I miss the yellow pillows on the sofa. I think they added a much-needed punch of color. I would keep the drapes and the rug, but add in more yellow accents, perhaps replace the grey gourd lamps with yellow, as shown below.

Curtains must go. Everything else young and chic. Curtains need to have some bulk and shape and yet airiness to them. Fabric looks dated. How about a shimmery metallic. Also would do a drape in middle of some sort. Pole cuts everything in half.

Also would get rid of roman shade in window.

Great space...looove it! Don't have a problem with the area rug...however, if you want to "cut" the grey...how about introducing another texture....a rich brown jute rug would bring in unexpected rich texture and offer contrast to the grey furniture rather than the rug contrasting with the wood floor (as it does now)...neither right or wrong just different emphasis...but love it as it is too!

I like :-). I agree that the yellow lamps are a very nice touch but in the winter, I switch to burgundy velvet cushions and a burberry style throw so the nice thing about the grey lamps is that I can switch up the cushions and go in any direction.

Rug or drapes, either way just wanted to say I love what you've done with all the textures, patterns and materials - an air of elegance but cozy. Really, really like it :)

Keep both but paint the walls one of the greys, stronger color will make it all more unified and interesting,

I love painted walls but it's a 1920s home with a covered front porch so there is unfortunately very little natural light. I have tried many colours on the walls over the years but white seems to be the only way to go.

Those look like custom drapes. I'm guessing $1000 for the pair plus the hardware.

Love your room! If you must a rug with less pattern but I love it just the way it is. You have a good eye.

I love your room! You have done a great job. I so love the yellow!

Your room is lovely - keep both the rug and the drapes. I would introduce a couple of cushions with the same scale of pattern and maybe change to a round coffee table to break up the straight lines.

Drapes look dated.

First, let me say I like the room. I see the room as color divided. One side has the beiges (sofa, drapes), the other side is grey (chairs, rug). For that reason, I would change the rug if it one has to go.. Pattern can stilll work but with more of the colors (gray, beige, yellow, and cream) or you could also go with just a cream rug with a woven pattern. I would bring some of the chair gray to the sofa side of the room. Perhaps gray and yellow pillows on the sofa.

Your room looks very well put together, I would change the drapes, rug looks great I was thinking of getting one myself, don't get a darker tone, it would change the look you are trying to accomplish.

The drapes should go -- the rug pattern helps ground the room, but the two patterns are distracting and not restful, plus the drapery pattern draws the eye up and away from the rest of the pretty and relaxing room.

Personally I love what you've got going on! You sound like me...driving yourself crazy until you get it just perfect. Those leather chairs are gorgeous...where did you get them...and your coffee table?!!!

The two patterns are too similar in scale, shape and color without matching; that's why they don't work. If one of them had a much smaller scale or larger scale pattern, this would work. I'd just remove whichever is easiest to replace. The rug would probably be cheaper, depending on what you get, but there is a lot more flexibility in choices for curtains.

And in my opinion, if you are going to have the yellow pillows (which look great in either spot) I think there needs to be something else in the room that is yellow...not the drapes though, that would be too much and too matchy matchy...something with an accessory.

I would return the drapes if you can go with a neutral linen with texture. If you can't return them find a curtain valance to tie in with the yellow pillows. I think the idea of the yellow lamps is a good one too.

This room doesn't bother me at all since the furniture is all plain. I think a dark carpet would blend in with the wood floor too much. Maybe a carpet with some of the yellow pop of color but truly I love this room as is. West Elm catalog had some nice grays with a pop of color. Might be a bit much if you every have to close your drapes. Solve that by adding blinds or shutters.

I like the way you change things up in the winter. As long as you're doing that, you could change from yellow to burgundy gourd lamps, as shown below. They're inexpensive so not a big investment, but they add another punch of color that I think really helps the space.

Personally, I'm not loving the rug you use in the winter (if you still use it ...). I would consider just a dark grey rug like the one Darzy suggested ...

I don't think it looks overwhelming at all ........I would keep it as is..........gorgeous!

Thanks for your comments and in answer to your questions, the table is Thomasville and the chairs are Lee. The carpet and rug you're seeing in the winter picture is just my attempt last winter at switching the living room rug and drapes with the dining room which didn't work. But it gives you an idea of winter accessories. I cannot return the drapes. They were custom made and the fabric is Barbara Barry. The carpet is wool and silk and depending on the way you place it, it takes on a completely different colour. Judging by some of your comments, I realize my pictures are not registering the true colours. In fact, the chairs are exactly the same colour as the lamps. The issue for me is that I think the pattern on the rugs and the drapes are too similar in size and are competing instead of complimenting each other. My husband doesn't agree :-) That's why my original question...rug or drapes.

I love the rug and drapes together, (and think the drapes are gorgeous!), especially after you turned the rug so the pattern on both is running in the same direction. But it's how you perceive them that is important. Getting a new darker colored area rug with more contrast as Darzy suggested would provide some drama and avoid the competing close patterns you dislike. Also love the get-more-color-through lamps suggestion. Lovely room but needs some bright accent colors to spice it up.

