I see the shelves on your bookcase...break up the books make some stand up some lying down then go around the house and get some colorful items that you probably already have. Alternate shelves with books/photo standing on books etc

Looking good, Farika! I agree the large pic now needs to go back to the wall above bookcase. Remember to hang it really low, so the bookcase and pic almost read as one.

I have liked your gold pillows all along! They add a nice bright note to the room, and pull the gold colors from the art.

I wonder if your smaller piece of art would look good on the FP. Just prop it up - don't hang it. You will then need some tall vases on each side of the pic. Or candles on chunky holders would work.

And, yes,the round ottomans - I'm sure there would be room for two of them.

try the ottoman and wicker ottoman if front of sofa seperated with a tray or books starting to look great.

Looks good. I would love to see the large painting that is over fireplace moved to the far wall about 8-10 inches above the console.

Use the items you have on the mantel for the Bookcase...usually one has all the pieces of the puzzle we just have to put it together. Your pillow really pick up your art work. You could always group them together

The sofa looks great !!!!

Hi! I am LOL! Just took a picture of a set of three mirrors as an alternative to just having one on the wall behind the sofa and guess what? One of them reflected the microwave so took another from a different angle. In your situation it would be the reflection of the fireplace so not a problem. This could be an idea for later on when the other more important things are in place. Looking forward to the next photo.

I like the color of the paint .. What is it ?

cmathis--the color is SW Practical Beige. mjd232--Here's a picture with your suggestions. We ended up moving the sectional back up against the wall because the space just felt too crowded. We have 4 kids (1,2,6, and 8) and the two narrow walkways to get to the bookcase where the toys are stored didn't work for us. Other people suggested arranging the books and putting decorative items on the ottoman--with the ages of our kids, that isn't practical. I'm just thankful when the books make it back on the shelves.

Here are some items that are on my shopping list. What do you think? My husband nixed the to ottoman idea--he wants something with storage. Also, I decided I needed to find a lamp with a sturdy base (planning on putting it in the corner to the left of the bookshelf) because of the kiddos play area being back there. Is silver ok, or something darker? Also, what additional accessories should I purchase for the bookshelf and mantle? Do I need taller items for the mantle? Should I stain the frame espresso? I know people have mentioned vases, a branch, and lamps for the bookshelf. Do I need to have things on both sides of the picture, or just one side? I need rules or I'm lost!

Looking lots better - really like how it's coming together and like the choices for items that you have posted above. Think the round softer ottoman would work well, particularly if it has storage and like the drapes and pillow you have pictured. For the mantel, think the items to either side of the picture need to be higher and wider, perhaps something like vases. For the bookcase, something taller to either side of the picture, perhaps narrow lamps, and might add some light for the bookcase or taller candlesticks and a low box or bowl in between under the picture.

Looking good!

Hi! I am liking everything you have done so far. Also knowing that you have 4 children makes a difference. The shopping list is good. As far as a floor lamp I would stick to something dark like black wrought iron or espresso which has some substance and will tie in with the ottoman. Some pictures are attached as far as style but determining the weight required for safety and stability would be up to you. I am a bit of a minimalist and would keep the top of the bookcase empty...much easier to dust! Having the floor lamp to the left will add another dimension so wait until it and the drapery panels are in place before making any further decisions for this area. For the fireplace I would probably go espresso for the frame. As far as other accessories, have you looked around in some of your other rooms for possibilities? Is the plant in the corner small enough to be part of the fireplace grouping? What about a clock? A plate? A small tray? The wicker chest in the corner could also be used as a side table for the green chair or if it stays in the corner until the drapery panels arrives maybe turn it on an angle. Hope this helps.

Another lamp possibility...

This is coming on beautifully, Farika. The colour in those drapes and the cushion is stunning. I agree with Mjd's feeling that the floor lamp should be black. Those are lovely examples.

Why does it have to be an ottoman and not just a standard coffee table??? Also, you can personalize the mantel with anything the kids have made or a wedding photo or family photo. I see the mantel as a place to show 'you'.

More thoughts on the ottoman. Besides having some storage is it something that people are going to put their feet on? Or for additional seating? If yes you might want to consider a larger rectangular one that will accommodate more than one person. Also does it have to be leather or is kid proof fabric such as microfibres an option? Guess I am just not seeing the round one with the sectional. Will also look forward to your response to emmamariee's question above regarding ottoman versus coffee table.

mjd, where did you find floor lamp #3?

Lampsplus.com.
Light Tree Four Light Bronze Torchiere Floor Lamp Style # 22087 - MOST POPULAR!

thanks

Putting the furniture closer together and away from the wall is way better...I would go with pattern cushions or curtains, to put some life in there...getting better !

