Hi There!

Fabrics really warm up a space! They also add much need acoustic absorption. Nothing echoes more than a space with hard surfaces!

An area rug would most certainly add a design element to your space, be comfortable under foot and aid in noise reduction. Choose one with small accents of the same colour that you have in your artwork flanking the fireplace.

When working with clients, I always try to tie in adjoining spaces. In your case that would mean layering that artwork colour. In small doses thoughout! It could be a throw blanket in that colour draped over one of the chairs, toss cushions on your sofa, a bowl in your kitchen...etc. Have fun with it!

You have an awesome space and your designer did a great job!

A rug, but I'd try counter stools that repeat a color from living area ... why not... :)

Rug, red/orange pillows, plants.

Surprised living room is surprised.

Rug for sure. The matching paintings are pretty, but feels a little staged to me. Bring in some of your personality into the home.

I'd bring in a rug w/those warm colors and vintage look.

I like either of these tables (or the marble one below) rather than the heavy ottoman. I just think next to the charcoal chairs, it's too dark.

you could also do a leopard rug, or pillows

or a fluffy white, . maybe do a marble/gold table

Looks like a really nice waiting room in a doctor's office. Make it a little less formal, more personal.

I find it a bit stuffy ans waiting room like. I do not love the art but if you do then that is personal but if that art was just a choice of your designer I would suggest you go looking for something less hotel like. I think a textured rug like a shag could add some softness . I would remove one stool from the kitchen counter since there trul is no way for 4 people to sit there comfortably at all.The bench behind the chairs makes no sense a cabinet for TV stuff would be a better addition to the space and the chairs could use it for placing a drink. All in all a bit too staged to feel like a home . The lamps are in an odd place and really provide no lighting if you wanted to read a book , a nice colorful throw would add a bit more softness. I like to put my feet up when I watch TV so the ottoman makes sense and it will look better once a lighter colored rug is under it.

Really pretty house! I like the suggestions on a rug to pull it together. It just needs some warmth, pillows, etc..

Thanks for all of the helpful comments so far! A light rug and colourful throw seems like a good next step. Perhaps shaggy. I will add a picture taken in the daytime when I can to show how it looks then. I would like to replace art (they were a couple paintings I picked up in Thailand) with perhaps a nice original waterscape but can it be on just one side? Would rather not try to match painting sizes and styles.

Perhaps a couple colourful stools as was suggested.

The ottoman under tv works to put feet up when watching tv from swivel chairs. All tv stuff is run to basement.

Visually, I do not like the way the lamps are situated in front of the wall art. Can they be moved to another area?

A great option would be to add a rug with accent colors that coordinate with the paintings on the walls. Another good choice would be to find some decorative pillows for the couch/chairs that will brighten the space up a little more. Or both!

"I would like to replace art (they were a couple paintings I picked up in Thailand) with perhaps a nice original waterscape but can it be on just one side?"

Removing the 2 pieces of art on either side of the fireplace would help. Either one piece over fireplace or place it on the wall behind the couch depending on the size.

Looking forward to seeing the space in the daytime. We cannot see any windows in the pictures.

greenery, a rug with some color...my first thought was waiting room too. It's a beautiful space but definitely need some warming up. You're not far off though.

Have you thought of watercolor art to one side of the FP and TV to the other, both above matching chests or built-in cabinets? Place the sofa with its back to the bar and the swivels left and right of it; all would be with in 18" of the big hassock and the bench could be eliminated or could tuck in behind the sofa for socializing with folks at the bar. Here's another idea and the art could go where you have TV now, with one side of the FP for the TV on the matched credenza surrounded by the shelves.

That's a very pretty arrangement with the built ins, but the TV would be unviewable if put to the side of the fireplace. As it is now, those seated in the chairs can't view it. I'd hang that sucker over the fireplace without hesitation. That is not a decorating faux pas as some assert.

@robg123 to quote you, " I would like to replace art (they were a couple paintings I picked up in Thailand) with perhaps a nice original waterscape but can it be on just one side?" That is all that is missing from this space. More of Your story. More touches of you. Those items that you pick up on your travels or come across that really speak to you. I personally love your travel finds!

To reply to your question about whether or not the artwork can be on one side, the easy answer is yes. But to do it correctly is a bit more complicated. The artwork does not have to match but the scale of arrangement does. One side could have a larger piece while the other side has a smaller artwork and then for example a lamp on the end to balance the scale of size. Not matchy matchy but it still works and beautifully adds interest to your space. I will try to hunt up a visual for you.

I think the art works (especially knowing it’s from your travels) when you bring in the same colors in a rug or other accessories.

