Jealous of people with 100+ comments, help me??

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

I can do this for all of you but not for myself. I am stuck here. Please help!
Living room. Couch, coffee, tv, tv cab, wall sconces and drapery rod all STAY. (Tile floor will be hardwood someday, and I know I know, the grids HAVE to be painted in the windows).

Color: I want changed to a very light gray-beige. This room is first room you see but also HAS TO BE family friendly cuz I have 4 boys. I have already done the gray walls and purple/teal pillows and drapes and sent them all to a consignment shop. I need to make this room comfortable but really pulled together with a layered look, no matchy-matchy everything. I'm not afraid of color but prefer it in pattern and texture as opposed to jarring wall colors and solid panels. I have a gold baroque mirror that I can't decide if it works with all wood tones in tv cabinet and coffee table.

I'm thinking Ikea black and white striped rug everyone has and then fun pillows and that is it for pattern and texture. What do you think??? I'll take any thoughts really. Mainly color direction and lighting solutions. Should I hang a semi flush mount over coffee table? Ceilings are 8'.

Featured Answer

groveraxle

12 years ago

I don't even mind the bike. I think the walls need to be a much warmer gray,

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Comments (70)

Carolina
12 years ago
Northbrook House · More Info

Just realized that you wanted to add colour. Sorry, didn't read your dilemma well enough.
User
12 years ago
How about adding some artwork to your home?! Please check out Stewart Stephenson's artwork at: http://www.stewartstephenson.com/online_gallery
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User
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I love this color. I want it to fade into the background and let my other stuff be the punch for the room.
Living Room · More Info

I have a toy room next to this one so I don't want any kids artwork on walls. I want art or photography just not sure how I want it over couch. One simple piece seems predictable and flanking it with sconces even more so.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
I love the dark rug in the pic above with track lighting Carolins. Here is the toy room next to this room. Also a collage pic idea I liked for tv wall. Unsure.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Toy room view
toomanywhitewalls
12 years ago
I think you are doing just fine on your own. It is easy for you to help others because you don't have to make the final decision. You have a good eye.

If you are looking to stick with the black and white do a search on overstock. I really like the last one which I posted in sqaure but it comes in other shapes and sizes.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Zebra-Stripe-Wool-Rug-8-ft-Round/2487307/product.html?refccid=762J7JR6KNDLWZCAR2GNAGE254&searchidx=14

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/nuLOOM-Luna-Black-and-White-Chevron-Shag-Rug-8-x-10/6421964/product.html?refccid=762J7JR6KNDLWZCAR2GNAGE254&searchidx=12

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/nuLOOM-Luna-Black-and-White-Chevron-Shag-Rug-8-x-10/6421964/product.html?refccid=762J7JR6KNDLWZCAR2GNAGE254&searchidx=12

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lyndhurst-Collection-Zebra-Black-White-Rug-8-Square/5482524/product.html?refccid=762J7JR6KNDLWZCAR2GNAGE254&searchidx=22
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User
Original Author
12 years ago
??
Ashley S
12 years ago
I really like that rug. I'm having a hard time with those lamps though.
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Ashley S
12 years ago
what about like this? a little bit funky?
gillis95
12 years ago
I don't care for the current wall color - looks too "cold" and not warm and inviting. I love the wall collage pic you posted and that color. I've done 2 rooms in SW Perfect Greige and love how it blends well. It would look good w/ your grey couch. You have a great base w/ the couch, coffee table and side table and I like all your inspiration pics - you have a great eye. The multi color pillows would be fun on the great couch I just really feel the room feels cold w/ that light grey wall.
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toomanywhitewalls
12 years ago
Is that the ikea black and white rug? I like it. Not a fan of those lampe wither. I know brass is coming back but it isn't a trend I am going to choose to follow.
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Ashley S
12 years ago
all Ikea and target finds.. what do you think?
toomanywhitewalls
12 years ago
If you are not opposed to it, you can also spray paint your current lamp. I like the shape of it but it will be too drab once you start adding some color in there.
Carolina
12 years ago
I like your lamp choices. Here's your room with colourful pillows and black&white rugs.
Carolina
12 years ago
And I did a very sloppy paint job on your window frames.
User thanked Carolina
User
Original Author
12 years ago
This is another room in my house for idea of my style. I love diff parts to all the photoshoped pics, thank you everyone. Carolins what program are you using? I need to start doing this to help me I think.
toomanywhitewalls
12 years ago
I also need to get in the bandwagon with the program carolins and groveraxle use. I am pretty sure I have read before it is photoshop elements. I need their eye for design too though.
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mcbmd3
12 years ago
Use that mirror for sure. Although I like the concept of the wood wall, I do not think I'd like it in that room. You are off to a great start.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
I'm really strugging with all the shapes in the gray room. Rectangular coffee, circle mirror side table with too small scale lamp, square rug, retangle mirror, grids in windows...that's just how I see things when I see a room. My eye is distracted at lack of flow...anyone else that way? I feel like the any black and white rug could def be fun, but maybe this style is a better coffee table idea?
Family Room · More Info

