Asked on Oct 21, 2014

Upholstery help needed....help needed to get this room completed!!

Sandy
by Sandy
What is you vision for decorating this room?? What should go? stay?
Background: New house we built but previous quick made choices that weren't really me are making this project my NIGHTMARE! I purchased a sofa that when in house didn't do much for space. So purchased 2 camelback sofas to use, one on either side of FP. This project is driving me crazy and is getting to be very expensive. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I need suggestions for upholstering two camel back sofas. I have worked on this room for a year and get nowhere. Things I would like to have you consider:
1. Something that would compliment Kitchen area, and tie in dining rm
2. DR/LR is about 33' x 16'
3. We are putting in white painted plantation shutters. Needed for sun control and evening privacy. Will not put them on little fireplace windows.
4. Upholstery that won't be difficult to keep looking nice for many years (until I die!)
5. I had bad experience with uphol. that got fuzzy - never knew contents but was of commercial grade and spendy.
6. I don't care for orange.
7. Wall color changes every hour
8. Replace swivel brick colored chairs
9. Only one cushion that is down-filled and I don't want fabric that will stretch and leave ripples on the seat cushion.
Upholstery needed for these sofas.
Area opposite fireplace, room is about 16' across.
Fireplace coloring.
Quartz island top in kitchen.
Looking to other side of room and kitchen nook.
Looking from dining space to other end of LR space.
Tile and carpet.
I was a person that used a lot of doily and lace before and this fireplace does not go very good with lace, so taking me out of comfort zone. Never realized how hard it is to decorate outside one's comfort zone
  60 answers
  • Hannah V Hannah V on Oct 21, 2014
    Wow so much potential in this room! Beautiful finishes. I bet @Daphne Steinberg Interior Design would have some fab ideas for what you could do!
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Oct 22, 2014
    Sandy, it would definitely benefit you to hire a designer. Just get advice, they don't actually have to "finish" the project. It is what I have to do as well. I have two living rooms that are driving me beyond batty. It's the only thing that will save my living rooms and my sanity! :-). Good luck!
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Oct 22, 2014
    I'm confused! Are there 2 fireplace areas? 4 sofas? I think the gold look with the cranberry is stunning and I would keep it. The one thing about large, open, multi purpose rooms is that it is difficult to set up for a formal as well as a slouch around on the sofas and eat popcorn area. I now see on TV a lot of barn doors being used for this type of dividing of a large room. Close it off and let the kids play in one area and the adults sit in the other area. Barn doors painted white are even being used instead of shutters on large windows like you have. They are simple to install and you can buy the hardware and use almost any style door or make one our of lumber and paint it! One thing is for sure...in a few years when the glue has deteriorated on those shutters and they need to be reglued and repainted, the solid wood will be much easier and less costly!
  • Wanda.ll Wanda.ll on Oct 22, 2014
    I'm confused also. Need to know exactly what you have. Looks like sofa in dining room also. Are these 2 different sets of photos. Please tell use which is which so we can help you out. The yellow sofas with red chairs are good just need some prints that have same colors in them( think prints , textures and accessories with these 2 colors ) but now for sure with photos.
    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 22, 2014
      Sorry, sofa in DR is just there because when others get removed for upholstering it will replace them. It was purchased new but designer said it didn't go. Expensive mistake, so I am really paranoid now!! Been told the brick colored fabric on the swivel chairs is just too heavy of a look too. I have hired 2 designers and never gotten project past this point if I didn't go with their suggestion. Last one Said to just pick a light colored sofa fabric on own when I said I hated to pay over $90 a yd and would need close to 40 yds.
  • Marianne A-c Marianne A-c on Oct 22, 2014
    I would definitely put bookcases or some kind of built in on either side of the fireplace
    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 22, 2014
      Marianne, I've been thinking that too! Painted white or oak stained? Built-ins and kitchen cabinets are oak stained. Halfway to windows or 2/3s? On right to adjacent wall? or both just to end of windows in length? I could really use the space for some pics, books, and things of interest. Just need to have vents for registers.
  • Marianne A-c Marianne A-c on Oct 22, 2014
    sofa opposite fireplace chairs on either side of fireplace,coffee table in center,move piano under window in dinning room,get a sofa table behind sofa for lamps,window coverings,to soften room,hardwood would be beautiful instead of carpet,and as I said built ins on either side of fireplace or even,tables that you can add lamps and decor on,this is a gorges space ,I would love to set this room up,good luck,hope this helps
    • See 3 previous
    • Carolyn Arps Carolyn Arps on Nov 21, 2019

      little desisign in them to match the pillows.id paint the stool in front of davenport it ie ugly!!!goodluck would like to see it when done please

      carolyn Arps

      1!







