kafinn 135: The sofa is leather so I cannot put a slipcover on it.

aimran: Thank you for the website. I will look at it next week. I must turn my attention to bridal showers for the weekend, but I will look forward to getting back to this project.

I LOVE looking for fabrics to tie room elements together! The pottery barn lamps are great, especially with the heavily textured shades, and knowing what you are looking at helps tremendously. Here are some more fabrics (that you can purchase in smaller quantities) from the same site I posted from http://www.fabricguru.com/
I believe any one of them would work with the lamps and what is already in your room.

Sorry for the double up.

I like the lamps but the burlap shades will really dumb down the room. However I like the ikat next to the right why not have the shades in the ikat?

Re: Lighting in sofa area. It appears that if you scoot the sofa forward a bit you would have room for a sofa table. On that you could place flameless candles and a clear glass collection that would help to catch some light from the window side of the room (and give those seated in the chairs a view of something other than the white door. You could mix in a little more burlap to tie in the lamp shades, like a scrap of burlap tied around a plant's pot. Do you have lighting in the glass front display cabinet? If so, that would add some more light in the area. You might display light colored objects as you have done somewhat in the entertainment piece (silver trays). LED lighting has come a long way. Battery operated up lights and centerpiece discs are just a few.

And the wall vent. Check out the very clever attachment. (or find something else that camouflages, but still allows the vent to do what it is supposed to do. There is also iron or metal wall art available. Let your budget and desired room attitude be your guide.

Like I said scrap the burlap it cheepens the whole look of the room, Even Aimram from Pakistan knows that!

Lolol! That's not nice! :D that's a matter of taste for everyone, not nationality. :) not everyone elsewhere has good taste too. ;)
Do me a favour, and check out this pakistani architect's profile and his projects in pakistan to get ideas about some more of our tastes ;) : http://www.houzz.com/pro/alinaqvi/ali-naqvi
But yeah, i would opt for something more stylish than burlap.. But that's for dsimmer to decide..

The lamp is the one that our 'client' mentioned from Pottery Barn (which gives me a clue to the decorating style that she likes). The fabric that she mentioned also gives a clue about a particular accent color that appeals to her. It only took a few moments to investigate this bit of info on the PB site. I have learned that as decorators, designers, commentators, or whatever, it is wise to listen, incorporate client preferences when possible, and use terminology that assures self esteem of clients and others remains intact -- dumb down and cheep (you probably meant cheap -- but were hung up on the bird fabric I threw in ...LOL!). We should always be about assisting others and never, never undermine another person's efforts or ethnicity.

Connie...again so conscientious. In the case of lamps, I'm quite undecided. I have recently added a few shiny elements that are less formal, yet I love the clear, solid vase in the photo I posted from the Manhattan apartment...and that seems formal. I don't know which direction to go as I replace existing lamps. I do know I'd prefer not to buy something that will be out of style in a couple of years. With the mix of more casual sofa/chairs and the more formal (?) case goods, can anyone advise on how to decide on style and scale of lamps? What I do know I want is bases that reflect light-- chrome, glass or pottery with a shiny glaze.

Have you considered rope lights hidden on ledge and wall unit? Also they do sell remote controlled faux candles.

Really? I did not know about remote-controlled flameless candles! I have considered rope lighting for the wall ledge or on top of my kitchen cabinets opposite the wall with the entertainment center/bookcases (with a dining area between the two spaces.) I’d like to have a different kind of accent lighting in each area. Gathering ideas here is extremely helpful as I prepare for an in-home consultation with someone from a local lighting design showroom.

I have thought of a sofa table, and "risastacy" had suggested one previously. But at least one poster said I already have too many tables. And the problems is that there are no outlets there, so it wouldn't have helped the light issue...or so I thought because I was thinking only of lamps.

