Here are a few more pics of the family room/kitchen area. And the sectional they have ordered for the living room.

Before you deal with colors, decide on layout, which should always come first even if furniture decisions haven't been made. .

Layout:

Entry

--Place the rug, if that's yours--nice color btw--in front of the double entry doors. The colors introduce the palette right when you walk in.

--Move the lamp piece in dining area elsewhere. Let the sideboard star on its own. (No fake plants.)

--The high windows provide plenty of accent--no off the shelf decor items needed up there. A new chandelier, more modern and dramatic, if there's budget for it, would really add to the drama of the room without needing a lot of decor items.

--I'm totally confused about where living room--not TV family room--is. Is what I'm calling an entryway the living room? If so, then that massive sectional on order will be like parking a truck there. If the entryway is the living room, then a small grouping of armchairs anchored on a rug would work much, much better and they can hang in the family room, which most people do anway. What are the measurements from wall to wall in that space? Can they put a hold on that sectional? I hope some of the pros will weigh in here on the sectional. Color doesn't seem right and the piece itself is huge. The house may have tall ceilings, but the footprint of the dining/living room (if that's what it is) is narrow. This is probably the most you could fit in that entry area:

Lake Bluff custom residence · More Info

--Because of height and huge space, they will need to create cozier spaces at floor level. The way to do that is with large rugs that anchor each area--dining and living room spaces. If they get large rugs, then light or clear coffee table should replace a dark ottoman.

--Consider creating TV on wall across from kitchen, using sofa back to create a walkway between kitchen and other areas with sofa facing that wall to define the space. They could paint that wall blue and add art around TV. Get a long, low, and very wide media piece that fills the wall. (I'm showing this photo because this is the kind of TV watching space your son and partner could create across from kitchen--rug, sofa back creating a passageway, TV on wall with art, and slim media storage unit below.)

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Palette for entire space:

The existing tan goes very well with the floors and the blue space they painted. (Paint the current accent wall same as whatever warm tan chosen for wall paint.) If they want to go lighter, go many shades lighter of the existing tan. Add off-white linen curtains at the window for more light and airiness.

What's needed now is to add more blue and tan accents: pillows, art, more rugs.

Palettes for rugs in tan, blue, ivory. The rug seen, if it's large enough, could go in dining area.

Safavieh Jasper Collection JSP101 Rug, Grey/Gold, 8' X 10' · More Info

Surya Slice Of Nature SLI6407 Grey/Green Modern Area Rug, Rectangular 5' x 8' · More Info

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

housegal200, thank you so much for taking the time to reply with such detailed advice!!!

That is their rug in the front room. They were planning on using it with the new sofa (dark bluish gray, looks grayer in the photo than in real life). Although I do like the idea of placing the rug in front of the double doors. They are pretty casual and were planning to make the front room (living room part) another TV area for when they had friends over. They plan to purchase a new dining table.

Unfortunately the family room is too narrow to put the tv on the side wall, there would not enough room to walk behind the sofa...we thought of that too.

They really want lighter walls so perhaps sticking with the same color but taking it much lighter may give them the look they want. Any suggestions where to start and stop the blue paint? Should they paint the side wall going from the family room to the dining room (see last photo before sofa photo) the blue or new lighter color?

I realize they have a ways to go to pull everything together, the two sofas (dark brown and dark bluish) are the main colors they have to work with so if they find a paint color that will work with both it might be a good start, then they can add in the accents.

Thanks again for you advice!!!

housegal200, I just saw your comments about the living room. Yes, what you are referring to as the entryway is the living room. I don't have the exact measurements but I'd guess it's around 14'. The sectional is large but I think that was the only seating they were putting in there. The reason they were making it another tv room is because my son's fiance works from home and her office is on the other side of the family room wall. Sometimes she works weekends and my son is a big football fan so they thought having a tv in the front room would keep the noise level down on game days.

Honestly, they could save a ton of money in the long run by hiring a color consultant/decorator right now to give them a consultation about color and layout using what they have and suggesting the kinds of pieces to look for once they've lived there awhile. I would guess the #1 Design Dilemma on Houzz for living rooms has to do with sectionals and oversized dark sofas, which suck up all the visual space and don't feel cozy but overwhelming. It's hard to see that big sectional right at the entryway being positioned far enough away to watch a football game. There will be traffic coming in the front door in front of the screen, etc. etc.

