I'm not a fan of that type of geometric rugs. It reminds me of those "trick the eye" puzzle that if you stare at it long enough they change shapes. Know what I mean? :)

What do you think of the area rug? The picture isn't the best, but I thought with the tan ( for the brown chair) and the white ( for the living room rug and soon to come chair) it would be better than just a solid turquoise rug.

Darn. Home Goods and Ross', TJ Maxx has decorative boxes. Some even look like books but is a lidded box. A capiz shell box would look great too.

I think your color plan for the area rug is a good one. I think the pattern should have some curve shape in it as well. Since the coffee table/sofa/accent chair/side tables are round or curvy.

LOL, I went to the Maxine Price link that Carolyn Albert-Kincl posted and ended up buying one for myself! Great stuff!

Do you ladies like any of these rugs? Some of them may be "too something". The last one could be my favorite (I have two favs). The starburst shapes sort of reminds me of coral.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mohawk-Home-Ornamental-Ogee-Nylon-Rug-Multi-Colored/22401891
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Safavieh-Rodeo-Drive-Blue-Multi-Contemporary-Rug/19631236
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Safavieh-Soho-Caleb-Wool-Square-Rug-Blue-Multicolor/17026308
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Safavieh-Soho-Danielle-Wool-Rug-Ivory-Multi-Color/17026923
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Safavieh-Soho-SOH712C-Area-Rug-Light-Blue-Multi/24505226

Like the first one, but it doesn't come in 4 x 6 or 3 1/2 x 5 1/2.

Love the third one too...only size is 6' square

Kris, the first one comes in 5 x 8, too big? I like that one the best...

You could always take it to a local carpet shop and have them cut it down.

The rug by sofa is too big for room. I think a design would be better.

West Elm still has white boxes. http://www.westelm.com/products/lacquer-jewelry-box-c455/?pkey=e%7Cboxes%7C32%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C13&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

Kris, what size rug do you need? Is it going in the living room or the reading area?

I need a 4 x 6 or a 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 for the reading area. I found a few more that may or may not work.

Kris - would a rug like this work?
Currently marked down on Amazon.com (I've been debating it for a few days, but seems like it would fit your color scheme)
http://www.amazon.com/Safavieh-Blossom-Collection-BLM677A-Handmade/dp/B0062BKMOA/ref=sr_1_135?ie=UTF8&qid=1375391012&sr=8-135&keywords=rug

Great rugs Kris! The first rug is my least favorite. The orange circles is bright and fun and a bit more whimsical and casual style. The blue is sophisticated and does look "beachy". Do you LOVE any of them? Make sure you love the rug, I've bought several rugs and grew tired of them quickly. My hubby says..NO MORE RUGS! lol

I should have specified...I was thinking of for your reading area. You said it was a walk through space for the stairs, so you wouldn't want a dark rug (shows dirt easier). I was thinking a lighter color would keep that space on a lighter side, but still comfortable enough for reading.

Darzy, the colors in the crazy circles rug are perfect, but I'm not crazy about the rug. I like the coral looking rug best, but its not popping with the other colors. I actually think the rug that SandraBailey just sent goes great. What do you think?

Kris, I'm so glad you like it. I believe it is available in both a 3x5 or 4x6. I'm enjoying the progress of your room. It looks fantastic so far :)

Thanks for your help Sandra. I am getting great advice from everyone!

I think the 3 x 5 may work. How much of the rug should be around the sides of the chair?

I like the 3rd rug in your group of 4 rugs above, Kris, the one that has a coral pattern in turquoise and white.
It's fairly subtle in coloration and pattern. Someday you'll want to replace the living room rug and the new living room rug will need to go with what you select for the reading area, unless you're planning this rug to be a short term rug. I've forgotten if you have an Ikea near you, but if so, that have some great rugs.

I think the rug Sandra suggested is very nice. Do you love it? My favorite is the blue coral looking one you found. Since you have a white chair coming for the LR, I think bringing in the white (in the rug) in the reading nook would be nice. But, Sandra's selection would work too IMHO.

There is a great article on here about Color to separate and create interesting spaces. I would be thinking about ways to make the dining and living areas feel like their own spaces, using paint for starters. I would put color on the reading area walls that lets one know it is there. You can also look at photos here for rooms within rooms. Article link below.
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/case-study-turn-your-wall-colors-into-art-stsetivw-vs~15063856

I do like Interiors Unleashed idea of a different color wall(s) for the reading nook. Even just the back wall the orange color (or the blue color) depending on the rug choice in there.

I agree, and I found that article so interesting that I sent it off to a possible new client in Santa Fe.

Now, why didn't I think of sending such ideas to possible clients? That is a great article.

Yes, great article and great illustration how simply paint can transform a space.

Hi Kris and all...I'm thinking that since the tangerine accent chair is out and is now white/chrome, maybe the table lamp should be white, or clear blue? The clear blue reminds me of sea glass. Or the beautiful orange lamp Carolyn suggested a while back. I also like this orange floor lamp for the reading nook. Speaking of chrome (from you stools/chair), Kris, how about adding accessories in silver/chrome etc mixed in with your blue/white accessories for a more cohesive look. A silver tray with pretty wine glasses on top would give the buffet a wine bar "purpose". I'd keep the small accessories reserved for you bookcase/shelves and keep the "wine buffet" quite simple.

