Help finish family room, what's missing?

12 years ago

So I got my rug and accent chairs as well as the sofa in yesterday. The loveseat is not staying. In thinking of getting one or two recliners to replace it.
I know I need pillows, lamps and wall art. The pictures above the sofa don't really go. I am in the process of reviewing finishing the end tables and I'm not sure what to do about a coffee table, with recliners it has to be so far away. I would like to make the coffee table a chest of some kind to store blankets in that I will use to protect furniture from pets when we are gone.
What is wrong and what am I missing?

Thanks again

Featured Answer

Maritza Lahodik
Original Author

12 years ago

Mtalai, sorry but I disagree with the way you go about it. I still can't believe you would push your opinion on like that. My house was built with a formal living room and this room, which is the family room. I respect your opinion and I would appreciate it much more had it been delivered differently.
It's my space, and it's a family room., a place where my 2year old can play, it's the family gathering place, it's where we all go at the end of the day. There's no glare, as I have the windows tinted. The colors are not washed out. Sorry but there shouldn't be rules about how a space is used that don't serve a purpose, I'm not creating a showroom, or a room to please others. It is my home, we love what we have and the way is coming along. I have 4,000 Sq. Ft. 6br/4bath Florida home that is not defined by the one room in the back of the house. Many people in my neighborhood, who have the same floor plan, turned it into a sun room. This room,leads out to and overlooks our pool and garden area.
I'm not offended by any of the comments here, many different people have offered different suggestions and I am grateful for them, but I will choose what I am able to work with.
I have found many of the comments helpful, yours weren't. Like I said, thanks but no thanks. I'm glad you get hired a lot, but I would not hire you, nor recommend you for a few reasons.
Now I will focus on the comments that I chose to listen to.

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Comments (187)

abbyjean
12 years ago
This will not help you much, but I actually like it when end tables do not match. Also, I like a touch of black in every room, so that might be a possibility for one table to be painted???
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
So you think I can do the white table, paint it black and keep the mahogany table?
Does it matter the round one is 3 inches taller? If I get matching lamps, and the tables are different Heights, the lamps will also.
Would that still look fine? I like the idea of having a round and a square table.

Any thoughts on the lamps I linked?

Also, remembering that if I switch walls, the wall behind the couch, tables and lamps will not have any blue, is it a good idea to get silver lamps? Would blue glass, with silver work better? Balancing the blue?
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Ann
12 years ago
I think the second lamp might be a little small. The ribbon lamp doesn't say its size. What about this lamp from the same website? It's $20 more, but it's a pretty nice classic lamp and 32" tall.
linjen
12 years ago
Hello Maritza, I recently purchased a small furnished condo near the beach. The sofa n chairs were the same blue as your blue. I painted all the walls linen white which looks like morning sunshine. I found a beautiful blue n orange area rug at Lowes. I've added light to dark burnt orange accessories with a little blue n some seashells. It is beautiful! I think some shades of orange n copper would make your room come alive. Big comfy orange n blue print pillows would be perfect. Carry this into the adjoining spaces. I recovered my dining room chair seats also. Easy. Good luck to you. Just do what makes YOU happy.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
How about these? http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Duncombe-Park-1-light-Blue-Table-Lamp/8814346/product.html
Ann
12 years ago
Nice lamp, but a bit pricey. Also, do you want that much blue - you've got a nice amount of blue now but you wouldn't want to overdo it.
kathleen MK
12 years ago
Definitely use your daughter's photos!
abbyjean
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Will both lamps/tables be at the ends of the couch, or are you splitting them up so the love seat has one and maybe they will not be shared? I think it will work to have the lamps match, but not the tables. I like the lamp Ann pictured, too.....good color and size for your room.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
The loveseat isn't staying, we really use the end tables a lot, I'm planning on replacing the loveseat with a recliner. The art over the sofa isn't staying either, it will be replaced with daughter's pictures/glycee. I guess I'll have to wait until the furniture is flip flopped to other wall.
abbyjean
12 years ago
Oh, I forgot about the love seat not staying. Sorry. So one table would be by the recliner then? Maybe the round one could be used by the couch and the rectangle one by the recliner?
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I'm not sure the white table will work. We find it kind of high next to the couch. Will see about that, I might add a smaller table next to the recliner.
losthorizonlisa
12 years ago
Watching it all unfold. I like the blue in rug and curtains. Being florida, it definitely helps to "cool" down the bright light we have. Can't wait to see daughters photos on the wall. It's coming along great!

