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Help! Design ideas needed.

12 years ago
The rug, coffee table and end tables are temporary. I'm having a hard time choosing between a rustic look and that modern hotel look. I've seen the two combined but I need help deciding what should be rustic and what should modern. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Comments (57)

  • 12 years ago
    Here are some of the more modern pieces I like. Thoughts?
  • 12 years ago
    And here are the more rustic looks...
  • 12 years ago
    Well, if couches are staying, then clearly they are going to inject a modern vibe. You can then add some rustics around the edges. Think jute rug, whitewashed oak coffee table and end tables, rustic chandelier, some rustic wall decor and display items on a console, etc. There are many collections like that on Joss and Main and One Kings Lane. If you are not familiar with these websites, they provide curated collections for a certain theme or style of furniture and furnishings. It is easier to choose that way.
  • 12 years ago
    Here is a link to a wonderful recent article about the five rustic styles, just to get you oriented.

    http://houzz.com/ideabooks/19843293
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I agree with others, the sofa set is not rustic at all. Modern or contemporary. Since you're getting new pieces, you can lean transitional too (if you don't want it to be too cold looking).

    Consider a large art panel for that large wall. It can bring a lot of color and texture into your space. Check out my artwork for ideas. I have many originals, and hundreds of configurations of canvas prints that I can print to the size you choose.


    http://www.etsy.com/shop/katshoa

    Enjoy decorating!
  • 12 years ago
    Don't forget your large art on that big wall. Something that picks up the color in your rug and sets the mood of the room. These 2 are found on etsy.com
  • 12 years ago
    Think about white wood blinds for your windows. You have baseboard heat so curtains may be out.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Okay... here's a hint> Everything is white in this room. Remember the 60-30-10 rule. Your 30 percent portion of the room should help you with accessories, including the rug, window treatments and pillows! The 60 percent is your sofa, trim, etc. You can now decide if these accessories will be a modern in terms of it's fabric accents, pottery, candles, florals, artwork, AND that secondary color that you like???. Is it gray, gold?? Maybe it's Gray, with Purple accents, or seafoam? Do you like Red? Making the walls a soft gray could also allow you a wide range of colors. Greens, Golds, Rust,...or how about NAVY?? I think you have a very wide open palette. These sofas may have a contemporary flair to them, but you can make the room a bit eclectic, too. The tables should fit in with whatever the fabric says. You will be amazed at how fabric can lead you in the right direction!
  • 12 years ago
    Love the drum shaped tables. I could see two of those instead of a coffee table.. not sure of size, they may be too small. Just wanted to suggest that when you get your rug go for a larger run than the one you currently have.
  • 12 years ago
    The sofas are 7ft long and I've been trying to decide between 8x10 or 9x12. It's a long room so I'm wondering if I should create two areas in the room...
  • 12 years ago
    Take masking tape and outline the rug size onto the floor. At least part of the sofas (like the front legs) should sit on the rug.