Thanks for the input, everyone. We definitely want an ottoman vs. coffee table because this is the room we spend the most time in and we want to be able to put our feet up on something that is cushioned. I don't think people will necessarily be sitting on it, but I can guarantee you my children will be standing on it, so it does need to be somewhat sturdy. It doesn't have to be leather, but I don't know what else would look good--that seemed safe. My husband wanted to buy the matching ottoman, but I'd read somewhere that that was a no-no. Would a matching one be better?

I love that big wall, maybe you need to do a collage of just multiple miniature art or one huge one... check out my portfolio, best of luck! :-)

How do you think that a sectional rug would work in this space? maybe it could contrast the carpet from the sofa?

you can add caster chairs or lounge chair. Also you can add Short lamps contrasting your wall color.
http://www.americanrattan.com/rattan-chairs.html

Hi! Just found this ottoman which....if the right color to compliment your proposed drapes....may be an alternative to provide some additional color near the sectional.

LOVE the Pier One Ottomans.

There isn't anything on your left wall that creates any kind of visual anchor or interaction with the rest of the room. Neutrals are wonderful if you throw in other color choices that connect all of the colors in the space together.

You're definitely going in a good direction with the orange accents. Depending on your budget, you could get a few taller vases or accents for mantel. But I think first you should put a dark wider frame on your print. I don't think the one you have on it now will show up well enough as a focal point even if you stain it. I love how that has all your colors in it! And those drapes will be great!
Can't wait to see.
Any large dark ottoman will serve your purpose, but only you know if those with the extra ottomans are needed. Do you like to let the kids eat and have snacks here?

I bought my daughter an ottoman on overstock in black that was wide with a pullout drawer for extra storage. Nice and very affordable. Less than $200.

Oval glass topped table to soften all the rectangular and square shapes.

The room looks really nice. Love the orange and blue accents. Really warms up the space. Love the large artwork on the back wall.

Move your sectional away from the end wall 4-5 feet. Put a console unit on the end wall with a lamp or two. Put an area rug infront of sectional. then an open ottoman that looks great with the area rug. Move the green chair closer into the conversation area with SMALL table next to it. Put end table & lamp on this end of sofa.

A small area rug using similar colors in your artwork would help pull it all together.

I think a ottoman would look great with the sectional. This is available on at our store. made by Uttermost.

Our Cost $697.40 with Free Shipping.

Sue
www.essentialsinside.com




Gideon, Large Round Storage Ottoman by Uttermost, available at www.essentialsinside.com
This large round storage ottoman features the casual, time-worn feel of natural tanned leather is captured in velvety smooth fabric on this bench/ottoman designed for extra seating and generous storage. Sturdy wood frame and lift off top are padded and tailored with decorative baseball stitching.

Fine Points:
Height: 21 in.
Width: 54 in.
Depth: 28 in.
Weight: 71 lbs

Here's the ottoman from overstock. Not expensive and can change up later if it doesn't work when you move. No sharp edges for kids playtime although it might be where they choose to do their gymnastics.

add a little teal... goes good with mustard and the grey rug... add a vase and some pictures to the fireplace. a tall plant in the corner by the window. a nice curtain to tie the colors.. could do a mustard wall if you would like to go bold, it add color and warmth to the room.

perhaps a large area rug with colors that compliment the artwork you purchased to elevate the neutral colors?

Sectional looks great pulled away from the walls. Room looks sooo much better! The mantle seems too white. Could you paint it a darker color? Like a chocolate or charcoal?

A tall plant may help. One that sets on the floor and almost reaches the ceiling.

Ok, here's the finished product. If we were going to be in this house long-term I would have done more/spent more, but I'm very happy with how it turned out and no longer cringe when I walk into the room! Thanks again for all of the advice--would never have figured it out without it!

It looks great! Love how it turned out. A bit of colour does amazing things to a room :)

That's really good, Farika. The room looks beautifully balanced and restful -- and welcoming. The colours are great. Thanks for the feedback. :-)

Looks good . . . when did you say the house warming party is???

Hi Faryna! Was looking forward to the ”after" photos! IMO you have done great by meeting what I consider some of the basics for decorating.....function first (how the room is used and safety for the kids), balance through placement of both furniture and accessories and lastly some color to give it a pop! You are definitely ready to enjoy your new surroundings until it's time for your next move. Take care.

I would suggest you paint the walls a pale aqua and then get a print area rug that has aqua in it. I also would suggest a few aqua-colored accessories in the adjoining rooms to tie the color scheme together.

Bring the furniture away from the wall, center it midway to fireplace.

Following

Farika20. Love the floral art over couch. Where did you get it?

Your room will not be “blah” if you add more color, including drapes, additional art, a coffee table, an end table or two, and perhaps an area rug for the sofa corner. You could add a floor lamp and a table lamp. You can take all those things with you when you leave.