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kathy_chriest

Living Room Redo – Looking for Design Advice

last month

I’m remodeling my living room and would really appreciate your ideas. I’ve been going back and forth on so many decisions that I think I need some fresh eyes!

Here’s what I’ve already decided:

  • Walls: Sherwin-Williams Taupe of the Morning
  • Sofa: Flexsteel reclining sofa in Dove Gray
  • Window treatments: Linen-colored zebra blinds, outside mounted and installed all the way to the ceiling. Right now I’m planning to use only the zebra blinds, but I’m open to suggestions if you think another treatment would make the room look more finished.

What I’m trying to decide:

  • A light wood or light-tone media console for a 65” TV.
  • End tables (I only have 20 inches of space on each side of the sofa, so they need to be fairly narrow).
  • Two accent chairs and whether each chair should have a small table or if there’s a better arrangement.
  • The lamps I’ve attached.

My style is warm, timeless, relaxed, and updated. I don’t want anything too modern, farmhouse, or overly traditional. I like clean lines with some softness and texture.

I’d love your opinions on:

  • The overall furniture layout.
  • Media console style and finish.
  • End table ideas for the limited space.
  • Whether zebra blinds alone are enough or if another window treatment would elevate the room.
  • Anything else you would change to make the room look professionally designed.

I’ll add my floor plan, additional room photos, and the lamp options in the comments since Houzz only lets me upload one photo with the post.

Thank you! I genuinely appreciate any ideas or inspiration.


Comments (56)

  • last month

    Well, the sofa looks comfortable & since it needs to stay do things that will help ”minimize” it’s size. At least it doesn ’t look like one of those humongous ”Michelin Man” sofas with a matching love seat! I would start by looking for a long ( approximatelly 72-78” wide ) console & mount the TV on the wall above. Perhaps a large area rug will help balance things somewhat. Another thought of mine would be to remove everything above the mantle & replace with a rather large ( probably square ) piece of art you love. Maybe add a throw or a few interesting pillows atop your sofa. A floor lamp at the window end of the sofa might look good & a live tree or plant in the opposite window area, I’d remove the valence. Just a few random thoughts, I hope one of the talented designers on here will help.

    Kathy thanked K Laurence
  • last month

    Please upload the floorplan.

  • PRO
    last month

    We need to see the TV wall.


    The one seat too large sofa is the biggest problem in the room. The back is too tall and it's to long.


    I suggest you CENTER IT ON THE WINDOW so it looks like you planned for it for starters.



    Kathy thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • last month

    Floor plan and current tv wall
    I did some chat gpt for tv wall

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    You're running to the "disky" for lamps on tables that are too many in number, too shiny and dated.

    You 'Want softness and texture" but everything in the space is slick and smooth"

    You bought a gigantic reclining sofa, that needs ROOM to get feet up position, yet you want cocktail tables?

    You did all this with no plan?

    So our ( my )question might be, are you asking us or telling us?

    Your "floor plan" is a lot of missing information. We aren't seeing your entire space to include dining bump and kitchen.

    A rug in the space would help. A lot of things would help......The WHOLE floor plan and pictures from the fire end of the room. Start there.

  • last month

    I forgot to say if at all possible make sure that the sofa is centered on the window.

    Kathy thanked Emily
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Agree with the advice so far - a rug for the whole space will help ground the room and think about fewer and larger items to balance the scale/size of the sofa (larger console, larger heftier lamps, remove dainty accessories etc)

    Kathy thanked la_la Girl
  • last month

    Emily that is the plan I had in my head. I wanted to change out the media console to a light color. I am open to ideas. The only item in the room that needed to stay was the couch. I know it’s too big but I can’t get rid of a brand new couch. I’m not rich. That’s why I said I had a dilemma. The windows look great and what I was trying to decide how to get the pinch pleat drape color right. Thank you for your help. Its very appreciated

  • last month

    Centered on the window

  • last month

    I don’t think the darker wood console you have now is too bad. But if wanting something different and lighter here are a couple of options. First pic shows an inexpensive console from Wayfair and is close to the wood tone on fireplace. The third pic shows a lighter tone that is closer to the flooring and is from Pottery Barn. They both have different price points and, of course, you’ll want to look at sizes and determine what is best for your room.

    For draperies I would go with something that matches your wall color. Amazon is a good source for that. And I would get several that you think might work and see how they work in your room. What you don’t like, return.

