@a3vr6glx, yes....We've narrowed it down to several favorites, but still unsure which way to go....there's 2-3 ones at Mitchell Gold, 2 at Crate and Barrel and 2-3 at Thrive. We like a couple at Room and Board too and even talked with Monarch Sofas about doing a custom piece (which, btw, has become one of our more affordable options). So really, we're not that close to making a decision. At this point 2 different sofa styles at MG are the front runner (I think).....and we even have a fabric selected for it once we decide on which style to go with.....but that could change tomorrow. It's sad because we really want to decide on something soon so we could finally move on to the next steps.....easier said than done! :-)

Ok, ok....I got TOTALLY sidetracked today at work while cruising CL for more Mid Cent. Mod. pieces and totally scored this awesome dining room set! I had been looking for a set but a complete set, true MCM, is expensive....especially in the DC area! Most are easily in excess of 1200-1500. So, here's what I found! Danish made, circa 1951, table with a leaf extension, and 6 chairs, bought from the original family that purchased it new in 1951.....$250! I could not pass that up. The cushions have been recovered in something totally NOT my style, but I will recover them tomorrow to bring the class up a notch. I'm become a huge MCM fan and I'll consider this my best find yet.

Abby so I really started looking at this room again, thinking that I now have too many pictures on my walls. To me it was starting to look "busy". So, I'm wondering, with the second big piece of art that I have from the pics above, and all of the smaller pics on the two walls below, and the big piece above my sofa.....where should I place them? I like the art above the credenza, so no worries there. But now I'm thinking I like the idea of utilizing the larger pics to make the room look less cluttered, or at least the walls. Maybe I'm crazy, I don't know:) I just feel like it could be better than what it is now, with what I have. Make any sense?

And Karen, I really like you way with words:) Thank you very much! So what are your thoughts on my comment to Abby? Plus, I have that nice piece(at least I really like it), that WAS above my credenza before that was too small for that space-and now I'm struggling with where to place it. I did just move the two pics on the wall to the right of the chair, into my kitchen along the window by the new table. I think those look better in that room. Thoughts?

Avery, you TOTALLY sound like me! It's hard making decisions, especially when it's a good chunk of change, and you don't want to regret that decision! I got so excited over my dining room set find today that I forgot about the sofa:)

love the set; great find!

Omg, what a fab find! It looks like it's in perfect condition and at a steal too! Wish you lived locally so you could shop for me too lol.

Btw, have you been following this thread?

[calling-all-mid-century-modern-enthusiasts[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/calling-all-mid-century-modern-enthusiasts-dsvw-vd~651666?n=962)

You should check it out if not..... :-)

Thanks Jabbot! And Avery....I'm following it now! Looks like a great thread. Im going to check it out. Let me know how your sofa shopping progresses. I'm going hunting for a side table tomorrow.

Your kitchen table........amazing! I mean, amazing deal and amazing quality and just what you wanted! AND the chairs, too? And a leaf? OH, my! The people have to be so happy that YOU have it.

Moving those two pics to that eating area was a great idea. I started looking around the room and noticed 5 small pieces on two close walls, and I know you want those two together. They work there! Have you tried the other large piece on a nail left behind from them? Would that large piece work there?

Really beautiful style of the table and chairs.

Wow. I have just taken your journey-to-date in just one afternoon. Fun to watch the transformations and then was blindsided by the big changes of losing the drapes and changing the paint to all white! LOL I'm fairly new to the HOUZZ app and am thoroughly enjoying it. Now if I could convince my daughter to ask for some help with her apt bedroom! Nice, everyone and owner!

Happy Saturday everyone. We got some nice snow in DC today! However, I can't wait for Spring to get here!