Black + White Office · More Info

Eclectic Living Room · More Info
Carolina
12 years ago
Yep, it's photoshop elements :-)
toomanywhitewalls
12 years ago
If you are def getting a new coffee table please send me your old one. I love it!
User
Original Author
12 years ago
toomanywhitewalls, I am wondering why ms. groveraxle hasn't given any advice here today?
User
Original Author
12 years ago
The coffee is the Aiden from World Market. If you were in IL you could have bought off me when I had it on craigslist ;)
Darzy
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Your inspiration photo with the neutral with pops of blue is nice. How about picking a black/white pattern area rug you love (either the stripe, chevron or zebra). Then, paint the walls Swiss Coffee type color. A nice warm white. Then you can pretty much add a bunch of pop in pillows and art. But, I'd like to see a bit larger scale accent chair. The one you have is a bit undersized for the sofa and you could use some height in the room. How about a modern take on the wing chair, then a modern floor lamp in the corner (behind the chair) that hangs over that beautiful mirrored side table. Then, you'll have nice light in the corner and table space for a beverage. The dual lamps on the sofa table and a light bar above the sofa art would be lovely layered lighting. Then, you won't need a ceiling light. Here is a chair style/lamp:
Jacqueline Hostess Wing Back Occasional Dining Arm Chair · More Info

Waldron Modern Floor Lamp · More Info
User thanked Darzy
Darzy
12 years ago
PS...I'm not sold on the floor lamp, but something like it.
PRO
Yarbro Home Improvement LLC
12 years ago
Comment #46 ;) My contribution ;)
unwantedadvice
12 years ago
Hi. I much prefer the zebra print rug that carolins found. The stipe one freaks out my eyes too much. And the color you like is pretty. As far as the lucite coffee table idea, I am not sure how well they stand up to young children and scratches, although all examples are beautiful. Even though there is a play room, I think it would be tough keeping toys from being used on the top.
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ashtonchic
12 years ago
I really like the look of the zebra rug and silver accessories. Not too keen on that mirror. It doesn't look very modern and playful to me. I would also suggest that the TV go in a larger unit with more shelves to put stuff on. Black and white striped drapes? B&W Chevron lamps? Try just one color for pillows etc, with white and black. It would look modern, sharp and architectural. After you try one color, if you want more - add carefully. Same with artwork. It'll be fun to watch how this takes shape!
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User
Original Author
12 years ago
yarbro.... Any advice? Or just filing in a line to up my number? I don't care about number I need direction and confirmation! ;)
unwantedadvice
12 years ago
Leyla, you seem to have plenty of rooms in your home but what would you want this room to be, the family room? What is that other room pic you posted?

If you did a wood wall, would you want it to be the wall with the windows? You could do the tv wall and wrap it around the doorway. There are some interesting colors in laminates that could be used to give it a sleek look and be a bit more contemporary.
PRO
Yarbro Home Improvement LLC
12 years ago
No advice Leyla, I just don't want you to be jealous anymore. #51! Halfway there ;)
Carolina
12 years ago
Can I suggest something else? Okay... so... the tiled floor will be hardwood one day. Does that have to do with budget? Because I would much rather have a hardwood floor as a good base than spend money on 'stuff' to remedy what doesn't need to be remedied. You have really nice furniture pieces and I love your windows. The only things that bother me about your room: the floor, the candles on the wall, the bike.

