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jenlovesbirds

Help decorate my living area/dining room. Feels unfinished and empty.

4 years ago

Hello! I moved in 6 months ago and I'm having trouble with decorating. I lean towards modern and contemporary. Blacks grays and white, but I also like teals, blue and green.
I still need a dining table and like the concrete style but am wondering if I need a wood tone since I have a lot of gray. Maybe a table by the bird cage and was thinking a bench and hooks in the open side of the entry.
Any help would be appreciated! We are getting married in our backyard in September so I would like the house to feel a little more finished by then.

Comments (30)

  • 4 years ago

    The current table and wicker chairs are just filler until I find something I like.

  • 4 years ago

    The first thing I'd do is search for a large rug for the living room & a coffee table. My favorite way to bring life into a room is with wood accents & live plants. To personalize a space, adding photos of those who live there & friends/family is also great. But, that's just me & might not be your taste. I'd also add a large piece of artwork you like in the dining room (when looking at your first photo, that far wall to the right of the dining room windows). You could lean some cutting boards and a plant against one area of the tiled backsplash in the kitchen. Add an entry rug. I don't dislike the mirror you have leaning in the entry but you need a piece that is vertical & larger on that wall. It could be artwork with the mirror still leaning. Or, if possibly, buy 2 more of the same mirror and hang all 3 vertically to bring height to the space. A wood entertainment piece below the TV could look nice if it does not crowd the room. You could use it to place pictures, plants, or artful pieces you enjoy looking at. Maybe add a throw nice placed on the sectional as well. Once you decide on your dining set, I'd like to see photos. Your place has great potential!

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Checking -- any of these color combos?


    Pillow Perfect Samba Rectangular Throw Pillow, Teal Blue Black · More Info


    United Weavers Jules Stacks Multi Oversize Rug 7'10x10'6 · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Seeing warm honey rattan chairs, I could see this as repeat of them.

    Pillow Perfect Samba Rectangular Throw Pillow, Cinnamon Spice Black · More Info


    Karastan Elements 91203-50101 Rug 8'x11' Multi Rug · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    Might this be like the floor ?

    GDF Studio Angelina Indoor Farmhouse Oak Concrete Dining Table, Natural · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    Called charred wood finish -

    Arkwright Wood and Metal Trestle Table, Charred Ember Finish, 72" L X 42" W X 30" H · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Try taking the painting you have hiding in the hallway and using those colors for the living room. Find a very large rug that is like that — misty, watery, shimmery blues — and put it on the floor.


    Bashian Greenwich Sydney 8'6" x 11'6" Area Rug in Light Blue · More Info


    Get a big round glass coffee table or a set of

    smaller transparent tables you can group.


    Magnussen Zila Oval Cocktail Table in Brushed Nickel · More Info


    Take the bean bag chair out of the room. Think about these kinds of chairs for each side of the TV


    Madison Park Cruz Mid Century Accent Chair · More Info



    Living Room Chair Adjustable Armchairs with Chrome Base - White 2 pcs · More Info


    Arc floor lamp behind the sofa


    Sonic LED Arc Lamp · More Info


    I would put the bird cage on a very low table or box raise it up to fit the outline of the window. Have a hanging plant next to your birds and also a plant on a plant stand. Both.


    Transitional Sunroom · More Info


    Yellow bar stools might be nice.


    Estella Mid-Back Deep Curved Yellow Vinyl Swivel Adjustable Barstool · More Info


    Umbrella holder and 2 floor mats for your entry (hang the mirror and take away the plant)


    Umbrella Stand, Steel, White, Round · More Info



    Rubber-Cal "Nottingham" Rubber Backed Carpet Mat - 2 x 3 feet - Gray · More Info


    Could you tolerate this on the wall behind your future dining table? I think it goes nicely with the birds


    Cognac Monnet Vintage by Leonetto Cappiello Canvas Print, 40"x60" · More Info

    If you go with a spash of orange or red, I would use a chunky fruit-tone wood (cherry, mango etc) with your existing chairs.