The space overall needs more variety, texture and color! The bright paintings don't have the impact they should because everything else is so severe with cool colors, I think. Where are the windows, by the way? What are the window treatments?

I would replace at least one of the large paintings with a collection of smaller, varied size pieces(not too small as they do have to balance the larger piece). Move the other to another nearby wall, or sell it. A narrow, warmer wood console or even a short, wide bookshelf in place of the small lamp tables; perhaps replace the lamps with either telescoping wall fixures that can be adjusted to throw good light for either reading or background, or an interesting floor lamp. If not wall/floor fixtures, get lamps that have wood or colored glass/pottery bases. Place the gray chairs at more of an angle facing the center of the room from the corners. Get rid of the monochromatic pile of pillows and throws under the TV and replace them with colors other than just orange -- I like blue/teal/greens/yellow, but what ever floats your boat. Same for a rug-- not just orange/white/gray. I think a medium blue based dhurrie or kilim style rug would look very good.

Lastly, although I don't often think so, here I do think that a bit of crown molding at the ceiling would help soften the space and tie it into the kitchen -- something simple and not too big, like just cove molding, perhaps.

ETA: does anyone else think that the large art is hung just a tad too high on the wall? I think that is one thing that sort of bothers me when I look at the room.

Very nice! A rug would pull it all together. Maybe an orange pillow on the couch and an orange throw. Also if you can find some orange peices to add to your kitchen.. hand towels a vase with orange flowers, maybe a patterned carpet runner with orange in it that would do it. Nice job!

thanks again for all of the additional comments and suggestions. The picture during the day should be forthcoming this evening. I am understanding, based on the colours of the painting orge/red would tie in nicely, but if I change the paintings I change the accents (and maybe rug. What about a painting one side and mirror (in the same dimensions) on other side?

As for the other questions, the couch backs on to several large windows and a tall plant. there are no window treatments (yet) as we like the open look and don't mind the glare. We have a fairly large backyard and had a small waterfall and pond (along with a lot of trees and other landscaping) installed last year that you can see from that window so we wanted to leave it open.

Again about the chairs, they swivel so you can easily watch TV from them (3d that close is fairly fun).

Personally I like it the way it is. I wouldn't change it and I also like the fact that your neutral backdrop allows you the option the change your accent color with little effort.

Thank you for these amazing suggestions and feedback. I greatly appreciate the time you put into writing your comments. Here are the day time photos.

Photos

I agree with the poster above about the lamps right in front of the paintings. And I mean RIGHT IN FRONT of the paintings. Really sets off my OCD-ness. Why have beautiful paintings and then set something in front of them?

Absolutely yes to a textured pale rug or a more traditional carpet with some rusty oranges and blues. It will help SO MUCH.

IdaClaire - the furniture arrangement would be changed to a "U" around the FP and the chairs are swivels, so yes, they could see TV (which could also be set on a swivel base to adjust for best viewing by all.)

it's very symmetrical, and very matchy matchy. Agree that it looks a bit like a fancy waiting lounge room.

I would remove the bench behind the chairs. Add a rug. Put maybe a console table or shelving on one side where the painting is, to break up the symmetry and matchiness.

Have a floor lamp on one side of the fireplace, and a table lamp on the console on the other. For lack of a more tactful way to say it, the place is so "perfect" , that it's become boring.

Decoenthusiast the tv is on a swivel mount already. We mainly use the swivel to cover the kitchen or tilt down slightly if we sit close.

What did you mean by u shape? Should I add a couple more chairs back to the kitchen, or put the bench under the tv there?

The bench is under the tv because the designer said there needed to be something under the tv to ground it. It is custom like the ottoman in the same material.

As for it being too symmetrical thanks for the point. After the designer was done we were just remembering she told us, generally, be symmetrical. Perhaps we overdid it. I will move a lamp and table in addition to the other stuff.

I am not great with colours. I am partial to blues and greens but the rug is a lot less than the waters ape paintings I would be getting so I will try out an orange or multicoloured rug as the next step and then switch it later if need be.

Place the sofa with its back to the bar and the swivels left and right of it; all would be with in 18" of the big hassock and the bench could be eliminated or could tuck in behind the sofa for socializing with folks at the bar. More like this but not so close to the bar. TV left or right of the fireplace, along with shelves as I showed above. Art or art gallery on the current TV wall.