Since you're the mom, it's probably a delicate situation to offer any advice at all. If you have one suggestion to make, it might be waiting awhile to buy any new furnishings so they can see how the house actually feels when they've been there awhile. For example, I noted those nice wicker pieces in the kitchen area. However, the counter stools are wrong for the space. That's going to be a squeeze and that location and counter call for one less stool or just half stools tucked under the counter. A round table in kitchen bay area would work better than the oblong one they have. They're buying stuff while working, just after buying a new house, without having lived there that long.

Well, if I said any of this to my kids, I get a one-way ticket out of their house!

There are so many bulkheads and twists and turns, I would paint everything white. If they can find out the white of the woodwork, suggest all the walls be that white in eggshell finish.

Add a area rug over the white tiles, something chunky and fun.

And use this house for inspiration. The HomeBunch has links for furniture, as well.

https://www.homebunch.com/classic-colonial-home-design/

Keep in mind that less is better. Lots of furnishing aren't necessary.

housegal200, They did pay for a paint consultation, someone through the paint store, but didn't really like her one suggestion. They had to pull teeth to get a few more options. I suggested the SW Canvas Tan thinking it was a lighter version of what they have but a completely different color. Would you happen to have any recommendations on the best source to search for a reasonably priced decorator/color consultant?

I understand your point about the large dark sectional at the entrance and the distance to the tv from the sectiona, I'm going to point that out. I think they are pretty set on using that space as an extra tv area. They would never use the space as a formal living room and don't want to put furniture in there just for looks but never sit there.

The table in the kitchen nook is round. I think the photo distorted the shape. They purchased the table and barstools from the previous owners so I think the barstools are staying for now. Perhaps down the road they will replace them with lower ones.

My husband and I suggested the same thing about living in the home for a while before making too many decisions. They have been in a month and are getting antsy. You know, as a parent yourself, we can only say so much before we get exiled.

Thanks again for your on point comments/observations. Really appreciate you taking the time to evaluate their setup.

judianna20, thank you for your suggestions. I love all white and you make a good point about the bulkheads and twists and turns. Unfortunately they are not interested in all white, they are worried about it looking too cold and sterile, that's why they are looking for a warm, light neutral.

I will definitely pass on your idea and the link to HomeBunch.

Thanks again!!!!

Take down the dark curtains and hang plain white ones that work with the floor. That will change the lighting right away, day and night, and help with paint selection.

The existing tan color is good, works with floors and their blue walls, but too dark for them. Get a paint strip that matches existing color then go many,many shades lighter on the color/wheel strip. Buy a quart of it and see how it looks next to their blue walls.

It's too bad the paint store person wasn't right for them. They really need a decorator to come in, take measurements, evaluate lighting, pull everything together. It's a perfect time to hire one for a consultation on layouts color, furniture choices going forward. They're making the rookie mistake of buying things in a rush one by one without proper measurements, without making sure that every piece coming in relates in some way to the "givens" (floors, size, color, style, lighting). The sofa on order, for example, is going to swallow up their lovely rug and block the flow into the house. But this is how people learn.

Below is an example of ideal measurements for laying out a living room. There are many articles on this subject on Houzz and elsewhere--how to hang art, lay out a bedroom, pick right-sized furnishings and TV, place lighting. Maybe gather some of these for them to guide their choices. Good luck!

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/living-roodm-layouts-the-ideal-measurements-for-everything-in-the-room-206734

housegal200, thanks again for your great suggestions!

They were already planning to get rid of the blue curtains but I think taking them down now while choosing a paint color is a great idea. I passed on the apartment therapy link, that has nice concrete guidance.

Unfortunately between buying the house and getting ready for a wedding they don't have a lot of spare cash to spend on decorators. As you said, live and learn!!

Thanks again!!!

housegal200, curious to know your thoughts on something they just filled me in on. They are considering not using the formal dining area (blue accent wall) as a dining room but rather a separate small sitting area with a couple of chairs with a table in between. Would that look totally out of place? They feel the table in the kitchen area is sufficient seating for them. I did mention it would be nice to have a larger table for holidays, etc. but they don't think they will use it.

Another question I had, I have not mentioned it to them yet...Since they seem to be set on the sectioanl in the living room, would it look ok with a sofa table behind the part of the sofa that sticks out from the wall and faces the front door? Thought that would be better than walking in and staring at the back of the sofa. Possibly put a plant in the corner by the windows.