  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 22, 2014
    So much potential !! Your colors across the board are very neutral so your options are seriously vast! #1 create a budget! I agree, short bookcases under the windows by the fireplace would help fill this room and give you a chance to add interest with photos, vases, and other personal items. As for fabric on the sofas - working with a designer would be your best bet! When I help clients choose fabrics #1 is budget to help narrow the options - then I research brands like Kravet, Magnolia, Kashmir, and other designer lines that list their ratings on the fabric (30,000 rubs or higher is best for upholstery). This room could be done conservativity by having the sofas be neutral and pop color/pattern/texture with pillows - or you could have fun and let the sofa be the shining star. I dont think the swivel chairs are bad.
    • See 1 previous
    • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Oct 22, 2014
      @Sandy so sorry this has been a stressful and disappointing process for you. I wish i lived closer - but I believe there are very viable options of designers nation wide. If you cant find one thru an interview process -- Id entertain web based assistance.
  • Nikki Nikki on Oct 22, 2014
    I agree book cases would look great on each side of the fireplace, and I also think it really just needs some color, I think it is just a lot of beige with the walls and carpet and then the sofa's are also a very neutral color. Maybe choose a color or even 2 or 3 that you like and incorporate them with throw pillows, candles etc... or I think if you wanted to warm up the room and have a drastic change right away you could paint the walls and try some color there since you said you change wall paint often? that would maybe be a change you could make that was less permanent before upholstering the sofa and being stuck with a pattern or color you regret, Yet if you do not like the sofa fabric you could still keep that a neutral shade and do a nice accent pattern on the chairs? I'm probably not much help, I go round and round at my house too. I love color yet I'm always terrified of the more permanent items being too bold or flashy in fear of getting burned out on them too fast. So through trial and error I have learned the hard way =) and I now try to keep my color and patterns in the accessories like pillows, area rugs and accents, and I keep my floors and furniture on the neutral side so I can change it up seasonally or just for a quick low cost change, good luck to you I'm sure if you decide on a color that your drawn to and gives you that feeling your looking for in your home it will make it a lot easier for you to go fwd with decorating and also make it feel like it's yours, I have heard you should try to think of what type of feeling you want your room to give to you and when people visit, like peaceful, tranquil and relaxing or cozy warm and lay on the couch by the fire kind of feeling... I do know colors can give different feelings and I do think that is the best place to start for decision making is what will give you that "Yes I'm HOME" feeling when you walk in =)
    • See 2 previous
    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 23, 2014
      lol!! We have some in common!!!
  • Susan Barrett Susan Barrett on Oct 22, 2014
    From the photos it appears to have too much furniture. Looks crowded.
    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 22, 2014
      Yes, Photos aren't the best. At least one extra couch in some. I probably should redo photos to clarify situation.
  • Kaytedec Kaytedec on Oct 22, 2014
    I like these colors and agree with previous comments. Decide on a color palette and go for it with artwork on the walls, side tables with lamps to warm it up. Bookshelves flanking the fireplace and prints to liven up the space. Right now it feels dark and bland. Of course it's hard to tell just from a handful of photos. I prefer hardwood floors, but even with the carpet a large area rug to anchor the seating area would be nice. The main thing is don't be afraid & go with your heart! Good luck
    • See 2 previous
    • Sandy Sandy on Nov 21, 2015
      Stressed over this so long! Just getting ready to build plantation shutters. Thinking after they get up room will have a different look. Then might be better to determine colors, whether or not to replace rug, and determine what to keep of furniture, what to reupholster, paint, etc. Very overwhelming! Thinking fireplace, furniture, dining set might not be all speaking the same language. Carpet and adjoining tile doesn't flow the best. So thinking might replace carpet for that reason.
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 22, 2014
    is if best to get an area rug first then the sofa upholstery?
