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bethanyhagans

Starter Home Help - Eclectic style

13 years ago
Hi everyone,

I was hoping to get some feedback and help on our living room. I have done my best to use the items we have to fit my style which is primarily eclectic. I love textures, pattern, color, vintage etc. But some of our pieces were given to us and it's all starting to feel a little "country" to me, like "rooster country." I think it might be the plaid chair and light wood. I plan on painting the side tables, but not sure on color. Maybe something more modern to contrast with the plaid chair? Also, we plan on doing hardwoods and replacing the light fixture eventually. I am attaching several views to get a feel of the space. I appreciate your help in advance!

Comments (55)

  • 13 years ago
    Also, does anyone have a problem with the artwork above the sofa? That was supposed to be temporary, they are hanging by clothespins :). All of them are odd sizes that would need to be custom framed which is so expensive! Any other better ideas for hanging un-framed art?
  • 13 years ago
    I like the chair - it could scream vintage rather than rooster. I think the pillows should be switched with some on the couch. Try the paisley on it instead. The contrasting pattern should tone down rooster and turn up vintage.

    Do you know your wall color? If so you could the tables the darkest shade on the same strip.

    I agree about the vertical alignment of the pictures by the door. Or you could do the 2 smaller pictures vertical on one side of the pipe and the larger could align with the top or bottom on the other side of the pipe.

    Off to a great start!
    Bethany thanked 747.2fra
  • 13 years ago
    Perhaps you could cover a large piece of foamcore with fabric and pin the artwork to it until you can get them framed properly? Then hang the foamcore up over the sofa. You could also "frame' the foamcore with wood trim for a finished look.
    Bethany thanked handymam
  • 13 years ago
    I won't repeat everyone else but ditto on chair, Ann's ideas and judyg's ikea suggestion. Lighting makes a huge difference in updating a room. Modern ceiling fans may be out of your budget but if you don't need the fan, I would definitely switch it out for a more modern light fixture. Ikea is great for more interesting things. You could also find a semi flushmount drum light at a big box store.
    Do you have Christmas tree stores near you? That's a good place for inexpensive frames.
    Bethany thanked User
  • 13 years ago
    Bethany - you know I was thinking about the art above the sofa and I kind of decided it was interesting as is. I'd tackle a few of the other things first.
    Bethany thanked Ann
  • 13 years ago
    I also think the art is fine for now and would spend frame money on lighting.
    Bethany thanked User
  • 13 years ago
    OK, I don't quite know exactly what to look for on ceiling lights but here are a few that caught my eye on overstock. Would something like these work?
  • 13 years ago
    Of that group, I like the 4th one best.
  • 13 years ago
    In addition to possibly spray painting the floor lamp base black, it needs a couple sizes larger shade. In fact, I'd spend money on a larger shade (quite a bit larger) before painting it.
  • 13 years ago
    Good to know! Thanks, Ann. Like I said, lighting is a whole new world to me so I appreciate any input!
  • 13 years ago
    I also have this lamp. It has a skinny black base but gives off less light...shade is teal trellis and did not go with base originally. I think the shade is the same size as the other lamp too.
  • 13 years ago
    An area rug (jute is inexpensive) would help. A larger table lamp (find one @ a garage sale & spray paint it red.) Some hanging shelves on side wall would work too. Pick up more red on the table with placemats or runner. Your on your way to a cozy & inviting room!
    Bethany thanked debcake
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I may be in the minority but I think you could make that plaid chair work in an eclectic room. I'll try to find examples. To start, here is a bedroom which I don't think is traditional, especially with the lights above the bed. What do others think?

