perfect. I have two of these little stools btw.

Before I go any further, have you measured to make sure that sectional will fit in your room?

short answer is yes it would fit. the long wall measures 171.5 inches between the fireplace end and doorway and room is 154 wide

Now you know that sectional you've selected is more contemporary than any of the tables you have with the exception of the cubes I left in your room. What did you have in mind for tables to go with it?

And you have nothing in any ideabooks. It would help if you could browse the living rooms on Houzz and save any you really love. Otherwise, I'm kind of working in the dark here. The only things I have to go on are your sectional and a collection of what looks like Indonesian art.

Here is an updated living room map... with dimensions

About your other question... which tables are you speaking of? End tables? We like contemporary furniture and mix it with Indian art/decor (pretty close with your Indonesian guess). Stylewise: If I could get any of the coffee tables on this link without breaking the bank that would be great (also would probably better with slightly rounded corners though may be can give up on that) http://www.javedainteriors.com/3806/interior/elegant-cool-modern-coffee-tables-25-best-ideas-about-modern-coffee-tables-on-pinterest-marble/

http://www.javedainteriors.com/3803/interior/creative-of-cool-modern-coffee-tables-coffee-table-modern-coffee-tables-cheap-free-sample-design-ideas/

At the other end of spectrum there are tables like these that warm our hearts too (though not going to spend 6K on a table.. LOL): https://www.houzz.com/products/a-river-runs-through-it-unique-coffee-table-redwood-with-metal-base-48x28x20-prvw-vr~93528341

https://www.houzz.com/products/60-coffee-table-teak-wood-organic-sculpture-natural-brown-square-672-prvw-vr~108307490

https://www.houzz.com/products/uttermost-driftwood-glass-top-cocktail-table-prvw-vr~114100611?lid=45190093

https://www.houzz.com/products/twist-table-12x18-black-walnut-12x18-prvw-vr~24431897

Thanks for starting an ideabook. It gives me a much better idea of your tastes. You seem to like simple lines, a much more modern or contemporary look than you have now, and you seem a bit torn between the calmness of a monochromatic look and the vibrancy of color.

You say you have "a pre-order going on for the couch, end table, coffee table, rug, entryway table." Is there any way I can get a look at the tables and the rug? If the store has them online, post the links here.

I looked at that corner shelf from Target you posted above and would advise against it. You need to get away from little stuff and start thinking in terms of bigger pieces and fewer of them.

I'm going to do a rendering of our stair wall and see if I can't make it a bit more cohesive than it currently is. This might be the perfect place to display a lot of your collectibles in one spot. Back later.

Thanks - yes - I am really torn.. I do lean towards vibrant colors more though though can see value in a little bit of calmness. The pre-order just as placeholders (i.e. nearest item we could scan cos store was closing). I doubt I will be getting the rug from them - could not find something I thought I might like unless I go with a very simple monochromatic rug.

Hi Anna. I will give this some thought. I think,as groveraxle pointed out, i would figure out furniture placement first. Can you post your room measurements. I too think some careful “editing” and unique display concepts are going to make this space really interesting. More tomorrow.

Opps I missed your drawing. Sorry. I wonder about the TV?

Welcome, Flo. We've discussed the TV. It really does have to stay in the corner. Trust me on this one.

thanks Flo and Groveraxle. reason I thought tv can't go on fireplace is that height of tv leaves only a foot of space on the wall (so half ft above and half ft below the tv). if we install it there we want a rack that pulls is down for easier viewing and all that may not work given the height of space.

What are the sectional measurements?

this one is 126x97. what do you think?

Groveraxle how about the opposite corner. It is a but bigger and might git better. I realize the sectional might be a done deal but we need measurements. I am hoping it could sit in front of windows even with heaters. Just pulled away from them about 12” with metal sofa table(s). Some light blocking shades would deal with light issues. I want to at least play with some ideas. I too think using unique display methods on the long wall would be stunning and organize the “collection(s)” so there is a unified but distinct look. More tomorrow.

I am considering 3 seat, corner and 2 seat combo with size of 126x97 to give everyone a place sit including the dog (who gets to pick first)

Auto correct keeps mis-spelling words. Pls ignore. I think you can discern what I mean.

Well I couldn’t wait til morning so here is first layout option. The sectional is longer than you posted on one side and enough seating on other side for a couple or doggie! I also added long console for big TV and chair for additional guest or reading nook. I added cabinet to left of fireplace and used plexiglass wall mounted collection boxes for your treasures. Used your two small tables for coffee tables. An arc lamp can provide additional ambient lighting.

@flo.. I am speechless. crazy day today at work...

Please, Flo, no to the plexiglass boxes. It looks like it belongs in the workshop holding assorted screws and fasteners.

There are some display boxes that look good just showing there are multiple ways to display items in "collected" ways. I just am beginning the thinking about how to display items and how "many" to display at the same time. I prefer small displays that get changed out perhaps twice a year or so, rather than everything everywhere.

Flo, would have a floor plan suggestion if we had to keep the tv in that corner? I know it is not the best design idea but works better for my one kid and giant dog to have that open area.. just wondering

Sure. I can change layout. But busy right now. Bbl

Groveraxle, thanks.. those box shelves we have always liked... just couldn't remember what they are called...

OK, here is Option 2 layout.