    • Nikki Nikki on Oct 22, 2014
      @Sandy I would definitely do my sofa 1st unless you decide to keep that neutral even with the new fabric? then personally I would do a piece of artwork, and you can just then add your rug from colors in your painting? Area rugs just don't last near as long as furniture or a favorite painting will, but another option if you would like to stay on the cheaper safe side? Maybe even hang a big mirror with a unique frame, or a collage of mirrors? I also love big clocks on the wall, and then instead of choosing colors from artwork then you could choose colors from an area rug like lamps with a cute colored shade on them, color in your throw pillows etc... because pillows and rugs can always be changed out over the yrs as they wear out and they don't cost much to replace and by then you may want to do completely different colors? and you will have nothing holding you back or trying to match it with your bigger items. Your entire house looked like you could add just about any color you wanted very neutral and you are so very lucky to have it that way. I just thought I would mention those things because it sounds like we have both made the same very expensive mistakes and it can be overwhelming when you do so I thought I would share some of the changes I made in my purchases that have definitely saved me and given me more options and made decorating rooms way more enjoyable. I can't wai to see it when its done I'm sure it will look great as soon as you remind yourself its your house, done your way and by saying that there is no right or wrong way that's what personalizes it and make it a home. =)
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Oct 22, 2014
    I love yellow and red together. With your furniture being bold with no pattern, you can tone them down with wall color. Also tie it together with area rug, pillows, art/wall, just general decor. Your options are many. But I would leave the furniture alone and go for the afore mentioned and see how you feel with that.
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 22, 2014
    I will post some pics later today that will give you some more to work with. I am so thankful that you are all so kind to share your expertise. I think living in it, we don't always see what potential there is. My rooms seem to feed off one another so to keep a flow that is smooth too is needed. I had neck surgery 2 yrs ago so need to get another coat of paint on too in many parts of house as well as exterior!! Oh yes, hoping to get this completed before I need to go to a nursing home!!! Keep your ideas coming.
  • Vickie Miles Vickie Miles on Oct 22, 2014
    Hi! Your fireplace is beautiful, and I would use the colors in it to be my guide. Sofa's in a dark chocolate brown (micro-fiber is great) with cream pillows, or cream and a burgundy small print if you are keeping your coffee table. Beautiful matching tables on each side of fireplace, with matching lamps, and a pair of art work for the walls above the tables would be lovely. If you had open shelves on the bottom of the tables, I would put bins or baskets to hold throws or books, etc. and put pretty items on top of tables, lg. candle sticks and so on. Good luck!
  • Sherry Fram Sherry Fram on Oct 22, 2014
    Definitely bookcases on either side of the fireplace.I would pull colors from your beautiful stonework on the fireplace. Also think about maybe beefing up you mantel to give it more presence. I agree with the microfiber choice of fabric. If your are going to keep the chairs the color they are then get something to compliment them. You might look into slipcovers as they are a cheaper alternative to a full reupholstering.
  • Lisa Lisa on Oct 22, 2014
    your colors are fantastic! I agree with some of the other posters - put book cases on both sides of the fireplace, also go bolder on the mantel with larger pieces and layer them on the mantel (do the same thing with your piano). The sofas facing each other with the coffee table in the middle looks great, just pull it together with an area rug, and throw pillows. You also have a lot of wall space, I would go large with the wall hangings.
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 23, 2014
    I think we all agree, some kind of bookcases by fireplace sides. What are your opinions regarding: 1. white or oak? or a combination? or book cases painted a color in fireplace stone or a little different. Wondering if the bookcases in white is to stark for stone. If wood stained or painted would look like it flows more smoothly. 2. height? 3. top like a marble or stone look? or oak or painted 4. Width?? even with outsides of window? or right side up to wall?
    • See 1 previous
    • Mary Bennett Mary Bennett on Nov 22, 2015
      These posts are getting old. Have you figured it out yet? Wold love to see what you have decided, & the end product!
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 23, 2014
    Microfiber??? Never had. See a lot of it for sale on craigslist. Assuming many quality levels. I don't care for the nap directions showing going different ways. What do you know about the 100% polyester chenilles with 102,000 rubs? I have never had a solid colored piece of furniture til the ones in the room shown and the sofas have a jacquard pattern and the brick/cinnamon ones have a tone on tone with a chenille like pattern. Is it that much harder keeping the solid clean and looking good 10-15 yrs from now? Any advice on chenille uph fabric would be welcome. If anyone knows of an upholstery fabric that basically reads as a solid color, wears good, cleans good on oil spots and non oily spots and you know a brand and color name I am very interested on getting more info.. Thanks.
  • T T on Oct 23, 2014
    Sandy I would stay in keeping with white if you do bookcases next to fireplace to match the trim around your windows. Crown moulding would really add drama to your room too and height, and I'm sure you want to keep that great view open but if you hang curtains take them ALL THE WAY TO THE CEILING that will bring extra pop of color in too and you can keep them open. And I would change the light fixture in front of the fireplace, it looks like a dining room light. But overall I think you have a beautiful home! Thanks for sharing with us!