    I tend to think it is all about the rest of the accessories you use and keeping the plaid chair would save money.
    Eclectic Bedroom · More Info
    Bethany thanked J Corn
  • 13 years ago
    jcorn, I love the example you posted, but the black and white in your pic is a check and not a true plaid, which unfortunately for bethany, hers is.
  • 13 years ago
    Yes, true. And a black and white check does look more modern to me. I see your point. Let me see if I can find a better example.
  • 13 years ago
    jcorn1, that is exactly what I was thinking initially when my parents gave me the chair. I thought "I can make this work in a quirky/fun way." But when I got it in the room I hated it. Once I paint the side tables and get new lighting, I will repost photos to see if that helps, if it doesn't, I'll get a slipcover.
  • 13 years ago
    I like the teal floor lamp better - the shade is probably the same size but it's appropriate for the thin base. I also like the placement to the right of the chair better. I would definitely look for a slipcover for the chair.
    Bethany thanked Ann
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    What about this? I am not knocking this room at all but it is just not my style. Still, it moves in the direction I meant.
    Is that a true plaid? I'm not sure I know what that is. Seriously. I need enlightenment because I've never worked with plaid. I'm not a pro at decorating.
    .
    Lea Bassani Design · More Info
  • 13 years ago
    That is a classic plaid jcorn! Looks like Royal Stewart! See, that works. But it may be working because there are two things with the plaid, it doesn't look random.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I was thinking that room needed different curtains or a red, black, and white accessory. Or something with a least of of those colors to balance the white. Point being: a balance of plaid and accessories could pull plaid into an eclectic room.
    Bethany thanked J Corn
  • 13 years ago
    Ditto to everybody's suggestion regarding the plaid chair. Slipcovering it would be an improvement but the style still looks very "old lady" to me (and I am one! LOL.) You are young and hip so the chair doesn't fit the eclectic vibe you're going for. Garage sales, Craigslist can all be used to find a better chair for very little $$
    Bethany thanked illig1
  • 13 years ago
    Definitely slipcover or replace the chair and paint the side tables. A big eclectic style rug to bring together the living room would go a long way...maybe something graphic (chevron?) I love the art on the clothesline look, but I've also seen people paint or use washi tape to make "frames" on the wall, then pin the art to the wall inside it.
    Bethany thanked Sara Williams
  • 13 years ago
    I was thinking about a rug but had it in my mind that rugs should go on hardwood not carpet....but I don't really know where I got that from! Welcome any more thoughts on the rug on carpet suggestion...
  • 13 years ago
    I think a rug is a great idea! I have one over my own carpet, and I've seen it many other times as well. I like the chevron idea. I would maybe just see what I could find in a print or patten that maybe has the some of the same red color that is in plaid chair to help tile that in if you don't want to cover it. Possibly angling the rug, or angling the sofa a little nearer the corner and laying the rug straight so that everything isn't so square and lined up might help you get that elcectic vibe too. (hope that made sense!)
    Bethany thanked jdborgelt
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Save the chair!! A custom slipcover can change the look to something more contemporary and save you lots of money. You can find custom slipcovers on-line
    Bethany thanked Needle & Shears Custom Decor
  • 13 years ago
    I don't think there would be anything wrong with placing a rug over the carpet, but I'd start with the other stuff first, like the slipcover and MUCH bigger table lamp.
    Bethany thanked Ann
  • 13 years ago
    I agree about saving the chair, especially if it is comfortable and well built. The shape s nt the problem. Quality furniture can be pricey. These are not the exact shape of yours but close enough, I hope, to show that fabric can change that country feel to something more eclectic:

    i am not suggesting those exact fabrics either. Just examples.
    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Sausalito-Oak-Leaf-Chair/3963721/product.html?searchidx=4

    http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tiburon-Damask-Chenille-Arm-Chair/6349145/product.html?searchidx=1

    If those don't work go to overstock.com ad search for Sausalito Oak Lewf Chair Tiburon Daask Chenille and
    Bethany thanked J Corn
  • 13 years ago
    Photos and again not representative, necessarily, of your room or style but just some examples of how fabric changes things:
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I agree with jcom1. A slipcover can not only change the fabric but the style as well by changing of skirt finish. Your sofa has corner pleats - you can have the slipcover made in the same style as the sofa or go with something very clean and contemporary, like the Jcom1's examples. Here's just one example. Try www.needleandshears.com
  • 13 years ago
    The red accents and bold contrasting pattern stops this room from looking country.
    Bethany thanked 747.2fra
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    First remove the clothes pins and string from the wall if you rather not have the country feel ,next the chair could be recovered with a plain fabric another chair would be ideal ,and even the addition of an area rug .

