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New construction home owner blues

7 years ago

Hello everyone. We bought our new home two years ago and the areas I need to work on most I have neglected. I have neglected them mainly because I am scared. I am not a home decor expert and I am often so confused by these labeled styles of homes. I would really like to start making our home more ya and less standard builder Grade. Where do I start? Where do I look? Everything right now seems to be farmhouse and that’s just not me..

Comments (119)

  • 7 years ago

    I think the chairs would definitely work, and they'd look great with a mudcloth lumbar pillow.

    So we're looking for a sofa (max $1,500) to go with two navy wing chairs, walls that are BM Manchester Tan, and the carpet and flooring,

    What else besides a sofa?

  • 7 years ago

    Cee, take a look at Clad Home for a sofa, it's designer Rosa Beltran's company. Here's a picture from their website so you have an idea,

    I'd take a look at Chairish and also Ballard Designs; I'd sign up with a throwaway email address for sales and discount information.

    Cee Smith thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    @Lars

    I am no professional but a quick google search made me swoon at your ideas for our downstairs powder room and pantry door. I have always loathed our pantry door and garage door set up. I always asked myself why they did this, however I tried to just be thankful we have a home. I brought many many pieces back from Africa! Your home sounds beautiful! I too have a mudcloth comforter and I created a headboard covered with mudcloth for myself when in college. I have a Djembe, a few masks, some woven baskets, and other music instruments. I also have some marriage canes a few soapstone pieces and a few pieces of mudcloth. I hope to go back again when our tiny people are older. I hate to hear that things are not adding up. I may have to manually measure the rooms myself today. Is a pocket/ barn door something we could install manually? I’m not really into farmhouse however there are many aspects of it I find I love, the raw wood and textures, the more earthy natural materials as well. I will attach some photos of the space unfurnished.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Installing a pocket door is much more complicated than a barn door. Barn door is tricky, due to height, measurements, sizing, cleaning floor, having enough wall space on sides for door sliding, hardware installation, etc. But a pocket door requires removing the wall and inserting the "pocket" door insert, redoing sheetrock, moldings, door jams, painting, moving any mechanicals you find when you take out the sheet rock and reframe. Not simple by any means.

    Cee Smith thanked Flo Mangan
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    @Becky I have signed up and am loving this Chairish website! So many unique pieces!!! I even live that coffee table in the photo above. I have a bronze accent table that if I could use I would like to. I also found a photo of the family room staffed from the builder I’m going to post that photo shortly. I am also trying to figure out how to do a scale drawing. I am actually very excited about this. The past 48 hours I have learned so much information it’s so exciting! However one step at a time.. one space at a time. I’m simply focused on this space and adding a bit of curb appeal to our front before the weather gets too warm. Thank you all again!

  • 7 years ago

    The navy chairs look great with the wall color. You might want to take a look at Flexsteel for a sofa. Lifetime warranty, many easy care fabrics, and they hold up very well. I love mine and I've recommended them to two other folks on here who have gotten them and love them as well.

    Cee Smith thanked katinparadise
  • 7 years ago

    @Flo I have my paper and my tape measure, any tips for success?

  • 7 years ago

    Cee, I'm hoping Cherish is just a typo for Chairish and that you're not signed up with some dating service instead : ) .

    Cee Smith thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Start with one small step. If you try to tackle everything, nothing will get done. Get some basics done first. Don't buy anything until you have a true master plan for that space. So many people get caught up in "buying" well before they know what they want or what the space they have will effectively, and functionally fit.

    Cee Smith thanked Flo Mangan
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    These are family room photos of our home staged by the builder.

    I do like the console table on that long wall from the door because it create a entry.. something we really do not have & I desperately wish we did. I also would like to potentially create a accent wall on the wall of the fireplace. I would also like to potentially tile that black area around the fireplace to add some visual interest. Any furniture in this room needs to be sized perfectly, functional and most likely small. I’m unsure if a coffee table would be useful for us.. Rather maybe a ottoman with a tray..

    Exactly beside the family room is the dining room. This is that space staged. This view is from the hallway before entering the kitchen. i wanted to potentially convert this room into a sitting room/office for my husband to use when he works from home. I would like to convert his current office to a playroom for our three children under 5.