  • Noeleen Gray Noeleen Gray on Oct 23, 2014
    Hi there. I'm not sure how much money you have, but here are my suggestions. I love the yellow. Paint the walls Fossil by Benjamin Moore. Tape over and protect the top of the fireplace. Paint the stone White Chocolate by Benjamin Moore. It may take a few coats, but believe me it will be worth it! Buy a few new pillows and a new rug to give that area a bit more life. With regards to the rug, ensure that the ceramic tile is under the carpet. If not, go to a home depot type store and buy the new clink in laminate tiles that come in approximately 2' x 1' pieces. They are very easy to put down and some look like hardwood for 1/2 the price. Spray paint the base of the lamps a close white color to match the fireplace. Slipcovers for the two chairs and the ottoman. If you can't find slipcovers, Michael's has a great spray paint for fabric that is soft to the touch and is certainly a lot cheaper than buying new furniture. I would go with a soft white to match the fireplace. Again, pillows with a soft flower pattern with lots of yellow will showcase your chairs. I would put very soft, willowy long curtains by each window. Make sure that the material is not too heavy. they need to look as if they are celebrating the rich colors of the piano and other furniture. Good luck!
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 23, 2014
    Tshay, My hubby is making plantation shutters. Don't know if you saw that. We need them for privacy and sun control I agree light fixture has to come down. What would you do for light fixture? A bowl type?
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    • Carolyn Arps Carolyn Arps on Nov 21, 2019

      i agree these ceiling lights dont look good in the rooms.Ceiling fans with pretty lights realy look nice i like the gold bases with the wood fans.

  • Pam Woelfel Pam Woelfel on Oct 23, 2014
    Love the furniture as is, transform the fireplace,w/bookshelves, and make it less casual more English cottage like.
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    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 24, 2014
      post a pic!
  • Ginger Robinson Ginger Robinson on Oct 23, 2014
    One thing I would do is make the mantle on the fireplace larger-across the whole fireplace, if you could make some built ins on each side. The walls do need some more color, then you can make bolder choices for the couches. Maybe a pattern or a darker color. You might consider changing the chairs out. Look at flea markets or thrift stores for 2 chairs that you could paint and upholster yourself. A rug will also help ground the area. That might be the last thing you get after you decide the colors for the wall and couches.
    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 23, 2014
      what colors would you suggest? what kind of chairs?
  • Vickie Miles Vickie Miles on Oct 23, 2014
    To Sandy: Micro fiber these days has come a long way! They look like suede, and are amazingly easy to clean. Woolite furniture fabric cleaner on a damp sponge gets anything off this material. My husband reads papers, and gets the newspaper ink from his hands on the arm of our chair, and I just spray and wipe and it looks good as new. We got our sofa and chairs at Haverty's 6 yrs. ago, and they look like new. I agree with Noeleen G. Yellow is so pretty! I would keep it.
  • Vickie Miles Vickie Miles on Oct 23, 2014
    Sandy: I forgot your question about bookcases or tables. I would choose tables,only because of your 2 great windows being just above. Bookcases would have been great without those, but tables would be much prettier to look at than unmatched book bindings..in my opinion anyway. Much less busy, and its so great to be able to change table tops ( by the changing seasons) than the tops of bookcases. Hope this helps, but do what makes you happy!
  • Melissa Leach Melissa Leach on Oct 23, 2014
    What a lovely home you have. I would add crown moulding, beef up your fireplace mantel and add built in cabinets under your windows along side the fireplace. Recover your sofas in velvet to coordinate with your pretty chairs and ottomon. Seems pretty formal, try to relax the look. Use pillows and art to splash in some color. Best of luck!
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 23, 2014
    Hey everybody, my yellow and my carpet don't jive! Fabrics on chair and sofa I think the patterns need more of a difference. I think the ottoman is kind of unique. What do you think?? Didn't care for fringybstuff at first but grows on a person. So if I used that what color sofa then? Chairs?
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    • Debbie Fisher Debbie Fisher on Oct 24, 2014
      I would paint the walls grey, since carpet is expensive to replace with wood, I would put down area rugs over carpet. I agree with white built in on both sides of fireplace. Grey & white pillows. I would go with grey, white with the bit of red on chairs as accent
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 24, 2014
    I have the glass. So one thing to check off! Still trying to determine what color and kind of fabric to go with.
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 24, 2014
    The brick/red chairs unfortunately don't go with the ottoman/coffee table. The ottoman is more burgundy and plum. So, I have several pieces that need some redoing for the colors to be right. Pictures must make it look better!! Wish you all lived down the road so you could see in person.