    To incorporate the other area into the room you could just turn one sofa 90 degrees so the back is against the wall. Then get another chair or two to anchor the rug on that side near the Christmas tree.
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks Dar! That's just what I was thinking.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    So if you want to get rustic and modern perhaps a mix of materials would be a good elixir for your room. Since you can already seat 6 people in your room you should think in terms of something with great style, that is fun, a focal point and a great object for trying out and discussion. I'm NOT a fan of RH but this chair (in many finishes, fabrics and leathers) just makes me want to try it out and smile, with a glass of wine of course. It's a start....and it takes a community. :) https://www.houzz.com/photos/1950s-copenhagen-spitfire-upholstered-chair-phvw-vp~7853311
  • 12 years ago
    I had the same dilemma a few years ago. I went for the contempory look and have not regretted it.
  • 12 years ago
    You might try moving the sofas closer together or get a larger coffee table. You should be able to reach the coffee table from either sofa. Try two chairs together on the big wall with art above.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Here are images you might find inspiring, like I did. It's a very contemporary room but the star is the coffee table (and the art). These are railroad ties. Don't be afraid of trying out your own personal style. People collect items from all over for their whole lives and make them work, even when they move. It all tells your story. I like your sofas and your wood floors very much. Nice room. Let me think about this one and I'll get back to you. Click on pics to view larger.
  • 12 years ago
    Good choice with major upholstery, so far so good. What is function of the room? Is there a fireplace in the room? Adjacent spaces? I would advise you keep the lines clean, but you can certainly interject a rustic/earthy vibe into the space by your coffee table, area carpet, and art selections. Accents, pillows and window treatments are going to be key. My advice either find the rug that inspires the rest of the space or the art and the rest will begin to fall into place.
  • 12 years ago
    Hi denagrl - your sofas definitely have a modern vibe and are very nice. As far as a coffee table, I like abbyjean's suggestion of the Pottery Barn Tanner tables. I just heard this morning that someone used two of the Tanner cube tables side by side as a coffee table and I love that idea. I love all of the Ethan Allen suggestions of Becky's (just above). That Ethan Allen table would be perfect with your sofa!!! I'm not a huge fan of mirrored furniture, but I rather like your second mirrored side table in your "more modern pieces" comment - the simple one. I don't like the coffee table with wheels at all. I think it's way too gimmicky.
    Dena thanked Ann
  • 12 years ago
    denagrl, the idea of the large art mural has merit, can be accomplished with wall mural/paper. Keep the theme natural and neutral and it will become interesting backdrop rather than the star of the show. I am not opposed to a mirrored element but don't overlook polished nickle for that same little sparkle. If you choose to add a chair to the arrangement something with a bold line and perhaps a nickle head detail would be a great way to tie the elements together.
    Dena thanked Becky Manikas
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Love the sofas - I'd go for a rustic coffee/end tables and a piece of art you love on the wall - draw the colors for the room from the art- it's light enough in the rest of the room that you could go bright and splashy in your art and pick up some great colors in your lamps and accessories - bright pillows
  • 12 years ago
    Found this fun piece the other day.
  • 12 years ago
    Beautiful set up, A good idea would be some painting or eye catchers hung up on the wall so it doesn't seem so empty.
  • 12 years ago
    Make sure you don't keep the room in the softer hues; when you see daylight against it it doesn't do anything to the room but if you add a glass coffee table and add some splashes of bright colour to the room the light will do wonders for the room and express the mature nature of the room
  • 12 years ago
    I agree, great bones and the sofas dictate the tone. I also agree with kshoa, the empty wall is crying out to be the star of the show. Maybe, that's where you can be brave and choose something 'out of character' - think tapestry or heavy framed artwork, then pick some colours from your artwork to use in the rug and accessories. Good luck!
  • 12 years ago
    I am one that gravitates to color. I think those sofas would look beautiful with an Oriental rug and some lovely pillow accents. I also love mirrored furniture and I think one mirrored piece works anywhere.
  • 12 years ago
    I agree with Kjh112 that a glass coffee table would be great. I'd love to see one over an Oriental rug.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You have a great foundation here! Adding a few accessories will go a long way!
  • 12 years ago
    I've seen contemporary rustic combined styles by taking traditional pieces and painting eg, 1-white; having 2-oversized accessories strategically placed or 3-hanging large ethnic rugs on a large empty wall 4-large wall clocks:
  • 12 years ago
    Some additional pics:
    Dena thanked qoqo
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You should soften the room with an oval area rug and stick with dark coffee tables and side tables, but not as contemporary as the couch.
