Knoll makes a ton of surprisingly affordable textiles. Scour their collections.

More to the point....... Mid cen is a lot more eclectic in nature than the rigidity with which you're approaching your space.

Scroll it......!

______________________________________

https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g84/midcentury-living-rooms/?psafe_param=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_edc_md_dsa_hybd_mix_us_21095996872&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21095996872&gclid=CjwKCAiA24XJBhBXEiwAXElO33G8cACmQKTb9GB6-PC4X0awrOVG3HBIt2Qrs6QoyQVnZfGsLOmLwRoCwgMQAvD_BwE

It often reaches into decades not exactly "perfectly" mid cen . Usually defined mid 1940's to 1969, but it bleeds well into the 1970's and many historians date it as early as the 1920' and 30's.

It's helpful to clarify your intent:

Is it to make everything "go with" the D.C photo?

Is it mostly neutral with "pops of color" ( hate that phrase )

"Overall I don't want it to be too warm/brown."

"provided sufficient info for the question this post focuses on and you don’t need to know about the others. So much so that JAN says it’s too much."

"Jan" has been doing this biz for over three decades. She is not physically in your home. When you say....." don't need to know about the others"? ( the posts) It rather shows how much you don't know.

When you query here? You are inviting designers into your home, virtually. ,within the limitations of who is on the app, who is on a computer and browser. On this end we may have an op who has provided no context, one who may have multiple posts that require a click back/forth to understand the fullest context and links with no jpeg, or a blurry jpeg with no link. ...or worse, a screen shot.

Contributors still do their best to help and any poster will get advice/replies they like and others, less .

Crowd sourcing is this site. ........"what's first, rug or upholstery...?" It's frustrating?

"So just give up, maybe no furniture at all, or..?"

That's where only you can decide what is valid input, to you. Do you simply want the rug to be a surface, blend into landscape? Or do you want it more "center stage" , and the surrounding becomes the supporting cast. What is your tolerance for pattern?

Let's pretend I am in there...with one picture...

^^ what hits me? A Floor and wall color fight. The "light blue gray" of the walls, does a great job of bringing out the very warmth you seem NOT to want. I see too much going on at the dark walnut hearth - the blinding white of the fire surround with no connection to the flagstone hearth. Even the creamy background of the pen/ink drawing is a fight with the wall color . It's the lighting? Maybe!

What did this do......?

It accepts / acknowledges the flooring and the wall color

Are there other ways? You bet......innumerable.

Your floor isn't changing.....walls are nothing more than paint.

DC is a big thing? or it isn't.....

You're ultimately your designer, unless you get one. One is always going to be better than fifty and more.

Reconcile with the floor that is bothering you.

I like your brown and beige couch and chairs. Maybe you could lean into the terra cotta color instead of the blue. That is what stand out the most to me in the art about the fireplace. Maybe a rug like this could work in the living room and then do a solid color rug under your table.

It would pull the brown/beige from the chair and sofa but also has some grey in it. I don't know if that would be a style you like.

Amazon.com: MUJOO 5x7 Area Rugs Washable,Boho Rugs for Living Room Bedroom Dining Room,Large Throw Floor Carpet Non Slip Soft Modern Abstract Bohemian Terracotta : Home & Kitchen

Your DR seems to fit exactly what you are looking for - more cool than warm, MCM, nothing that pops so much that it potentially draws your attention away from a view.

Why not copy your DR colors in your LR?

It will fit your criteria, look more cohesive as one room, and ties in the black of your railing and wood of your fireplace to the black and wood in your DR.

Reupholster the long MCM (new to you) sofa in the color of your walls, very pale grey. Get new chairs for either side of the fireplace - same wood tone of your dining chairs with black upholstery. Add a rug that compliments the rug in your DR.

When all is in place select throw pillows and accent colors that compliment the octopus painting, and throw in the light blue fabric samples you like as pillows IF the make sense once it is all in place.

@Kendrah | @palimpsest - Thanks again for the great suggestions!

We really like the upholstery recommendation: Knoll Textiles Keaton - Pembrook

• https://www.maharam.com/maharam/products/keaton/colors/007-pembrook
• It does a great job of bridging w/ the Teak MCM Sofa/Chair and other browns/cools in the room + has a great MCM texture

Based on some of the helpful feedback, I've realized the value of bridging the various colors to make the space feel more intentional/cohesive.

