What Would You Do?
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I'd love your help making decisions on the final touches in my living room redesign.
1) What color would you paint the magazine rack by the chair?
2) What fabric pattern and color would you use to upholster the coffee table?
3) Slipcovers on the chair, couch or both?
#FavoriteRoom #DIYChallenge #LivingRoom
1) What color would you paint the magazine rack by the chair?
2) What fabric pattern and color would you use to upholster the coffee table?
3) Slipcovers on the chair, couch or both?
#FavoriteRoom #DIYChallenge #LivingRoom
The armoire in the corner is from the 1800's...I love the burl wood and will not be painting it.
I've thought a slipcover on the chair would lighten up this corner of the room.
The t.v. wall across from the couch.
I plan to upholster the coffee table to create a tufted ottoman.
I've add more pictures to the gallery wall and am changing the drawer handles on the dresser. Reveal to come soon!
the mantel wall
Wall space next to windows. Windows are behind the sofa.
And back around to the sofa.
23 answers
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Your livingroom is a mix of classics both masculine and feminine. However, the majority of the furniture is more masculine. The coffee table is one of the feminine pieces with the curves so if it were to be made into an ottoman, I would maintain the curves and cover it in a feminine pattern similiar to the Ikat pattern seen in the chair pillow and tuft it like the chair. This would maintain its feminine nature as well as make the tufted chair not stand alone as much. However, I like the coffee table as a table since you already have an ottoman. I think I would see how it looks to switch the placement of the two chairs to bring brightness to the corner. As for the mantel, it needs to have the green apples grouped if not removed. The mantel needs to have the colors from the pillows brought to it with some height. I hope that this helps.
Kimberly Barney
on Jun 19, 2013
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@Kimberly Barney , I switched the chairs and loved the lighter color in the corner.....however, the leather chair is too big for the new space. So, I put them back, but it helped me see that a slipcover may be a good option for the leather chair. Tufting is definitely in the plans for upholstering the coffee table. thanks for sharing!
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 19, 2013
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I think Kimberly offers some excellent advise. If I were going to slip cover the furniture, I would pick only one and it would be the sofa. I love the look of a big leather armchair. And I would add just a bit of some either orange or reddish-orange accents to compliment the blues/blue-green colors. I love the armoire, it is beautiful!
Jen R
on Jun 20, 2013
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I would paint the magazine rack either the same colour as the new curtains or a slightly darker shade. I agree slip cover that couch and doll up the cumbersome armchair with some complimentary pillows. Not so sure about upholtering the coffee table maybe refinish it in a lighter shade so its not so old looking. Love the armoir I wouldn't do a thing with that , it's unique looking loads of character. As for the white fireplace and shelf unit too white, they need toning down some and the dark needs to be lightened some. You have quite the contrast of colours. Love your new drapes thou.
Karen
on Jun 20, 2013
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@Jen R , I prefer the look of the leather armchair, too. So classic, I really don't want to cover it. And I LOVE the idea of bringing in rusty, orangeish color to compliment the blues. That is one of my favorite color combinations. @Karen Thanks for the paint color suggestion. I think painting the table will actually do a lot to lighten up that corner of the living room.
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 20, 2013
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And you could also add some fun contact paper or wall paper to the back of that little shelf unit you have or paint the back of it for an extra little something:)
Rachel Medina
on Jun 20, 2013
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@Rachel Medina I'm with ya on doing something with the back of the bookcase....I'll probably paint it if I can decide on a color.
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 20, 2013
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This is an antique magazine holder turned into a lovely magazine rack. It got a makeover and a lovely new look. First it got a fresh coat of paint, this time a light blue/green shade. Then a distressed look was created. You can use sandpaper for that. Keep your eyes opened and if you find something similar make sure to take it home. http://www.perfectpicturelighting.com/chrome-lights-for-artwork.php
John Reling
on Jun 20, 2013
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slipcover both the chair and sofa ,in a cream or white, magazine rack, pint with chalk paint ,distress... coffee table.. sand and paint a white.antique it.. ,will all open up the room and make look bigger and fresh
Jo P
on Jun 21, 2013
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I would cover both the chair & couch - the chair in the same color as the tufted chair. I would put a tan cover on the couch and use accents in coral & blue. I agree with Jo to paint and distress the table or eliminate it completely. I would also suggest painting the TV cabinet in a dark blue that compliments your blue wall then distress it as well. I hope you'll post some after photos!