Ignore the putz's on houzz...they show up every now and then...attention seekers, I suppose.
Cyndy
12 years ago
Hi, Maritza! I'm new to your post but have read through them all from beginning to end. I was drawn to your "dilemma" because of the beautiful blue in your room and the gorgeous window.

I am a huge lover of blue and utilize a monochromatic color scheme whenever I can--even when decorating "rules" dictate that I shouldn't! My idea of an accent color with my sky blue and sea blue is teal! :)

Seriously, if you love being surrounded in a sea of blue (pun intended), go for it! Although these ladies have great ideas (especially the talented groveraxle who also has great taste in furry creatures), YOU have to love it!

BTW, I love, love the blue glass lamp from overstock.com! Your room is turning out beautifully, Maritza--enjoy!
Lynne Forrestal
12 years ago
I've been reading and reading... you've got a great start , and plan in the works. After you get furniture and tv moved, you'll be able to see better. One thing does stand out to me, is when you have your daughters art over the fireplace, I'd say you need to bring one of those colors other than the blue around the room in other things, pillows, throw on sofa, or possible even lamp bases. Also, you have lots of vertical lines, so perhaps another shape, either horizonal or round? Im not a designer, just giving my opinion. Good luck ! and so glad to see that groveraxle has been helping you..... her photo shops help soooo much and she always finds some nice items too.
Lynne Forrestal
12 years ago
What color (s) in your daughters picture would you like best to add for other accents?
Sheri Cann
12 years ago
Flip the furniture. Put the tv on opposite wall between the windows and hang it on the wall if you can. I think those two chairs are too small in that space. Two bigger chairs would look better and a coffee table. When you put the couch on the other side get a big piece of artwork to hang over the couch. I like big rugs.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
I think I like to being the orange in my daughter's picture out.
I know we'll know better when we can see the furniture on the other wall, but if one wall has so much blue with the curtains making such a big impact, the floor having the rug and the mantle having the vases, wouldn't it look out of balance with no blue on that wall. Also, the wall that currently has the TV and where the couch will be on, is the first thing you see when walking into that room.
Would the island painting work on the mantle? Or should I leave the mantle alone as it is.
Btw, I was planning on placing daughters pictures over sofa, not on mantle.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
By the way, we are making a nice garden in the backyard and eventually we will have beautiful flowers and a nice fire pit out there. Hubby has a mess of flagstone in the back.
Ann
12 years ago
I think I prefer the mantle without art. The windows add plenty of interest on that wall.
Lynne Forrestal
12 years ago
Maritza, the garden view will be great! Yes Now that I think about it, I can see where blue lamps on that side of room would work. or neutral lamps with blue throw or print pillows with the blue, and touch of orange.. Last night I was just seeing blue everywhere, but mving the tv between the windows will make a big difference. My thoughts, to consider on the mantel, what would a LARGE sculpture in white, gray silver something like that look like. horizonal to fit in the space of the window just above the mantal? I think would be sharp. Or sculpture even in blue without the other blue items there. Just one large statement piece. ... just a thought that popped into my head :)
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User
12 years ago
your tables are a smaller scale, i wouldn't hesitate to use floor lamps in this space, and you need to hang some art on the TV wall!! Its coming together so nicely!!
abbyjean
12 years ago
The mantle was fine like you had it....nice the light can shine in on and through the colored glass. The picture is NICE, but it blocks the windows on the mantle.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks abbyjean, taking it down. :)
geoellen
12 years ago
Maritza, Hope you have seen the difference adding more color to this room brings.Just in the photoshop of groveraxle and others brings it to life for me.It seemed too blue and tan and lacked life to me also.But I am really liking the life more colors brings to the room.If your child were older you could enlarge a photo they drew in full color which adds personality to a room also.(future idea maybe).Its hard to tell in the photos but the ottoman looks like it might be too large for the area.Remember to take measurements of the floor space between the sofa and tv stand.I think maybe ikea might have inexpensive tv stands that would use up more height on that wall and maybe balance it out with the other high window walls.Groveraxle is good at explaining this stuff right?Cant wait till i need to ask for helpLove the direction this is going,hang in there.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
