I think 8 x10 in LR might be too big. It's just a accent. Show off wood floors. Beige is beige. It does nothing for rooms. Go a satin look in peacock on panels. See Bed, Bath n Beyond, for look. Leave more window exposed. Blinds can stay just pull up and have bamboo shade cover them. Blinds look too doctor office. Should hide them when not needed.

Thanks travisinteriors , would you suggest track lighting for the living room ceiling? I was thinking of that since the wiring is already there something needs to be there .

Yes trac lights would be much better. Ikea has some inexpensive stainless. That you can twist and turn to make art on the ceiling. Lowes has some smaller ones that would work too. Great idea.

@ Genevieve and travisinterior Track lighting my husband suggested but I had no idea if people did that. Lol. So stainless steel? He'd def like that since he wants something more masculine

Bamboo shades? I need to look that up-Not familiar with the look!

Great minds think alike:))

this look?

bamboo shades

follow this link for more images
http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/living-room/bamboo-shades-

So would this mean I have to remove my white blinds? Not sure we can afford to do brand new blinds....

Since I do have. 4 yr old and two other kiddos time, is a round ottoman a better choice for LR with a smaller accent table next to zebra chair?

What size rug if not 8:10? The placeholder rug is 5/8 and that seems too small? (In LR)

Here is what my room originally looked like....

http://houzz.com/discussions/439971

you may not have to change the blinds immediately but maybe later on.
Set your priorities and progress from there.

after seeing the original room you have made significant progress.
Take your time and enjoy the process!

In answer to your question.......yes the side table would fill up the space by the window next to the zebra chair.

Please don't go with track lighting! It's very basement office and looks so commercial. You need a hanging fixture to draw the eye up to the ceiling and to fill that empty space. If you want more masculine choose something along these lines.

You could go with a neutral carpet or one with some blue tones to draw from the painting. I find the brown and beige one has the illusion of zebra print. :)

Although I prefer an actual table in this design, a round upholstered ottoman is a good idea when taking the kids into consideration. Since your couches are light and have plain fabric, go for a darker tufted ottoman.This store offers custom-made ottomans.....very interesting! http://www.bassettfurniture.com/tools/custom-upholstery/ottomans/custom-ottoman.asp

Since you mentioned the table lamp........definitely go for something taller. It seems this teal lamp was made for your LR! Or a charcoal one would work well also. Both from West Elm.

Just a side note.......the drapery rod is too high. It should be halfway between the ceiling and the window. :)

I agree drop rod dn about 8-10"

Personally I don't like blinds at all. A cheaper (and nicer!) option would be to remove the blinds and add a printed sheer instead. You could also go with a plain sheer.

I disagree on dropping the rod on drapes! What you need to do is add dark bamboo matchstick style blinds and also mount those higher than existing white blinds. About 4 inches down from ceiling should work perfectly....LOVE your drapes as is! Check Amazon for dark bamboo blinds.

@ Lydia where is that last masculine light fixture from?

In regards to bamboo blinds: so hang them high up versus to fit window?

Also-any suggestions for area rug and size for Living Room?

Hang them about 4 inches below ceiling to make windows appear even larger. This will also tie in well with the height of your drapes which are PERFECT! I just had a chance to view your original LR and DR thread... what an amazing transformation!

Here's the link for the ceiling fixture: http://www.zgallerie.com/p-12793-eclipse-chandelier-english-bronze.aspx

There are already a few suggestions posted for rugs. Do you like any of those styles or would you want something different? Don't know what size the rug you have is but you should go one size bigger.

I don't understand hanging a bamboo blind higher than the window?? The window is big enough already but it seems smaller because the curtains are hung too high. You might even consider changing the rod for a bigger one. I have a huge window with 8' ceilings and this is how I hung my curtain rod.....halfway between the window trim and the ceiling. Roll over the picture to see it full size. Sorry not the best quality pic....it's very sunny!