    Kathy thanked Emily
  • last month

    I had looked at pottery barn and saw this but am going to go back and look at a bigger store. I also like these curtains with the rings. The fabric is light and not lined

  • last month

    Thinking of changing fireplace to fit better if that would make it easier. I’m not in love with it. So open to suggestions

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    With 3 windows so close together, the zebra blinds are a lot of stripes IMO. Try to find some drapes that you can order samples-Two Pages offers sample books for example. Even if you don't use them, you can find a color family that works with your walls and couch as a start. Is this the new paint color?

    Kathy thanked kcooz07
  • last month

    I need some sort of blinds because of the light from a building nearby that installed new led lights. I have wooden blinds but they don’t pull up easily to allow clear view during the day. I know I’m a lot lol

  • last month

    You can get blinds that are not the zebra.

  • last month

    I just copied what you wrote and your picture into chatGPT and asked it to render it with no other commentary. Hope it helps.


    Kathy thanked Paul F.
  • PRO
    last month

    Emily has provided you with your best window treatment solution.

    Nothing wrong with your fireplace unless you want to change the stain on the wood or paint out the wood, but the proportions for the fireplace are just fine.







    Kathy thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • last month

    Paul I really like the tv console and the chairs. Now I just have to find them.
    Emily has given me hope with the windows. I ordered some samples from two pages. You all have been so helpful. Still open to any suggestions.

  • PRO
    last month

    Had you not selected the oversized sofa you could have created this furnishings arrangement in your room, and guests in the chairs would have also been able to view the TV from their seats.



    Kathy thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • last month

    Painted out the wood as Beverly suggested. My preference would be a less stripey window treatment.


    Kathy thanked Paul F.
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Beverly i like your plan except the need for watching tv isnt a priority. its more from when my family comes over so we can see and talk to each other. We previously had a 4 cushion couch but it wasn’t as high backed. It worked for my family so that was why I decided to do it again however this is longer and higher I wish I could have a do over but sadly no . I totally forgot about houzz when I purchased the couch. I shoukd have gone on here then. I had considered the type of blinds that Paul suggested but I felt like they were very ecpensive and if I didn’t like them I’m back to same situation like with the couch But I am keeping the options open. I’ll be getting some samples Thank you all

  • last month

    That’s how it should be. Furniture that works well for those that live with it. Find some additional pieces to go with it and you’ll have an enjoyable place for you and your family.

    Kathy thanked Emily
  • last month

    Kathy, I liked the curtains you posted and yes, you absolutely want to go with rings not the style you currently have. The rod needs to extend well past the window and you’ll need extra wide curtain panels. Choose a non fussy curtain rod. HM home has some great drapes too. The blackout ones have a nice substantial weight to them.

  • last month

    Take a lesson to this Alice Lane podcast re window treatments Source: YouTube https://share.google/I7QPFtJ7egrSH6vh4

  • last month

    “Listen”, but also a lesson 😊

  • last month

    I really like the AI rendering that @Paul F. posted above - it looks like a "serene" room. I like window treatments he showed in the rendering - they provide sun/view blocking when necessary + add texture to the room.

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    this......... excellent, note ONE big leather statement and no more wanted,,or needed. No glass.brass......: )bravo.

    It's serene, warm, textured, layered, INVITING.



  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I thought of your room when I was browsing Costco. I saw the Puerto Del Sol in the store and it is very well made. The wood is slightly darker than the rendition above shows, but could work. The length would balance the length of your sofa, price is awesome, and you cant beat Costco customer service and delivery. Its not ”fine furniture” but a TV console does not get a lot of wear and tear……..sometimes form over

    function is OK😜





  • last month

    That looks great. I’ll have to see if they have it at my local store. It’s so hard without seeing something in person.

  • last month

    Definitely check out Wayfair for a modestly priced, light wood console under the tv. Also look at JCPenny for drapes. They often have great prices and nice options. Fitting more chairs into the room for company might be challenging, but look for chairs without arms since the couch is such a dominant feature.

    A great rug will tie it all together. When you've got all the furniture, measure the floor to have the front feet of the couch on it. Painters tape is a great way to figure out the right size.

    Don't paint the walls prematurely. Wait.

  • last month

    I was looking for a light linen type fabric with rings. I can’t find any on JC Penney’s. They use to be a great resource but not as much. I ordered some samples from Two Pages. My husband wants a real wood cabinet because that’s what we currently have so another challenge. Thank you so much!