I had NOT thought of the sofa table arrangement as giving those seated near the fireplace a more interesting view! Flameless candles and a clear glass collection to reflect light from the windows? Ingenious! Any suggestions for antique glass I might begin to acquire? Or contemporary? Or the how-to for an eclectic mix? Photos of ideas would be most welcome:)

For the table, I envision something contemporary in chrome and glass.

To make space for the sofa table, I will use neither the curio cabinet (in “before” photos) nor the console and mirror I borrowed from the foyer as a trial. Instead, I will use only a large mirror, a large piece of art or a grouping of art on that wall. I welcome “votes” for one large piece of art vs. a grouping vs. a large wall mirror vs. a large floor mirror.

If you agree that there are too many tables in the room, especially now that I want to try a sofa table, what would you suggest I remove? End tables by the sofa? Or coffee table in the middle where it is a bit crowded because of the ottoman I use with one chair? (Yet I love coffee tables and actually have another one I could use instead. It is oval in shape so allows more room for the ottoman. It has a floating glass top on a base of oval brass and dark copper legs. (Grrr--I wish I were not having the current problems of adding photos.)

I love how this is evolving…thank you most genuinely.

To add photos, put them on your desktop or in a folder specific for the discussion. Click on the 'attach images' icon, then when 'browse' comes up click on browse, which should bring up your desktop and folders, at which time you double click on the image you wish to post. More images, just repeat the browse and double click process.

Serra design should take a peek at the Pakistans profile that aimran posted. WOW. Don't sterotype unless it's a good one-people from the east can have beautiful taste- and this proves it.

This fabric might work for you. http://www.fabricguru.com/?target=products&product_id=865322
Sorry, I haven't figured out PIP here yet.

It occurs to me that I may be putting the cart before the horse. I should not be trying to decide on pillow fabric until I have chosen an area rug...and that will be based on the hardwood floors. If I post photos of my favorite art and accessories now, will that help with selection of area rug, lamps and other accessories including fabric for pillows?

Great ideas from http://www.budgetblinds.com

I think you are absolutely right!! I would like to see your hardwood floor choice and wall color change mentioned in an earlier post. I have also seen you comment that the display cabinet may go, and you have a copper top coffee table you would consider using. I would love to see a photo of the coffee table. A list of must keep items after your floor and wall changes would be extremely helpful to all, and especially you. Just a note about your question about a large piece of artwork or a grouping of smaller pieces: artwork can be rather personal, but you have a lot of small accessories in your room, so I vote for a large quality piece.

I understand wanting to lighten up a dark room without altering or selling furniture. I love your furniture but the biggest obstacle to lightening up the room is the fact that your furniture is all dark and heavy looking. Well tailored light colored slip covers on your chairs would go a long way and would be cheaper than a lot of other options you've considered. Another option that would be inexpensive and not permanently alter your furniture would be to paint or upholster with light fabric some panels to wedge in the backs of the bookcases flanking your entertainment center. There are instructions online for doing this. Right now they look like black holes and you can barely see the decorative items in them. Finally I would recommend a decorative fireplace with some shine to it since your fireplace is currently another light sucker.

Thank you, Connie. The hardwood expert comes tomorrow. I have moved the curio cabinet, and in its place, I have tried various things including a "borrowed" mirror and console. (That can be seen in the first photo, below.) Today I returned those to the foyer. On the wall opposite the mirror and console, I had two pieces of art. I removed them, put the curio cabinet in their place, and put the two framed pieces on the wall where the curio had been. Whew!

(A few years ago, designer Sally Steponkus from D.C. worked with what I had and suggested this pairing. Friends and family didn't "see" it...until they "saw" it...and were surprised that they loved it! It is where it is for now, but I may look for a very large mirror.)

All of the wall art is on my "must keep" list, though not necessarily in this room.

Although I miss having the lamp on the console in that area, these moves were made in order to have enough space to put a table behind the sofa (as you suggested) so there is something to view instead of the white coat closet door. I will have electrical outlets put in the floor, but for now, any photos I might be able to add will not have lit lamps near the sofa.

you may like these.