    Living Room · More Info
    Bethany thanked Geneviève
  • 13 years ago
    Funny, rooster country. I would slip cover chair in white, add a yellow pillow to back and pillows same on sofa. Paint furn black. Add panels to ends of windows I like the bamboo. Add end take next to chair put floor lamp on other side of sofa. Get a black shade for it. Add taller lamps to end tables. Yellow base on one and silver with white shade on other. Bed,bath n beyond has good price. They also have some nice art for price. Take dn string art, and add a large 40x40 art. add a palm in corner by window. Art Bright colors. Doesn't need frame. Put a tall 4 ft pot in a turquoise on firepl. TJMax another good place.TV looks to high, should be lower.
    Bethany thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
  • 13 years ago
    Love the Ikea chairs might be cheaper than slip cover. Buy 2 use color pillows, with same tale between. Use one of end tables between chairs.
  • 13 years ago
    I would paint the ceiling a color, rather a coordinating color, probably a shade darker than the walls or the same as the walls, it will look different because it is on the ceiling and the light is different for the ceiling than the walls. I would get a custom slip cover for the chair or better yet a new chair or maybe a matching set, check out some vintage shops. It is the chair that is giving the country vibe. It's the checks but also the style. I like chairs that are interesting shapes but comfortable. How about an original painting. Original art work is always preferable to prints. Check out Saatchionline.com Totally affordable.
    Bethany thanked colette99
  • 13 years ago
    Replace the table lamp with a slightly larger lamp. Put the standard lamp more toward the sofa corner. Remove the pinned art and focus on a large canvas/painting at the end of the room. Then just focus on some new cushions to tie in the colour of the chair
    Bethany thanked ukaussie
  • 13 years ago
    Wall color is fine. I would paint the side tables a dark gray or chocolate brown. The plaid chair need to be covered. Something in the green family would work with your other colors. The standing metal lamp is great between the table and chair. The walls need large pieces of art in bright colors. Add throw pillows in the same colors as in the art to pull it all together. You can also add the same color seat cushions to your bar stools and kitchen accessories to make a cohesive space.
    Bethany thanked mountie
  • 13 years ago
    Area rug go on hard surfaces. Not on carpet. You are right.
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you all for the great feedback! @travisinteriors- I agree the TV is too high, it's actually on an adjustable bracket so when we watch it, we bring it down to eye level. Not the prettiest thing in the room but it's functional at the moment :) Also, working on finding an inexpensive slipcover or replacement chairs. I am also looking for the "perfect" large canvas art piece, I am a little picky when it comes to art which is why I am so slow to buy. If I can make these changes soon, I will post more photos! Thanks again everyone!
  • 13 years ago
    @travisinteriors ( I have no idea if tags work on this site) another question for you. Would you put panels on either side of the door as well? Or just around the window? I have wondered about that. I like the symmetry of panels on either side of the fireplace but is it weird to put panels on a door? Also, I like patterned curtains but don't want to overwhelm this small place, I'm thinking solid with some detail at the bottom? Or, are the shades enough? I am attaching several rooms as examples, I like all of them, but not sure which direction to take...
  • 13 years ago
    No panels on door. You can use a print, I would change chair out or slip cover in white. Then pick accent color, and go a pattern, trellis, chevron,circles.
    Bethany thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
  • 13 years ago
    Hi, you might try putting the sofa against the other wall, now everyones noticing the red chair because the eye is drawn to it.. Now the shape of the room is very narrowed because of the sofa, i think the chair is fine, its just in the wrong place. You could put both side tables together and use them as a coffee table, more in keeping with your sofa, like the table but its a little small for your couch. I like your stuff, try moving stuff around and usually things fall into place. I thinking you're young, don't try to make an older persons house keep it fresh and quirky and experiment...