I made the sectional according to your measurements of 126 on long side and 97 on the other leg. It is slightly different, but basically does the trick. I put the TV in that corner, but I probably don't have the angle just right, but you know how it works, since it is already there. You basically are simply recreating your existing room. I put a bench along the stairway wall, so there is a place to sit down when coming in the front door and it could have cubbies for stowing shoes if you like. I put a basket (perhaps you have one hand made?) next to the bench for color. I put a corner curio in that small corner for collectables, rather than putting something hanging on that wall since it is a "passageway". I put a long table behind the sofa with a pair of lamps, a curio to the right of the fireplace and another curio/cabinet to the left wall as you enter through the door. These are just "placeholders" to show what can fit in the basic configuration. You could do a arc type lamp in the far right corner for interest and ambient light but might not need it if you do a pair of lamps on a sofa table arrangement behind the sofa. You can put two narrow sofa tables behind the sofa economically if budget is tight.

Couple of wall display ideas.

We can design a collage of favorite items in a grouping on the wall behind the long side of sofa. Items like your mask would be fine if you use sofa table(s) because that would push wall out to accommodate depth of any item hung on that wall.

Here is rough mock up of some of your pieces that could be on a sofa table behind your sofa/sectional and on the wall above it.

Kulrn, I really like the first wall unit you posted.

https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/union-rustic-langridge-metal-frame-wall-shelf-unrs5854.html?piid=25931924

Langridge Metal Frame Wall Shelf

See More by Union Rustic

Looks like they are out of stock at wayfair.

Flo, the floor plan looks good! I was actually thinking of putting large painting/painting arrangement on the large wall behind the couch. something potentially like this which can be customized to any color and picture combo

https://www.etsy.com/listing/237618659/indian-dance-set-of-5-prints-indian-art?ref=shop_home_active_6

of course, open to other types of pieces as well...

the bench/basket near the stairs is a great idea. I do feel that with the right kind of bench, (which will be low and won't go to the area where full wall starts), I have enough space on that wall for putting a display like Groveraxle and Kulrn suggested (again the display does not need to be deep). in that case, perhaps a low key plant in the corner?

what do you think about leaving the brass plate by the entrance?

also, what kind of curios did you have in mind for entrance and corner by the fireplace (to help me visualize)? Wondering about the height of the one near the fireplace to see if we should try to do grouping of some pieces there on the wall like Groveraxle's pic above. Also by the entrance, if we leave the brass plate, what kind of curio would work there...

thanks again!

@kulrn - those wall display shelves (specially the first one) look amazing!

IMO, this art grouping is static and not very interesting:

Also a bit too white...

I am also looking for a better way to display your collectibles. Since so many are so small, I'd like the shelves to disappear.

Thanks Groveraxle!

@Flo, I really liked the first drawing you did (even tho the owner preferred the 2nd)!

I was trying to use pieces you already have. Be mindful of any shelving unit that it doesn’t stick out too far. You can select and curio type cabinets you wish. I was just making spots where they could go.

Most sincere apologies for disappearing... have been pulling a few late nights for work.. Do not mean to be ungrateful.

@Groveraxle: I like the shelving and bench there. It addresses Flo's concern that it should not be too deep. Thank you so much.

@Flo: thanks for the explanation. I should add that I am open to buying more pieces of furniture, lamps and art work/decor. So, feel free to propose what you think would be the best. Budgetwise: it is not unlimited but I can spend 2-3 K outside of the couch.

@Jas: Designwise I like Flo's first design better as well although 2nd works better with our lifestyle unfortunately... I am saving the first one for when kids are in college!. Lol.

@groveraxle and @flo... now that we have the layouts, what color scheme would you recommend for the couch and wooden furniture? thanks!

Anna, I would go with that neutral sectional you posted in the original dilemma. It's a great color that will go with any colors of accessories you end up with in the space. Then I'd keep all wood on the lighter side, maybe go a little rustic with reclaimed wood.

Unless, of course, you found something like this funky cabinet...

...or maybe a couple of antique Chinese chests.

There is a lovely S W color, Grecian Ivory. My daughter has it through out her cottage. Her new sectional may well be the one you posted above. Grecian Ivory has the chameleon quality a it seems to go with everything while working well with different natural lights.

I found this photo with gray as the accent color. As a bonus, the room has gray solid draperies, which would be lovely in your room.

@Groveraxle: thanks! I hope they have something like this color fabric iption in Crypton! Wonder if my photo is depicting a different color (cos of lighting). How would you describe this color in my photo (I am no good with greige, blue grey, charcoal etc descriptions.. for me it is light grey, med grey and dark grey: terrible, I know!)? here is a link from the store website, does it look the same as my photo? : https://www.jordans.com/product/living-room/sectionals/rowe-townsend-3-piece-sectional-lz1662207

Also - for the cabinets: what height would be ideal given that there would be a couch close to it? and other side a TV needs to be on top...

That is beautiful JudyG. The couch I am looking at is Rowe Townsend - in case your daughter wants the same one. Funnily - the sales rep told me she had bought the same couch for herself 6 months ago.

My challenge is finding the right grey that does not have cool undertones and will go with warm color decor. I even tried calling crypton in MI to see if they could help identify the fabric for me based on description. I am yet to hear back from their sales team.

excited to post that we finalized the couch in photo (with the same fabric though it is not a performance fabric since performance fabrics only had Greys with blue in them) with rust pillows. hopefully this fabric will last.

now on to picking the rug and other pieces before we finalize the order! should I go with a grey rug in self pattern? or different colored rug? also saw an ottoman which we could cover in reddish orange leather (instead of current coffee table). not sure if I want to have a large piece of furniture in this color yet.... decisions decisions