12 years ago
Sad to report that they were not able to move the outlet or install a new one. Apparently, the problem is that it's an outside wall and there's no way to run a line to it. They recommended I contacted an electrician and see if they could figure a way to solve it. So back to keeping the TV in that wall for now at least.
I'm getting a Palm and some artwork next. Then I'll see how it looks. I have to say, I really am loving the room more each day. It feels so nice and peaceful, not to mention comfortable. Every person in the home has commented on how easy it is to relax and even nap in the room.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
This is navy blue, I don't have a better picture. Do you guys think this would go well in the corner instead of a floor lamp and the small chairs?
abbyjean
11 years ago
GOOD to see you here again! Will you post a pic of the corner you are thinking about? Kind of refresh our memories???
PRO
User
11 years ago
I think you would be better off wall mounting your TV and going with a more delicate console. and then hang some more art on that wall. The chair is great. you willl have to try it and show us a picture.
decoenthusiaste
11 years ago
That's a classic wing back chair - not casual enough for your "movie night" room. Do I detect a touch of gold/green/yellow on the armless chairs? That might be the direction to take.
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User
11 years ago
Hi, looks like such a fun space and love the colors! I do agree with Decoenthusiate that the chair you've posted is a little too traditional for your room. I love the idea of a swivel chair in the family room too.
Or if you prefer the wingback style, maybe something one with more modern lines would fit better (like in 2nd photo)?
groveraxle
11 years ago
Step away from the blue. Step away from the blue now, Maritza. I'm not as bothered by the style of the chair as by the color. For one, I think it's probably the wrong blue. For another, you have enough blue.
groveraxle
11 years ago
Perhaps we need an intervention with your addiction to blue.
PRO
User
11 years ago
oh yes i didnt realize you had a giant blue rug! that chair could stand to be recovered if you want to use it. i do like it;s lines.
horselover222
11 years ago
I am not a fan of your blue rug! A neutral color would work better!
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, stepping away from the blue. I have this chair in another room, but with my disability I can't move it right now. I did ring one of the smaller chairs in the family room to give an idea of the colors. I also have thus piece of artwork that I might play with to bring color. Lije/dislike?
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Thus is the way the room is now by the way.
groveraxle
11 years ago
I like the chair you have next to the TV now. It might use a colorful pillow or throw. Not a fan of the slipper chairs, just because they have no arms and so aren't comfortable. Does anyone ever sit in it by choice? Also like the floral art you posted above, but not sure where it will fit; maybe to right of TV?

Take the print on the left over the sofa and lower it to the same level as the print on the right.
abbyjean
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I agree with not staggering the art over the couch. And the art you found? LOVE IT! If you can spare the armed chairs from around the house, they will be USED in this room.

What were your thoughts on a coffee table? Break up some of the blue rug and give the kids a higher surface to play on? Or were you afraid of losing floor space?
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
I think I will try to use the two armless chairs in another room, maybe the main living room which is at the entrance of the house. I didn't expect to keep the artwork above the sofa. I just haven't found what I want to put there yet, still working on my daughters pictures possibility.
Does the room look ok with just the one new chair in the corner? Take out the smaller ones, leave the are in front the of the fireplace open?
Regarding a coffee table, the dilemma has been finding something that works with recliners. I like the square ones like the one in this picture,bht brown or black maybe? That has wheels and it's easy to store the toys in.
I am considering the idea someone posted of mounting the TV and replacing the credenza that's there with a longer narrower one. Would black NE a better color or an espresso?
groveraxle
11 years ago
Apparently, storage and casters in an ottoman are mutually exclusive. It wouldn't take much to add casters yourself. Consider another color in the space, red or coral to go with the floral painting. maybe.
http://www.wayfair.com/Abbyson-Living-Trapani-Leather-Ottoman-VS-666-RED-BYV3168.html

