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ruchimalh

living room help!

6 years ago

I am attempting to create a more cohesive style in my living room. I have an open floor plan and I am struggling to land on a design style for the whole space. I gravitate toward a space with a lot of texture that is cozy but not too cluttered. I also want to infuse color without overloading the senses:). I want to keep our couch and the tree artwork on the high ceiling. Everything else can go. I am open to moving furniture and adding new pieces. I am thinking of changing paint color to something lighter such as a soft white. The long sliding doors covered by curtains has been the bane of my existence!!!! I originally thought I wanted curtains but have struggled to get a polished look. I need privacy at night and something that is light filtering for the day (I posted sliding door covering in a Previous post and am exploring all the great custom options people suggested). Lastly the mantel and the rug.... I currently have an outdoor rug in the space, which I think is too small. I need something washable. Any suggestions for the space would be appreciated.

Comments (33)

  • 6 years ago

    What strikes me is the enormity of the space, but the accessories are very small and many thus looking cluttered. I would clear the pillows and the mantle and the corner spot where you have the tv. Agreed, a much larger rug with all the seating on it would help the cozy look and two matching chairs would lessen the busy look. I would get a rug first, and I see you like patterns. Take your colors cues from the rug for paint and new chairs. That would be a start. Perhaps you can find a rug that has the same colors as the painting -- shades of blue, but no aqua, so the trays on the console would go. Once you get your window covering solved, it will make a big difference.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you for the feedback! I now notice how the small accessories look now:). I found two rugs that are 8 by 10 and will attempt to attach photos. I am wondering if bigger chairs and coffee table will fill in space better? Also debating on shades for the window or custom drapery with some pattern and color.

  • 6 years ago

    Additional question: I want chairs that are not too high as to not block fireplace or tv. Should I keep layout of furniture as Is or shift it to allow for higher back chairs?

  • 6 years ago

    I think I'd do drapery with texture rather than pattern, so that it doesn't create another focal point. The first rug from pottery barn might be the one...perhaps in the blue to bring the color from your art down into the room? What do you use for lighting in the evening? There are no lamps.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you! We use overhead recessed lighting and the light fixture orb in the pictures for lighting.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Nice space! All of the small items are producing clutter. Please first remove all the small, cluttery items.


    While I like the blue tree art, it is really foreboding, hanging so high and dark. Can you find another place for it? You don't need anything on that wall.


    I'd get a sofa and 2 matching chairs.

  • 6 years ago

    Measure out what you want to cover with the rug. I think you need larger than 8x10. Have you considered carpet tiles given your need for washable? I think solar shades would be a clean look.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you CDR design:). Any recommendations for what style of chair?
    Renee carpet times are a great idea! I will look into them. Agreed about possibly bigger rug. I will continue to look into solar shades. Any good brands would be welcomed!

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I think the first issue is the size of the rug. It is way too small and adding to a cluttered look. I don't know what size your couches are, but looks to me that you will need bigger than 8x10'. Also, decluttering all the little thing will help. The scale and presence of the room is very large and strong. This doesn't mean you need masculine pieces , but you do need your pieces to have visual weight. The two chairs are much too fine and delicate. I think chairs with a midcentury feel would be great. They would play off the stone wall, have good design and usually have lower backs on them. Do you need the piece of furniture behind the couch ? If you do , I would remove all the things on it so it doesn't add to the " clutter" feel.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    So any of these rooms appeal to you?


    Carefree · More Info


    Potomac, MD - Commonwealth Building Design - Custom Home · More Info


  • 6 years ago

    Thank you moico inc. I like the first picture. I think I gravitate toward modern farmhouse, Mediterranean or transitional style.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you for the pics CDR Design! I will post some inspirational pics soon:).

  • 6 years ago

    https://ruggable.com/collections/blue-green-rugs#/filter:ss_size:8'x10'/filter:tags_color:Blue

    Maybe an 8 x 10 from ruggable (washable) could pull the blue down to the area where the people live. Not sure it is any larger than your rug now though.

  • 6 years ago

    For some reason the link to the rug on ruggable is not appearing. I will check this site out!

  • 6 years ago

    It took me right there, just now!

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you for the rendering! The rug will need to be 10 by 12 then. Whew! I have a chair I could put in the space. What do you think?

  • 6 years ago

    I have a similar space and have a 10 by 15, I do think you need a larger than 8 by 12.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    No to that chair. It's too fussy for what you want to accomplish. You want very simple, clean lines to complement your sofa. I would go with texture rather than pattern.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    You are looking at rugs and you still have not stated your style or if you want to keep the sectional. This is how people waste precious money......by getting ahead of themselves.

  • 6 years ago

    I stated my style is modern farmhouse or Mediterranean transitional above. In my original post in this thread I stated the couch is staying.

  • 6 years ago

    Definitely start with getting rid of the clutter on your fireplace mantle, corner by the tv, coffee table and table behind the sofa. From there I would search for a larger rug and then mix up the pillows. Also agree with moving the tree art, you wouldn't be able to enjoy it here.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Thanks. Sorry, I missed that about the sectional staying.

  • 6 years ago

    When you simplify, it's easier to see the things you want to show off.



  • 6 years ago

    Thank you for the image groveraxle! I removed carpet and pieces off fireplace. I am now attempting to find a large rug and chair for the space. Also posted an inspiration photo from Houzz ideabook. I have more inspirational photos but have to figure out how to post them:).

  • 6 years ago

    Look for a swivel chair so it can be used for conversation and TV.

  • 6 years ago

    Ruchimalh, there should be a button below the comment field "Houzz Photo." Use that to post your inspiration pics. (At least that's how it works on a computer; don't know about the app.)

    Living Room Refresh · More Info

    BTW, I thought your mantel decor was all right. Maybe could use a larger frame, that's all.

  • 6 years ago

    have you considered solar shades for the sliders instead of curtains?

  • 6 years ago

    Lisa, yes:). Doing research on solar shades as we speak.
    Thank you groveraxle. I will attempt on my computer.

  • 6 years ago

    A bit more commanding focal point for the mantel: