Ask Arren > Help with Living Room
Hi Ann, Phew! Thanks for your patience on this! I've looked over your shots a couple of times, and here are my thoughts -
That armoire is way too large to sit next to your fireplace. Unless it's absolutely necessary to have in the space I'd think of either moving it right out, or pehaps taking off the top and leaving the 4-drawer chest behind. In fact, a mis-matched set of chests flanking your fireplace would give it the presence I think it needs.
Yep, the picture is way too small on the fireplace. As I mentioned before, a big round mirror would balance out all those strong straight lines quite nicely, as well as adding a bit of sparkle.
For your seating arrangement to totally work it would all feel better if the flooring in the room was changed out from wall-to-wall to hardwood, and then placing a rug under your seating area to anchor it and give the space some focus (just like your inspiration shot). I know this would be a majorly huge splurge, and may not be in the budget right away, but it might be something worth working towards while you're planning out the space. Until then, have you tried turning the couch to face the fireplace, and then sitting the two chairs opposite one another?
From a colour perspective in your seating area it looks like you're getting drawn to a black and white palette, so how about painting the coffee table frame, the side table (and even the upholstered chair's legs) in a black to make all your pieces work together a little better?
For your china cabinet, first off, is it placed on a short wall in your dining area? It might work better placed on the same long wall as the fireplace (if I'm looking at the pics properly). Take all the bits off the top of the piece (and off of the sides too!) and then why not find a great pattern you like in either a fabric or wallpaper and cover and fit foamcore into the back and sides. I think it might add a nice pretty touch, and be a lovely contrast to your nicely displayed white dishes.
Finally, you HAVE to get some stronger colour on the walls to really draw the place in and have it feel both cozy and cohesive. Something in a warm lineny beige or khaki tone would work really well!
Cheers, Arren
Arren
Thank you so much, Arren, appreciate all your great ideas. I never even thought of moving the china cabinet...only thing is the other wall has a big window (part of the corner-window set-up in there) and that would extend the dining room footprint out of the little area its in. Would that look alright?
I did make some minor changes in this post: http://housefinally.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-shout-out-for-help.html just because I could not stand it the way it was... so its better I think but still needing more like you suggested.
The armoire, you are so right, does not belong there: it was supposed to go in my bedroom but it could not fit up the stairs(its all one piece!)But, I can find another home for it, and yes, I believe if the fireplace is given its due I think it will look much more balanced in there. I did try the sofa in front of the fireplace, but the room is narrow that way and it looked too crowded for me. I am thinking of moving the chairs elsewhere and splurging on a set of 2 matching chairs instead. I did recently add some pops of apple-y green, it seemed so dead in there, and I am looking at colors for the walls. Would you paint the fireplace too? I am also on the lookout for a round-shaped mirror to replace the painting.
Ah, yes, hardwood is in the future for us... we already did a walnut toned hardwood in the kitchen and den and are saving up to re-do this space as well someday. For now I will search for a rug to put over the carpet to anchor that area.
Again, thanks so much, I love all your ideas and the blog is great!
take care-
Ann
Ann
Hey Ann, If I were you I'd empty your china cabinet, grab a friend and slide it around until you find the best spot for it. Because it's quite grand I think it could do with being on a larger wall so it has some breathing room.
Yep to the wall colour, but I would keep the fireplace in white, and exciting about eventually swapping out the carpet for hardwood!
Cheers, Arren
Arren
Here's my blog post on Need Help for LR, it has all the pics. I am kinda at a standstill. I have very little money to work with so I'd like to use what I have right now. What do you think? LOVE your ideas!!
http://housefinally.blogspot.com/2010/03/shout-out-for-help.html