  • 12 years ago
    Mid century modern tables.
  • 12 years ago
    I would like to see you go the "natural/textural" route with industrial touches. That combination gives you warmth, interest and and a sophisticated modern edge. Love your sofas.
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    LIVING ROOMS · More Info
    Dena thanked Keitha
  • 12 years ago
    Great sofas! I would invest in a big piece of tall furniture for the big blank wall and keep the sofas where they are but pulled into the room a bit to make room. Either a built in bookcase to span the whole space or a tall armoire. Upsize your area rug so that the front legs of sofas are on rug. Upsize your coffee table so it is in scale with your sofas, I'm thinking something square. Add a console table behind one of the sofas for a couple of lamps. Maybe a desk behind the other. Some bold pillows on the sofas will add colour.
    Dena thanked Brown Dog
  • 12 years ago
    I love those sofas! The place screams for color. And I would add a brown leather shag rug, I have two side by side and love them. Mix modern and rustic/earthy....great combination!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Lighting and side tables should be Modern! the rest can be rustic. You will have an eclectic room.
    http://www.irisdesignstudio.com/#!product/prd12/1505087625/panajachel-ceiling-lamp
  • 12 years ago
    I really like your sofas. My vote is for modern. If you used a rich, darker gray on the walls that would look very nice with those sofas. It would make them stand out but still look fabulous.
  • 12 years ago
    Made that piece in the back a bar.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Great room and I like the furniture suggestions. I think the room can use more lighting and art. It would be nice to add a signature wall art piece with dim able wall wash lights.
  • 12 years ago
    We have no ceiling lights but plan to have something installed. It's endless ... But fun :)
  • 12 years ago
    hey, what about some greenery - the natural air filter?
  • 12 years ago
    Try one other location for the small chest with doors...instead of angling try it centered on the wall to the right with a picture hung low over it. Keep the black piece you've shown on top.
  • 12 years ago
    Your sofas are a starting point. You need color. Is a TV going in here? I would move sofa in front of window to wall that has small window. Get bigger 8x10 area rug with color. I like the teals, peacock color. Use that as your accent color. So pillows would have teal plus, silver, lime green. Just stay in same tones. Do various size and shapes,mix it up. New coffee table square 36" or round. Rectangle does not work. You can go rustic on this. Ck Restoration Hardware. On it add a big tray fill with faux orchids, candles. The accessories will make a difference in your room. So choose wisely. T J Max has some great things. Like stainless lanterns, add big thick candles. Z Galleries has great stuff too. Shop and find different unusual things for your room. A big art piece centered over sofa on wall hang 6-7" above sofa top. Panels on windows ends only on a stainless rod. A chevron design or a Greek key would work. Something with a metallic look. Believe it or not Lowes has some that would work. Instead of dark end table try a silver tree stump faux different Z Galleries or West Elm sells. Ck them for panels also. Your sofas are nice, room will come together with some TLC. And color.
    Dena thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
  • 12 years ago
    Did you try moving the chest yet?
  • 12 years ago
    In front of window float 2 chairs modern, in a color mustard would work go fabric. You could go armless low. Place side by side. For added seating. Try floor lamp on other side of sofa, instead of end table. Ikea has some.
  • 12 years ago
    Just saw chest. Never angle furn in corners. Instead put against bigger wall. Add tall art piece over it hang 6" from top. Leave he horse but put to side. A horse pic would work in rustic frame. Go on line to find.
    Dena thanked Nancy Travisinteriors
  • 12 years ago
    Just want to say I enjoy this thread. I'm also trying to create a modern/rustic room. Good ideas !
  • 12 years ago
    Purchased a new rug for the room. I tried adding 2 teal chairs to the far end but they just didn't look right and I had to return them. Should I just keep the furniture neutral and add color with pillows and art?
  • 12 years ago
    I think that is a perfect idea for getting color in the room!!!
    Dena thanked abbyjean
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I like the rustic reclaimed wood coffee table that someone posted above, that would give the room some character, not really liking the pillows you have now - I'd get a painting you love that would fit the space behind the sofa and take the colors from that - its almost always the best way to start - then use that in toss pillows, a lamp base (maybe a glass base with a brighter color like blue), some art pieces or decor on the coffee table to add color...I think the dark coffee table is too much and the room would look better with a lighter wood with more dimension (recycled would go great in this space & the tables don't all have to match, in fact I think look better when they don't match). A nice live plant in the corner in a pretty pot with the same color/s from your art. If you add a chair (just one I think would be plenty) you could pick up the same colors you're using in the chair.