Here is an example of a layout with conversation chairs arranged around a table instead of a sofa (too formal for your couple, but you get the idea). I was going to suggest comfortable leather swivel chairs at the entryway that could be turned to face the TV instead of the sectional the way these chairs face the fireplace. Such an arrangement would be so welcoming as an entryway layout. "Come sit down. Have a drink!" But they seem determined to have a two-sectional sofa house.

I can't picture that sectional in that entry space without it being an obstacle to anyone coming in. I suppose a sofa table would be a place to drop mail, keys, etc. and soften the sofa back. As an experiment, they should move their current sectional to the front to see if their plan is feasible. If it fits well, then tell housegal200 to take a hike! If it doesn't, then they can cancel the delivery and rethink the space.

Their rushing decisions piecemeal, I'm afraid, is going to be costlier than a one-time consult with a decorator. There are people who specialize in helping new homeowners avoid mistakes. If you want to give them a wedding present that will save them thousands, give them a measuring tape and a roll of washi tape to at least get an idea of what they're working with spacewise. The footprint of the spaces are already too small for the scale of the furniture they have. The best advice is to suggest that they wait.

Do they absolutely have to have the whole thing painted before the wedding? I'd wait until at least six months after the wedding. Once the previous owners' decor and blue curtains are gone, it will look much different. Their new blue paint is lovely. A much lighter beige than what's on their now would coordinate well. This is an expensive painting job because it is two stories of open space and should not be rushed into.

apple_pie_order, thanks for your reply. The wedding isn't until March so that would be quite a while to wait. They realize it is a big job, that's one of the reasons they are feeling a bit overwhelmed. Seems the general consensus is to go with a much lighter shade of what is currently on the walls. It might be worth painting part of a wall to make sure the color they choose is the right one before hiring painters and then there is no turning back.

housegal200, you are correct, they are set on being a two sectional family. My son said the right side of the sectional would end about where the rug ends, in the 2nd picture I posted, according to his measurements. I guess we will wait and see.

I looked at decorators in the "Find Professionals" here on Houzz for their area and they are all very expensive with most of their jobs starting in the tens of thousands. Not sure they would be interested in such a small job. I think they would love someone to come in for an hour or two to give advice but that seems hard to find someone willing to do that...or I'm looking in the wrong places haha.

Thanks again for your feedback!!!

Checking back in with an article about very affordable online design services that help people use what they have, make new purchases. One of them, Modsy, is particularly recommended for figuring out spaces, what will fit, where pieces should go, etc.

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/expert-advice/online-interior-design-services-for-every-type-of-homeowner/

MODSY: https://www.modsy.com/online-interior-design-packages/

IF you can get your mind around the FACT that the front room, as planned, is to be a man cave and football haven, the sectional will be easier to swallow. Most people don't like to be lined up as if they're on bleachers at a sporting event, but maybe that's exactly the vibe he and his buds are comfortable with. Perhaps you should move on to trying to influence your DIL to use a chaise sofa in the other space instead of another big man cave sectional. If you aren't comfortable on their furniture, take your own folding chair when you visit!

Young people have to learn from their own mistakes, so there is no sense battling with them over the sofa. They may be right about the formal dining room with both the table and chairs in the kitchen area and the counter seating. They will figure out what they need and Mom will become increasingly smart as the years go on.

The internet is notoriously bad at depicting color, so the only way to get it right is by testing.

These are some colors I would start with.

We had a chaise sofa combo that we are using, but I plan to replace with smaller sofa and another guest chair. Only been in a couple of months but we love the wall color and how it looks in each different space.

If they don’t want an off white then I love SW Sea Salt. Beautiful color and goes with most anything. Green/gray but looks different in different light. Have them get paint samples and narrow choices down then order samples ready made from samplize.com. These are 12 x 12 pre made samples with peel off backing. You can peel corners back and stick to walls, move them around and see what their light does to colors in their light.

I think SW Agreeable Gray, Big Chill and Repose Gray could look nice with the blue accents possibly even Modern Gray (which is really more of a taupe). Also worth checking out if they want to keep things a touch warmer would be SW Natural Tan, Natural Linen and Canvas Tan. Whites and off whites are good options too, maybe SW Aesthetic White, White Duck or Creamy. I’m not as familar with benjamin moore but I think Gray Owl would look pretty with blues.

Around here all forms of gray are out. Off whites are in with strong color accents or all neutrals with black accents.

I can certainly understand not wanting all white/off white paints everywhere. Different boats float different folks. I like their accent wall.

