Software
Houzz Logo Print
jbranj

Updating/Modernizing Living Room - Opinions needed!

3 years ago

We purchased a new home and I'm curious how to go about updating the living room without painting the beautiful woodwork and doing a major remodel. We typically have a more contemporary/modern style. How would you update this room cosmetically to start (sans this furniture as that is for staging)? Do you think wall paint and decor would do it? As well as eventually replacing the chandeliers. Looking for ideas as we will probably do a bigger remodel in the next few years (i.e. update fireplace). Thanks in advance!




Comments (14)

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Hi. I think the fireplace is fine with nice stone? If fireplace's wood details were replaced with drywall, down to the mantel, I think the 'lines' would be better. Maybe some would want to see photo of fp straight on.

    Could paint just the fp; from paint fan choose a complementing neutral. A somewhat modernized mirror with arched top?

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Repeating upstairs metal spindles in metal would work.. ?

    I happened to see this room - you might want large pieces with no details, same with hammered tables.

    "Rather than trying to hide the black void of the TV, interior design firm TVL Creative celebrated it ... Black window frames, ceiling trim and other black details complement the TV, making it feel like part of the design -a pair of leather armchairs..."

    West Highlands Home Renovation · More Info


    Kaylee Modern Round Hammered Iron Accent Table, 2 Pack, Silver, Gold · More Info


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Because walls are a light neutral, and kitchen is too -- some blue could be fun and comfy! -

    Derby Chair · More Info


    2-Piece Set Hammered Copper Brass Storage Accent Table Coffee Rustic Round Drum · More Info


  • 3 years ago

    Or green with bold frame, a bit like wood framing in the house - nice from back too -

    Chloe Modern Velvet Glam Armchair With Stainless Steel Frame, Emerald · More Info


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I'd start with the chandeliers. Replacing the two of them will have a great impact on the look of the room. For a two story ceiling you can go 32" up to 48" total height of light + hanging rod/chain.

  • 3 years ago

    Whatever you decide to do, the style of new large chandeliers will set the tone and spirit for the entire room. Even if you have to save/wait to get the best fit for your space, don't hesitate to splurge on the chandeliers. I think I'd bring in the furniture you have, then update the chandeliers and see what works and what has to be reconsidered. Beautiful light-filled room!

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I would remove the wall to wall carpeting and put in a hardwood floor.

    I would also consider enlarging the opening of the fireplace or reducing the amount of stone above it. The size of the opening and the amount of stone above it seem out of proportion, unless it is the angle of your photograph.

    I also don't care for the semicircular hearth.

    Also there is something strange about the woodwork above the fireplace.

    Your three photos don't match.

    The third photo has a wood column to the right of the painting that seems to serve no purpose.

    There are also two wooden pilasters on either side of the painting that seem to stop in the middle of nowhere that really do not suit at all, and I would remove them.

    Architectural ornamentation is like jewelry- you have to know when it is too much.

    Whatever you do, don't do anything piecemeal.

    I highly suggest you get the very best designer you can afford and put together a cohesive design for the whole room that incorporates everything, lighting, fireplace, furniture, architectural ornamentation, window treatments, etc.

    Then do what you can as you can afford it.

    By developing a cohesive plan now, you ensure that your home won't look like a crazy quilt, which is often what happens when no all-encompassing plan is developed, and or when there is no knowledgable experienced expert at the helm.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Personally, I don't understand no man's land chandeliers, I would move to one centered in the room and drop lower, then use those other 2 for spots that could shine down on the FP or or built-ins.

    I would add wide plank hardwood floors, and redo the whole FP wall, but I wouldnt waste doing anything until you live there for a while, for now I would get your things in, and live.

  • 3 years ago

    Changing the chandeliers to something that you love would really help set the tone for anything you do down the road. The white carpet is the the other thing that seems “0ff” to me…the vibe with the woodwork and the greenery outside is warm and woodsy….so an area rug that you love would be another good place to start.

  • 3 years ago

    I would consider adding stain-matched, large scale custom paneling to cover the drywall on the window end so the entire wall has great character. There isn’t that much drywall there relative to the rest of the room. You have pretty stupendous window trim right now and a nice view — and that would highlight all of it.

  • 3 years ago

    I find the upper tier of windows to be out of balance with the wall. Fixes would be to panel the entire wall as mentioned by N Johnson, or simpiler, paint out the upper tier trim to match the wall color; leave all the lower wood trim natural.

  • 3 years ago

    Any thought on the 3 [?] ceiling beams whether they seem an "extra look" to you? So, would that be a place for change, by painting them?

    wood railing upstairs?

  • 3 years ago

    Carpet, lighting and fireplace would be my priorities, but only after living there for a year. You never know what crazy issues are going to surface in a "new to you" home. HVAC, roofing and foundation issues could gobble up any extra cash you have for cosmetic work. Meantime, start an ideabook for the overall look you want to achieve in the room. Don't purchase anything that won't fit with the vibe you're in love with. For a quick lift, you could replace the hardware on the cabinetry, light the shelves and style them with 1/3 books, 1/3 decor items and 1/3 open space. I assume the two boxes on either side of the fireplace mantel are lights. A photo taken at night with them turned on would be helpful in sorting out the whole vignette there.

    Jen Lynn thanked decoenthusiaste
Sponsored
Interior Style by Marisa Moore
Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars60 Reviews
Northern Virginia Interior Designer - Best of Houzz 2013-2020!