For the rug to go with this upholstery, here's what we're aiming for:

- Cooler base that can help bridge w/ the warmer tones

- Factors in we have kids (avoid light colors hard to keep clean)

- Neutral texture over heavy pattern (let the view be the focal point)

Here are 4 diff rugs options (to go w/ the Knoll Pembrook upholstery + MCM Teak Tan/Beige Sofa and Chair):

1. Surya Emily Area Rug (colors: Navy, Dark Brown, Bright Blue, Light Gray, White)
2. Feizy Lakewood (colors: Gray, Black, Brown)
3. Feizy Hoyt (colors: Gray, Taupe, Orange, Blue)
4. Rugs USA Perfect Handwoven Gray Jute-Blend (Gray, Tan)

Would love to get your impression/feedback on any of these rugs and overall combination?

Without seeing these in person, our initial instinct is to go w/ Surya. Plan to order samples of the first 3 + the upholstery to see how it all looks in our lighting (which also leans warmer)

• Any potential concerns/issues with any of them to note?

Thanks so much for your time and help!

Photos:

------------------------Option 1 Surya Emily-------------------------------

------------------------Option 2 Feizy Lakewood-------------------------------

------------------------Option 3 Feizy Hoyt-------------------------------

------------------------Option 4 Gray Jute-------------------------------

-----------------------------------Existing Features/Colors-------------------------------------------

MCM Teak Sofa/Chair + other Features:

We'll also be replacing the rug under this table/chairs. Chair leather is darker gray. The Record player in the corner was sold, plan to put in an MCM shelf/buffet or something there.

Some things in a room are seen mostly close, such as fabric

A rug? Is mostly seen from a standing distance of 6 - 8 feet

You're VERY focused on a 5' x 18" flush hearth.

Also the view....

You love the Knoll, I didn't post the gray/beige, felt like a miss

Forgetting view, ONLY accounting for a fabric you seem to love, and IF presented with same from a client who fell in love with the Knoll:

What do I see? A tight and small texture that will possibly be seen tighter yet, blurring the tones, but I don't have a yard of it in front of me.

The two pics below will positively repel/gag you. I understand that! There's no gray and you want it! There's the warm issue as well . Not to mention, its a fairly bold rug, and a noticeably textured rug , both with a much larger scale texture than the knoll fabric, and even the strie velvet doesn't compete but varies the textural effect and the scale

So......we'll forget above, and things you won;t do with that knoll.

You keep posting these, down here? The hearth and D.C

So back to YOU......

You're stuck on it?

GET at least a full yard of the knoll, and many sources have a 2 yard minimum.

No rug sample should be less than 12' x 18" and you stand BACK 6 - 8 feet from that sample as that is how you will see it most of the time .

Especially those with just a tight multi tone blend.

Google please, the fabric content blend on the Knoll. Why? ........................................

Despite 75,000 double rubs, often a meaningless factor. .........?

I think you are going to have major league PILLING.

THAT'S WHY.

I would just ask......IF it is the hearth, if it is the view, the neutral framed sketches, the teak MAYBE it is more this ( above/ below). Maybe DC isn't the "thing" and has another place to go, such as entry foyer, primary bedroom etc.

Only you know . I know ONE thing: If it is this? The wall color is w.r.o.n.g. The white, glaring from the walnut mantel ? Jarring. Both are a changeable thing, and soapstone,would be lovely on both fire code surround and the flush hearth.

Maybe the urge to jam blue into this in ANY way just feels "off" and unnecessary.

I'd get an interior designer to the house - to help you clarify which, what will star in your show. What will recede. I would address walls and the fireplace composition. Take some "fight" away.

That person will be ONE voice with yours, and avail you of fabrics, rugs....that would take a thousand hours, orders of samples and more misses than hits . Great rooms just aren't "forced". When done, they should look easy. Except they aren't: ) and they especially are not in very neutral shades that bring warm and cool to harmony.

I would rather see the Keaton as the "plain" rather than the "pattern". It's a fairly hefty tweed, but I think it is going to read as a solid. (This may vary among viewers: my sister has a tweed sofa and worried about other things fighting with the "pattern" in the sofa. I said "What pattern?")

The Keaton is contract grade but it could pill because it is polyester and rayon. That said, when I sit down I sit, I don't tend to rub myself back and forth all over the upholstery, so I think it would take less of a beating in a house than on chairs in a waiting room.

I would really like to see a larger scale pattern on something, either the larger sofa or the teak, personally. I think the larger sofa is meant to carry a pattern. Finding one these days where most of the mid range fabric is pretty dull in that regard, is another story.

You can do all plains, but I think it's difficult. I did all plains on four different sets of pieces (all the same color, too) but there was a lot of texture: linen, ultrasuede, a furry velvet and satin. And it took me a year to pull all those fabrics together. It was also because the room had a lot of original artwork, a couple busy persian rugs, a japanned cabinet and a etched pewter and bronze and enameled coffee table that is a pictorial. The upholstery didn't need any pattern, because everything else created what would probably be visual overload for most people.

I think the large sofa could carry something like Cowtan & Tout Coromandel with a 15"x 16" repeat, and it would be period appropriate.

"I would rather ( expect to /edit) see the Keaton as the "plain" rather than the "pattern". It's a fairly hefty tweed, but I think it is going to read as a solid."

THAT is why you get two yards, drape it on the couch. Stand close and stand back. Both.

Mere sitting will cause a fabric to pill, if it is prone to pilling, You don't have to be jiggling around, shaking a fanny,.., It will pill, and I would forget Keaton. But I don't buy trouble for clients, OR me. : )

After speaking w/ Maraham (+ local upholsterer) that fabric is durable, isn't prone to pilling, so not worried. It's also a popular choice for MCM couches/chairs.

@palimpsest - Do you like any of the 4 rug options listed above in combo w/ the Knoll Keaton upholstery, based on the following rug preferences:

• Cooler base that can help bridge w/ the warmer tones
• Factors in we have kids (avoid light colors hard to keep clean)
• Neutral texture over heavy pattern (let the view be the focal point)

Here are 2 additional rugs we liked, despite not aligning w/ all of our preferences.

5) Scandinavian Flatweave Geometric Wool Rug (Colors: Blue, Grey, Mustard/Yellow)

• This has a distinct pattern (not normally what we go for), and is more blue/gray, but maybe could work w/ the pop of mustard/yellow mixed in

6) Ruggable Kassena Black & Ivory Rug (Colors: Beige/Ivory, Black)

• This also has a distinct pattern, is def warmer, and lighter - however given that it's washable, we're not as concerned about spills/kids with it
• It may also not come off as sophisticated/mature as other options

Photos Below:

-----------------------Option 5 Scandinavian Flatweave---------------------

--------------------Option 6 Ruggable Kassena ------------------------

Thanks again!

Well Jan, allegedly it is resistant to pilling. Since Knoll is a well-established manufacturer and seller of contract grade furniture and textiles, I don't think their offerings are made to make trouble for their clients but since you tend to be more correct than any other living person in Gardenweb I will take your word for it that it's a crappy fabric even though apparently you've never seen it.

I love the blue rug but I am not sure how it would all go together. Honestly I would redo the sofa, if that isn’t a still your plan, and get that in the space and then build from it. If you can get a sample of Tue carpet or a smaller size to try then you can see if it goes well, or once your sofa is redone and other things jn place use a virtual room planner.

Fibers when blended, especially polyester, are just prone to pills. I've known people to be so annoyed, they keep a razor/ shaver.

Does that mean ALL polyester pills? Nope. There are a billion "performance velvets, indestructible, in that and other regards"

It is the combine of certain fabrics: )

It's essentially a battle of weak, strong, and any friction. The weaker is the loser in the pilling factor

"AI Overview

Yes, a polyester and rayon upholstery fabric will likely pill because both are synthetic fibers prone to pilling from friction. Rayon can be particularly susceptible to pilling, and the blend is more likely to pill than natural fabrics like cotton or linen. "

Now factor in the nubby "weave" even though tight.

: ) What do you THINK Knoll will tell you. .... it's your money.

If you adore it? Put it on something where you sit less than a couch.

Zach of those two I like 5, but I like distinct patterns if you are going to have patterns.

But I also prefer vintage rugs. I have persians between 40 and 100 years old and the 40 year old look almost new even though they were hall rugs in my parents house, and the 60-100 ones have wear, a couple are almost threadbare, but they still look good.

It's a relatively inexpensive fabric for Knoll so if they were going to be disingenuous about durability anyway, they would probably recommend something more expensive. But I have already weighed in on my opinion that I would like to see an actual pattern on the sofa.

If you look at the rugs you just posted, they share not ONE common feeling. That is not a criticism of you or either rug.

They simply point out the fact you are struggling to define the feel of the space and the palette, and inside all that is your fight to marry the cool and the warm.

At the very least?

Go to a high end broadloom store near you. Look a what can be MADE/created/hand bound into area rugs, to the inches you desire.

Antrim, Stanton, Crescent, etc.......Masland...and begin with the rug.

This is off topic because this sort of thing is apparently off the table, but this is the sort of thing that I wish more people would commit to when reupholstering mid-century furniture like your sofa.

This is Jack Lenor Larsen Primavera, and samples of this are in museum collections, and people buy scraps of this fabric at auction. It was briefly reintroduced and I wanted to use it somewhere in my living room (on my sofa if I could afford it) but by the time I was ready, it had already been discontinued again, probably because of the price? The sofa is a bit bright, but some of the other colorways were more approachable, I would have used the lower colorway. This is one of my favorite textiles of the 20th century.

This confirms why I really don’t care for MCM

I could clarify it all for him

It a modern space, he happens to have a couple mid century chairs. What he really wants to notice is the view.

That doesn't mean he should abandon the mid century, the chair style and frame will carry the story as will a cocktail table, lighting.

The view at ground is earth tone.... the blue is sky. That they work together so well outdoors in nature, doesn't mean both must come indoors and not EVERY element, including fabric must have a mid cen vibe.

Try omitting any blue.: ) in rugs or fabric.

@Kendrah - Do you like any of the 6 rug options below (w/ the Knoll Keaton upholstery)?

- Photos above - I can repost them if that's easier too!

1. Surya Emily Area Rug (colors: Navy, Dark Brown, Bright Blue, Light Gray, White)
2. Feizy Lakewood (colors: Gray, Black, Brown)
3. Feizy Hoyt (colors: Gray, Taupe, Orange, Blue)
4. Rugs USA Perfect Handwoven Gray Jute-Blend (Gray, Tan)
5. Scandinavian Flatweave Geometric Wool Rug (Colors: Blue, Grey, Mustard/Yellow)
6. Ruggable Kassena Black & Ivory Rug (Colors: Beige/Ivory, Black)

@palimpsest - Appreciate your feedback, that out of the 2 I posted you like #5. Did you not like any of the others I listed (#1 - 4)?

• Also, just FYA - I'm not going for a true MCM purist design. I do like a lot of the furniture design, wood grains, architecture elements, but it's not my sole focus. It's why I said in the OP "MCM-ish" - but also, I like Boho, Minimalist, and enjoying the nature outside

Let me also say, before a forum Pro begins to rip my off for using the wrong term/word, I'll just admit now that I don't know the correct terms/words/definitions/etc. (you win!) and that despite some of the argumentative opinions some pro's can't help but share on here, I do think I'm being pretty clear about what I like/dislike, even if it's diverse.

I forgot to answer about the rug. I would much prefer a rug like Jan posted with the Knoll fabric, the blue persian looking rug. I am just not a big fan of contemporary rugs, and if you are not going for a purist look anyway, I would consider something other than the generic 21st c. contemporary rug. I'm not saying that to be critical of you for wanting that sort of rug. I just can't give you much of an opinion about them since I would personally prefer something else.

If you are against pattern on anything (and realistically these days it's hard to find upholstery with a larger scale pattern anyway) Knoll has a much heavier tweedy fabric, Rivington. This does not read as exactly solid because the yarns are too thick. Of course it's triple the price of the Keaton.

Rivington

"Let me also say, before a forum Pro begins to rip my( head ) off for using the wrong term/word, I'll just admit now that I don't know the correct terms/words/definitions/etc. (you win!)....."

Nobody here, including this forum pro, has ripped your head off.

In fact, you made my point. Knoll isn't the only place to get a fabric!

"MCM-ish" - but also, I like Boho, Minimalist, and enjoying the nature outside ............"

Ish is the word.

The chairs are the ish. in the style/period. Your gray couch as is ? Generic.

You are trying to get the cool tone of your walls, the warm stone of hearth that could be changed , the warm floor and DC above the mantel......to all hang well together.

It is why I asked you, between the stone on the hearth (and you have posted an image at least three times, and D.C same). Which must remain in place? Or, Which in your mind must be acknowledged more? Couple all of that with a bit of disdain for warm colors. Your struggle isn't about style or periods in design! It is a preference/ conflict of warm and cool. Teak anything.....is a neutral accepting of both temperatures, .

What you want, without using the exact words, ( jmo ) is an organically modern palette, heavy on natural tones, light on pattern and bold color, in forgiving fabrics,. with the "ish" of MCM style. and a rug on a floor whose tone with which you are not in love ......and are attempting to bridge.

Your lean might be this.....

But.......there's the floor?

A jute and wool rug might help....., step away from Knoll to a host of other velvet and linen possibilities/ unlimited sources that also feel less commercially oriented....and a lot more organic

Yes...... there is no blue.

@JAN MOYER - I know it's not your intent - it just seems you're at times focused on trying to tell someone how they're wrong/make a counter point - while also pushing your own aesthetic regardless of another person's preferences, despite that this is subjective.

Please know, I still appreciate your effort to help.

I do like Jute/wool rugs, just not something overly brown/yellow, I like a mix of grey in it, otherwise it just feels like brown on top of brown on top of brown... (see photo at bottom for more context)...

Re: some of your questions/suggestions:

1. We like the DC photo, walnut wood surround, and flagstone hearth (open to repainting the white brick)
2. Are open to repainting the walls if essential (just not beige or something that will take from the openness/airy feeling of the space)
3. We plan to keep the Teak MCM Sofa/Chair if possible, so just need to include that too
4. Re: Upholstery, I like MCM textured upholstery, but openminded, incl. going w/ an Olive/Darker green instead of blue
5. If we did go green, we liked this rug and think it may go well with the Teak MCM Sofa/Chair

------------------------------------------------------------------

We purchased the following rug (was more gray in the online photos) - was way too much brown (w/ the Teak Furniture, Floors, etc.). Also did not like the braided jute look, prefer a less uniformed texture.

Changed the layout as you can tell too.

So this rug looks bad with the grey sofa but not the others. On my screen it also looks nice with your floor and your fireplace surround. Honestly I think I have said it several times but you need to choose a something. What is the piece that starts your journey. As in the base for all else. Choose a sofa you love or a rug or gosh even a chair. Get it in the space and build off of it. You almost have too many ideas right now and they are all kind of conceptual still so you can’t pull them together. You likely need to try things in the space and return what doesn’t work too. All the planning on paper and online isn’t the same as in real life.

Not every design problem can be solved virtually, let alone on Houzz.

A designer in your space, local.....might be a HUGE help.

It's only worth the expense if you can take a little bit of truth for whomever you'd hire.

This:

"You almost have too many ideas right now and they are all kind of conceptual"

Hi @JAN MOYER | @Kendrah | @palimpsest - After working with a designer, below is the upholstery fabric and rug choices we're considering, and just wanted to get your reaction.

I realize this is different than where I started in terms of preference, etc.

Upholstery Fabric for MCM Couch link: Sherwood Blue/Green Fabric

For the DR rug, we plan to go with this link: Ruggable Carnaby Shadow Del Sol Rug

For the LR rug, we plan to go with one of the following links:

1. Magnolia Jones Rug in Oatmeal

2. Aber Lewis & Loli Monty in Ivory/Beige

3. Quince Ember Wool in Taupe

Do you see any concerns/challenges with any of these options/choices?

Some additional context: we also plan to replace the 2 LR chairs in the photos below with 2 matching swivel chairs. The only existing furniture that will remain will be the Domino Teak MCM sofa + the DR table/chairs.

We also plan to add an antique modern brass fireplace screen, nested organic shaped coffee tables, and a gallery style art display (mostly neutral colors to not take away from the view) in the large wall space to the right of the FP.

Photos for context:

MCM Photo to be Reupholstered in Sherwood Forest Upholstery

Domino MCM Teak Sofa (keeping) - All Other Furniture To Be Replaced

LR where one of the 3 rugs above will go

More photos of LR

Another angle

New DR Ruggable Rug

I don't understand where the "jade/emerald velvet is coming from, or its relationship with Dining room

Maybe screen shot all your decisions to a story board/mood board.

Your posts are text and link heavy and VISUAL short. It's a free site, and you're making us wade....: )

What "designer" is sourcing fabric on Spoonflower.?!

And what if anything is happening with wall color?

I'm a little lost........

You need a MOOD board, the pieces you're covering, with all the rest. You seem still in a lack of clarity in palette? Overly focused on "view" ? I can't put my finger on it.....but not feeling it, Sorry: )

Has he/she mentioned LOWERING your art, most of which is hung far too high? ( especially dining area )

I can share the designers name if that's helpful. We did not hire him to source materials, he described that as an additional cost. We hired him to provide a consultation.