Abby, so you like the table and chairs? I thought it was a great price. I found it they were made in the late 40's, in NC. I thought they may have been Danish, but I was wrong. Even still, great price, AMAZING condition, and I think they look MUCH better now that I recovered the chair cushions today:)

So I moved the pic above my sofa over to the chair wall for starters, just to see a larger pic. I think it looks better, less busy. I'll have to try out the other large pic that I just got-the second one so to speak that you mentioned. Oh, and did you notice I put three pieces back on the credenza;)

Applepie, thanks for the compliments! I'm very happy with them!

And Cpar, did you really read through the whole thread? I'm impressed! It's actually quite long at this point. So, thoughts? Did you prefer the original wall colors, or do you like the newer look that I'm playing with? And I've found a lot of REALLY awesome people here on Houzz. Most of them have been a major influence here in this thread. They have really helped me a lot...and are such nice folks!

What does everyone think about putting another mirror above my sofa? I went to an estate sale today and they had a nice walnut framed mirror that was about 30inches wide by about 40 inches tall. It was in great condition, definitely a nice piece, for $25. I may go back and grab it tomorrow morning. Would the room look odd with a mirror above the sofa and the copper round one at the bottom of the stair landing?

I have to be honest here. I have been watching this again and I don't know where this room is going. Please remember balance and scale when decorating. Too many small things. I want everyone to live beautifully in their own home with their own things. Last year, we got that all worked out and now I'm not sure. I think your room is losing some of its warmth that it had last year.

Your chairs look great....the colors are so nice with the rug and they do fit the style and your space. You did it today....wow!

I was going to suggest that candle for our table to have something a tad taller on it, but ya know.....I am ok with how you snuck it back to the credenza, but layered it with the pot instead of lining them all up in a row.

I like the between the window art over by the chair....that side of the room needed color there and in one piece. I looks nice with the pillows.

Now.....about mirrors. I have this thing........about them. Some people use them for simple art when they cannot think of anything else to put on the wall....that is not you, as you know art and to use have it and use it. I also think mirrors need a function.......to be seen in or to reflect something worth being seen twice. Ask yourself about that when you put a mirror up, too. No place holders and worthy of reflection.

And really? You used snow and nice in the same sentence. We need to talk!

Tennis....I very much respect your thoughts on this. You were SUCH a great help last year as well:) I think you and Abby were there the whole stretch! Do you mind giving me some ideas that you have? I have recently been thinking that it was starting to look a bit too much. I do like clean, and simple. That's why I started thinking there were too many pics on the wall. I also want to get rid of that wooden crate table in the corner by the door now. I feel that's not a good fit at this point. Abby, want that table?:) I think you said you liked it!

I do want that table! I see it being a fun bar cart and wondered if that was what you used it for??? What will go there....one of your big plants from before? Those I want, too!!!

Tennis, I am anxious to hear your thoughts for this space, too, and the direction you would rather it was going.

Can I call you a3? All those letters/numbers I can't remember :) Hi Abby too.

Where is your tv? I'm glad you kept the arrangement from last year too. To me, that is the biggest mistake people make- the floor plan easily fixable if people like you are willing to try it. I had to "yell" LOL a few times to get you to move it but you felt uncomfortable and that is what decorating is. Feeling comfortable in your space. You are a real trouper.

My thought on this is I feel that your house had a certain charm and sometimes you can't make something be something else, just like people too, you can't change who someone was born to be. I live in a contemporary house, big windows, open concept. Sometimes the house has to speak to you. If I decorated/remodeled in country style, it would not fit and it would never feel right. I think that is what is happening to you and that is why you are doubting your space now because it doesn't feel right. That means you now have experience of what your space should feel like. That's a good thing.

Its your house and I respect that but I just loved the curtains, it gave height and warmth and the plants too and the old paint color too. Don't shoot me for saying that. I felt like it had more life but I don't have to live there and you know what you like. I also agree with you that the crate does nothing for the space. I do love the new entertainment center by the way.