  • PattyV PattyV on Oct 24, 2014
    Currently your home looks very traditional. I think you first need to determine what your style is. I agree with the person to do built-ins on other side of the fire place and add crown moulding. My suggestion would be to put in hardware floors and use an area rug in front of the fireplace. I would also beef up the mantle with maybe a long reclaimed piece of rustic wood. I would also stain the brick a little darker than the red. Keep the couches on either side of the fire place but add some accent pillows in a graffic pattern to keep the look more modern and I would pare down your furiture and get some slip covers in a pattern that would match the throw pillows. I also would not recommend use fake plants....they never quite look real. I know these items all cost money, but you ask for suggestions....
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 25, 2014
    I would say I am traditional. Built-ins by FP I foresee. Hardwood floors would be some years away. We just built 3 yr ago. Crown molding just in LR/DR?? We have bull-nosed corners and as far as breadboard , Ctown molding, etc those corners become challenges, as do they for painting and switching color. I'm curious as to the style you are working to achieve? with rustic mantel? "pare down furniture" meaning???? I know hubby would never let me paint his fireplace!! I do have a real live tree coming!!!! I enjoyed reading your post, someday If money is available I'd like to do hardwood floors. Thanks for your input!
    • PattyV PattyV on Oct 25, 2014
      @Sandy I find having an area rug (I know...over a rug?) really grounds a room. I like the combination of the maroon and yellow chair and sofa. My suggestion would be to get substantial sofa pillows in yellow and maroon (some different textures) and then a yellow booster.
  • Lori Lori on Oct 26, 2014
    Sandy, I sympathize with the cost issue so I'm going the cheap route. All this room needs in my opinion is to be pulled together by beautiful ribbons of co ordinating fabrics. If you sew, buy the most beautiful material, reds and yellows and blacks, something with all the colours in it and make cushy pillows, good size ones for those beautiful sofas and smaller ones to scatter around where needed. Try putting the two red chairs on each side of the fireplace same as they are on the other wall and move the sofa table, if you still have it to that wall. If there is room try the leggy red chair in the dining area, beside the sofa table but it might be too much. Then get the wildest most colourful modern painting, the kind you see in Home Sense for example, with splashes of reds, bits of yellow, touches of black. Throws are another nice way to warm up and pull together room, just find great colours. I believe every room needs some black, it's like jewelry. Maybe a lampshade, a couple of pillows, an accent rug in front of the fireplace. The mantle would be a great place for some bright colour, a picture or painting. The fireplace is very unassuming and needs a bit of spice. You can't paint a three yr old fireplace and you picked it so you must love it, so just "spice" it up. You have lovely things and I hope some of my ideas are helpful to you. I don't know if you sew but if you see material you like ask for a small piece, or buy a 1/4 yard and bring it home to see if it works first, or you will end up with a bunch of pillows you aren't happy with. Good luck and have lots of fun, don't stress, it will all get done.
    • See 4 previous
    • B. Enne B. Enne on Oct 27, 2015
      @Sandy Home Sense is the same company as Home Goods in the U.S.
  • Lori Lori on Oct 26, 2014
    Me again, I just went back and looked at the picture. Even if you leave the red chairs where they are, the wall above still needs a big colourful painting.
    • See 1 previous
    • Mary Bennett Mary Bennett on Nov 22, 2015
      @Sandy You can find a throw rug with the color of you couches & carpeting to put between the couches! Read my other posts from today & yesterday!
  • Pat Mountfort Pat Mountfort on Oct 26, 2014
    look to the colors in your flower arrangement. That was done by a pro. I would use the red chairs and do the sofas in the yellow that is in the flowers. I do agree with the bookshelves beside the fireplace and do a mantle that will go the width between the bookcases to tie it all together.
    • See 3 previous
    • Sandy Sandy on Oct 29, 2014
      Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas. Should I keep the ottoman and work with it for a color for the sofas?
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 26, 2014
    What do you all think of the ottoman? Is there a color I could use that would tie the sofas to that piece? Or do you think the ottoman isn't a piece to plan around?
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 26, 2014
    What about maroonish-plum colored sofas? or Brown?? or Deep golden? Deep teal or bluish color? Any color hung on fireplace (last picture) ?? Anyone have the Greenhouse Chenille book samples? Any color in there? A color where jewel colored pillows and other accent pieces or colors from the ottoman? Or that the reds could go on at Christmas? Could a person even do some kind of festive covering on the ottoman and put the glass over the top??
  • Lori Lori on Oct 26, 2014
    Home Sense is in Canada and it's a decorating, accessories store. It has wonderful things for every room in the house and affordable prices. I can't think what would be comparable in the US. I'm sorry, I guess I thought you wanted to use all the things you have and didn't realize you were changing them all. Are you recovering the sofas and chairs or replacing them?