To "tcufrog"... You are right. All of this same furniture looked comfortable, cozy and quite lovely in my previous home where I had a LOT more natural light. But I also had a lighter wall color and white wood blinds (as well as white wood work as I have here, just wider.) That is why I want to start with adding artificial light, changing the paint color, and adding "mmeenan's" faux shade on a tension rod for the challenging windows that are only 1/4 inch deep. I think something very light is needed, so perhaps white or off-white linen.

I would love specific suggestions for lightening up the firebox. There is about one foot of depth to the hearth on which I can set something light in color to break up that black hole. As I wrote previously, I plan to have the black tile replaced with a cream-colored tile that is classic, not trendy.

Well-tailored slip covers cost as much as reupholstering or replacing the chairs, and that is not in the budget at this time. I want to start with changing the paint color after installation of the new hardwood floors (which will be lighter than what is currently in the foyer.) I will most likely choose a wool sisal-look area rug to ground the seating area, as that is what I had in my other home and I liked it so much. I like solids. Meanwhile, I am trying to get some window treatment designers to come up with shades in a color and texture that will lighten the room. I expect to have the shades only partially pulled, if at all, during the day, but completely pulled at night to "fill" those black holes.

I have considered putting in some fabric panels to lighten the backs of the bookcases. To start, I added several reflective pieces as well as white a cream-colored pieces. I removed some of the books, replacing them with light-colored baskets on two shelves, and reducing the number on other shelves. For those remaining, I may make white or cream-colored covers. I also removed family photos which were dark. Once the additional lighting has been installed, I will be able to make a decision about changing the backs of the bookcases. Although I have seen photos of backs or the entire inside of shelving painted, the units have been white pieces of furniture, not natural wood. If anyone has photos of dark wood shelving with backs lined with fabric, I would love to see them.

thanks parisgirl1970:)

I have also put accessories with higher contrast in my curio cabinet, and if this arrangement in the foyer appears "right," it will get more light there, also. If it doesn't, then I will probably move it to a bedroom. I opened the doors to avoid glare in the photo. Note there are also lights in the top of the curio cabinet, but there is a "short" in the dimmer switch so I must have it repaired.

I'm so happy for you that it's over!

has anyone ever seen a fireplace with uplights? you could give a very dramatic effect with two battery chargeable uplights placed at either corner of base of fp... or same treatment only upside down under mantle (like shelf lighting).

to ivananderson: Thank you for the photos of panels with crisp colors...they are beautiful and would definitely brighten the space. However, in my own home, I need a sense of calm and I do not "do" prints or panels. The checked fabric on the chairs was a bold choice for me; in my previous home they worked to tie in the green granite fireplace surround, and I liked them. But I would be in less of a "pickle" now if I had chosen a solid neutral. Except for the chairs--and a few pillows and throws which I change with the seasons--my palette is neutral. Whites and blacks, and the range from cream to caramel. I do love the photos of the Flatiron Building, though:) I love architecture, and study it and photograph it as often as I can. I guess you can see that in the above photo (along with my first SLR, a classic Pentax K1000) as well as in wall art I have included in other photos.

re-posting a question for feedback: "My front entrance is set back but it does face south. I have thought of purchasing a full-view glass storm door--and have had it measured--so I can leave the main door open during the day. This would give me some additional natural light. I'm sure that with this, too, opinions vary, but I would like to know what people think: does a home look better with or without a storm door?

To parisgirl1970: Thank you so very much for suggesting the mirror in place of the curio cabinet. I tried the mirror I already have, but it needed to go back to the foyer. Still, it made a profound difference to remove the curio cabinet...you were certainly right about that.

Currently, I have the lighter art work there, but I can get a large mirror for that area. If you can take a look at the photos I posted, I'd like your opinion of the two pieces of wall art in terms of lightening the space? Would a mirror be preferable, in your opinion? And do you like the curio cabinet in the foyer or would you rather see the art work back on that wall?

aimran: Thanks for the idea of uplights /downlights for a fireplace. Any chance you would have one or more photos? or a source I could check? If not, I'll check with the lighting expert when I get that scheduled (asap.)

You can get pieces of mercury glass at home goods. It is reflective and looks antique.
http://pinterest.com/pin/42080577738122659/

I like this type of paper for bookcases. Cover poster board cut to fit. Then it is removable.

http://houzz.com/photos/297326

for your storm door, check this blog, looks pretty : http://www.no29design.com/2012/09/the-painted-door.html

I like that, too. Notice, though, that it is the background for white bookcases, so there is a natural flow from the white shelving to the white background of the wallpaper. This is the reason I would like to see photos of what has been done with dark wood. Has anyone seen this? Is anyone able to post photos or send me a link?

I had good news today! The existing flooring in my kitchen is white oak and can be refinished to match the LIGHTER COLOR of the new wood flooring to be installed throughout the first floor (although I'm not sure about the bedrooms.) Although I love the grain of the quarter sawn oak, and I would have liked wider boards, I'm not sure I can ignore the savings.

FYI--the flooring expert's guideline is to go 5 to 7 shades lighter or darker than your cabinetry or furniture. I will be going lighter, of course! But I have a feeling that will change my plan for area rug color...and maybe even wall color.

for fp lighting: 1) 2)

This past week I was able to get my camera and computer back in sync, so I'm having no difficulty attaching my photos. I do not, however, know how to attach photos found elsewhere on Houzz. I came across "Parkwood Road Residence" by Martha O'Hara Interiors and it is her master bedroom color scheme that I am using for my guest bedroom and bath. Seeing the other photos on her site reminded me of how I love flow from room to room. What she has done in this particular home feels so very good to me, and I will be looking back at her site as a guide. I know I can't start all over with purchases, but I will look for ways to capture the essence. Any suggestions?

As I look at more and more photos, I am reminded of ideas shared previously. For example, I saw a photo of a large, dark piece of furniture online today. It had very contemporary handles added to it--the long, straight-lined and very simple satin nickel. I don't know that I want to add holes to my center unit/entertainment center, nor do I know if I want to add what I consider to be kitchen cabinet hardware...but it is worth considering. Thoughts?

I so much like the room I referenced above, and the level of elegance in that home (Martha O'Hara's "Parkwood Road Residence.") I must reconsider style of glass jug lamp I saw at Pottery Barn, and go for a more sleek and contemporary look which I know I can get there and elsewhere. Just so you know what I am thinking, as I think I can take room in one direction or the other. Feedback?

Photo of kitchen and dining area [finally] added, so now you can see the entire space, all in one place. As for kitchen plans: floors will be re-finished so they match the new in the family room; stainless steel appliances will then go in; backsplash will be changed to something lighter than countertops; and walls will be painted. I am thinking about having the desk removed so I can put in a built-in sideboard with a large mirror above it. I could replace the pantry with a stand-alone cabinet for more interest. (If I could paint kitchen cabinets white or replace them, but I have to draw a line somewhere. We'll see. Having them painted white is very, very tempting. Votes?)

