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sjbelden2000

looking for the “wow’ factor

2 years ago

We renovated our townhouse with a great foundation. Looking for something to make it look special. The rooms is a kitchen, dining, and causal living room area.
Thanks for your insight!

Comments (50)

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    So I would go for a sculptural wicker pendant of some sort over your table rather than the branch arm chandelier. Home Depot sells one that is in the direction I would go



    I think you only need 2 mirrors on the wall to the left of your TV

    I would replace the lantern the left of your dining room artwork, the one on the bar cart, with something like this



    https://www.chairish.com/product/13254502/80s-mod-memphis-postmodern-new-wave-lindsey-balkweill-style-art-deco-head-vase

    and then I think you might have a little more fun with your pillows.



    https://www.shutterfly.com/p/photo-gifts/pillows/heron-and-plants-multi-pillow?feeds=y&productCode=2219094&categoryCode=1091315&skuCode=2226622&CID=SEGSH.HOMEDECOR.1358486893_20491859419_&gad_source=4&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuqKqBhDxARIsAFZELmI-TslKCQVBNmy3GwVpnxS6QMQKlYXEua65ykr8JzsQH7aptmnUvV0aAl30EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    And here is a wow

    If you were to take my suggestion of using just 2 mirrors to the left of your TV, that would create a lot of space between your kitchen and the mirrors. This is 55w x 67h



    https://www.chairish.com/product/4382227/lemon-tree-framed-painting-on-canvas

    You could also think about using this instead of your seascape behind your dining table, in which case I would keep the branch arm chandlier.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Or if you reduce down to 2 mirrors -- or replace the mirrors with the seascape and the seascape with the lemon tree -- a vintage rattan etagere might fit well in the empty space and the rest of your decor, and then I would once again consider a natural organic pendant for the dining table



    https://www.chairish.com/product/9698522/arched-top-stained-rattan-etagere-with-three-glass-shelves-1970s

  • 2 years ago

    I think your dark and light is very striking, and you have nice art and rugs... What extra wow do you need and why? Can't you just inhabit the space and let it evolve to fit you?

  • 2 years ago

    The only thing I might consider doing is taking some of the blues in your picture and the area rug in the dining room and bring that colour into the sitting area. It;s already reflected in your mirror so have the colour actually a part of the room. Perhaps in a couple of pillows as noted above.

    It looks like you also have art to the right of the TV but I can't see it very well in the photo.

    Not quite sure what your vision is but if it's a calm organic comfortable home feeling you've done a very nice job and that's your Wow.

  • 2 years ago

    Great looking space. I agree with mytwo cents about a more organic light fixture. Also bringing blue into the living area for cohesiveness. Just my opinion but I would think about replacing the mirrors with art or some other type of wall hanging.

  • 2 years ago

    I would take the mirrors down and mount the tv opposite where the sofa is. I would put the large chest on the wall next to the sofa and hang the mirrors over the top of it. I would look for some large tropical house plants for your livingroom or one or two large artificial trees like a ficus for example, and think about a glass topped coffee table instead of the wood one you have. It looks nice as you have it, but with a few changes could look even nicer. I would put the shelves that are now under the mirrors underneath the window and get some throw pillows with some more pop in the way of accent colors and not ones that are rather neutral. You could paint the dining room table and even the chairs if you wanted to. I like the bar cart==looks attractive there.

  • 2 years ago

    Bring the blue from the art into the living area. The wall with the mirrors and small bookcase is off balance. TV needs to be flat against that wall. Too many small decor items create visual clutter not WOW. Untie the curtains and pull the arm chair around so that it is angled towards the TV.

  • 2 years ago

    Those mirrors are not doing you any favors. The middle reflection of the art on the opposite wall is nice but the other two--more neutral nothing. The TV hung as suggested seems are much better option for that and sq footage use. Cornered cabinets eat up soo much space.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Remove the mirrors and IMO anew dining fixture that actually lights the table would be the 2 top things to begin Get the TV out of the corner and out it on the mirror wall . No need for the other little table and more lighting.

  • 2 years ago

    I am going to disagree. I think the TV is in the right place. It is big for the room, but it makes sense. You can see it from the living, room, dining room and kitchen. You have a small space and have done a great job with it. Putting the TV on the mirror wall will unbalance the room.

  • 2 years ago

    For sure that TV is in the wrong location. As many have said - move it to the mirrored wall. Once it's moved it will give you a bit of breathing room to decide what to put in that corner.

    Consider a closed wine bar for the dining room as well.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    My first thought is your dining table does go well with the other furnishings especially the dining chairs.

  • 2 years ago

    Pretty space and cozy. I think you just need to edit.


    - The shelf under the mirrors and the dining room shelves with wine seem like cluttered pieces left over from another home, and they don't add much purpose or visual pow to the space. I'd try the room without them.