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 27, 2014
    Reupholstering sofas and possibly replacing chairs. If I can get a decent price for chairs I think it would be cheaper. These are beautiful and were over $2000 a piece when new. Zi bought them off craigslist and paid a lot still for them . But definitely quality.
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 29, 2014
    Thanks everyone. I need to read and take notes on all the suggestions and try to process it!! Wish you all lived closer!!
  • Wanda.ll Wanda.ll on Oct 30, 2014
    Just posted this for another help. Try Better Homes and Garden website. It can help with color on your room and all. Here is short cut. http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color-personality/ there must be the rest of word on the end (personality) . It isn't showing all up but add.
  • Mary Mary on Oct 30, 2014
    Hi, I think you have great pieces to work with. Just for fun I did a search on Houzz and put in "decorating with two sofas". There are many ideas for upholstery, furniture placement, accessories, and windows. I personally like more of a neutral type fabric on sofas such as herringbone. Then add pillows with complimentary fabrics. Good luck.
  • Linda T Linda T on Oct 30, 2014
    Go back a couple of days on Hometalk, to look at the painted brick fireplace. It really makes a difference to the light in the room. I would also put a large, possibly ornate mirror on the mantle, for more light too. (Ornate, because a plain square/rectangle would not go with your wooden furnishings. Also a single cushion looks silly, even on the smaller chairs. You need at least 4-6 on the couches too. I agree about having a centre rug, and I would put the piano across the corner. A couple of paintings under the little windows would be good, or one large, one side, and two, one over the other on the other side. Matchy-matchy is not fashionable and very tedious for the eyes. Hope this helps.
  • Sandy Sandy on Oct 30, 2014
    Linda T can you clarify where you would put the piano? I will see if I can post a picture of floor plan. I will have to see if I can find the fireplace you are referring to. I'm assuming you are referring to pillows on the sofas and chairs.
    • Linda T Linda T on Oct 31, 2014
      @Sandy The fireplace I mentioned is titled, "My Whitewashed Brick Mantel for Fall". I envisioned the piano moved closer to the window, but diagonally across the corner. Apart from the look of it, it may be better for the acoustics, with two walls to 'bounce' the sounds back into the room.
  • Brenda Brenda on Feb 01, 2015
    I just ran across this, so you may be fine or have bought new stuff, but just in case.....it seems one issue may also be how the room "flows". With the couch backing the center of the room, there is a kind of blockade. It might feel more comfortable with a couch backed up along the wall opposite the fireplace, and two chairs flanking the fireplace. That way, your entrance into the room is not blocked, the windows are the focal point when entering the room ( and great curtains will accentuate that) and the fireplace is highlighted when in the room or entering from what looks like the kitchen. Depending on how wide the room is, you could have the couch pulled in closer to the fireplace, as long as you have a 3' walkway between the back of the wall and whatever you put there ( piano, counsel table with a picture etc), but otherwise against the wall is fine. I kind of like the ottoman and chairs. They are kind of ornate looking. Not exactly what you were asking about, but thought I would mention it.
  • Deb B Deb B on Feb 01, 2015
    The room needs an area rug and drapery panels to soften it and add some color to pull it together. Also some wall decor to repeat the color scheme. Rug doesn't have to be expensive ....try Home Depot or Lowes!
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Feb 01, 2015
    Reupholstering furniture unless you are able to do it yourself is quite expensive. Since you have so much already invested, I would go with the colors that you have and build on it. I think an oriental rug would really define the space and tie the colors together. I would take @Brendas suggestion on sofa placement. If you want something to act as a separator, you could use a couple of maple rocking chairs and end table. This will still allow you to define the open "wall" of the living room but keep it from feeling blocked in and give you more of a flow. I would then take a pillow from both chair and sofa and go fabric shopping to make some accent pillows. You can find some beautiful oriental carpets at auction, Craigslist, etc. Finally, I would put a large mirror over the mantle or leaning up against the wall and sitting on the mantle and fresh flowers on tables. I think you will have a stunning room.
  • Sandy Sandy on Feb 10, 2015
    What are people's thoughts of this upholstery fabric for the sofas?