    To the right of this photo is a staircase leading upstairs

    This is a photo from the kitchen. The hallway I referenced on that long wall is a door leading to our powder room. Opposite side of that (unseen) is another door leading to a closet.(which has great space but no lighting so it’s quite dark) The halfway door you see leads to the garage and on that long wall beside the refrigerator is a pantry door. ( I liked the idea of a barn door there) I also wish the space was a bit larger to create a small entry. (For keys, mail, maybe a small command station) I considered using that short wall to the right of the garage door.

    We also have espresso cabinets but with molding. I did however make a mistake and choose dark colored countertops. So the space seems very dark. I also have not yet installed a backsplash because our counters have that lip and I’m fearful of clash.. if anything I was thinking white subway tile. We have laminate flooring that I really do not care for however it is light in color. I’d like to replace the flooring, with what I’m unsure. Also the light fixture.. it’s exactly what you see and I fear our only option is track lighting.

    This is the view of our kitchen walking in through the garage door pictured earlier. I still have not settled on window treatments for this space however we have sliding glass doors. That large wall behind the table I would like to be an accent wall.. perhaps a white brick or something with texture. Maybe a breakfast area with a bench?

    I hope this helps explain the bottom floor in it’s entirety. The space is very open so I feel before doing anything in another room I need to be considerate of the other spaces.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    For scale, it does help seeing the rooms staged. I don't think the living room was staged well, however, as the staging appears go ignore the fireplace, especially with the sofa and one chair so close to it. I agree that the coffee table is awkward for being utilitarian - I prefer side tables, although I do have a very narrow (and long) coffee table in front of the seating in my own living room.

    Unless you plan to lie on them, sofas are not efficient either, and we replaced our sofa with two lounge chairs with a large side table between them. Would you ever have three people sitting on the sofa? My boss says three people should never sit on a sofa together, but she's a bit extreme.

    Cee Smith thanked Lars/J. Robert Scott
  • 7 years ago

    Well, usually it's two people and at least one dog on the sofa at my house, but YMMV. :-)

    I may be old school, but I like to keep some Pinterest boards, organized by room, when I'm thinking about decorating. That doesn't mean I FIND all the images I keep there on Pinterest - I use the "pin it" button on my browser to snag whatever catches my fancy.. I like design blogs, too. I love Laurel Bern, for instance. I've used these boards to communicate visually with pros, too. I sent a few to my designer, as part of our house building project. I've used them with the designer at the lighting store, with the kitchen designer, and even the furniture store we've talked with. It helps everybody get on the same page. Especially if you're NOT doing "farmhouse" and want to express what you DO want.

    I also take pictures on my phone of pieces that are staying. That helps both when talking with designers AND when you're out shopping.

    And, for my own self, I like to start with a piece or two that I love. And then build around that. Usually, for me, it's something with a history. Grandma's Hoosier cabinet. A handmade walnut table. Some bookcases my father made. Etc. It might even be a vintage piece that you find at a flea, or some such. Decorating with personality, if you will

    Cee Smith thanked Holly Stockley
  • 7 years ago

    @Lars We definitely need a couch. We have 3 little people who love to sit next to each other.

  • 7 years ago

    Unless its a sitting room, people do generally lounge on the sofas for naps and watching tv. Little kids and parents can cuddle up together on a sectional. If you get an ottoman with wheels, you can push it into the corner for even more lounging area. Depends on how you live. It can look nice and still be functional. With three kids, its not going to be a showplace everyday.

    Cee Smith thanked suzyq53
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I just now read your comment about the headboard and bedspread. Here's what is in my brother's bedroom:

    All I did to the bedspread was reinforce the seams, but for the headboard, I had to back the fabric, plus cut out some plywood in the shape I wanted. Unfortunately, the only place to put his bed is in front of a window, and he needed some insulation from the window, even though it has double-pane glass.

    A barn door does not have to be rustic - that is just the name of how it opens and closes. I would definitely put one at your pantry, and I think it would not be too big a deal to put a pocket door in your powder room, since it would be in a rather small wall, about 8'-4". You would have to refinish that entire wall, but as walls go, that would be an easy one. I would get a quote for it anyway. I would expect it to cost between $600 and $900, depending on prices in your area.

    Cee Smith thanked Lars/J. Robert Scott
  • 7 years ago

    Beautiful!