Bigger chandelier hung lower

Shelving on either side of the fireplace and a painting over the mantel

definitely needs a rug

change the color of your light bulbs - they’re very white and feel clinical. You need something warmer in the evening and make sure everything is on dimmers. Dim-to-warm LEDs are brighter white when turned up and become warmer and more flattering when dimmed.

iss it a woodburning fireplace? If so, some accessories for the fireplace could give it some more personality

kitchen stools are too wide/dark/heavy. Go with something that feels lighter

Looking at the pictures more, all of the overhead light fixtures are very dainty and too small for the space. The light by the doors near the kitchen is also hung too high.

Everything is on dimmers. Bulbs are 3000k. It is a gas fireplace with a built out rough granite surround done by a stonemason. Height of chandelier is to not block tv. Could perhaps be a bit bigger but we like it. Needs rug for sure.

following

Aren't many spaces designed with symmetry - must be a reason - yours seems neutral, seems simple shapes and straight lines, so is symmetry the idea? Recent posts seems their rug 'showcases' shapes and lines...

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/seaside-style-in-brentwood-tn-suburbia-beach-style-living-room-nashville-phvw-vp~1515871[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/seaside-style-in-brentwood-tn-suburbia-beach-style-living-room-nashville-phvw-vp~1515871)

Your room with modern lines [?] does have the functional all-purpose look... add something as said that's funky somehow. This room's symmetry to me can showcase the items themselves.

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/the-olivers-house-eclectic-bedroom-dallas-phvw-vp~118130[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/the-olivers-house-eclectic-bedroom-dallas-phvw-vp~118130)

Another warm color - not any more dark pillows, etc. I picture trying a fabric ottoman.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/santa-maria-fabric-adobe-prvw-vr~12109311[(https://www.houzz.com/products/santa-maria-fabric-adobe-prvw-vr~12109311)

Target has fabric on a chair [ottoman not available?] and gives free sample:

https://www.target.com/p/accent-chair-santa-maria-desert-flower-skyline-furniture-174/-/A-15997683

Here's earthy Santa Maria, and I can delete cause you haven't mentioned need for:

https://www.target.com/p/window-curtain-panels-santa-maria-adobe/-/A-52129804

Subtle, with smidgeon of ivory:

https://www.target.com/p/gramercy-ethan-stripe-loomed-accent-rug-momeni/-/A-53927920?preselect=53882516#lnk=sametab

Not with grey items, but this could be transitional type look:

https://www.target.com/p/andover-area-rug/-/A-16858965?preselect=53883739#lnk=sametab

Ottoman was made custom from leather. Colour is similar to paintings. Would be hesitant to part with it. We put a white fur throw in it and mirror tray on top and it seems to soften it a bit. I really like the style in the second picture you posted (of bedroom). The frames and light fixture are nice and edgy.

Also, we are in Canada so when I click on your links it just takes us to the home page of their international site.

@robg123,
I’ve been searching for a way to privately message you but this will have to do.
Please do not jump on the “opinion train” as one of my designer friends call it. Sift through the advice lightly & only spend time & energy on the posts that resonate with you.
You really do have a great space as is!
This post is full of material that I would love to blog about! If you would consider giving me permission to, please email me directly kat@katcointeriors.com
(I’m in Canada too ;) )

If the height of the chandelier was selected to not block the TV, then I would go for a large flushmount instead of a hanging chandelier in the space. For example, we have a low ceiling in our foyer and went with a flush mount that is 40” wide and only 15” high. And I’m assuming the one near the sliding doors will go over a dining table at some point so would be moved lower - would go larger there too if possible. Are your light bulbs LEDs (the ones that are turned on in your first picture?). Look at these bulbs by Philips. Some other brands make similar bulbs. https://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/consumer/choose-a-bulb/warm-glow-dimmable-led-lighting

I'd try a cool tone too, and not warmmm reds - better with fp, etc...

[https://www.houzz.com/products/loloi-carrick-ck-01-sky-area-rug-79x99-prvw-vr~76160407[(https://www.houzz.com/products/loloi-carrick-ck-01-sky-area-rug-79x99-prvw-vr~76160407)

Where might be rug that repeats both light and medium, and spice/earth / even for eating area? and this highly rated for LR --

Do you want a pillow to bring art colors to the sofa?

[https://www.houzz.com/products/rizzy-home-22x22-pillow-prvw-vr~108097292[(https://www.houzz.com/products/rizzy-home-22x22-pillow-prvw-vr~108097292)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/nourison-karma-rug-ash-93x129-prvw-vr~33067499[(https://www.houzz.com/products/nourison-karma-rug-ash-93x129-prvw-vr~33067499)
[https://www.houzz.com/products/jax-area-rug-76x106-prvw-vr~76229394[(https://www.houzz.com/products/jax-area-rug-76x106-prvw-vr~76229394)