Since they have the option to paint later, work on furniture and drapes first (I couldn't- mine was an original build and GC wanted to paint prior to laying down trim etc...)

SW volunteered to send out a color consultant, but I declined. Instead, most if not all the paint companies provide printed out color palates of colors which usually go together. I went with SW Global Spice, your son & DILs preferred color palette profile will differ. I love their Canvas Tan as a warm white, but they have others in a warm white color if they change that notion. Don't worry about what's "in", if you/they prefer otherwise. Unless they plan to sell in 1-2 years.

I'd have to see the living room drawn out to scale to think of best furniture layouts or size choices. But you'll see more than 3 people sitting on the currently planned sofa! Even without a game on.

What is your daughter in laws favorite color? Does she really love blue or did she get swayed by the last owners blue choices?

Knowing what colors make your heart sing is a great place to start with color and furniture color choices. I love purple. I don't have purple walls or purple furniture, but I have art and accessories that have purple. I have purple bath towels and the neutrals that I chose for my home work well with purple. I picked a taupe (purple undertones gray/beige). I also chose my flooring and it is also a taupe.

Taupe in your son's home would likely go purple or pink because of the floor tiles that seem to have yellow undertones, so her choices are limited to what works with the floor tile, but should also complement the things she will buy for her home.

If she loves clear, bright tones the art will look better on white walls then beige or greige walls.

If she loves peach and cornflower blue a soft cream color will look better than gray.

A good indicator of the colors that she will want in her home is the colors that look good with her skin tone, hair and eye color. We are generally vain and love the colors that make us look like a 10. When you see those colors it triggers happy memories and in turn makes us feel happy.

This should help narrow the choices and land her in a happy place.

(Yes - I ignored your son's color choices. In general, men are less interested in color. Genetically, they see color less accurately, but they see motion better than women. Most of the men that I know where the colors their wife or girlfriend picks for them. If this is not true of your son, his choices should also be considered).

Wow, I was blown away by all of the new comments since yesterday. Thank you so much to each and every one of you who took the time to add your suggestions/opinions. This is such a wonderful site and am so grateful for the great advice that is coming our way.

housegal200, thank you for checking back in and providing the info on the online design services!! That is much more in line with what they are able to spend at this time. I passed on the links to my son.

decoenthusiaste, thank you for your input. I have no issue with a sectional in the front room, it is their home and they should furnish it according to how they want to live in it. My concern, along with a few others on this thread, is the size of it for the space. As for the seating in the other room, they recently purchased that sectional and it is staying. The previous owners had one very similar to it and they liked how it looked. Case closed on that one. I am sure I will be quite comfortable on whatever furniture they have, but thanks for your suggestion of bringing my own chair. :)

Jennifer Hogan, you were more than generous to take the time to apply a photo of their room to the SW Visualizer, thank you so much!! The lighter colors really do make a difference. I have forwarded the photos with the paint colors on to my son, great tool for him to use and another good starting point for paint color selection.

Yes, his fiance does like the color blue, one of the reasons they painted the kitchen/family room that color. I just don't think they want the entire home (main areas...stairway, upstairs since it is open to the first floor) blue. They both are invested in this project but I think she may have the final say haha.

Flo Mangan, thank you for your detailed advice and offer to help with furniture sizes and layout. As I mentioned earlier they have already purchased the sectional, they are just waiting for delivery sometime in Aug. I'm not sure what the cancellation/return policy is but I believe the only way they would change their mind is if they were to see a rendering of it in their space and are unhappy with how it looks.

Thanks for the tip on Samplize, I just told them about it yesterday, such a wonderful product.

On a side note, your new home is beautiful, I love how light and bright it looks. Thanks again!!

tesslarox, thank you so much for your paint color suggestions. I will pass them all on to my son and his fiance. Canvas Tan was a color I had mentioned to him so it's nice to hear someone else suggest it too. Creamy was also suggested by Jennifer Hogan. They are getting some great suggestions so hopefully they will be getting closer to narrowing down their selections.

artemis_ma, you have made some valid points about working on the furniture and drapes first. They are mulling over what to do in the dining area (not sure if you saw an earier post of mine that mentioned they may not use it as a dining room but rather as an additional sitting area) so their furniture shopping has hit pause. I almost feel like they need to get the sectional in place, (if they don't change their mind about it) see how the space looks and go from there. I do know they are anxious to paint, they really dislike the current color.