    - While the big floor plant is nice, it doesn't add much visual effect, I'd rather see something more sculptural like a fiddle leaf to add interest to that area.


    - I'm not in love with the mirrors, but they look new and I assume you love them. Perhaps without the shelves underneath and hung a bit lower they would make more sense.


    - How often do you have six people sitting at your dining room table? Can you store the two end chairs elsewhere and have 2 and 2?

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    What has happened here, is the lust for the sectional took over, crowded the space and then made you want the big tv in the corner.

    I guess you make a decision... What is more important to you? TV or looks?

    A single couch, facing the tv works. Add two chairs that swivel.

    I don't think you need the mirrors anywhere I can see.

    Can you go back, stand in the kitchen and take a few more shots ? Try to get a good view of all and into the dining space from the kitchen?

  • 2 years ago

    I like the light fixture over the table, although something natural would work too. If it's new and you like it, I don't see any reason to change it. Like most commenters, I think the wall next to the TV is the issue. I love the art next to the dining table. I think you should remove the mirrors and get another complementary piece of art for that wall if you don't want to move the TV. The console under the mirror is not doing much for me. I think you need something about a foot longer there.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    COLOR is what is needed. The ceiling is the 6th wall. Don't just default to white.



  • 2 years ago

    remove the mirrors all together and that little sofa table too.

    Move the enclosed cabinet to the mirrored wall with the blue art canvas above.

    and mount the TV on the window wall.

    too much visual stimulation!

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    I don't think your mirrors over the cart are working for the room because of what is reflected in the mirrors.



  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I would 1) for a more open feel, flip the sectional 90 degrees so that one of the L sides backs to the window, 2) if funds permit, replace corner TV cabinet with a new slim media cabinet and put against the mirror wall - replace TV with Samsung Frame TV and hang on wall, 3) add living room rug that coordinates with dining room rug - get coordinating throw pillows, 4) the bar cart seems out of place there - is there room for a wider, shallow sideboard that can go against the wall?

  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    You might want to try a different layout with TV and stand on the wall instead console and mirrors and turned sectional on 90 degrees. So it opens to the kitchen.



  • 2 years ago

    I'm going to disagree with just about everyone here - do not put the tv on the wall. When you do that it becomes a focal point for the room. I'm going to assume that if that is what you wanted it would already be on the wall. Leave it in the corner.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    It is in the corner, so everyone on the sectional , especially in the cuddle corner , can see the big screen. Life, is a bunch of choices.

    Shoving it off to the corner, simply makes it more dominant in the space.

    For a beautiful space ? You decide between room with a tv, and Media room. They are different.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Nothing personal but I agree with bifenton not Jan.

    In the corner reads: Not the focal point of the living and dining space, and guarantees that mealtime won't be TV-Time.

    Putting it on the wall features it as if it were art and important, central to your lives because you apparently want to be able to see the TV from the dining table. Needless to say, not every townhouse has an abundance of rooms to dedicate to just watching TV.


    Up to you where you put it

  • 2 years ago

    I have to agree with Jan. Sometimes people let the TV take over their space

  • 2 years ago

    Your house looks comfortable. It needs color. I would change out the dining room first, then add other elements (pillows? Console?) in complementary colors. I think the idea of a more substantial cabinet under the dining room artwork would be better than the small shelf unit you’re using now.

    Big, bold artwork in the wall where the mirrors are.

    Some rug ideas to consider.

  • 2 years ago

    Three more

  • 2 years ago

    The cabinet Jan posted and the wicker fixture idea from @mytwocents would both work with any of these rugs. There are a lot of wicker/rattan fixtures if you want to make that change.

    Bolder pillows in the living room, fabulous art on the mirror wall and the place is transformed.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    I actually didn't mean to even suggest a new cabinet. Same cabinet as you have is fine. It was just a mock up to center the cabinet on the big wall with the tv above......and add art via You Tube.

    If the idea doesn't appeal? It is simply to say "I will forgo the much better, less competitive proportion and look for my room, the tv is more important to us...in the corner.

    Life is choice: )

  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Just saying , You Tube art is your friend... and you can put the small woven chair with its back to the tree, angle in.




  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Also? Try what I just did, ( your same cabinet of course )with the sofa reversed, and my bet is you will have room for two swivel chair- chatty when you're in the kitchen!

    So..this......



    and,,try reverse with the woven chair, and decide if two of those? Or some nice swivels? We've no dimensions but looks very doable.

    I think your dining fixture needs to move left as well. Can't figure out why its' jammed close to closet. .....

    One More? Black is a nice accent metal with visual power. Don't over do black : ) Lose the black candle sticks for a nice big bowl in a color.