I agree with you that the pictures are wrong by the chair (too many) and so are the prints in the kitchen (too small). You actually know what to do and that is why you said it feels busy, again because it's not right for you. They are not to scale. I don't believe in just hanging stuff on the walls just to fill up the space. I would rather live without until I get it right. Go back to the very top and just compare the rooms side by side and really see what speaks to you. You are answering your own questions. I hope I didn't overstep but I have been here from the beginning but ultimately, if you love it, that is all that matters. Can you post on here a side by side so we can compare without going up and down on the thread.

The big walnut mirror at the estate sale clearly spoke to you. I'd say buy it if you love it.

Abby...those tables were from Etsy. I probably could have made them for about the same price that I found them for, meaning they were very inexpensive:)

Tennis, of course you can call me A3! For some reason, everything that you mentioned was almost exactly what I imagined you saying. And I TOTALLY respect all of your thoughts and opinions. That's why I asked:)

I think I got to the point of where I really started feeling like the colors were too drab for what I was looking for. I spent a lot of time cruising the web looking at pics of "white walls, pine floors", "white walls, small living room"-Google searching all day long! Personally, I actually like the white walls. When you walk into that room now it just seems so much brighter, and it really does appear to be a bit bigger, especially on nice days with the blinds up, it just really brightens the room.

Since this was my first house that I actually purchased, I've definitely struggled with trying to figure out what I prefer style wise. I have settled on MCM, but almost kind of eclectic in a way, but that could be stretching it.

I had to replace the chain link fence that went around my house, and I did a horizontal fence, broken up in different areas architecturally, and then did a really nice new garage door with frosted glass panels. I wanted to do something different than the rest of the neighborhood, but still keep things in perspective. I still need to figure out the other exterior changes with siding, painted brick possibly, etc.

My main thing is I want to figure out the artwork placement, replace the wooden table, and then replace my sofa and chair. I bought the sofa and chair from Ikea about 13 years ago, so I definitely got my money out of it!

And Apple Pie, I just may go grab that mirror. It was inexpensive enough to where I can probably figure out a good spot for it in one of my rooms anyway!

Tennis I picked two pics that are probably the best example of last year and this year. My ears are open to all comments!:)

Darn it....it only saved them as small pics

A3 I would move just a few things for you using what you have. Where is your tv now? Move the black round table next to the couch, near the door as an end table, move the crate piece on top of the credenza by the wall on the left side or middle, lets see it and use as a bar area putting wine glasses and other bar stuff in it, you can even stain it the color of the credenza. I can't really see it close up. Take the picture over the credenza and put it behind or the side wall of the chair where you have the three pictures. Take down the other picture and leave that wall bare until you find a MCM lamp. Take the picture between the windows and put it over the credenza centering it halfway down between the crate. Use the credenza as a serving piece for the room. Is the glass coffee table new? Where is the wooden table? It is bigger and fills up the space better. What are you using the crate for now? You have so many circles, mirror, coffee table, end table, pouffs, etc Lets start with this and as u get your new furniture, we can work with it.

Tennis....thank you so much for taking the time to help out:) So, my TV is now in my basement, with the TV stand you saw in pics from last year, and a new couch with chaise, which wouldn't fit in my living room. So, all TV watching is now done downstairs. I moved the round side table that was next to the white chair downstairs, and got rid of the crate table today. I did this because I picked up a set of Danish rosewood side tables-2 being the same 27x27 size and 1 being a 17x27. I didn't really WANT all 3, but the price was right. I could resell one table and make money on the whole transaction.....I think weird like that:)

Your MCM lamp remark really hit me....I have definitely been looking recently, but haven't come across the right lamp at the right price just yet. I'm always searching though!

I'm trying to figure out if these rosewood side tables are going to work, so here's a few picks. I think one thing that's really making this tough as that I still have the couch and chair(two obviously very large pieces in this room) that I'm trying to work around, and the new look/style that I'm trying to achieve is tough with these pieces.

