Lafayette · More Info

I would switch out the rug for a vintage oriental rug_ I paid $275 for this one and $150 to clean it- cheaper than an acrylic rug from home goods. Very mid century appropriate and adds a layer of texture that works with anything. I can't see the rest of the house but the fireplace surround seems more traditional than anything else in the room.

Thank you! i have one with lots of red. should i look for one with tones that better match the picture above the mantle? i feel it might be too ”busy”. i am also painting the fireplace. Not sure what color yet.

It's a room with mid century style case pieces, a VERY traditional mantel, and an unfortunate reclining sofa, also very traditional. What is the goal for the space, other than a warm up? Reclining sofas negate a cocktail table........always looks weird and empty.

I'd look for neutral TEXTURE. Broadloom stores abound with sisal , jute selections that can be bound to any size you want. To the inch.

Ignore the purple. Unimportant in the space. A warmer wall color perhaps in order?

Get a coffee table, and layer a smaller boho beneath the table

Hi. Lot's of potential here, but you need to start with arranging the furniture and accessories.

The large, dark pieces of art are looming large over the room. They feel oppressive.

Would you consider remodeling the fireplace?

If not, either hang a smaller tv over the fireplace or straighten the console and put the tv on an articulating arm that you can pull out.

I rarely recommend a tv over the fireplace, but could work with a remodel of it and a lower tv. Consoles never look good angled in a corner.

Could you please post photos of all 4 walls?

Without knowing the dimensions I am just guessing that this would work.

Strip the room of art and furniture with the exception of the Sofa, Ames chair and TV Console.

Place the furniture as illustrated below - moving the sofa back to align with the end of the window.

Get a large patterned area rug that works with your sofa.

Once that is done get a large piece of art for the wall behind the sofa.

Determine if you need any additional furniture in the room.

C tables or a set of stacked end tables may work with your reclining sofa.

A wall color can be chosen from the colors in the carpet.

Art should incorporate the colors in the carpet.

Remember more isn't always better, sometimes it is just more.

No. She stated..........."Not much for pattern. She HAS art

I would start by putting tv on the console table, it’s overwhelming the corner. Your wood furniture is super cool but the sofa has to go.

I feel the many pieces of furniture lining the walls, the sectional and single chair‘s placement and the size/location of art are not doing anything justice.

- Can you try sectional back a few feet with the wood piece on that wall turned and placed as a console table behind sectional. Accessorize and add a lamp. I would place the large green art on that wall to ground sectional (and its size will work better there as well).

- Place mirror to right of window, move the large art to where the two pictures are and hang them on left of large window, one above the other. I think this movenent will increase the art’s appreciation and feel more balanced.

- Move single chair and ottoman to the left of fireplace, which will balance tv and be in a more practical location.

- I’d get a huge square coffee table and layer with great books and accessories.

Finally your rug question, I like the idea of a sisal or hemp, and let the art and cushions be your pops of color.

I took more photos. i’m open to all suggestions. i am definitely open to remodeling the fireplace and getting different furniture to replace the purple sectional. it is also awkward cause it really only seats two. i feel like there are too many brown pieces of furniture in the room. The wood furniture is part of a bedroom set and i have matching nightstands. i do not like the geometric rug. i can remove anything if anyone thinks pictures with less would help. i have thought of putting the tv (or a smaller one above the fireplace. i like the idea of a sisal rug with another one under a table if i keep the sectional. maybe a softer sofa and cozy chairs would be nice? everything seems very separate to me right now if that makes sense. nothing feels tied together. i agree that sometimes less is more! PS. my husband made me the walnut and concrete dining room table. i know it is a bit big for the space.Or, maybe the chairs are too big. 😀 Thanks so much to everyone. i have been so frustrared with this space.

I played around with the room. here are photos.

Liking your progress!

You may want to read this article on selecting art. I like what you have, but the black and white somehow feels out of place for me. I would probably also separate the two pictures that are above/below one another - might try one on each side of the window and removing the mirror or trying one where the black and white is an one in the current space.

You have really great pieces and artwork to work with. I'd get your furniture layout figured out first. The tv can work next to the fireplace if you use a console under it that can placed flat on the wall so it isn't so imposing. The red rug you posted looks perfect if it's sized right. It doesn't need to "match" your artwork as long as it works with your sofa. The two main items in the room that don't seem to belong are the sectional, and the fireplace. Both could be updated and you would have a really amazing space. I'd do a flat linear tile on the fireplace, and look for a more streamlined sofa or sectional.

Traditional Persian Rugs · More Info

When you want to redesign a room, unless you take these steps, you will likely waste $, time and not get the outcome you want.

1) Seek photos of rooms you would like your room to model. Post them in your ideabook and here.

2) Come up with a functional floor plan. You can use your existing furniture to help with that.

3) Based on the chosen floor plan and the look you want, decide what furniture you want to keep and need to buy.

4) Buy any needed furniture.

5) Add decor/art.

Notice that adding decor is the last thing you will be doing.