    Bethany thanked cohoek
  • 13 years ago
    On wall next to door remove all small art, better to have nothing, than to add art that is to small. You need a very tall 4-5 ft high and 36" wide piece, a large mirror hung horizontally would work.
    Bethany thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
  • 13 years ago
    I don't think it looks rooster country. One chair does not rooster country make. I do think, however, that the room is unbalanced. Try angling the chair into the room in front of the window, in place of the basket. Use the basket as the side table for the chair. Put the tall lamp behind the chair. Add another clothes line of art along the now empty wall. Beef up the coffee table whenever you see an alternative at the thrift store that strikes your fancy. You don't need to paint walls or furniture, buy anything expensive or frame anything. I see Pottery Barn, not rooster country. It's a great room and everything in it looks great. You've done a wonderful job!
    Bethany thanked sh ca
  • 13 years ago
    That is a great grey on the wall. I am in the process of making over my dining room , which has a fireplace in it. Just painted it with metallic paint. I used a pewter on the mantel and the detailed trim and a lighter silver metallic on the the rest of it and carried the silver all the way to the ceiling to give it height. The wall space on either side I am going to paint a blue somewhere in between turquoise and peacock. Nothing to dark. I want the wall to pop. The remaining wall I plan to paint in a grey and I love the grey you have on your walls! This room will definitely have an eclectic feel.
  • 12 years ago
    OH, you so have my style (eclectic)…and I SO understand what you are saying about the rooster country look…lol. I think you need some turquoise in there! What about painting the side tables a distressed turquoise? After that, find a big funky knob to go on the front of them. If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby, they have a great knob selection. I am thinking an old ceramic or even crystal knob. You need some contrast. Replace the pillows -- put a black and white pillow on the country plaid chair. The contrast will help! The wood lamps along with the wood tables is making it look too country. Maybe put some iron lamps? Or paint the tall one a bright color like yellow. You need pops of color! Get a rug for under your table -- do you like a cowhide?? :) I love the wall art. It is coming together, girl!
  • 12 years ago
    Or…
    [houzz=
    Alphabet Needlepoint Pillow · More Info
    ]
    [houzz=
    Kal Barteski Be Classy Throw Pillow, 18"x18" · More Info
    ]
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Kimberly, I hate to burst your design bubble, but this thread is almost a year old and the last post was July of last year...
  • 12 years ago
    The wall color is great! Also, varying heights in the room = interest. Like a couple of others, I genuinely like the plaid in the room (accenting the walls). The chair back cushion looks a bit tired, that's all, solvable with a throw. IMHO. 1: the country look is mostly coming from that floor lamp. 2. the coffee table is awesome! 3. You don't need the overhead light from the fan. 4. Anything under glass looks terrific, be it a photo or kid's art. (Never hang art too high, and do groups rather than spreading things out when you have small pieces for a large space.) There is a Chilewich "mid-century"-shaped rug in copper that would look brilliant under the coffee table. Would you consider personalizing the flat tops with your special items: photos, books; logs for the fire. If you're not adamant about the white, consider painting the fireplace aqua, or orange, something "mid-century" to complement that coffee table. I'd love to see a big round ball lamp in place of that small one on the one side tale. Good luck, and have fun!
  • 11 years ago
    Hello everyone!

    A lot has happened in a year and my room looks totally different. Thought I'd update this pic to show the changes. Main thing is that red plaid chair is gone. I may take a better photo during the day at some point but this shows enough...

    Bethany