We agreed on not changing the wall color, even though we did say we were open to it if he thought it was needed. I like that when we look out the windows it feels endless, like we're in the tree tops (because of the blue-ish tone, feels connected to the sky).

The view is still a focus point, which shouldn't be a problem (if it is for you, that's fine, not for us).

Yes we plan to lower the art.

I'm unsure about the Sherwood Forest upholstery. I believe it's to help cool down the space. I have also asked about using this upholstery instead: Saffron Beige & Taupe Pattern, however it won't cool things down.

I've not created a mood board before. Should I just create a word doc with all of the rugs + furniture + features and share that vs. individual photos? Happy to make this easier - see all photos below.

All Photos (to avoid selecting links):

DR Ruggable We Purchased (can still return if needed)

Here are other features in the room for context:

This MCM Sofa reupholstered in Sherwood Forest

Below is the other upholstery I'm waiting for his response on as an alternative to Sherwood Forest:

Other features in the room:

Ignore the chair here, this will be sold.

Below are the other LR rugs we're considering:

LR Rug: Quince Ember Wool Rug in Taupe (option we're leaning towards)

LR Rug: Magnolia Jones Oatmeal

LR Rug: Monty in Ivory/Beige

I am not dismissing the view. You are struggling to understand it is ONE aspect. You have a ,mile long thread, and you still have not landed on a palette., You have a designer who charged you a consult, and didn't point out why yoiu may be going in circles..........

You began with a piece of art over a mante, a focus on a postage stamp size hearth to drive the design bus.

You haven't clarified a warm or cool palette, and the WALL COLOR is killing the space

Example Warm?

Earlier concepts.....with deep gray, still warm and organic

With mossy green below.

Or.............you accept the walls and the flooring, which are ALSO in conflict, as the wall color makes then yet more yellow in appearance

There ARE MILLIONS of warm palettes omn a google, fewer cool, because of a WARMING trend in all of design.

Ignore the pieces, and no I didn't do "cool"

Organically neutral...

More contrast.......

and more.

The space is OPEN you need a palette ......And your walls have to go....

I think you need a real designer, not some consulting who even CONSIDERS Spoonflower a source, unless for a kid bedroom or a powder room wall paper.

' Start with THE VIEW., Ignore the DC picture, it can go anywhere. A slab of hearth can change....

And No idea location, but you need a real designer, and one you trust enough to let go of the reins. : )

I would START from rugs you love, that compliment one another, I might go as far as a trip to a really good broadloom store and the millions of quality options/textures/that can be cut and hand bound to area rugs

Just read through the whole thread ... I think you are still all over the place and don't have a clear vision in your head. That is fine, as it sometimes takes a bit of time for an overall look to come together, BUT don't rush to buy/order anything until you have a clearer picture in your head.

The designer we hired is well established, featured in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful. Has a lot of great reviews online. We selected him because we liked the designs in his portfolio and he was well reviewed.

If you look at where this post began and is now, yes it’s been a journey. I also acknowledged that in my recent post (so why restate it again?)… I also don’t know why it matters. So what, it has nothing to do with what I’m asking now.

The wall color works, not changing.

Oh, and from reading the thread I would never have guessed you would have ended up with that dining room rug! I was like ... wait what ... where did that come from? I don't love it in the photo, but maybe it look better in person.

@chispa again, acknowledged that in my post… don’t know why it matters if it’s different from where we started or left off before working with a designer?

Why does it matter?

Because that is now a big element in the space and it should somehow relate to what you are picking out for the family room right next to it.

I love the rug. Don’t love the fabric choice and am confused by it.

It is seeming we can't help you? You're getting annoyed and when you say the wall color "works? With WHAT, exactly?

Here below: YOUR WORDS, The problem words........

"We agreed on not changing the wall color, even though we did say we were open to it if he thought it was needed. I like that when we look out the windows it feels endless, like we're in the tree tops (because of the blue-ish tone, feels connected to the sky).

The view is still a focus point, which shouldn't be a problem (if it is for you, that's fine, not for us).

Because of the bluish tone , it feels connected to the sky......"

Your're going to have to embrace cool BLUISH walls, a cooler palette, or CAN the walls. You seem unwilling to do EITHER. You're jamming warm and cool together, you've not the skill set to do it.

That, my friend is your design problem# !