  • 7 years ago

    I agree with the poster who stated one room at a time. So I’m going to focus there. I’d like to keep the wingbacks. I’d like to buy a new sofa, I have a accent chair that matches the wing backs that I would like to get some feedback on. I am unsure what color couch to look for and what type of window treatments I should look for. The double windows are wide and I’d like to play up that space by raising the curtain rod up high? I was going to place the wingbacks in front of the window and maybe the couch on the long wall? Furniture placement is another huge concern. I would also like a console table against that long wall.. maybe. I would like to add texture to the space and create a accent wall on the fireplace wall. One room.. lots of stress.

  • 7 years ago

    Also would it be weird to paint the inner frame black and leave the grid white? Referring to the large window in the living room.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Hello.

    Today I played with the current arrangement of what we currently have. I took photos of what I somewhat liked that left space and made notes of what I did not. I also made notes of areas of confusion and ideas. I would like to post the photos and notes I made.. in hopes of feedback. I measured the walls and furniture as well. I tried the graph suggestion above however I really could not figure out the scale part. Perhaps I am overthinking it? Please let me know your thoughts and thank you all again for your feedback.

  • 7 years ago

    are you putting the pics here or are they in an ideabook?

    Cee Smith thanked havingfun
  • 7 years ago

    Thank you @having fun I now see my long detailed post did not post.

    This photo is from next to the column. I would like to raise the curtain rod when we install it again so I would need longer curtains. My research says curtains should be slightly dragging the floor.. I am unsure about how much and what an appropriate length would be. I also am unsure about that lamp and table. I would like new lamps for this space, however I am unsure what color and size. I recovered the ottoman so it can go if something better for the space presents itself. I know we are getting a new couch, a smaller one howevervthe color is an area I would also like some assistance or ideas if possible. I also built the entry table against the left wall so if that’s out of place it can also go. I rearranged the furniture similar to a few model rooms I saw for this home.

  • 7 years ago



    This shows the table closer, I am unsure if that is even a good spot or if that table is even in a good space.

    When sitting on the couch this is what the space looks like.. that long wall seems very bland. Because this is the first room you see when entering the home I would like to do something different in the space I had previously mentioned an accent wall of some sort.. maybe that long wall is the wall?

    Does this table seem tiny for this wall? Maybe a longer table? Maybe a plant beside the table? Maybe what’s on the table is wrong. The space feels off.. help here is needed.id like to replace this lamps also as mentioned earlier.. maybe the mirror is wrong as well, though I do like it, maybe I like it else where, but where?

  • 7 years ago

    I like your chairs in front of the window and I think the table would work with them just fine. The lamp, however, is too small. Maybe you could add a floor lamp in the right corner and just a pretty potted plant on the table for some greenery. I also like the upholstered ottoman. Can you post a closer picture of the fabric? It seems like an off white would be a good choice for the sofa. Can you post a closer picture of the one you already have?

    Curtains should be just about half an inch above the floor to make it easier to open and close them. This explains the right way to hang them.

    The lamps and mirror you have for the console table are cute but I think you need a longer table. Something a foot or so longer might work.

    I think you're on your way, you just need a few tweaks.



    Cee Smith thanked katinparadise
  • 7 years ago

    I hate to say this, but my first thought is that this set of pictures clearly shows that your paint and the carpet do not work well together. I think in order for you to be satisfied, one needs to be changed to work with the other.

    My research says curtains should be slightly dragging the floor..

    Ok, bearing in mind that that the wall/flooring disconnect should be dealt with first before proceeding any further:

    Curtains can puddle, but some prefer to have them not quite touching the floor,

    https://laurelberninteriors.com/2016/03/27/get-window-treatments-like-see-magazines/

    https://fredgonsowskigardenhome.com/2011/05/03/the-right-way-to-hang-curtains-and-drapes/

    https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/hanging-curtains-all-wrong

    I also am unsure about that lamp and table. I would like new lamps for this space, however I am unsure what color and size.

    The lamp needs to be taller. I think that color scheme -- is it mercury glass with burlap shade -- works well.

    For my taste, the end table seems too open and insubstantial, but that's just me. The fretwork look does work with the pillows and ottoman fabric, though.

    I would also consider a floor lamp to the space, maybe in a warm brass.

    I recovered the ottoman so it can go if something better for the space presents itself. I know we are getting a new couch, a smaller one howevervthe color is an area I would also like some assistance or ideas if possible.