  • last month

    The Vermont Country Store carries most of Country Curtains products (they sadly, went out of business). They have a great variety of curtains ranging from sheer, linen, cotton, lined, various lengths, etc. And their prices are good. Worth a look: https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/country-curtains-welcome

    Pottery Barn also has a decent selection.

  • last month

    I checked out pottery barn for media console and drapes. I want unlined since they are going to be stationary on the sides of windows. I like this console.

  • last month

    If you are going to spend 2K for a tv stand- you can spend that, or a bit more, or a bit less... and potentially have a more comfortable life.


    Consider switching the sofa to the current tv wall. You could put the tv where the sofa is currently. You could use a tv lift cabinet.


    Here is one example:





    https://www.wayfair.com/boards-technology/pdp/stellweilan-tessberg-motorized-tv-lift-stand-mount-bracket-with-remote-control-for-32-70-in-tv-sekl5380.html?piid=111067048


  • last month

    The above link is just for the lift mechanism. I put up that photo to show the concept. Amazon is also a great resource for the tv lift mechanisms.

  • last month

    Ideally, the console should be a little longer for your size TV if you have the room. Are you going to hang the TV?

  • last month

    The PB console is very nice.

  • last month

    You could use the console on the window side, instead of a lift cabinet. Lift cabinet has some advantages- but either could work.




    You and your family may find it more comfortable to not sit with your backs to the windows. Plus, the space could feel much more open and expansive, if you move the sofa to the wall. You could then hang art over the sofa- another plus. Any glare from the windows can be managed with the proper curtains and/or shades.



  • last month

    Well, the art is a bit too high. Also, when I was moving the furniture, AI literally moved the wall and windows with it! I had to re-install it all; and the windows are not perfect... But, hopefully, it’s good enough to give you the idea of the layout I am suggesting.







  • last month

    I had considered the tv on the window wall but this room is adjacent to kitchen and it looks bad. We do watch tv from the kitchen table also. I do like it be but you see all the mechanics

  • last month

    This was with old furniture

  • last month

    I would say your first instinct was right. TV on window wall is a much better placement. It really opens up the space. And sitting with your backs to the windows is not the best.


    What do you mean by, ”you see all the mechanics” ? Do you mean from outside? If so, who cares?


    Did you look at the videos with the tv lift cabinets? With one of those, you only see the tv when you are going to actually be watching it. And you can lower a shade, if there is glare, and/or if you are concerned about people looking in your windows. You could maybe get another tv for the kitchen/dining area watching.


    Ultimately, though, it is your home and you have to do what you feel comfortable with.

  • last month

    The side view is not pretty. This is view of the whole connection between kitchen and family room. I looked at the lift but I don’t see how it would work on a cabinet bought separately and when I went to the link on you tube it was from 12 years ago so I typed in the link for the company and it’s blocked.
    I do like the idea for sure just need to see how to implement without adding clutter to the

  • last month

    I see you have different window treatments on the bay window areas. I like the white grommet draperies.

  • last month

    Kathy, if you are thinking about a new dining table consider a lighter wood tone for that too. It really helps open up the space visually

  • last month

    You just need a good carpenter. In this case, you need a good carpenter who knows how to install the lift in a pre-existing cabinet, or who can build a new cabinet for the tv and lift. Alternatively, you can just buy a pre-made tv lift cabinet. Various vendors sell assembled tv lift cabinets, at various price points. You could also search on Craigslist and/or Facebook Marketplace, if you’re on there; you never know what you may find.



    To obscure side view of an exposed tv from dining room table - a screen.









  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I just did a really quick search for tv lift cabinets - online, on my local Craigslist (NYC). I looked in the ‘for sale/electronics’ category. I immediately found this “custom motorized tv lift cabinet,“ with the remote; and I think they are including the tv, too - for $1,100. They are in Jersey City, NJ; so, basically right next door. I know the area well.


    Hazy conditions, etc. - but you can see the NYC skyline in a couple of the pics.









    I don’t know the size of your tv. Plus, of course there are various styles in - and style possibilities for - tv lift cabinets. But this one is sleek enough... and at a very good price point. So if you are in the area - might be something to consider. If you are not in the area- search Craigslist in your area. You can search for ”tv lift cabinets” and for ”pop up tv cabinets” . If you are interested in this one, let me know; I will give you the link.


  • last month

    I’ll download the app. I hope it helps. I really appreciate the ideas.

    The pottery barn wood color is identical to my floor so I’m not sure that’s going to work. I may have to lean into darker more like the fireplace wood. That gets me feeling more mid century vibing?