Are these 2 lamps ok on the copper table?

Lamps look great until you change your mind on arrangements. When decorating a reading room/other room you have to decide what the common theme should be. Lamps that don't need tables to shed light are more useful. Bookcases are great staging areas, can include lighting, can be painted to compliment paint color. Blues and orange work if there are several shades of blue and a strong contrast in a bright color. Blue tan, sea shell gray can give a beach feel of freedom to the room and still allow the soft taupe colors. Nautical gives a wide range of creativity. Netting on the walls, old driftwood or any wood accents. Old pottery works well with this theme.. If you like dainty cottage, mix several shades of blue with old china that has soft colors. Family photos in plain frames are great accents in a cottage style. Modern style loves shapes and color contrasts. Have fun, find your expression.

kris...Yes, I think the blue or white or silver even, would look great on your copper table. A very nice contrast and will speak to your white chair and accessories. What type of lamp did you have in mind for the copper table? BTW...like the driftwood mirror above the modern buffet...the gloss modern lamp on top the rustic copper makes an interesting mix. :)

Hi Kris,your home is beautiful! I'd love my art be placed there.Here are my contemporary,abstract artwork offers,
available in different sizes up to 84" x 46";

http://hanza-turgul.artistwebsites.com/featured/2-candy-nebula-hanza-turgul.html
http://hanza-turgul.artistwebsites.com/featured/moonlight-sonata-hanza-turgul.html

With the white chair in the reading area, the idea of an accent wall in that area would make the chair stand out nicely. So please consider a tangerine or turquoise wall with the rug in the color that is not on the wall. This combo of tangerine, turquoise and white will be a standout. Maybe no pattern on the rug to keep it simple.

Carolyn, the white chair is in the living room, near the copper side table. The brown chair is staying in the reading area. That is why I'm trying to find an area rug that has the turquoise and a bit of brown to pick up the chair color. Should the area rug be just under the chair or incl the side table also?

Hi kris...something has been bothering me about the blue in your sofa toss pillows. I'm thinking the blue is a bit too pastel and will drive other decisions (like the rug in the reading nook) and table lamps. I think your sophisticated, casual style needs a richer hue (and with the sofa color). More teal (green/blue) and a tangerine/orange as opposed to an orange coral color. I think the orange pillows work, but perhaps a darker blue/teal for the other pillows? Here is a Pier1 pillow in teal. In person, the pillow is a rich teal color.
http://www.pier1.com/Velvet-Pillow---Teal/2525747,default,pd.html?cgid=pillows

Thank you Darzy...I think you're right. Are the pattern pillows ok?

Does anyone have any ideas for this tiny patio? We don't want any grass. Thought big pavers/ cement instead of small to make the area feel larger. It is 20' side to side and 8 1/2' from front door to gate. The outside of the townhouse is green and yellow

Flagstone, in a buff color.

I love the look of flagstone! Excellent suggestion, Nancy!

I agree with Darzy on staying away from pastels, tho I do like coral and turquoise together, but a strong coral, not pastel.

Kris - i'm not sure what your aversion to grass is, but have you thought about EasyTurf? You get a lush, green lawn without the hassle of mowing, weeding, fertilizing, etc. etc. Let me know what questions you have - I'd be happy to help.
Cheers!
George
http://www.houzz.com/projects/82915/Backyard-Installations

I like the flagstone suggestion as well. Or, a more modern look would be pavers with pebbles in between or even with artificial turn in between for some greenery.

Kris, I think the pattern on the pillows is very nice!

Kris...what do you think about an accent wall color in the reading nook? pumpkin color? teal? I ask because I think this chrome floor lamp would look good with your side table. And, if you love the floral rug, the teal accent wall would look great.

The rug in the reading area should also include the side table. Bigger is better. Otherwise it will look like a postage stamp. Even with brown chair I think a colorful accent wall could be great in orange or coral and a solid rug of turquoise on the floor. Keeping the rug solid allows for pattern elsewhere.

George - I love grass but we have a tiny patio area and no place to keep a lawn mower! We went looking at all kinds of hardscape today and we came across artificial turf. It is beautiful! We have to check if our association allows it. How is the cost per square foot compared to pavers? Our patio is only 20' x 8 1/2'. If we had 18" x24" pavers, could we have the turf between and around each paver? Would we need a turf installer AND a mason to lay the pavers or would the turf installer do both?

Hello Kris - depending on where you are, we or one of our authorized dealers could do the entire install. Pricing is based on total project, so it's hard to say. Where are you located? If you call 866-327-9883, we can set up a free consultation for you.

Patio areas should be low maintenance, sand underneath flagstone makes what is on top the eye catcher plus no weeding. You can add flower boxes in a multitude of shapes and sizes to liven up the patio or go for more artistic touches of driftwood and metal art. Neutral base of flagstone is perfect if you want to change the look of the patio area. If you like easy to clean, keep the surfaces hard for flooring bases. I would not go for patterns on the floor outside. People are interested in what they see at eye level.

Your sofa appears to be a sectional, so I would put the straight piece across the end of the carpet so that this part of the sofa divides the living room from the dining area. Then, I would put the curved piece of the sectional on the other end of the carpet and in front of the large window. It probably would look nice to have matching area rugs under the dining table and under the chair in the reading nook.