I did play around a bit with trying to move a few pieces of art. Thoughts on whether one looks better than the other?? The large pic above the credenza looked way too big on the chair wall, at least to me. I still have the second large piece of art that I got with the one above the credenza. I haven't figured out where that's going to go just yet. I think once I get a new, lower profile sofa that it may actually work between those two windows.

Put the same size tables next to the couch. Remove the one by the chair, looks out of place.

I think it is all the small pictures that bother me. Take everything off the walls for now. If you want cleans lines, then it is sometimes better to do nothing until you get a couch and chair you really want. Try just taking things off the wall and see if you really like clean lines with one or two great pieces.

The small pieces of artwork don't bother me at all, because you have treated them as one larger piece. Now, if you had spread them out, marching around the room, THAT would have bothered me!

WOW....lots of suggestions that I truly need time to absorb and guess you do, too. I was happy with what I saw and never really even got to the latest new purchases................

Hi, a3 - Yes, I really read every comment! I'm neither a pro nor good in decorating, but I like the eclectic nature of both the white and the warm wall versions. The white walls and trim along w/ black (dark?) art frames give me a feeling of charming art gallery. It will be fun to see what other changes you may make to continue the quest for MCM look. Even though you have headed in another direction, I hope you don't mind my listing some of the things I remember I liked about the warm wall color version... The way the colors of walls, white trim, and flashes of black seemed to pull like colors together from different parts of the room, such as the orangey walls to the wood floor and rug and to the drapes and pops of it on artwork and the wood trim of the circular code table, and some of the art and the pillows with black and orange. The white slipcovers/paint trim/etc. Black matting of art frames, that cool tiered oval table, black in pillows. Some yellow golds as well, with the pillows, drapes, wall. I rather liked how so much of it turned out! Am glad you lost the wooden coffee table. Did the second one go to the basement as well as the tv? ----You certainly seem to enjoy the hunt for items and redecorating, a3. Oh, and I love your found d.r. set. I'll check back. Reading the suggestions will hopefully improve my capabilities, too.

Wow...see, this is why I REALLY like this site, and you amazing folks that are part of it. Everyone is just so helpful, and I am so appreciate of all of you. I like all of the comments, whether it's a compliment, a critique, good, or bad. It's all very helpful!

Tennis, I think I'm really starting to feel the same way about the pics. I think I just want a few really nice, bold, larger pieces of art. I'm going to start working towards that direction. As far as the tables, if I put the 2 same size new rosewood table on each ends of the sofa I need to slide my sofa down closer towards the entry door, which ends up not having my sofa centered on those two windows(the windows aren't in the center of the room-it's odd! I haven't moved everything yet to try that, but I'm thinking it's going to look really off. What do you think?? And yep, I agree...not a fan of the table now next to the chair. I REALLY want a new sofa and chair! I'm on the hunt and I will have new pieces within the next week or two!

Cpar....I am impressed! Thank you so much for all of your input as well! It's funny...because I look back at last years pics, and believe me, that room came a long way with the help of all the great folks in this thread. It was definitely a nice looking room, and I enjoyed it. I just kind of got tired of the colors, and really wanted to go for that crisper, brighter, all white look, and I am still glad I did. I just think that the look I am going for now is being held back with critical pieces that are making it more difficult...my sofa and chair. Cottage style isn't working with the cleaner lines. Another comment you made was about the curtains. I keep looking through this thread at what the room looks like now and I'm starting to re-think having curtains again. See, this is why I'm 44 and still a single guy. I have commitment issues, with everything!!:) And you are correct, the round wooden coffee table and round tiered side table is down in my basement now, with the TV. I'm still working on that room....I'll post pics eventually. Along with pics of my two upstairs bedrooms once I'm happy with them!

a3, can't wait to see what you come up with for a new sofa and chair. I will be so impressed (and envious) if you get one within the next 2 weeks. I've been looking for about 3 months now....pretty sad, isn't it? Have you narrowed down any choices yet or are you still waiting for your next great "find"? We're actually contemplating on getting a navy, indigo or royal blue sofa/sectional....is that crazy? It goes against that whole design premise of keeping all the main pieces neutral. So I don't know....we may chicken out and go "boring" beige or taupe.....lol. :-)

