It's a house in need of money.....

Depending how long you plan to be there? The fire would be a false "wall" a touch latch door for access. You can't just wall it off, there are safety codes for a full removal.

A good craftsman can lower the built in, still cover the foot print. The window seat is less an issue.

A logical place for a nice dining area is in front of that " fire area, .

In the meantime? Paint it.

Why the two colors for window door trim? What the previous owner did, I assume.

A rip of all the built in and window seat? Just means a flooring fill in, sand and refinish. Might be worth it, take the raised hearth to gone.... at the same time.

Thank you for the additional pictures of the room. We have some suggestions we could add to those that have already been presented, but we hesitate because we do not know the actual dimensions of the room. It is hard to suggest anything without measurements, of the walls, windows, doors, openings, fireplace, and window seat. Yes I know I have asked for this before. I’m sure others have as well but this is some thing I would do if I were in the room myself. Can’t do a 3-D rendition without these measurements in order to see the room and offer appropriate suggestions. Hope you can get these measurements to us so we can move forward. Jan is correct. The window seat can be removed and the flooring matched if you really want to remove it. Best wishes.

behind the livingroom fireplace is an formal dining room with another fireplace. the fireplaces (dining room and living room) are behind each other but off centered, making for two chimneys.

in all honesty, id like to completely remove both fireplaces and add a modern wood stove that could benifit the entire space for heat if we were to loose power.

we are going to paint the fireplace (white) next weekend and look for a new solid mantle to replace this one.

I dont care for the rustic or farmhouse look and was weary of painting it whte, but feel this might be the best option.

someone suggested this house was in need of MONEY, im not sure how to take that comment. i have plenty of money and have the ability to do the work myself, i was thrown off because the exceptionally large fireplace weighing the room down.

i was hoping for color ideas, design, and help to make the space welcoming since its and odd shape and have two focal points.

i do appreciate everyones help. ill try to get some measurements tonight.

The room is 22 x 18 (length, width)

Hello Angela, that’s a good start. But we still need the detailed measurements of the windows , doors, openings and the fireplace. Sorry to ask for these things, but it really does make a difference in how we can see with the room. a hand drawn sketch with the measurements filled in works really well. Thanks ahead of time.

Within an EXTREMELY helpful community? Even the most ardent of helpers will eventually give up.

I suggested a casual dining room at fire....

Because it appears you have a table quite jammed in a kitchen

Asymmetry does not destroy a room....only a bad use of that element, as balance becomes far more important along with proportion and scale.

It's 22' X 18."......and the does or does not include the two foot depth of the built in ? : )

Here are my final thoughts:

--Remove everything on fireplace including mantel and firescreen. Paint fireplace same color as your walls. Fill the firebox with chunky logs. That's it.

--Remove the middle portion of the cabinets. They do seem to be kitchen cabinets repurposed as media wall. Find kitchen cabinets the same height and depth and have them refaced to match floor and window trim. This will look good.

--

Project Woodcrest · More Info

--Sand and restain black window trim for a more harmonious look. Embrace the wood floors and trim since they add warmth to an awkward room.

--Get a much larger patterned rug so that all the furniture sits on it. This palette will work with your floors and light gray upholstered pieces. A much larger rug will also give you a cozier room-within-a-big room feeling.

--Remove seat cushion on window seat. Use bare window seat as a base for tall, dramatic plants.

You asked for styling advice, color, etc. without showing us an inspiration photos. You should know that all your gray upholstered furniture looks uncomfortable and too formal with the modern style of the room. To make the furniture more inviting, after you choose a much bigger, patterned rug with an accent color, add textured sofa pillows (but not on the chairs. Who can sit on them with pillows you have? So uninviting.) Think about a throw in grays and warm accent color.

Maratea Ombre Down Filled Throw Pillow, 20" Square, Marigold · More Info

Medallion Souk Throw · More Info

Too many pillows below, but a few arranged like this and a throw would make your sofas more welcoming. Go in the direction of warm gold same shade as floors. Everything you add should work with your wood floors and future remodelled wood cabinet.

To sum up ways to make room more inviting:

Strip fireplace; paint it to match walls,. Get a much bigger rug to create cozy "island" space. Add textured sofa pillows to echo rug. Rehack the cabinets in wood to match floors and make them level. Change window trim from black to wood. Turn window bench into a planter for dramatic, live, tall plants. All of these changes work with flooring so you don't have to change it.

Regarding power outages: suggest you install a gas generator rather than replacing the fireplace with a woodburning stove. We have both and the generator has been a worthwhile investment . A wood-burning stove is nice, but it takes a lot to maintain it including keeping dry firewood available. It is messy.