Sheila Spaulding
on Jun 21, 2013
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These are very helpful suggestions @Jo P and @Sheila Spaulding ! I love the idea of a different colored slip cover on the couch. Just last night I was thinking I should just get rid of the coffee table completely. I originally bought it from online classifieds to refinish and sell. Maybe I should go back to that plan. I've considered painting the t.v. console but I love the warm wood. I'm still up in the air about that. ( It is a dresser from my parents bedroom suite when I was growing up....very sentimental) I will definitely share photos, Sheila!
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 21, 2013
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one quick thought...leather is not always the most fun to slipcover. Try to find covers that offer a no slip backing. I, too, would cover the couch and leave the chair! A simple floral would be nice. Maybe a few pillows in colors to tie in. I love the idea of an upholstered ottoman! I recently did one and used an outdoor rated fabric. It turned out wonderfully! It was basically waterproof for spills, putting feet up was not an issue and the best part is it can just be wiped off. Down the road you might even take it out to a porch. Looks like you are doing a good job! Congrats!
Accentuations!
on Jun 21, 2013
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Thank you, @Accentuations!
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 21, 2013
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I agree with Pat and Shiela to paint or stain the TV table. You might consider a larger scale piece of art over the white bookshelf as well. I hope you have fun with all of your projects!
Claudia
on Jun 21, 2013
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Definitely eclectic ...I place a throw over the chair, not a slipcover and add accent pillows that compliment each in brighter colors like the apple green with a cherry red, the pillows u have now aren't saying much to the room. Don't like the white chair in the room at all ...looks like it belongs in a bedroom or u needed an extra chair and it came from the bedroom. esp. where it is sitting...no one will use it...put a large potted plant there. If your going to use the ottoman as it is showing with the tray ....get another use it as the one u have and get rid of the coffee table ....it can't compete with the bulker furniture that is in the room even if upholstered. Do you have a mirror above ur TV...if so, why? It will reflect from the large window while watching. You do not show what is on the other side of couch. My biggest question is why are u not using your beautiful mantel as your focal point of the room as well. I would total rearrange the whole room and make that it. Put the TV over the fireplace, add area carpet to compliment the pillows, either turn the sofa, or chair and add another maybe rattan...bring the armoire into the room...don't care for the white bookshelf and what is over it. Untouched antiques and modern don't really like each other...a pretty print or painting, maybe. Use the aqua you have in the glass vase behind the sofa more of that color with the others mentioned...fresh and bold to go with the boldness of your furniture. It's a lovely room...don't waste the mantel, people pay big money for homes to have them in. It looks scooted off to the side. The thing with many drawers is not nearly as attractive.
Cindy
on Jun 22, 2013
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@Cindy , it sounds like you put a lot of thought into your suggestions. You've given me a lot to think about. I like your idea of a throw....I don't really want to slipcover any of the furniture. While I like the look, it isn't me....I've been able to come to that conclusion based on everyone's suggestions. I spent some time rearranging earlier this evening and have both turned the chair and taken the coffee table out of the room. Great minds think alike! I've had the furniture arranged every which way, including with the mantel on the main wall to be the focal point....It's just not how we live. We're t.v. watchers. ;) To answer your questions, I do not have a mirror above the t.v. If you click on the photos, you will see larger versions that show what is on either side of the couch. (a side table on the left and a basket on the right) An area carpet is on my wish list....(and wood floors) Thanks so much for your input.
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 22, 2013
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Another suggestion...many put the tv above the mantal...I have it that why in my bedroom.
Cindy
on Jun 22, 2013
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I would slipcover both couch and chair. The table,hmm? Are you creating more seating space with it? If not, I would leave as is or try to co-ordinate the dresser across the room, the chair next to it and the little stool to go along with the armoire more, make that your main theme in the room. Paint the walls a warm inviting color.