I love the art, the one chair, and the wood furniture. but that sectional is just dragging everything down the tubes! get a new sofa and rug and you're basically there

I love these neutral colors in your room. you art and wood furniture will really stand out.

you mentioned warmer up the room. I think htese elements would look fab w/your walnut pieces

Emeryville Design Project · More Info

I like the camel leather. look at ARticle leather sofas,

here's my Article leather in black, w/their walnut chair. I have bright art and a vintage mcm console

both of these are more mcm style.

instead of a rounded sectional like you have, what about a smaller one w/a chaiseat one end?

Your bedroom furniture is lovely but doesn't really fit the space. I would get two matching MCM or contemporary credenzas to put on either side of F/P. Put TV above one and decorative objecta on the other. If your sectional is not comfortable I would certainly replace it. Your art over F/P is interesting but is too large for the space. Shop your art collection for something that will allow for a 8" or so border on each side of mantle. As far as a rug, browse online for something you like.

So...1. new credenzas, 2. new sofa or sectional in cozy fabric, 3. change out art 4. look for rug. Then you can choose coffee table, end tables, etc.

I’m a bit overwhelmed, but thank you to everyone!

Katherine, it can be overwhelming. That is why, you need to break it down into the steps I recommended below. Otherwise, it becomes a jumble of ideas and mistakes.

Overwhelmed always comes from not beginning AT the begin : )

Draw and measure the entire space, Windows, doorways, walls. INCHES. Pencil, graph paper and a tape measure. Scan it and upload as a jpeg.

Measure all the case pieces. The brown stuff. Note all of them separately in the text with that drawing. Everything else is just wishing and hoping.

And that is how pros begin. With a plan. What and where and what size.

Don't feel bad. This is where most people start. They aren't quite sure what is wrong. So, they choose a couple of accessories and ask for help with those, thinking they will make that one change that will transform the room.

Actually most of the threads here on houzz are like that: "What should I add to my mantle to finish it?" Meanwhile, I look around the room and no amount of anything on the mantle will help.

Some people have the idea that designers are hap-hazardly flitting about, making decisions on the fly. No, a true designer uses a lot of math and planning.

Imagine you had a friend who wanted you to take a look at her outfit for a very formal wedding she would be attending. She wanted, specifically, for you and other friends to look at her jewelry. So, she did a little fashion show for you.

In, she came, clad in raggy jeans, a t-shirt, flip-flops and blue jewelry. Friends jumped in with differing opinions. Some thought the jewelry did not match the outfit. Others didn't like the style of the jewelry. Others thought is was perfect.

You stood there wondering: well, the outfit itself is not appropriate for the occasion, so why are we focusing on the jewelry? Let's get the outfit straight first. Does it reflect who she is? Does it fit in with the occasion she will be attending. Is it comfortable on her? Does she love it?

That is what a designer sees, but instead of an outfit, it is a room.

You actually have some great pieces to work with.... and you are open-minded. That is the good news!

I think the reconfiguration has really made a difference and there are great bones to work with; as well, a coffee table and the right rug will make a difference. Take your time with the wood pieces, play around with their locations, remove one or two etc. You’ll slowly get a sense of what the space needs and if you really need new seating. Add small touches to warm room up like cushions, great lighting and a tall plant.

I'm biased because I am a textile artist and sell quilts BUT I highly recommend adding in more fabrics for a cozy, comfortable home. Pillows and throws really bring the vibe of a room together. And curtains!

I am not good with math and i am not naturally a planner. i think i need some professional guidance and help. everyone’s help here has been really and truly appreciated. 😀

Please feel free to message me if I can help in any way. You have some really nice pieces, just need a plan and to take the right steps. Good luck!

You CAN use a tape measure. You CAN draw a simple sketch of the space. You don't need to be good with math. The answers are on the tape measure. Get a friend to help you, or ask the DH to help. Otherwise, ? You are whining. : )

The free help is right on this site, but you have to yank up your panties and measure. All of design is inches and a PLAN. Or it is mistakes and regrets, or a waste of resources. You decide.

It is NOT hard

https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Floor-Plan-to-Scale

- If you need help with accessorizing, look on Houzz and Pinterest for MCM living rooms or better yet, mood boards. Accessorizing will go a long way in making your room come together. Even pro’s try out different items, so just bring home and test.

- If you need help with rearranging, editing, a stager is probably all you need or a friend who has a design knack, as it shouldn't take much to fine tune.

- If you want a new couch, advise your budget and style preference and you’ll get lots of advice here. If you can provide measurements and even a floor plan, you’ll receive numerous ideas.

- If you don’t have the time or desire, be sure to find an interior decorator that resonates with your tastes, needs and budget.

Just a few additional questions. Does the Falster, wood furniture i have on the back wall of the living room look like it belongs in a bedroom? or, are the pieces ok incorporated in a living room? I don’t like their placement, but just wonder if i should move them back to the bedroom. and, is the art above the fireplace too large for the space? i am really liking the idea of a camel colored leather sofa. I am measuring the space and furniture and will take one step at a time.

Art over F/P is too wide. Look at Houzz photos to see what looks best. Also, your bedroom furniture is too bulky for the room. Why not start with a blank slate and design what you want instead of settling for something that's not working for you.