http://www.wayfair.com/NOYA-USA-Elegant-Leather-Storage-Ottoman-FX1005-A0-NOYA1026.html

http://www.wayfair.com/ORE-Furniture-Old-World-Square-Storage-Ottoman-HB4483-ORE2394.html
abbyjean
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
A comfy storage ottoman? WIN for all of you! And yes, one chair and a blank space is a great idea.

Do you have room in your bedroom for the armless chairs? They work well in there for just a place to sit and put on shoes....or to 'hang' clothes on. LOL
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Lamps?
PRO
Timothy Rivers Interiors
11 years ago
You are off to a great start. I think you just need art, a new rug and window treatments that make the eye bounce around the room. This is will bring greater cohesion to the space. Have you consider a coffee table. You can then style it and add more personality to the space.

I offer packages with no markup on furniture. All furniture is sold at wholesale prices. If I pay $2000 for a sofa thats your price. If you have questions feel fee to email me timothyriversinteriors@gmail.com

I also have tons of free advice on my blog timothyriversinteriors.com/blog
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, so I know what you guys have been trying to tell me us to add some accent colors to the room so that it's not so much blue. I have added pictures from adjacent rooms, I guess when I'm looking at the whole picture I don't see it as much. My question is, can I bring blue accents to the other rooms to tie it all together? I'm looking for lamps, coffee table ottoman and throw pillows as well as drapes.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, so I know what you guys have been trying to tell me us to add some accent colors to the room so that it's not so much blue. I have added pictures from adjacent rooms, I guess when I'm looking at the whole picture I don't see it as much. My question is, can I bring blue accents to the other rooms to tie it all together? I'm looking for lamps, coffee table ottoman and throw pillows as well as drapes.
PRO
epiphany glass studios
11 years ago
Hi! I love the blue color of the small glass vases you have on your mantle. What about using this color as a palette for a new piece of art above the sofa (where the 2 pictures currently are)? Think about one large work of art that could really be the show-stopping piece in your room. Even a sculptural wall piece could be fun - it would bring liveliness and dynamism to your living room.

If your budget allows, you could work with a local artist to commission a piece that would really fit amazingly in your room. Most artists will collaborate with you to choose the perfect colors (perhaps using that blue from the glass pieces), size, proportion, etc. Let me know if you want to learn more about how commissioning a piece usually works. :)
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Epiphany, yes! I have a canvas being made 30x40 of some flower pictures my daughter took. I think a link to the image was photoshopped above.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
I had the first image made into a 30x40 not sure if I want to use the second one in another room or in another area in the room.
Maritza Lahodik
Original Author
11 years ago
Grovelaxle, any chance you could photoshop the artwork above the couch and these lamps?
PRO
Carpet Image services inc.
11 years ago
Wow could not read all commits so I could be repeating , hope not just suggesting from what I see not wanting to offend anyone please. I would remove to chairs by the fire place someone had them by the tv looked nice or remove altogether . Bring sofa off the wall and put faux sofa table so you could put thing plants , lamp , knicnack across the back group pictures

Frames a lot of shapes and sizes. Pottery barn idea book has shown looks great fun for family's groupings you will see. I'm sure you have . The draperies panels need a pattern or solid but match your wall and run that in the kitchen too. The contract is to much not restful to the eye and maybe continue over the big windows the small glass with nothing on it gets busy and bright maybe a pleated soft shade not to the top but even with the other

Good luck I'm sure it will work out well . Once you figure the placement of the furniture then you can work on the rug size. If you choose to keep that rug you can always work with a local dealer and they can cut and bind it for you.