    Mango Dining Table - Natural · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    In a big open space like yours, creating zones gives a homier feeling. Here's how to get there:


    The room has so many smooth surfaces. It will feel cozier with some pattern, color, and textures, which you can get via art, rug, pillows, wood table.


    Living room area is now dominated by TV screen and huge sofa. To make the TV recede and add functionality, add a long, modern bookcase/storage piece across that entire wall under the TV--wood that goes with floor or just plain white. Books and items you love on the storage piece, with some art up above, will bring your personality into your living room zone.


    My Houzz: Kid-Friendly DIY Charm in Southern California · More Info


    Add an art work in a subject, style, and color you really like on the TV wall. Notice how the art, the two facing chairs, a rug, and coffee TV elevate this space from just TV watching to hang out/conversational area. Those are the elements your room needs.

    Single Family · More Info


    Everdebz gave you a fabulous palette and textures for a good sized rug for your room--warm colors but with blues that will bring out the taupe and floors. (The United Weavers rug is a knockout. Just make sure you get a large enough rug. You can usually order a small rug to test out colors and texture, return it, then get large version.) She also suggested amazing dining tables. You're on the right track with adding wood elements to the room, so definitely go that direction with your dining table choice, making sure it works with the floors.


    If you're not attached to the bean bag, then add two very comfortable arm chairs in a nubby, texture upholstery, up on legs to balance the couch--this style more or less but in a color you pull from art work and rug. (What's that blue art in the hall? Is it large enough to go on TV wall? If it's too small, look for an art work that echoes the one you have so they "talk" to each other.)

    Ace Chair Wood Frame · More Info



    Round coffee table always gives a "gather 'round the fire" feeling when you pull a couple chairs around the table, facing the sofa.

    31.5 Inch Round Nesting Coffee Tables Set Grey Industrial · More Info


    Rustic Reflections Metal Wood and Glass Coffee Tables, 2-Piece Set · More Info


    Harbor Coffee Table · More Info

    I like Everdebz tables better than this, but I'm showing it so you can see how lighting, a rug, wood finishes, great art create an inviting zone. The wood table works so well with the flooring.


    Ferguson 2020 · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    PS: For your wedding you might just have to rent or buy cheap a rolling coat rack and stash it somewhere. I wouldn’t put hooks in the entryway. You might want to temporarily relocate the birds for that day if they will be affected by the commotion, so you might use that space for guest stuff.

  • 4 years ago

    I agree with a lot of the above.
    Start with a rug.
    Push the couch in toward the tv a snipet. Add a rug.
    Definitely new dining furniture ( use the chairs outdoors, they’re very nice)
    By the entry you need two little benches, or pouf things
    Any window you want privacy on should have a roller shade. And depending on what room it is maybe curtains on top of it too.
    Will try to hunt around for some ideas. But hopefully this helps too :) cute house! And congrats to you guys! 🥂

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Think about adding a wood console table the height and length of the back of the sofa to break up the long sofa back. It can be used as a buffet during parties. You can get a live edge or wood top and hairpin legs cut to size from Etsy. Handmade, natural materials--wood, textiles--work well in modern spaces for contrast and texture.




    Or something off the shelf like this--maybe two side by side the length of sofa.

    Convenience Concepts Tucson Console Table in Black Metal and Cherry Wood Finish · More Info



  • 4 years ago

    @The_Lane_Duo

    Thank you so much for so many great ideas! I found two rugs that I like. The blue one is from ruggable so washable would be really nice. Any ideas on what color entry rug? I love plants, was thinking of a dracaena marginata, maybe to the left of the tv? I also definitely want to get some photos up. Not sure where or how large. I've been keeping an eye out for large artwork for that wall and haven't found anything I loved yet. I like the idea with the mirrors! I wasn't sure if I was sold on the mirror so I hadn't hung it to see how I felt about it but I agree I need to take up some of that space vertically. Thank you!