    You pretty much have to do this in order. Sort out the wall/carpet color situation first, then you know what color sofa to get. Once you have a sofa, you can deal with the ottoman.

    I also built the entry table against the left wall so if that’s out of place it can also go. I rearranged the furniture similar to a few model rooms I saw for this home.

    Do you use your front door entry, or is it pretty much vestigial?

    Would a longer console table and mirror be helpful for coming and going -- a place to put keys, mail, check your scarf/hair on the way out -- or not?

    On the other hand, if you're decorating the space just to decorate the space, I think you could probably do better. Is there any functionality you could add to the room in that space? Do you need shelves for books, puzzles, games, toys? And, um, is that a wastepaper basket on the bottom shelf? Is there any reason it's not on the floor next to the console table?

    Cee Smith thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
  • 7 years ago

    This is our mantle, forgive our Easter items left up. The black slate seems boring. I was considering maybe some colorful tile? Or maybe just leaving it alone

  • 7 years ago

    Very cute : ) .

    The slate is not boring, but pretty classic and timeless. I would add color with accessories, like you've already done with the banner and eggs.

    And D O N O T plan to do anything permanent with tiles, mantels, etc. until you decide on the final colors for the room!

    I know this is probably frustrating, and you just want to wave a wand and buy some stuff and have the room finished, but you have to address the current constraints before moving forward...

    Cee Smith thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
  • 7 years ago

    @katinparad Hello there! like the idea of a floor lamp I esp like the idea of a floor lamp in brass. I will post another photo shortly of the fabric. Thank you for your feedback and the photo really helps. I do also enjoy the idea of potentially a longer console table, would you suggest the same look or something different.

    @beckysharp Hello! I have never truly loved carpet or our carpet. I wanted to rip it up a while ago and install dark wood flooring like that at the entry. A few things deterred me, One- how often these kids were falling on the floor, seriously at one point I was going to buy my son a helmet. Two- I visited a friend with children my age, she also had wood flooring & it seemed like the screams echoed. so in one or the other going it’s certainly going to be the carpet just at the right time. Our youngest is now moving and shaking with the oldest.. so I feel slightly more comfortable researching potentially making this a project I do sooner than later. It’s very dirty also, you’d never guess how often I have to shampoo it. Okay this is not about my issues with carpet so I’ll hush it. Would the dark wood flooring go with the wall color? I somewhat think so.. I can post a photo of just the entryway with the color if that helps.

    Concerning the entry table I tend to use my garage more often. That table would be more for decorative purposes and to create that entry we do not have. Lol it’s not a trash basket it’s a basket more so for maybe a plant or to store ... stuff. Maybe it can go the side of the table. Because we are creating a playroom for the children I really cannot think of any other way to use such a large space so close to the front door. Thank you for all your feedback.

  • 7 years ago


    Versanora Arquer Arc Floor Lamp, 66.93", Copper Shade and Black Marble Base · More Info

    Floor Lamps | Joss & Main · More Info

    Cee Smith thanked havingfun
  • 7 years ago

    I love these @havingfun !! Thank you

  • 7 years ago

    A few things deterred me, One- how often these kids were falling on the floor, seriously at one point I was going to buy my son a helmet. Two- I visited a friend with children my age, she also had wood flooring & it seemed like the screams echoed.

    1) kids are tough

    2) rugs

    : )

    so in one or the other going it’s certainly going to be the carpet just at the right time.

    Then just keep this in mind when you're buying your sofa and deciding on a color for it. You can buy a cheaper sofa, like Ikea, now, and then upgrade when you have the flooring and wall color you want.

    Would the dark wood flooring go with the wall color? I somewhat think so.. I can post a photo of just the entryway with the color if that helps.

    I think a better photo in better light would help, yes.

    Concerning the entry table I tend to use my garage more often. That table would be more for decorative purposes and to create that entry we do not have.

    Lol it’s not a trash basket it’s a basket more so for maybe a plant or to store ... stuff.

    I saw the shiny rim/inside and figured it was a trash can liner lol. I think maybe a more square shape, and less traditional trash can shape, would work better. I think it's great that you built it, and maybe you could build something longer? And yes, maybe a large picture, or a wall of pictures would work.