Karin S
on Jun 23, 2013
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Thank you everyone for your thoughts, advice and contributions. It is so much easier to decorate when you have other eyes looking at the room more objectively. You all have great taste and have given me some wonderful ideas. I think I can take it from here. :) Decisions made: ~I will not be slipcovering my couch or chair. Although, I considered it as an option to lighten the room. I love the look of leather...it's very cozy and warm to me. So I was able to solve the problem by rearranging the chair in a way that I've had it before. ~I will not be painting the dresser/t.v. console. I love the warmth of the wood. But I do have some hardware to change out...going for an apothecary look. ~I will be painting the white shelving unit gray. I love gray and brown and wood tones together. ~The coffee table got kicked out of the room when I rearranged. Problem solved. I'm loving the way the living room is looking with just the few changes. I can't wait to share the reveal! Thanks again!
Sharon E. Hines
on Jun 23, 2013
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Looking forward to seeing your new room! hmm Just a thought, how about a blue border on the curtains, lengthwise, to pull the color on the pillows up? And you are right, some color in your area rug?
Bernice H
on Jul 02, 2013
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Put mirror over fireplace and white chair next to it. Get rid of white table and put armoire where TV is can TV fit inside? If so do that. Put bulky chair where white chair was now you have two chairs facing tv using opposite wall from fire place if you can't put tv inside armoire which will be across from sofa. Where it is now. Place TV on something else in the house look around you have to think outside the box but that dresser looking buffet is never going to work 1 color 2 draws. See now you have a triangle like in a kitchen. It's hard when home comes with focal point built in so you want the eye to travel around room and not focus on that. But you still need to dress it up a little mirror would be great. Overall you have to decluter room. But not much. Keep table as is because you need it place magazine table next to wall so it is not seen so you don't have to paint it which would look really as another focal point. Place tall white shade light by bulky chair since it's closer to white chair in color place small lamp buy sofa since it's dark. Get a nice throw in off white for bulky comfy chair place tray on coffee table . Continue to get some comfy throws for sofa to warm it up the white and blue pillow fight with beautiful vase behind sofa place on mantle. I remember plants I think put those behind sofa and a large one where white bookcase was to fill space. But don't buy anything or paint until you have lived with arrangements then you will see if it needs to be painted. I would love to see the end product. I had the same issue plus to large windows next to fireplace on either side and a piano and a TV trust me I changed it so often. But in the end I got it to work by focusing on tv. We also watch a lot at end of day. I made a triangle, but focused on TV and dressed up the fireplace but not to much and piano had to be left alone since top opened. Good luck and don't give up live like you live not how you live and when guest come, remember that they leave so who cares. You are there 24 hrs a day they leave.
Eroque022810
on Nov 11, 2016
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You could also put armoire where white bookcase was and use that as tv stand across from fire place making room feel larger because it's out of the way. And the white might help balance the white off white fire place. Sorry just thought of that. Plus you could place sofa across from window place bulky chair over there with ottoman. Take into mind your traffic flow though the first way is my favorite since 7 people can watch TV and you could still place armoire where white book case was if it works for tv. Flow appears best so that only one persons view gets interrupted if someone goes to another room. The wall across from sofa may look empty for a while since nothing will be there don't rush it. Live with it and look around the house maybe tall candle sticks the ones that go on floor can balance that wall or a plant that doesn't block view to tv.
Eroque022810
on Nov 11, 2016
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What's behind the sofa? If it's a white longer bookcase that changes everything. Use that to place tv on as original plan and smaller bookcase across from sofa bring off white chair closer to sofa across from brown chair. It's still by fireplace but now you still have the same triangle blending white with brown. Place the candle holder wall display above same bookcase walls complete. Close your eyes and try to invision it. Oh also remember to treat sofa if leather since by window. OK so I'm going to stop now and please no one correct my wording I'm not a designer nor do I intend to be so bulky chair and words like that are layman's terminology.
Eroque022810
on Nov 11, 2016
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