Much to our surprise. The cabinets are not kitchen cabinets. This entertainment center is 100% custom made from oak. Behind the top cabinet doors on the right are drawers for vhs’ on the left slots for records. We have looked at bamboo flooring to replace the current floors. Every room is different, travertine in the office, wood in the living room and tile in the rest of the house, carpet in the bedrooms. I love the fireplace housegal200 showed. I also love the blue cabinets in place of the entertainment center. Definitely due for a pillow update! Thank you for the help

Jan, the kitchen table you’re seeing is a built in granite counter, table height. Im assuming the previous owners used it for kids. This is where my son sits to do homework. The kitchen needs remodeled as well, we know what we are going to do in there. They are 100% custom cherry cabinets. As I said before, there is a dining room behind this crazy fireplace where we eat.

Approximate based on only two dimensions.:

"Someone suggested this house was "in need of money. ( yes, me ) I'm not sure how to take that comment. i have plenty of money and have the ability to do the work myself, i was thrown off because the exceptionally large fireplace weighing the room down "

And yet, this:

"Not a fan of the floor but "flooring isn't in the budget right now "

You don't have "plenty". ......You have a fire you hate, built ins you hate, a window seat you hate, a kitchen you want to re do, and three floors between Travertine, the hardwood and carpeted bedrooms. (There isn't anything wrong with this hardwood floor)

Back to the two posts,"fire and "awkward"

The fireplace is weighing the room down because it is jarringly dark in a large room, and is suffering clutter/over decorating as well. It isn't even really "IN" the room - as it has been left all alone in a traffic passage, unrelated to all else in the space.

You eat in a dining room we haven't seen. Tables are great for family games, puzzles, dining, homework ,all.

You have to give the fire end of the room a reason to exist! in a space with great light, and a pretty exterior view

Drywall is cheap. Paint is relatively cheap. Remove the middle high portion of the built in/cover the footprint. Replace with drawer bases via a carpenter, get an electrician, get a bigger tv/use an ART app on your phone and it won't be a black hole, A larger rug, 9 x 12. A table with some upholstered chairs. You already have a dozen suggestions to improve the look of the fire.

PERHAPS......turn the "formal" dining to a cozy tv den with the loveseat ( no clue what that looks like, nor the entire kitchen wanting a re do). Or just have a really casual multi purpose in this room! So what? Many have two dining spots!

My point? There are miles of improvement between a perfect dream and where you are,,,,,,,,now. More cohesively arranged, larger 9 x 12 rug and the rest ? is but one, with no more seating than you own right now and as you see...less.: ) with the potential for one room gathering with family and friends. Make a fire!.

Pictures of suggestions for your consideration.

Thank you Mae for the help. this is perfect. we are trying to find someone who can redo the flooring so we can start taking the entertainment box seat and the fireplace hearths out. we live in a rural area so finding someone who has the ability and the time to install heated / bamboo flooring and can do a 3500 sf home quickly is hard to come by.

may ask two questions. 1. what do you think about a sectional on the tv side? its just myself, my husband and our 9 year old, we love watching movies upstairs, just wanted to have a bit more leg room :0) 2. where would i find a rug that large. ;)

ive added a few pictures we found of the house two owners ago. the small fireplace is butted up to the large fireplace in the living room. we are planning to close it in, theres no use for it. this is why i was thinking of removing both fireplaces and adding a pretty functioning wood stove (no access to gas in our neighborhood) or we would do a double sided gas stove.

thank you again for your help.

Thank you for getting back to us. It sure is nice to know that we helped. We are doing some research for you and will get back to you regarding your questions.

I haven’t forgotten you. Thank you for your patience. It’s been a really busy day today. One thing I will say an answer to your question regarding the sectional; please do not get a sectional! It will not give you the comfort you are looking for and, take over the room. It will also throw the balance off. I have another suggestion. I am hoping to be able to Post my suggestions to you and answer to your questions at least by tomorrow. Again, thank you for your patience.

I’m Not a fan of sectionals. But have seen them in a few designer posts. Love the idea of us having room and not touch each other. I have a wiggly 9y/o! Haha

😊 I understand.

Pictures of the updated rendition with the following suggestions:

" a bit more leg room "

1. Two matching ottomans with storage for blankets, etc. (or not) that can be moved around the room to be added to furniture anywhere in the room. They can also be used as extra seating for guests.

Pic with two white ottomans

Ottoman with swivel chair. Suggesting you add two swivel chairs to the TV area for extra seating and more wiggle room. ;).

Two black ottomans. No coffee table. Use ottomans for trays for food, etc.