  • 4 years ago

    @everdebz Hello! Thank you for responding. I unfortunately left out of my post that the wicker chairs are only temporary and not mine. I had added a comment but I'm sure it wasn't very noticeable. I feel bad that you went to the trouble of matching them! I do like the tables you posted but I don't know if I could push in 3 chairs on each side. Our dining area is a bit narrow so the legs have to be out of the way. I also like the style of the teal/orange rug just without the orange. Sorry my chairs threw you off!

  • 4 years ago

    @User I really liked the rug you posted, I found something similar that is washable. What are your thoughts on this square glass table? I know I have all square elements and probably need to switch it up but I do like this one. I like your idea of the plants by the bird cage! I just have to make sure the leaves won't enter the cage. Not sure about raising the cage, right now it's 73" tall about 8 inches taller than me so I wouldn't be able to reach the top if it was any taller. This might be a dumb question but how would I place two mats for the entry? The dining chairs are only temporary. Thank you!



  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Square glass coffee table is fine and will lend sparkle and lightness to the sofa.

    You need to measure, but to me it makes sense to have a good entry rug at the door but also put one under the shelf there so those entering can tuck wet shoes or wet umbrellas there. They don’t need to match, but I think they should be dark and useful. Maybe add a simple stool under the stone shelf for sitting down to take off wet shoes


    Chandra Concrete Stool · More Info


    And a simpler umbrella stand than the one I suggested before


    Office Umbrella Stand Perforated Design · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    @housegal200 I'll look for a storage cabinet but the wall is 15' wide so maybe something smaller? Would you suggest centering it or have it go off to the left with a chair placed where the beanbag is? As much as I love the beanbag I will eventually put it in another room once I find a replacement that I love. I hadn't thought about putting the blue picture next to the tv but would like it with the table below added! I know you posted round but what are your thoughts on this square coffee table? I love the live edge table you posted but I don't know that it would work behind the couch. The back is 12' long and the seat recline and move back it would have to be pretty spaced out from the couch.























































  • 4 years ago

    @Hu-187 It won't let me tag you but I'm confused where I would put the benches or poufs? I took another angle of the entry because I was limited in original post but I could definitely fit one bench to the left. Thank you!


    Also @User I was thinking of putting hooks above a bench on the left empty side of our entry but didn't have an accurate picture. I have a coat closet to the right of the bird cage in the hallway but thought it might be more guest friendly? The wedding is outside in the summer so not concerned about guests items for then and the bird will definitely be gone for the day! 😊


  • 4 years ago

    Hey @Beth H. : You went all out and gave me so many ideas! Thank you! I couldn't figure out what the ruggable rug is made from but it is very thin. I'm thinking that may be ok with me so my robo vacuum can easily get over it. Also with bird poop nothing gets those stains out like the washing machine. Either way they have free returns so I might just go for it.


    The wood accent wall is super cool. I tried going as light neutral as I could with the floors so what wood tone goes well with that? I don't prefer too warm of tones. And would it need to match the color of the wood dining table?


    Is it weird to have alot of storage places like a tv table and a buffet when we really don't need the storage? Roller shades samples are on their way!


  • 4 years ago

    I see now what you mean about the entry. A big yes to putting up coat hooks opposite the shelf and mirror, but in winter do people in your area wear full length coats? Because if so I suggest putting a small bench or a stool under the shelf rather than under the coat hooks. But if mainly you need hooks for hats and jackets a bench could be a nice feature. Or a pair of stools or cubes could work and be easily transported into the living room for added seating in a pinch.


    one rug or mat that fills the whole space of the entry would be best.