    As far as floor lamps, I think the copper will bring out more of the red in the carpeting, and fight with the wall color the way the carpet does. And I'd choose a less "frilly" style of lamp without added curlicues to balance the small end table, cushions, and ottoman. Something like this,

    or this,

    Cee Smith thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I have been thinking about this room, and the furniture arrangement just doesn't work for me. So I worked up this rough sketch for you to try. If you have sliders to move the furniture a bit, makes it really easy. You opted for the fireplace, but it is being completely ignored. So, here is my idea. Move the sofa on an angle toward the fireplace with your entry table behind the sofa. This will create a "welcoming" view when guests come in your front door, as well as a cozy seating area for relaxing. I put a arc lamp that would sit on the side at the base but reach over to the seating area. I put it there assuming you didn't have any floor plugs. Ottoman in front of sofa, and one wing back chair with a small table beside it. Then the other wing back in front of windows with small table and lamp for pretty view to outside and a small reading spot. On the long wall, a large piece of art would finish the look.

    layouts · More Info
    I used the dimensions you posted from the floor plans and each little square is equal to one square foot, so it is a scale drawing. Rough, but I think you can get the idea. Wasn't sure of the length of the sofa, but made it about 84" x 38". Might want to try it. Doesn't cost anything. It also breaks up the "carpet" color and would look nice from either the front door or coming in from the rest of the home. Enjoy!

    Cee Smith thanked Flo Mangan
  • 7 years ago

    Wall color with partial flooring

  • 7 years ago

    @Beckysharp “I saw the shiny rim/inside and figured it was a trash can liner lol. I think maybe a more square shape, and less traditional trash can shape, would work better. I think it's great that you built it, and maybe you could build something longer? And yes, maybe a large picture, or a wall of pictures would work.”


    Do you mean behind the console table as oppose as oppose to the mirror or behind the couch? Something like this?

    Funny you mention ikea, we just in there two days ago and saw some couches we actually liked.

  • 7 years ago

    I just saw this Flo! I will work on it shortly.

  • 7 years ago

    Cee, can you take another picture? Or even several, at different times of the day? There's not enough floor in the one above to see how they work together.

  • 7 years ago

  • 7 years ago

    Try Flo's idea before you think about a gallery wall.

    Can you take a picture of the floor and wall straight on, standing I think where the nearest blue wing chair is?

    To me in the above picture, it looks like the colors work together, but then from an earlier picture I thought the BM Manchester Tan worked with the carpet : ( .

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Get furniture placement settled first. Then tables and lighting. Then accessories. Some art over fireplace will be key to pulling things together too. Take a step at a time.
  • 7 years ago

    Hello Flo! I’m current rearranging furniture, will the fact that our tv is above our mantle ruin this??

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    Seems like it would be better. Can’t do art over mantel but how can you watch TV with sofa facing away from fireplace?
    Cee Smith thanked Flo Mangan
  • 7 years ago

    following >>>

  • 7 years ago

    I think the flooring matches just fine with your walls. Is it engineered flooring or prefinished hardwood or finished on site?

    Cee Smith thanked katinparadise
  • 7 years ago

    It’s refinished hardwood flooring. I think the entry flooring would go fine as well. Only issue is I would not use that color in our kitchen.

  • 7 years ago

    It's very pretty and would look wonderful throughout. If you wouldn't use the same color hardwood in the kitchen, I would consider a different material altogether.

    Cee Smith thanked katinparadise
  • 7 years ago

    My drawback in using it in the kitchen is because I have espresso cabinets and dark countertops.. I am fearful the space will look dark and closed in or I will need to change my counters.

  • 7 years ago

    Understandable. Perhaps a pretty porcelain tile in the kitchen instead.

    Cee Smith thanked katinparadise
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    How did the furniture rearrangement go?

    Cee Smith thanked Flo Mangan
  • 7 years ago

    Hello Flo! I liked it but my husband said it felt weird to him, so I plan to take photos today to share.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    All changes feel different at first. You need to live with it for a little bit and see how it works. Men hate changes!! :)

    Cee Smith thanked Flo Mangan
  • 7 years ago

    just want to put my 2cents on the sofa situation. try home reserve, supposed to last 4ever and cheapest around. have had 2 positives from users here and 1 positive from a designer. no negatives from users just those who can not believe.

    Cee Smith thanked havingfun
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