I may start a new thread, as this one is getting very long, but I will check back in case anyone cares to make suggestions. I am eager for feedback because this space does not feel the way my last home did. It was larger, and furniture was spread out in four separate rooms open to each other, and it was mixed with other pieces I no longer have. The kitchen in that home was white with stainless steel appliances, and the white millwork throughout was more substantial and included crown mouldings and chair rails that are not appropriate in this more contemporary house with a vaulted ceiling in the family room. I had white wood blinds at every window, so there was a lot of white to balance out the dark cherry wood of the pieces I kept. (Here, the windows are not deep enough for blinds.) I had more windows than wall space in my previous home, and the light was warm and wonderful, streaming in from every direction, not just north. It was a contemporary colonial with 9-10 foot ceilings and a lot more substantial wood work including crown mouldings and chair rails, etc. It was very light which is what I need again. But I kept the most expensive pieces of furniture when I moved halfway across the country. I can switch out end tables, coffee table and lamps to more varied and reflective finishes. I can switch out the dining chairs, perhaps for something very contemporary. I can add more art work. And I am adding a sofa table. The floors will match in a light finish on white oak throughout. I will need an area rug. The wall color will be changed and I am open to using more than one color to highlight the architecture of the family room in particular. Window treatments will be light-colored shades of some type to cover the black holes at night. The fireplace surround will be re-tiled in something very light. And last of all I will add pillows and throws in a different color. Many ideas came from those of you who have contributed over the past couple of weeks. As I re-arranged one area, more changes were needed. Of course! This area is far from done. The design plans are coming along. But if you have ideas, and especially photos, please post them. Thanks:)

I "stole" the art on the coat closet wall from the foyer, but it will probably need to go back. In its place, I could choose to put a large mirror or more art. It has also occurred to me that when I have much-need lighting added to the sofa side of the room, I could have an interesting lighting "sculpture" installed on the ledge. Wow. I could really use some ideas for that!

I sort of skimmed through the last half of the postings, so if I repeat anyone's comment, I apologize.

1) If you don't already have an outlet installed on the ledge, perhaps the electrician can put one in. Then put rope lights on top of the ledge toward the back so they're not visible from across the room. These lights give off a soft glow that will reflect off the ceiling above them. I used this treatment above my kitchen cabinets in a house I had, and during the daytime they were not that noticeable, but the difference in the ambiance in the room (open concept) added to the light in the rest of the house at night. I did notice in one of your photos that the ledge was extremely dark, especially in the corner next to the wall. I think this solution would really help.

2) If you know what color paint you have on the walls now, get paint that is 2 steps toward light on the sample strip. It wouldn't change the tone of the pain (warm), but will lighten everything up considerably.

3) Your furniture is beautiful--I love cherry also. For heavens sake, don't paint it!

4) And that comment by elizlevine was way out of line!

There are a lot of great ideas above. I am sure that if you follow what your style is and what you really like it will turn out beautiful.

Janis Hill…where have you been? I thought you had moved to Australia. Still in N and walking the dogs?

Judy...I am still here. This and that medical issues. Nothing major; a couple of minor surgeries. Decided Australia is out of the question at this time.

We are incredibly busy; still walking dogs. :-)

I will try to stop by and say hello to everyone soon!

Dsimmer, how did you end up with your dilemma, inquiring minds want to know!

Nancy, I started a new post!!!! Here's an update: Done: 1) outlet installed on plant ledge for those rope lights you suggested!!! 2) LED lighting with dimmers added in kitchen above and below counters; 3) stainless steel appliances; 4) built-in desk and pantry removed; 5) carpet replaced with white oak to match existing floors in kitchen and entry; all refinished in a satin polyurethane which is lighter and warmer. TO DO: 1) replace former desk/pantry with built-in buffet with stand-alone look, about 7- 8 feet long for serving...with cabinets above and below for lots of storage; 2) choose same style cabinet (Shaker) but probably in cream color; 3) change countertops to something that works with the maple and the cream…I like black honed granite but that may not be good in this area I am trying to lighten? 4) decide on color for millwork (baseboards, which I had replaced with 4" width, window trim and doors) keep current white or go with choose cream? 4) paint walls a warm, buttery neutral. Color scheme will be a range of whites or off-whites to creams to light caramel (the sofa) with the medium maple cabinets in kitchen and some of the dark cherry pieces. Still stuck on which furniture to use in this room! I like too many styles, so I am conflicted!! How many styles can I have in "eclectic?" I have my Stickley look plus contemporary plus a couple of primitive antiques plus whatever you would call this upholstered furniture! (Lighting designer is coming this week to help with this dark, dark family room.) Still calling for help!!!