  • 4 years ago

    @jennifer
    I meant poufs under the countertop thing by the entryway

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    jennifer, if you want to do a slat wood wall (there are a lot of tutorials on how to do it. it's mainly 1x1 or 1x2 wood 'sticks' that are 8'-10' tall.

    you could use fir and stain them. or you could paint them black.

    or, if you have a bigger budget, get walnut or something similar. walnut you'd only have to oil. it's a red wood. just a medium brown tone that would great w/the floors.

    if you like a more natural color, look at 1x2 white oak pieces. (any lumber place should have them) a satin oil finish is all you would need. those can also be stained a walnut color. (oak is cheaper than natural walnut

    this one is actually poplar that they painted. if you're goign to paint, use poplar wood




    https://brepurposed.porch.com/2020/01/20/diy-wood-slat-walls/

    so, you'd paint the wall black, and attatch the slats. this looks like Alder that has been stained a darker walnut stain.



    here's the lighter stain color.


    you could also get plywood and rip it to 1" pieces (however, plywood and lumber have skyrocketed this last year. it's ridiculous what a sheet of plywood costs.)


    https://simplyalignedhome.com/affordable-slat-wall/

    I think if you even did the entry niche w/some type of slat or design would look great


    I'd go all the way down, and prop paint it black, or do the wall in black and do walnut wood pieces.

    or, I like this too. find a cool black/white/gray piece of art, something more vertical, and hang it. bring in some bright color stools to fit under the marble.


    bring in a entry way rug that matches


    or make a cool design and use that as your art element in the niche

    (I actually made a headboard similar to this one out of scrap wood pieces. came out really cool)


    over on the dining wall, you could easily do a living plant wall





  • 4 years ago

    Can anyone help me in choosing what rug size? Couch is 12' 2" x 7'6"

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    I'm thinking of a 9x12 rug for your room. I would select a rug with orange to pick up the color from your dining room.


    I have brought the color from your sectional onto the wall behind the TV, added a plant and a media unit under the TV

    You might want to bring more of the orange from the dining area to the living area.


    Either of these orange rugs would add a lot of life to the room.




  • 4 years ago

    @BeverlyFLADeziner Thank you for the suggestions! Sorry for the confusion but the wicker chairs are only placeholders and not mine. I actually prefer cool tones like blues and greens. I definitely agree that I need something under the tv! I've been looking but it seems all the really long media stands are pretty expensive. This is the rug I'm interested in.


  • 4 years ago

    Love the blue rug you choose. The wooden accent wall with low board idea is great. Yes, your definitely need art in the dining area. Your space is really lovely! Nice finishing.
    I think you might want to decide on the direction of the dining table and chairs, even if you hold off on purchasing, before cementing what you buy for the living room. That mirrored coffee table is lovely, but could potentially fight a wood accent wall. If you choose the wood accent wall, doesn't need to be walnut if you like lighter wood, white oak, but how much or how little wood do you want to add? I think it might be best to cement your direction a bit more, even if at the end of the day it might not be done by your wedding. You have a great base, flush through your thoughts some more and take your time and do it correctly. Good luck and congratulations!

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    These all come in a variety of finishes.

    https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Berno-Modern


    Wall mounted media stand

    https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/besta-tv-unit-black-brown-70474062/

    The IKEA unit for $99 is available in multiple colors and can be added to in order to make it longer.

    https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/besta-tv-unit-black-brown-hanviken-black-brown-s39328577/

    Consider using BESTA from IKEA. It's very flexible and in expensive and mounts to the wall.

  • 4 years ago

    Hi @modpod, thank you for the compliment! We designed and chose everything together so I appreciate it. I'm thinking I'll wait for the wood wall.. Getting landscaping quotes and it is more than expected!


    @BeverlyFLADeziner Thank you for the links! I'm thinking two of the Ikea units would work well. Tv is 74" wide so that would give me 140"

  • 4 years ago

    @Jennifer C, great to focus on landscaping for your wedding. Take your time and live in the space. I looked at your dining room photos that black table and chairs with blue artwork is great!

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    I think you should shop for paintings or art to put on the wall, add carpet for your living room or add plants to make home less spacious.

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