You have an amazing room! Since you turned the rug I think it works perfectly! Keep the rug and lovely drapes! I agree that you simply need to apply the rule of three and add more yellow in the room! The yellow pillows add a punch so repeat the yellow again with more accessories in that hue! Lots of layering brings charm to any space...

Your room is stunning!l...keep both rug and drapes, I love the white and yellow pillows better than the 2nd photo's pillows. Perhaps add just a bit more yellow and/or apple green to the room with a few accessories, I'm not a fan of the cows under the side table...just my thoughts. You've done a fab job in a small living room, Kudos!

There is nothing out of date about your drapes! They are full and lovely and look terrific in your room. If you like the yellow pillows perhaps you could add yellow pottery on the coffee table to bring more yellow in. If that sounds like a good option to you I'd remove the pieces presently on the table.
Could you attach a pic of your fireplace so we could get a fuller idea of the space?

Here is the fireplace. We need new art and the frames for the ones there now are all wrong. It's a work in progress.

drapes...and take care in not mixing too many patterns in one room--rug is more neutral--drapes make too big a statement and not in the right way. Decor should coordinate but does not need to be matchy-matchy in same busy-ness or style--mix it up, throw in some more color

Beautiful room. I would not remove the drapes or rug. By adding the darker pillows on the sofa it breaks up the pattern/monochromatic color. There is nothing wrong with having a monochromatic color theme especially in a small space. I think it creates the feeling open space and is very sophisticated. Too many colors will make a small room look/feel smaller and choppy.

Hi again. Thanks for the additional fireplace pics. Your fireplace is beautiful! I would take away the candles and small pics on the right - they look a little too insubstantial for the space. I can't see how high your ceilings are in the pics but you could possibly turn your mirror around so it has a vertical instead of horizontal orientation. That would make it a better size for your fireplace. If that works I'd remove the topiaries and rethink what to put on the mantle instead.

Your room has lovely bones, but there's nothing to anchor the eye except for the dark front door and black curtain rod. Paint the curtain rod to match the iron tables for contrast or the trim color so it disappears. Soften the color of the door to keep the mood throughout. Also, the patterns are all similar. Why not put a large band of grey on the bottom of the drapes to give them some weight and provide a break between the pattern of the curtains and the carpet. Use the leftovers to recover a footstool, the seat of an occasional chair, dining chairs or use it on the back of cushion covers. Cover two of the cushions with more graphic floral or abstract patterns - make them each different - and put them with the geometric cushions - they are looking a little too matchy. You are not committed enough to the yellow - place more yellow accessories around the room for some punch - a dusty/silvery turquoise would be a good alternate color. Try grey and brown for winter - it's gorgeous!

The Drapes!

You have a beautiful room. I love the chairs. Since you asked, I'd suggest changing the rug to something in a solid muted color but with texture. And do add a couple more yellow accessories. Whatever changes you make, I'd love to see pictures!

I think drapes need to be replaced. They look dated and are too busy. I think the rug is refreshing!

What I particularly enjoy about the overall feeling this room gives me is harmony, tranquility and peacefulness. We all live rather hectic lives it seems. Why not have a room that feels mellow. I love that you dared to paint the Drexel mahogany buffet in the dining room to a soft color that works beautifully with it's surroundings. It blends well and continues the serene feeling. Again, kudos!

Peepod, you have one heck of a good eye!

:) I grew up with a Drexel mahogany dining room set in my parents home. I knew it looked familiar. I think you have a good eye for surrounding yourself with softness and tranquility. I enjoy bold rooms, but there is definitely something to be said for the serene atmosphere you've created. Don't doubt yourself.

I was impressed because you even noticed the cows :-). I'm actually very happy with the dining room and yes, I did lacquer my grandmother's hutch. I reupholstered the chairs including the backs and got rid of the cabinet. It gave the set a whole new vibe. When I want to add colour I mostly do it with fresh flowers but from what I'm hearing, it might not be enough.

I'd replace the carpet.

2nd time looking I could see replacing the carpet instead.

Wow! On closer look I can see your dining chairs ARE the original shield back chairs. Way to go!! In my eye, you have followed through with a very calming, classic atmosphere. I like the idea of using fresh flowers to bring in a bit of color. It costs way to much to just get rid of a carpet or drapery. You're very clever and when you want a bit of a change in the future, I have no doubt you'll pull it off in great style. I'm so glad I added my 2 cents to this column. Enjoy your lovely home.

Neither

Thanks Kristin. The feedback was split between all three...change neither/rug/drapes...so I turned the carpet around to tone down the pattern and will see how I feel when I've spent the winter with it. Love your website. Any suggestions on adding a touch of "french flair"? I have it in the dining room with the settee and sconces.

Where did you find the rug?

Replace the rug, it fights with the beautiful drapes, replace with a darker color to ground the room. Lovely room.

Drapes, a striking solid black would look sleek

I think you should get rid of the rug, just send me your address and I will come by to get rid of it for you! I have just the spot for it! I think the room looks very elegant and welcoming just as it is.