Your House Beautiful designer SAW it, he just didn't cram a wall change change down your tonsils, nor force a decision from you.

If you want a blue green cooler scheme? Call him back, and.,....out with your new dining room rug, please? No offense to the designer? The spoon Flower fabric, the HUE reads ........non luxury, lets put it that way...Sorry: (

following along

@Zach, I totally get where you are in your journey but I don't totally get your choices.

The journey - maybe I get it because I am not a designer, just another homeowner who spends way too much time thinking about spaces. I get the organic, convoluted trip that comes from what may seem like an irrational desire to be in love with a view or a particular piece of furniture I found in the trash and then start from there. I like that you are maintaining your wall color and the tree top view as your through line to inform your other choices.

I also like that you found a rug that really speaks to you. It isn't my taste and yet I adore it in your space.

It will take years for this space to develop if you wait for each element to be something that speaks to you. You have your walls, your view, your dining rug. Now build off of that.

I don't understand the sherwood forest selection at all. Is that because you want it to relate to the trees? If so, I think it misses the mark. I think part of what you want to do is create a little calm nest in your living room that makes you feel transported outside and that doesn't necessarily come from mimicking what you see outside.

What do you think of @JAN MOYER 's neutral organic mood board colors and vibes?

I think this pallet, with a few nods to the cool grey walls, and the tumeric circles on your dining room rug would be great in this space. (By nod, I don't mean you have to put a matching tumeric or marigold color in your living room. Maybe just a hit of one more spiced color element to tie the sides together.

I have no problem with your hearth. I'd find another place for the DC picture. It just doesn't raise to the quality of everything else you are placing in this room.

Lastly, if you liked the designer, why didn't you hire them to select your fabrics and additional rug for you? Was it a budget issue?

@JAN MOYER - Sorry, what you wrote just wasn't coherent.

@Kendrah - Thanks for your comment, I appreciate your perspective, even if you're not a "designer." I like Jan's organic/neutral board and could def. see going with a blue upholstery like the one she has included.

Re: the upholstery... when we originally talked to our designer we shared this Knoll Pembrook upholstery fabric that we liked and his response when recommending the Sherwood Forest upholstery is below:

"Sofa Reupholstery
The fabric you shared is nice, but I’m concerned about its flammability rating and overall durability—especially with kids and a dog. I recommend a commercial-grade Celosia Velvet (plush) fabric, which is more durable, luxurious, flame-resistant, and long-lasting.
For color, I suggest Sherwood Forest, a blue-green tone inspired by DC rowhouse architecture that will create a strong statement. We can then layer in a mix of decorative pillows in various colors, patterns, and textures to make the space feel cozy and inviting."

TBH, we were unsure about the Sherwood Forest color too, but wanted to give our designer a chance/trust them. So our plan was to buy a few yards, see what it looks like in our lighting/room, then make a final decision.

• Based on a lot of the feedback here, it kind of helps validate my initial reaction to it...

Re: the rugs... he recommended 2 rugs (a LR + DR rug), which we purchased. We ended up returning the LR rug he recommended because it looked more mauve/purple in our lighting. We let him know + provided more feedback on what we wanted, and he then recommended the 3 rugs above to go with the LR rug.

He suggested we have a pattern rug in the DR if we were going to go with a more neutral rug in the LR.

We were about to purchase the other rug, but I decided to come here and just get feedback out of curiosity.

WHAT I wrote wasn;t coherent...

You said this.

""We agreed on not changing the wall color, even though we did say we were open to it if he thought it was needed. I like that when we look out the windows it feels endless, like we're in the tree tops (because of the blue-ish tone, feels connected to the sky).

The view is still a focus point, which shouldn't be a problem (if it is for you, that's fine, not for us).

Whether you want it to be true? Your clinging to the very icy cool "bluish"!! /gray tone of the wall paint is destroying every effort to make a cohesive WHOLE in your space, which is all one space,

The walls fight the flooring,, making it appear more yellow than you like. the walls fight the warmer new gray and whatever dining rug....

The sky will always be outdoors, The trees will always be outdoors.

This has a wrap around ,

There are Oatmeal, . green, warm russet brown in the space and yes black . White is on the walls,,,

Wrapped views · More Info

......