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    • Mary Bennett Mary Bennett on Nov 22, 2015
      @Sandy Please don't recover your couches! They are beautiful as they are, & expensive as you said. If you have to recover anything do the ottoman, & keep extra fabric to make pillows for the couches, & chairs that make all the furniture come together. The easiest, & least expensive way to go. Ottomans are very easy to recover yourself. All you need is a fabric that has yellow, maybe some tan color (to match kitchen, & dining area, & red. I know they have it as my post yesterday told you I have a red wall, & found sheers drapes that have red, tan, & yellow, & look fantastic with my red wall. Try to find a fabric that will bring everything together. Throw pillows on those yellow couches with the other colors will really make that room pop! Don't paint that new fireplace as it is the colors of your kitchen & dining room, & looks fantastic. You would regret it the rest of your days in your new house. Lots of people don't think red or plum, & yellow don't go together, but you can find fabric that will bring them together. I did, & my sheer drapes came from Family Dollar for just $10 a panel! I had to get six of them so only $60 total to bring my dining/breeze way together. To recover that ottoman, take current fabric off carefully, & use it for a pattern, & put new on the same way the old came off! Staple it to the bottom, & then cover the bottom using hot glue. I've don't it several times with ottomans I find at garage sales. Easy to do. DON'T paint your fireplace as it brings your kitchen & dining area together!
  • Kathy Blowers Kathy Blowers on Feb 10, 2015
    I can't tell it that is brown or burgundy. Whatever it is I do like it and think that your sofas would look amazing in it with the blue throw pillows. The chairs would look amazing also with a blue upholstery on them. Have you thought about painting your walls or just one wall the blue or red? I think that the wall that ties the rooms together would look very nice like that. Also you could put cushions on the dinning room chairs that would accent and bring the two rooms together.
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    • Sandy Sandy on Feb 10, 2015
      Which wall would you paint? I am thinking a different paint color might be thing to do. That color and the rug looked so different once in house. Will white plantation shutters look fine in there?
  • Gayle Chestnut Gayle Chestnut on Aug 20, 2015
    Room needs light. Paint that fireplace white and extend mantle all the way across. Slipcover sofas in white (off) ducking or canvas. Can then be washed. Get rid of dark coffee table &are place it with something more casual, maybe industrial w/wheels, etc. the occasional chairs need to go and replace them with comfortable arm chairs with legs. Again in perhaps some striped ticking in color of your choice. Maybe you can use red chairs in another part of house. Use light casual accessories, including lamps, table & hanging. You would be surprised what a little paint will do for these.
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    • Sandy Sandy on Nov 22, 2015
      @Gayle Chestnut The room actually is full of light! 2 8 ft windows SE and S, 2 windows on sides of fireplace that are small, but face kind of S-SE, 2 windows by hutch that are E, and the kitchen area has 4 windows more E and N and the Deck Door facing SE. The ceilings are 9 ft. and 11 ft. in the tray of the DR. Painting the fireplace is not likely at all.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Oct 27, 2015
    I'd take a hint from the fireplace.. since this is a new place. I WOULDN'T paint it.can't remove it. A few years later maybe..The stone and door are casual relaxed almost rustic feel.. I'd pick up a color from it and your counter top, since this is am open space.. a more neutral taupe-soft light warm grey putty (look for warm neutral- not all greys are dull and drab). I'd take a piece of the counter top, the carpet and a cushion to the store, Leave them in your car, handy and ready, makes it much easier-fewer trips..I like the putty color in your counter top.. something along that line.. Hard to tell if the walls are beige or yellow..The warm grey-taupe with the yellow sofa, and a pop of the burgundy.. I'd anchor it with an area rug in those colors, tie it together with couple of print sofa pillows. the pros use is to sometimes START with a print you find and love as inspiration, build your scheme backwards..I'd nix the doilies, I went to place mats on my coffee table with big chunky candle in the center. they are durable,many styles and colors, I have a bunch and change them for the seasons..prevents scratches. I'd also buy the sample sized paints and try it on several walls for a few days,, The round glass coffee table-I'd paint it darker,also for a more casual feel.. If you do change the sofa, I'd avoid the formal damask, the paisley one post had would give you a comfortable relaxed feel yet still a bit of the elegant rich decor.This open area has great light.. nice layout..
    • Sandy Sandy on Nov 20, 2015
      Hi just saw your response! What style dining rm furniture would you go with?
  • Mary Bennett Mary Bennett on Oct 28, 2015
    I have the same problem with the light a& noise from our front picture window! I would suggest you keep the colors, & find some lined drapes for the window that would be the color of your chairs. Forget the re-upholstering. It's too expensive to have done, & if you have never done it yourself, it's a big job. I've done it for years so experience is a must for those chairs. Good luck! You may find drapes that would have a bit of the color of your couches too in a stripe would look great!