They plan to be in the home for at least 5 years so no need to worry about having it a "marketable" color, though they do want to stay neutral.

I have asked if they were able to get me the room drawn to scale, haven't heard back yet...they are both super busy with work, that's why mom has been assigned this job. :)

I will pass on any drawing I may get. I do know the room is 14' 8" wide, not sure how long. The sectional they have on order is 125" long and the right side (looking at it) is 96" deep. Don't kow how deep the chaise part (on the left, facing the sofa) is but it is less than the right side.

Thanks again to EVERYONE who replied, you have been very generous with your time and advice, truly appreiate it!!!

Given the sectional measurements you provided it is way too big for this space. With 14.5 wide BUT with a “walk way” you remove 3’ from that width. So, it is really tight. Gosh, I hope they can do this. Stack up empty moving boxes the size and shape of that sectional. I am going to do a quick scale drawing making some assumptions. I hate to see them making big purchase and being stuck with it. Bbl

I couldn’t wait so I “guestimated” room and sectional sizing. Here is layout (from photos and your info). All front door traffic will pass in front of TV. Plus, TV wires etc will be viewed when entering space. None of this hood. Now I will switch things around and see if there is a better layout.

Here is Option 2. Less desirable IMO. But you could put a small desk in front of windows in this option.

Here is Option 2. Less desirable IMO. But you could put a small desk in front of windows in this option.

Here is Option 3 my pic so far. Creates little reading nook and adds bookcases. Has TV on long wall but adds either half round ottomans that could be pulled over for extra seating or accommodate a pair of half round tables with lamps flanking the TV.

I put a 84” long sofa which can seat 3 for game day! So seats 5 plus 2-3 additional if chair in reading area is a swivel and you have either half round ottomans or a couple small scale chairs pulled in from another room.

Hope this gives them some better ideas as they consider furnishings.

Thanks for creating the sketches of the two options. I think they planned to set it up as you have it in Option 1. I agree it will be REALLY tight!! They no longer have their moving boxes but I will pass on your comments...again. :)

Hopefully with the new smart tv's and a media stand, the wires should be hidden behind and not very visible when entering. I don't think there will be a lot of traffic going back and forth to interfere with watching the tv. Most other action will be in the back of the house by the kitchen and outdoor patio area. I agree Option 2 is less desireable but always an option if #1 is a total failure. Thanks again!!!!

Flo Mangan, I really like your Option 3!! That takes into account the dining area being a separate sitting area too. And if the two chairs on either side of the sofa were swivel that would be great for watching a game. The chair facing the bookcases seems a little strange being next to the other chair but facing in the opposite direction. Any other ideas for that?

You are welcome. I wish them the best in their new home. Should be wonderful!

@flo mangan: They don't need moving boxes. They have an actual sectional they can try in that space now--a bit of a hassle to push it out there--but it would give them a pretty good idea of whether the second sectional would work. Your excellent layouts show how tight it would be.

I just spoke to my son after sending him the wonderful layouts from Flo Mangan...he was impressed and said they may actually consider changing their plans for the sectional. I told him quite a few people thought it was going to be very tight and he seems open to suggestions. Thank you all for your wisdom, and Flo Mangan for taking the time to prepare the sketches!!!!

I thought all 3 chairs should be swivel and then the "reading" are could be a separate area with both of those chairs swinging toward each other. You could do bookcases in the niche, or a console table with a great piece of art above it. Just depends on what they need and want. Measurements I used have to be verified of course, but I assumed the stairs, entry to the back of the house and that front door/ and indent at front of house all take up square footage. I also put a 9 x 12 rug (dotted line) in Option 3 which would be very nice, because you have more of the tile covered, it anchors the space and gives a comfortable walking path. If they put the TV on that long wall (TIP) MAKE SURE they don't hang it too high. It should be while seated on sofa/sectional, the center of the TV is at eye level. Most hang them too high. Plus there is that drop down ceiling along that wall, so note that for them.

That makes sense, thanks for the explanation. Once again thank you for the different suggestions for the dining area, I like the idea of a console with a nice piece of art. And great tip about the TV!! You are a wealth of knowledge!

@Flo Mangan you are always so helpful, wondering if you might have some insight o colors for the exterior of my home. I recently posted, but can’t figure out how to tag you in the post.

Hi! I got your message. I am looking at these choices right now but it would help me understand the colors if you could give me actual color names and numbers for group 2 and 5. Then I can analyze those colors and give a better recommendation backed with data.