So I just read through the entire thread (got an iPad for Christmas and have basically been addicted to Houzz ever since!) Summary of my thoughts: I liked both paint schemes, so I think you are good either way – and when you get bored, you can always do something completely different. When I was reading through the thread, I was totally rooting for the current rug – really glad you kept it. I think it really makes the room pop. I loved the original round coffee table – glad you kept it, and you can always bring that back upstairs from time to time to change of the room. While I thought the round metal side table was super cool, I didn't like the three circles side-by-side (the side table, the coffee table, and the pouf footrests), so I think your latest arrangement is better although I did love that table. I was totally jealous of your local art work and your craigslist finds. I am going to start being more diligent about keeping an eye out for things as I've never found any deals like these! I have gone to the torpedo factory many times coveting the artwork there but never being able to afford anything – how great to stumble across something affordable from one of those artists in an antique store! As far as curtains go, one of the things that I'm pondering doing in my house is to have a single curtain rod going across multiple windows to tie them together. I wonder what the Houzzers would think of this concept for your windows? One rod across that window wall with the panels hanging on either side like you had them before. Thoughts, everyone? Good luck with the new sofa - can't wait to see how it turns out. Thanks to everyone for the great thread.

Wow...I hate it when work gets in the way of my play time:) I hope everyone has had a great weekend so far. I'll be so glad when this winter is over!

So, I've been exhausting myself recently with sofa hunting Avery, and this is what I'm leaning towards right now! The Darrin sofa, in leather, and from all places, JC Penneys! What does everyone think? I even found a pic online with the same rug I have..meant to be?:)

Second on my list is an original mid century sofa that I located yesterday. It's in fabric, grey'ish brownish in color, but may need a re-upholster, which I'm not afraid of-so I could pick my own color! However, that Darrin is calling my name. I sat on one yesterday at a local Penney's and it's really nice. Pics don't do that sofa justice either. It looks so much better in person, and I think it would look nice in my living room. I was told by a Penney's associate that it's supposed to be on sale this Tuesday for an even better price than the current $2087 sale price. It may go down to $1450 with another coupon offer she mentioned!

Oxford, thanks for the awesome comments! It's always nice when someone local responds as well. I like that! Have you ever been down to the Antique Store that's on South Rt1 down towards Mt Vernon? It's a really old building, two levels, with lots of inventory. I go there and Evolution Home quite a bit on Rt1 as well-the big neon green building!

You and I think alike....I thought about doing the same thing with the curtain rod. One long rod, and then just the panels on the ends, like I had from last year. Curtains are one of those things that I still keep debating.

You have some great interesting ideas going on there

Of course on the solid one pick a couple colors making one your main color and at least two accent colors

The other two are a bit busy leaving your eye going in every direction and not landing anywhere

In my class we were taught to stick to three main colors of course you can pull in a bit of color with pillow , window treatment and art .

But I would absolutely have one main color that easily matches many things

Sometimes taking pictures or even getting one or two pieces at a time then stand back and lol and think of what else you want for color

Don't forget walk color is one of the biggest design choices you can make and can make or breaks design

Hi Kathryn, thank you for chiming in:) I'm not quite exactly sure what you're referring to though-excuse my ignorance:) Are you talking about the two different sofas that I just posted? Or are you referring to my walls now being painted all white, vs. last year when I originally started this post and had the two different colors? I just want to make sure I'm using advise where it's meant to be!

Seriously.......shown with your rug. I do get the vibe that it is meant to be and that sounds like an awesome sale price....new and comfy and cozy and great color and...oh, you made sure the size will work, right?

