loose for her. I hope these changes help you both. A lake house! What a wonderful thing. Enjoy you hard work and the start of summer on the lake!

It looks great! What type of lightbulb are you using, the warm yellow light can affect how color reads, a bright white bulb may help. On the other hand I painted our bedroom a dark blue that turned country blue on our walls.

I'm in love with the big dog sprawled on the floor- he's like "oh am I in the way?"

Oh my, what a transformation. Just removing the big brown couch has opened up the space and made it much more welcoming. The plain rug, the new blue curtains, and decluttering the shelves have brightened the room enough to offset the paint being a bit too dark.

Congrats to you and your daughter for a super job!

Wonderful job!

It was dark outside when I took the pictures. The light is a warm light bulb and not the white bright bulb. The color is a little lighter this morning with the sun shining through the windows. I will still repaint it in the next couple months. I also took the big picture next to the TV off the wall. I couldn't believe how much that truly gave the visualization of opening up the space. I'm so thankful to have had help to point me in the right direction. Over the next month or so I'll keep fine tuning it to make it less. Going to look for wall mounted lights. I like the "less is best" mentality.

I made a tiny tweak to the chair wall to make it a bit more cohesive:

Oh, I love it!!! Thank you so much!!!

WOW, whchesney...NICE JOB!!!

Looking so much better. Maybe you can return the drapes for some longer ones. They need to touch the floor.

Decoenthusiaste,

Your right!!! That would look much better. Thanks for the tip!

What a wonderful transformation! Congratulations on all your hard work!

What a difference!

Thank you everyone!!! I'm going to be returning the drapes for the floor length drapes like Decoenthusiaste suggested. I'm wondering now if I should get white drapes instead.

I think that keeping the drapes closer to the color of the walls (keeping them light/white) will help to open up the room EVEN MORE. I think floor length white curtains would look so dreamy :)

Maybe this will help:

I like the blue. It brings some personality into your room. The linen just looks blah against the wall color. Nope, I go dark blue!

I agree with Flo. I'd go with the darker for contrast. You could add in a few accent pillows in a print with the navy as well. For your sofa:

In a lumbar for your navy chair:

Your living room looks comfortable, I would love to grab a cup of coffee and stay awhile.