Swivel chair suggestion: Link: https://www.worldmarket.com/p/megan-upholstered-swivel-chair-105276.html

Hope this helps. Best wishes. MAE

Area rug updated rendition:

" where would i find a rug that large" Two options:

1. Buy two matching 10' by 14' area rugs
2. or find a store that sells carpeting and have them cut a piece of carpet 14' by 20' and have them finish the open edges.

Pictures of the great room with the two matching 10' by 14' area rugs. You may want to check out www.rugsusa.com

Link to 10' by 14' area rugs that are on sale at Rugs USA: https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/search-oversize-rugs

Started the fireplace. Have some touch up, and making the mantle next weekend. (Yes we need to clean the fireplace and paint the bottom)

The speakers will be flush mounted near the lights

The mantle will cover and be mounted to the support bricks. (I already measured to ensure it will be high enough for fire safety

wow. I would have kept it black. you have those black windows and nothing else black to tie into it

what you need are warmer leather tones and natural textures

these are all pics of black brick w/rooms similar to yours

leather sofa, pouf

These sofas w/the black would look great. all of these textures

new ceiling fan that's wood/black. similar to this color

I don't think the silver and light gray work that well w/the floors and the black. I like the brown leather, maybe a charcoal velvet, or even a black leather

this would be better.

I'd paint the door black to match the black window trim. and paint the window seat black as well

Get some diff cushions.

Hello Angela, you are working hard to get this room done. Looks great. hope you keep us posted with the finished look. Best wishes. MAE

We bought two rugs, waiting on the other one to arrive. The mantle is being made. We love walnut and wanted the mantle to match our custom live edge dining table. Looking at furniture and tables for the livingroom.
Going to move these white chairs to the fireplace side with another wood table (splalted maple) with hairpin legs.
Changing the couch pillows seasonally (this why I feel like it’s always changing out and I’m not bored with it)

The window box is coming out. Have someone looking for wood to go there. It’s an odd thickness (of course it is )

The skylights trim will be painted to match the ceiling. When we add can lights. We still have to install the new fan it will be black

Ok, now my husband is asking for a brown fan., I want black. What do you think?

this one

Brown. Looking great Angela! Thanks for keeping us updated.

Sure wish the black windows could be painted or replaced to match the wood frames, mantle and beam in the room.

We can strip it. :) I think they were planning to paint all of them black but ??? Who knows

Well, if they were going to paint all of the wood elements black then a black fan would look better. But either way, it would be nice if all of the windows and trim are the same color. it is quite a task to paint that beam. Whatever you decide will look very nice.

To be honest, the brown is warmer and more inviting

The brown also goes better with your floors. Just a thought. It seems as if the black would throw the rest of the room off because of the Floors.

Are the black windows metal? If so, what about painting them the same color as the walls?

I have the brown one. It’s very pretty in person. And works well!

Ok brought some antiques out. Rearranging things we have . I have a lot of antiques. Still waiting on the rug

Instead of ordering the sectional we decided to go with two ottomans. In leu of the chairs

Did the rug arrive yet? How is it going? MAE

The rug arrived. I bought table legs for the cedar rounds to go between the chairs and on the left side of the couch. Found a 4’x4’ square ottoman for the tv side, bought the fan, haven’t installed because family is here this week. Bought brackets for floating shelves for the left and right of the TV.

Going to start figuring out the dining room I should post pictures :) we are also building a 900sf greenhouse so we have our hands full

👍🏻

Looking good!

I think you could bring in accessories in rust or orange to complement your floors and window trim.

Hello Amanda,

The fireplace looks great now that it is all one color. It is exciting that you have the other items on their way and the fan ready to be installed. I suggest putting a side table on both the left and right side of the couch facing the TV. It will be handy and balance out that space. Is this the arrangement you are thinking of doing? Please ignore the colors. Just placing the furniture for clarification. Hope we get to see the finished project. Best Wishes. MAE

This is looking so great! Painting the fireplace really freshened it up. I love your rugs. You know how rugs look different from different directions? I think that’s what’s making such a clear delineation between the two. Can you rotate one of them 180 degrees and see if that fixes it?

Beautiful room!
I wonder if the space would be more inviting if the chairs by the fire were looking the other way so they don’t have their back to the room.
It might be worth adding some soft accents to make it feel a bit cozier.

Hello again Angela,

Or, are you thinking of doing something like this to balance the room out by putting a similar couch on the fireplace side? Of course who would want to hide that beautiful antique? Not me. So than it could go in the bay window where the built in bench seat is now when you take the bench seat out. Just a thought.