Love the lines and the look of the sofa, a3!!! It looks so comfy and what an incredible price! And I'm seriously envious as to how good you are at finding something you love so quickly..... :-) so, is this going to be the new addition to your space come this Tuesday? I agree with Abbyjean....make sure on the measurements....otherwise it looks like a winner!

Saw your Darrin sofa at Penney's. What a knockout! I'd love it in my living room, but would have to replace several items that would clash with it. Darn! Please share any updated photos of the room/s!

So, I know I tend to drift away for periods of time, but work keeps me busy, fortunately! Here's some updates: I ended up NOT getting the Darrin sofa, as I found a GREAT price on a teak, mid century sofa, cleaned up the teak, and recovered the cushions in the fabric of my choice.

Next up....I purchased a Plycraft Eames style chair and ottoman for $100, cleaned up the wood, re-stained, and again purchased some fabric of my liking and re-upholstered! I really like the way this chair turned out!

Continuing down my new found love for mid century pieces, I picked up a couple of very early(1958) Lane Acclaim tables and refinished those as well. My refinishing is what's kept me away for so long:)

Add a new Scan teak dining room set and some other pieces here and there, and here's some new pics!

I absolutely enjoyed this thread! I'm never a fan of white walls, but you're the one who has to live with them : ) LOVE, love, love the artwork/feel of your credenza where your TV used to be. I love following along, can't wait to see more!

Thanks Christina! Still don't like the white walls huh?;) I just felt that it was going to be the easiest to decorate with. ANYTHING goes with white! I was afraid it was going to feel to stark and sterile, but honestly, it feels so clean and fresh. Most of my friends that were against me going white seem to like it now as well, unless they're just trying to make me feel better about it:)

AMAZING! YOU are amazing and the pieces you found are amazing and the decisions you have made are amazing. All I can say! I could hardly wait to see the pics once I read your description. You have worked hard, but please know it has paid off in every way for you!!! Enjoy it for a long time!!!

Awwwww Abby, you're making me blush!:) THANK YOU! Good to see you still chiming in here. I'm definitely happy with the progression. However, I feel like none of that was possible without the wonderful help from all of you!!

Your room looks fabulous, and I absolutely love the way you continue to come back to us and show us what you have been up to. Thank you.... : )

I have to thank you for coming back each time, too. Easy to walk away and think no one cares, but WE DO!

I have read through this whole thread now, and wow, your room has evolved! Love the new pieces, and I live the white walls! I really think white is an underrated neutral. It goes with everything, and it makes the art and furniture stand out instead of blending in. Not sterile at all! I have an all White House with lots of art and colorful pieces, and the last thing you could call my home is sterile. It's all about what you add to it. Congrats on this wonderful journey!

Agree with Turid. I have loved seeing your room evolve into this beautiful space where you display meaningful objects and art. Love all the new additions to your room and love the white walls as a neutral backdrop.

Thanks TGB! I really appreciate that! I feel like popping in when I think that I've done enough to warrant a post:)

And Turid and Karen, thanks to the two of you as well! I really have enjoyed the change to white walls. Turid I agree with what you said; it goes with everything, and allows you to really concentrate on your furnishings without feeling limited by colors that kind of back you into a corner!

Next up is re-doing my upstairs second bedroom. I live by myself, and have 2 bedrooms on the second level, one being my master, and the second basically serving as a room to house a small desk, dresser, and that's it. I want to make it an actual bedroom, mainly for guests. I'll have to post up some current pics, and we can take it from there!

I find the room a little more disturbing. There is too much contrast. I love the wall colour. You have done a wonderful job. Sofa, couch, centre and end table all are in no harmony with each other. As a suggestion, add lamp in the room and also change the sofa slip over. This might give some life to this room

mona mona mona.....look at all the updates that have been done since this thread started!!!!

When you do the upstairs, and if you start a new thread, please post a link here so we can find it. Thanks! I wanna snoop around your place some more! LOL

LOL yea I don't think Mona really read through any of the thread:) Mona, lots has changed since the pics at the top!

Abby, I absolutely will!