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-hooked-Alexa-Moroccan-Trellis-Wool-Rug-76-x-96/5777719/product.html?refccid=4TRBEDH25H4ZUFCMFIIR27TKK4&searchidx=289

OR:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Rug-Collective-Handmade-Indoor-Outdoor-Lattice-Trellis-Rug-76-x-96/6437632/product.html?refccid=3FYGT3TJUDELKHKOKK46ZQ5WCQ&searchidx=385

Trying to find "blue'ish" rug, how is the above one for LR? I liked Lydia's Moroccan looking one but cannot find it?

Here is what I bought for DR:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Watamu-Beige-Brown-Animal-Rug-8-x-10/5981408/product.html?refccid=ZLSKREWFRBXY5PCHUXNAFE7DZQ&searchidx=306

Still deciding the bamboo/sheer debate. I am so confused. LOL

Looking for new chandeliers. Going to return both if I can.

Coffee tables: this to me is the hardest part.

Got my leopard rug and removed blinds :-)

Still looking for a new Dining Room Light fixture!!

Or zebra.......you are tooooo excited and you should be! It looks awesome! Cannot believe how different the room looks!!!

@abbyjean, thanks!!!!

Yes I cannot believe how the rug changed the room :-)

I wonder if I could do a different animal print in LR but with blue and cream tones?

OK, I just have to ask.....is that a box of wine on the dining room table?? WHAT FUN to have all that on hand now!

LOL! Yes it is! My parents are in town visiting, and they ALWAYS fill up my wine rack! ;-)

Well, they are just the best company ever! And how nice they got to be there to help get the rug and drapes figured out!

You mentioned changing the ceiling fixture in the dining room. What are you thinking of getting? The one you have is fine except that it's way too high!! Did you try lowering it? It would avoid another expense. :)

@ Lydia, unfortunately, we don't have the extension for the fixture anymore. ;-( Which is a bummer. so it is basically stuck at that height. I am looking for an affordable one to replace it with. Trying to stay consistent with both rooms--so silver? Or something similar?

Rug: yeh it may be best to go with a different pattern. I love that rug you posted, but shoot it's $900, more than I wanted to spend. I think I'll look on overstock and hayneedle. ;-)

That is a bummer! Silver would be a good choice to continue the flow of the two rooms. I have a rug from Dash & Albert and it's very good quality but I understand about the budget. I like the design on the one you posted from Overstock but I find it's too blue not enough gray. There's such a huge choice of rugs I'm sure you'll find something that fits your style and budget!

Is this too weird? Kinda liked the rug--love the zebra one Lydia posted, but is it ok to have two zerbra rugs in one room?

I think your drapes are hung perfectly. Every inspiration photo you've posted has drapes hung the same way. Could just be a regional thing, we almost always (unless there are clearstorys) hang drapes at the ceiling rather than in the middle of the wall between the window and ceiling.
Your new DR rug transforms the entire room! I thought it was an inspiration picture until I noticed your mirror.

You wanted blue and cream and found it! Looks like the perfect shades of those colors, too! Do they have the size you need?

@ abbyjean they do!!! So u think it'll work?

SNATCH IT UP! I LOVE IT!

@Maguire, Thanks so much for your feedback!! I have spent months trying to find my peace in these rooms LOL one down :-) & a few to go!!

We just got other rug!

Is this size ok? LOL I hope so!

THAT rug was made for your room! I love it!

Great rug! Perfect colors and size. Don't you love it?

Now you need your parents to come back to see THIS rug.....and maybe bring more wine!!!

I love the transformation of your LR .. The rug is Perfect & Fun!! Great find :)

Omg so excited its been approved by my houzers LOL

My parents left Sunday so just missed the rug! I better fly them out!!

Now that I have my rug, Next-a new coffee table!

Should I do round or rectangle? Ottoman or table...? With he rug, I am thinking oval or round table and expresso color?

Also, a little something next to my zebra chair?

@lydia, where is the chrome looking side table from? I cannot find it at any of the sites you listed now :-(

After 2.5 years I finally got my coffee table! Z Gallerie:-). Now i am ready to remove white blinds and get a different side table. (By z bra chair)