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irina_correa50

Decorating my living room...

6 years ago

Hello all!.. I need your help. For the past year I have been furnishing and decorating my living room. I like it in general, but I don't love it. I don't know what else to do. I ran out of ideas and it doesn't feel completely right yet. What would you add/remove to make it look better? What do you like and what you don't? What would you change? I don't think I can change the furniture right now, since it's new (but I'll have it in mind for later on). Any advice is really appreciated. I don't mind harsh comments, so you can be completely honest. Thank you!

Comments (271)

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Hi Irina..sure here you go:)

    all from Etsy.com


  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Saw this image and thought of your space....look how amazing the colorful art looks on the dark fireplace..it creates a WOW focal point in the room...have you tried your art on the fireplace just for the heck if it? The mirror to me is falling flat...it would set the tone for the entire space.

  • 6 years ago

    It certainly looks great. I haven't tried, but I'll do and post a picture. You haven't been the only one to suggest it.

  • 6 years ago

    I've been eyeing this bench for a while... I was wondering if something like this would go well in my living room and where... Please let me know what do you think guys? Thanks.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    not Really seeing them work anywhere..if you had a square coffee table they can work flanking one side for extra seating when needed..but will not work with your oval one.

  • 6 years ago

    F4P

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Could you use one under art on stairway wall? That is pretty seat. Best by an entry area.

  • 6 years ago

    That's a great idea @Flo. I think it might work well in that area.

  • 6 years ago

    Hang the nude on the fireplace and remove the pillows on those chairs and please snap a photo

  • 6 years ago

    following


  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You have a beautiful space. I don't know if this has been mentioned, but I actually like the idea of putting fabric on the flanks of your fireplace to add texture to the room. Perhaps floor to ceiling drapes on the right and left side of the fireplace in a contrasting but complimentary color to the others in the room and the furniture pieces you have against those walls? I think more art or picture frames there could clutter the room visually. This idea would add some pop, some texture, but ultimately, still be just a plain surface that does not clutter the room visually. I made a VERY rough mockup of what I am talking about. Color and fabric choice here will obviously be whatever you like.




  • 6 years ago

    Thank you @citizenchan It hadn't been mention and I wouldn't have thought about it myself. That's why I like houzz, you guys come up with ideas I wouldn't have ever considered. I would have thought it strange to add drapery to a place without windows.

  • 6 years ago

    P4p

  • 6 years ago

    You're welcome @Irina I like what you've done with the room since the first post! My suggestion is a bit late, and now I think your room looks better as is, anyway!

  • 6 years ago

    P4p

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    What do you think of a bench in front of windows..or bench with ottomans under it?

  • 6 years ago

    My windows go almost all the way down to the floor. Don't know if it would look good. Would it work here?. I appreciate any ideas for more sitting places.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    If you move furniture back to original layout you could flank fireplace with benches or the stool/ottomans you liked on each side for extra seating...

  • 6 years ago

    That's something to consider. I'll wait to finish the last piece of artwork for this room and then I'll try the new ideas.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you!

  • 6 years ago

    One thing I notice in every photo is the rug, which is too small and doesn't make enough of a statement. A much larger Oriental rug in beautiful colors would be a dramatic improvement. I'm sorry to say that the dark fireplace seems like just too much of a contrast. Paintings on either side of it in fairly rich colors, with furniture underneath would help. A glass and metal coffee table would be lovely and would show off a more colorful rug beautifully.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks for the input @ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9

  • 6 years ago

    Good morning Houzzers!! a little update here. Some of you recommended adding a sofa table behind the sofa, but I don't really have the space for it. So I found a basket I liked and put it behind the sofa, what do you guys think? thank you!

  • 6 years ago

    Not a fan, sorry. Is the basket for storage?

  • 6 years ago

    @tartanmeup that's ok. Yes, it is for storage.

  • 6 years ago

    I see an 'eclecticizing' with posing person and lamp on other side - etc.... and so I like the basket. I wonder if that vibe would increase a bit if small is it a secretary were chalk painted. Or remove the soft colored stool. Sorry, I think it will detract from what you're placing in.

  • 6 years ago

    With all due respect, everdebz, I find Irina's furniture much too pretty to consider chalk painting it.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you @everdebz I think you might be right about the stool. I wouldn't dare to paint any of my furniture with chalk paint though. I'm afraid it would ruin it.

  • 6 years ago

    yeh, I get it. I thought cause of fp you did.

  • 5 years ago

    I know it's been a while, but here is a little update. I was giving it time to the new color of the fireplace, but I think it definitely looks better a lighter color. What do you think guys?

  • 5 years ago

    I didn't reread the whole post, but are you the artist? The paintings add a lot of life to your room. Great colors!

  • 5 years ago

    Your art is so beautiful!! But I do thin a lighter shade may be nicer (just a smaller contrast maybe)

  • 5 years ago

    I was going to ask where you got those fabulous paintings flanking the fireplace, then scrolled up to see you created the artwork. Do you sell your work online? I would definitely lighten the fireplace brick. Could you install plug-in art light above the paintings? Just think of the effect at night! I would also consider a more unique mirror, the round is good, but the mirror looks a little home goodsy. The chair color and style is also off in my eye, especially right in front of the gorgeous teal of the paintings. Did I tell you how much I love the paintings? Maybe someone can photoshop a different color on the chairs, or better yet, a different style. I also adore the end table, but maybe with a metal lamp. Your room has come a long way, congratulations!


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I have missed you! Agree fireplace should be a lighter color..your room looks lovely..I would. Pull a warm neutral out of the rug and fur throw for fireplace.

  • 5 years ago

    Based on the first picture, it looks like she just darkened the fireplace. It used to be light.

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you all for your comments. Yes the artwork was painted by myself and I have an Instagram page it's @artfortherestlessmind. It is mostly a hobby for me, but I've sold some of my paintings to people interested and I've created some commissioned pieces too. @Olychick the fireplace was darkened as suggested by other houzzers, but the color came way more darker than we expected. So, I'll lighten it up again. @Gigi I definitely like the idea of plug in art lights . I'll consider new chairs later on, my furniture is all new, so it's hard to make big changes right now. Thanks again guys for your comments.

  • 5 years ago



  • 5 years ago

    It's 'making sense'... a strong appearance with blocks of color, with 2 shapes of mirror and art.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The fireplace is good with the contrast. It provides dimension to the room. It is looking good.

  • 5 years ago

    I also like it better in dark. I think it makes all the rest pop.

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you @shwshw looking at your pictures I like the dark color better. Thank you all for your comments.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    IMO the dark fireplace is too drastic and should be lightened up somewhere in between the two ...otherwise the room looks awesome! Your art is amazing :)

  • 5 years ago

    @mary44 Thank you!. That thought crossed my mind too. something in between might be best. I'll probably try that after Christmas.

  • 5 years ago

    Show us a photo that includes your sofa and the table behind it. Seeing the fireplace within that context makes that color work and the entire design make sense.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    You still want contrast but that dark charcoal is too much....

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Found this image...the fireplace is the perfect depth of gray for your room...

  • 5 years ago

    @Home Interiors with Ease, I like that color. I'll repaint after the holidays.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Have a wonderful holiday!

  • 5 years ago

    Really doing a lot of great things.....but.....when you began the room, it was full of big dark wood, now it seems to be full of small glass and metal.....I think you need a mix and something really big on the fireplace or nothing at all.....just an opinion, but you are doing great things.....

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Susan I agree..I loved the big trunk coffee table instead..it kept that eclectic vibe going.