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Nov 21, 2015
    I'd carry the bit more casual theme there too a term I've seen used is CASUAL ELEGANCE .. Less fussy and more family friendly.. There is less of a matchy matchy look but more coordinated fabrics (same color different texture) or styles, example-2 different chair styles,,similiar with the same fabric a heavier style for the heads of the table, side chairs different or a bench on one side cushion of the same fabric..Start collecting ideas and samples for there, but I'd do that last, once you get the LR rolling, it may lead you to a direction. You may just recover the chairs in a fabric a bit more casual to get the feel.. something I see a lot of is painting the beautiful wood,, personally I COULDN"T do that, that's just me, unless its damaged.. Can't tell about the lighting, but new shades- less curved, may help you get that feel. Those are really great fixtures, may be fine once the rest is done..For fabric color if you go that route I'd pick up a color in the sofa fabric and carry it to there.to tie the 3 areas together, another tone from the counter top.for inspiration, when you do the sofa,, ask to have a few pillows made same fabric or companion fabric different pattern size.. or buy extra yardage and DIY, Even a few huge ones for the kids when they visit they always seem to end up there..Another pro tip,, create a sample board: paint sample, carpet bit, sofa swatches, companion fabrics, photos of the light fixtures..photo of the fireplace, any trims used in the room etc. And from kitchen leftover bits on another board or folder...It will make you shopping so much easier this is one LARGE project with 3 small sections. ,, It doesn't have to be huge..With the open concept not only the floor plan but colors and feel needs to flow. from one to the next,since you see the kitchen.. if you see something, you can always run out and get it, rather than buy and return it..also remember store lighting is MUCH different than natural lighting, lesson learned the hard way on that one,, ask to have help taking things to a window or door, Lastly fabric stores will cut a skinny swatch of home dec fabric if you see something that you like.. or else buy 1/8 yard. to take home and see under you room lighting.. A store I just love is CALICO CORNERS,, not sure if they are in your area..but they know their stuff, and alway so helpful.. This is such a great space, how exciting.. please keep us posted on the progress
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Nov 24, 2015
    Here's my 2 cents....1st ~ I would get rid of the builder neutral greige walls. The fireplace kind of fades into the walls. IMHO, I think 1-2 greys would work better for the space it's a better neutral than a white, cream, tan or beige. Light bounces off the walls & will make painted, or stained furniture look better & cleaner. A darker grey on the fireplace wall will bring out the details of the fireplace & make it pop off the wall. Then a lighter grey thru out the rest of the room. 2nd ~ Replace the mantel w/ something thicker & chunkier. Stain or paint it a dark color so it stands out. 3rd ~ I would keep the couches facing each other & the chairs facing the fireplace. I would slipcover all the furniture pieces to coordinate each other. Then add punches of color in throw pillows. 4th ~ I'd replace the ottoman & small glass table w/ a square tufted ottoman centered on the couches. I would add 1-2 trays for hard surfaces. 5th ~ I would add a small side table to put bet. the chairs. I didn't make any suggestions on colors because what I like may not be what you like. I do suggest a medium jewel toned color. Use your favorite colors. Hope this helps
  • Sandy Sandy on Nov 24, 2015
    I don't have time to respond to the last posts now, but will in a few days. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! So thankful that you people share advice.
  • Mary Bennett Mary Bennett on Nov 26, 2015
    Happy Thanksgiving to you Sandy!
  • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on Dec 29, 2015
    Suggestions: Do you have a handyman? You have space under those windows next to the fireplace for a cpl built in shelving units, or cupboards. I've seen some FABULOUS ones on here that fit that area to a T. Get rid of the swivel, cranberry chairs & ottoman, (you need height). Lose the glass top table AND the coffee table in the front of the sofas. You need 2 high back chairs. I love the chandelier, just not ~that~ chandelier, in THAT living room. Find a color scheme you like. I'd say greys or off whites? Depending on the natural light changes. Pull out the carpet & make it ALL hard wood flooring with a huge area rug in the living room. You have LOVELY rooms, it's a nice, open pallet to work with. I know it sounds like a complete redo but, look at flea markets & goodwill, it will be GORGEOUS. Do homework on here & pinterest. Post after pics pls.
  • Mickey Baron Mickey Baron on Dec 29, 2015
    Actually, save the glass top. You can always paint the base, depending on what other furniture you decide to go with.
  • Rugs will make all the difference. Pillows or throws to add pattern
  • Marie Culbreth Marie Culbreth on Jan 18, 2019

    Paint the brick fireplace a lighter color (white or cream)

  • Michael Michael on Jan 12, 2022

    Blinds please everywhere and maroon throw out that yellow keep the pillow just the right size color and shape for other things