  • 2 years ago

    Thank for your great ideas! Love them. The reason for the three mirrors is it reflects a water view. You can’t see it in the pic. so I included it below. Both so the refection. The room is also dark so it reflects light.
    Yes I want a kind of organic vibe with a touch of seascape since it’s on the water but it sounds like bringing in a bit more warmth and texture would help. Love this. I think adding some colors in the pillows, upgrading the wine bar piece, adding a rug under the couch and considering the TV placement. This is a family and living space.

  • 2 years ago

    The sunset view is a closeup pic in the mirror.

  • 2 years ago

    Toss the coin - try to achieve the wow factor.....or....water view that you can see from other angles.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Jan is so right tv shouldn't be in corner fancy light fixture would help different art no mirrors on the wall you need texture in room to make it glamorous but comfortable

  • 2 years ago

    Your view is the wow factor. I would think about removing all the little trinkety things and live with it for awhile. Also as previously mentioned a rug and more colorful pillows.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    If you like to keep all 3 mirrors I think it would be good to add visual width under them, either with a longer console table



    that's from Amazon about $125

    or a couple of sufficiently tall plant stands. You could either get a matching pair



    or you could just pick fun ones you see



    https://www.chairish.com/product/5166673/vintage-postmodern-sculptural-artist-made-pedestal-plant-stand-with-blue-ball



    (that one's not in the US but you get the idea -- actually, a modest wooden or garden chair -- or flashy chair -- somewhat under your furthest left mirror might look very nice.



    https://www.chairish.com/product/11231088/1980s-milo-baughman-attributed-directors-chair



  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    You've made the tv the " quite accidental" focal point. It's placement, even with no mirrors, leaves you fighting , leaves your eye fighting, to fill the remaining drywall , with a something.

    Water views? Of course they are lovely in daylight, sunrise and sunset. Followed by darkness and the subsequent black hole. When I see as below? I see cozy, welcoming and calm versus a jumble.



    But we all see differently, and that's life: )

    Look at the right side, and this. The pic you took of the reflection.



    Even in the reflection, I see the unintended jumble. The coveted view? It's a bit secondary.

    I'd go so far as to say, If you want the "view"? Make the mirror a huge framed, and all alone add to the wall. Put some low and varied plant life, healthy and full at the base. Take up almost the amount of space that the mock up on the right does, with console and art. ONE...versus three. Call it the big wow edit. Not even a console table there.

  • 2 years ago

    I think the room looks nice. The tv stand is to large. The tv size is ok but it needs to sit further back closer to corner. Your tv stand does not need to be as wide as your tv only as wide as base of tv. It’s looks fine if tv edges are wider than tv stand.

  • 2 years ago

    Yes to Jan’s sketch. Remove the ties from the curtains. Remove all the little plants. Remove everything from the dining table. Replace with an oversize white centerpiece bowl. Move the dining room palm to the other side. Add some textural throw pillows and a large “tropics” seagrass rug. Clear the coffee table. Add some coffee table books, a large, low bowl and a substantial candle.

    https://www.sisalcarpet.com/catalog?query=Seagrass

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    nix THE MIRRORS - they should be used to extend a space that needs visual expansion - not just to fill a wall - buy a tryptic paintings series element 0r some Audubon natural lithographs for a classic restful look and use a 48" long wall table instead of that tiny table - and create a display of interesting personal elements for a anchored display below the artwork

  • 2 years ago

    Another opinion , as stated previously, the tv would look better on the wall the mirrors are currently on. I don't think angled furniture usually looks balanced. Its a very attractive space, but I agree that the view can be the wow factor. It doesn't really need the mirrors to reflect it, the windows are right there. I also like Jan's rendering.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I'm not sure if you meant the mirrors to be a nod to cruise ship windows but if so, they are too high and too close together. Also, I'm not sure you'll get a wow factor with that particular theme.




  • 2 years ago

    It’s worth removing the mirrors and moving the tv to the large wall for a week. I think you’ll find that layout better.

    The view stands alone well. The mirrors are not accomplishing what you wanted.

  • 2 years ago

    The tv angled in the corner looks ”forced” and awkward. I think that’s what is bothering you about the space, maybe without you realizing it.

  • 2 years ago

    Agree about moving the television to the wall where the mirrors are. Currently it competes with the mirrors and is awkward in the space. Also agree that the mirrors are not accomplishing what you want in terms of reflecting the Waterview.

    The view is a wow factor so you could make that more of a focal point.

  • 2 years ago

    You don’t need to add anything to your decor to have a ”wow factor“ when that view outside is stunning. That is your ”wow factor”.

  • 2 years ago

    Do those curtains ever close or are they just for decoration? If so, I suggest removing them altogether to visually open up the view. They are just adding clutter in my opinion.