Wrapped views · More Info

Wrapped views · More Info

If you want a velvet with depth, long wearing,, luxurious as well? A zillion colors

Also more expensive , but many things are.

https://ladesignconcepts.com/products/schumacher-antique-strie-velvet-prussian-fabric-69753?utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22080122847&gclid=CjwKCAiA4KfLBhB0EiwAUY7GAaBHYItR_uR2W8gNL9Ml03nG-M8nJesxe4IT93kZWY_w4-17gAbzmxoCRCQQAvD_BwE

That the designer suggested a fabric to go with the DC pic seems strange AF, but perhaps you were guiding him in that direction. Maybe it helps you see how that picture above your fireplace really draws your attention away from the view outside that you want to be the focus.

What city do you live in or near? If you have a Room and Board store, I'd go there. They sell fabric by the yard, it isn't outrageously expensive, it is very family friendly fabric in loads of colors and pleasing weaves. Bring your ruggable rug with you to make sure they colors look good. They have loads of pillows and you can probably find your swivel chairs there too.

I think a keep charcoal would be great for the sofa. I wouldn't get an oatmeal rug with your floors. I'd get something darker and more grounded.

I really don’t think you have to pick a lane... If you pick up on the vibe of your DC rowhouse art in the interior - this does not mean you cannot enjoy the views outside. And just because the sky tends to be blue, this does not preclude you from having a blue sofa. ;)

Your designer sounds like they may be on the right track- except, you do not want the forest green velvet. So tell them that. It’s your house- and your money.

Many decorators cannot separate themselves from their own personal tastes and preferences. I do not know if your current decorator is in that camp either partially or fully; but in any case, it‘s still the same bottom line- it’s your house.

@freedomplace1 thank you, I agree and really like the color combination and design in your post!

It show’s how warm wood floors with blue walls, browns, blues, taupe, etc., can work together, which is reassuring.

It’s unfortunate when a designer lets their personal preference cloud their ability to offer real design advice/feedback.

Out of the 3 rugs below, would you mind sharing which do you like best in the LR (with a blueish upholstery)?

1. Quince Ember (little darker/pattern):
   2.Month Ivory (Taupe/geometric texture)
2. Magnolia Jones (Oatmeal/texture)
   
   

Put the breaks on just a bit @Zach. You really need to pick out the sofa fabric and rug in tandem. Don't lock yourself into one or the other. Sounds like you enjoy a blue sofa. Get some blue sofa samples. Then order small sizes of the two rugs you like the most. See how they look with your sofa samples, chair samples, wood floor, and dining room rug. Return the rugs for a full size of which ever one you like the most.

Also note that what @JAN MOYER is paying attention to is your floor color and your wall color. The only room below that comes close to your floor and walls is this. And, is it really a fantastic look? Maybe...

BUT - don't go based on pics to make your purchases. Go off of these pics and advice to test items out. Get all of the samples and options together, tweak and then purchase once you have a sense of the big picture.

Here are some Room and Board fabrics that you can get free samples of sent to your home. (I believe they sell yardage of all of these fabrics.) They are family friendly, performance fabrics with nearly 100,000 Wyzenbeek double rub rating.

Perhaps this for your swivel chairs, because it matches the octopus art so nicely.

With your floors, I prefer a more contrasting rug in a darker tone. See how well it works under your dining room table?

Hi @Kendrah Thanks for the recommendations.

Before hiring our designer we tried several store design consults (Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc.). Open to R&B, their furniture quality isn’t great, but would consider their rugs/upholstery.

We like all of your recommendations. If we went with what you suggested for DR and upholstery, what would you recommend for the LR?

I’m hesitant to say it here, but after sitting with the DR rug for a week, we’re going to return it. We like the colors, but the pattern doesn’t work for us.

I would get the furniture colors set first. There are literally THOUSANDS of rugs to explore and it won't be hard to find something for the sitting area (and the dining area if you aren't liking that one.) Having just ordered a new couch myself, I am totally prejudice towards the medium to lighter blues. I think they hit just the right note.

FWIW - when I sat on a more "velvety" fabric, I realized that my inability to scoot around easily was a turn off. In theory, I love a velvet sofa, but in reality, it inhibits motion. Our couch will be in the Great Room, which is where we sit to every night to watch tv and comfort was a huge factor. Keep the reality of a specific fabric in mind.

@RedRyder our goal is to select an upholstery and rug for the LR and DR at the same time. This will go with the existing room features and MCM Teak Sofa. Later we will buy some other furniture (2 chairs, coffee table, lamps, etc.), however I’m not worried about getting that in advance.