It's just a thought...
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toomanywhitewalls
12 years ago
I like the green grover chose to use.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
I've been grovered! Yes! It's so funny how one piece sets my brain in motion. It's the large scale art, that's it. I need to stop thinking collage or gallery over the couch, it's too much. I need a really fun ZGallerie piece of art and my cream ikea budget friendly panels. My greige color on walls and from there I can find pillows no prob. The rug my husb can't do zebra, but I love the idea. When my lil one isn't climbing on the coffee table, I will have stacked books, a signature orchid and a candle for my reveal "after" shot. So, Grover, can you photoshop this in next to the couch with a chunky based lamp? I also wanna know what program you use? I was so bummed to see that I cannot email any members directly when going to their profile.
libradesigneye
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Since your other room has red, I'd like to see some continuity - maybe some rose in graphic pillow prints and something sunset pink in one great oversized piece of art. Then you can go black and white in your tv gallery and everyonce in awhile punch in a little red thing. I agree with the warmer grays - maybe test bm cumulus cloud http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/cumuluscloud
Home goods had some black and white diamond grid flat wool weave rugs that you would like - love the desk / sofa table w/ chairs idea. Grids and frames (but not trim) in black are going to satisfy your taste - they will then look like steel windows instead of traditional muntins - go for it (use the premixed glossy black in quarts - no priming for black either). A graphic curtain pattern - like these to echo the elements - [houzz=
Assembly Home Plus Sign Curtain · More Info
] agree with darzy on pallet wall - too casual for house.
Lainie D'Eon
12 years ago
Nice look... darker lamp on end table.
unwantedadvice
12 years ago
Grover and carolins you are being paged by http://houzz.com/discussions/944216
hr01
12 years ago
your post count is climbing at record pace, your doing fine, great advice on here already, enough said, just deww it ! lol
Lainie D'Eon
12 years ago
You have great taste & it's always easier to do someone else's room than your own!.
Great suggestions above...#1 sofa table of reclaimed wood (great place for lighting on that end of room) or maybe a games table in that spot , of reclaimed wood,..
My comments....yes to black banister.... NO to black grills (prison feel) white yes...could the TV unit be moved a bit more towards the stairs so that your chair with floor lamp could go in the opposite corner from where it is now (it seems so lonely there & not a spot that is good for conversation)
groveraxle
12 years ago
.
groveraxle
12 years ago
Yes, I can Photoshop that table in, and I will, but It's a mistake. Don't lose the end table you have now.
PRO
Decor Outdoor
12 years ago
I, for one, like the combo of the gray furniture and the beige rug. Throw on some orange and green pillows and add some accessories and you have something modern, but that with longer style staying-power. I think some softer lifting with some boom floor lamps for reading and when you have guests would work best for this room.
libradesigneye
12 years ago
If you have a fixture now at the ceiling centered over the coffee table, consider pulling a candace olson and dropping a fixture really low over it in the middle of the room. Not so low that when you sit down it bugs you, but lower than semi flush - and let it be wowsa / industrial / chic.
rredpenn
12 years ago
Just popped in to point out that in my dilemma, there are so many posts because in real life, it may take a week or two just to figure out fabrics/colors to LOOK for! I still haven't been able to order furniture (original dilemma-to find colors for couch/2 chairs) for various reasons. Things aren't going too fast for my dilemma...ha!...but I think that's closer to reality than HGTV makeovers make it seem.
grobby
12 years ago
I'm thinking this will be a room the boys will come to since it's next to the toy room. Have you thought about a nice ottoman instead of the coffee table. Those sharp edges and playful kids don't mix well. Four boys, how nice!
PRO
Yarbro Home Improvement LLC
12 years ago
Fizzled... :(
Carolina
12 years ago
I like grover's orange/green version.
chickenlady5
12 years ago
Sorry to jump in late at the party, but in wanted to offer my opinions too: ) I would warm up the room with earth tones( like taupe) a nice colorful rug in the center would give a pop of color and invest in some canvas and paints and have your boys work with the same complimentary colors you choose to create some memorable art work. I see a grouping of 4 paintings : )
sarainitaly
12 years ago
Sometimes I think all a room needs is a simple change in position of furniture. What about turning the couch around, putting the TV on the wall where the couch is now? That opens the couch up facing all those great windows. (what is on the wall opposite windows, by cream chair?) Flipping your couch, and breaking the room up could allow for two areas, a couch area, and a sitting area. Your TV would be facing the front door, but you could always hide it behind doors, if you care about it showing. You could do a really nice wall unit between those two windows. And that cream chair by the windows on the end where the elliptical is. Two of those would be great! Also, if you flip the couch around I would keep the back away from the walls.