Why Does This Look so Lousy????

Linda Dann
by Linda Dann
This is my office- like the rest of my house I cannot have rugs as I do animal rescue- the laminate floors are new. There's a futon which I can wipe down- a little table and matching lamp- I painted some clocks and put them up- well, yes they're crooked- but this isn't working! I thought the clocks would give it a lift- On the other side I have a bookcase, a keyboard- and in front of the window is my computer, a desk and a table for my printer.
I hate the way it is now- but just not sure what to do! Any ideas????
Neither of these photos give the right wall color which is- I guess an ivory shade- lighting has changed it around.
  65 answers
  • Carole Carole on Sep 12, 2013
    It lacks colour and character. If I were you I would do something to the walls and get rid of those small pictures and clocks. Go bold! Maybe a feature wall of wallpaper or paint some broad stripes on one wall behind the sofa/futon. I also feel you are lacking texture. Go for some plain cushions in a textured finish or perhaps add a throw over the arm of the futon. If you cannot have rugs on the floor what about a stencilled floor or some vinyl covering in a funky pattern (Not suggesting you adopt all of these suggestions together - just throwing some ideas out there to jazz it up a bit). I would add a band of contrasting ribbon or fabric around that plain lamp or a fringe of some kind. No disrespect intended but I am not a fan of lots of small things spread across a wall. If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly and go for one feature piece or have a lot of things closer together to look like one overall shape - they would need a common theme to tie them together. Sorry but not a fan of those clocks! If you have plain curtains you can add a splash of interest by adding some contrasting fabric to the bottoms of them - just iron on using hemming iron on tape. So many things you could do in that room! Hope this has not caused any offence as none was intended and hope also that you manage to find something amongst the suggestions that grabs you! We are all different in our tastes and you must of course do what appeals to you - it is your room after all! Good luck with it!
  • Carole Carole on Sep 12, 2013
    Sorry, just another thought, you mention a bookcase on one wall - you could add a colour paper to the back of the bookcase so that it can be seen as part of the décor - providing the bookcase is not so crammed with stuff that you cannot see the back of it for all the stuff. Chevrons look good - pick a colour you love - yellow and white might really pop with the couch and the little table and lamp you have there - could give the room a lift?
  • My Wonderful Walls My Wonderful Walls on Sep 12, 2013
    I agree. You need some color on those walls. You could try creating an accent wall behind the futon with wall stencils or wall stickers to make it easy. Not sure if you have wallpaper on those walls or paint right now? I would trade in the white clocks on the ivory/white background and paint those and move those over to a smaller wall like the one shown with the shelf. Maybe not all of them on that wall but a few- or even use them as accent pieces on your bookshelf or desk if they can stand on their own.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 12, 2013
    OK!!! Well there goes my white on white look- You're right- time to think up about some color!!!
    • Cathe Cathe on Sep 12, 2013
      @Linda Dann You on a good way though...your here!
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 12, 2013
    Getting some rugs that can be laundered will address your "rescue dog" issue. If they get "soiled" you simply toss them in the wash. This will "soften" up the space a bit.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 12, 2013
    Where do you get these sorts of rugs (from one who lost entire collection of persians- like an idiot!)
    • See 2 previous
    • Jane Mayer Jane Mayer on Sep 13, 2013
      @Linda Dann Go to Walmart and buy white or cream colored rugs. These can be bleached without loss of color. Make sure they are all cotton, not the ones with rubber backing which will rot in urine.
  • Karen B Karen B on Sep 12, 2013
    Paint the wall a beautiful color and then hang framed art or photos of places you would like to travel to. Set the clocks to the same times zone as each photo. that way you make your clock collection more interesting.
  • Giani Granite Giani Granite on Sep 12, 2013
    Many things here- the collection on the wall is too spread out. The items need to be more clustered together. The pillow on the couch is too big. Too many styles & colors that don't go together. You need to interject some color on the walls. I would do a medium tone of neutral and pop the color with the furniture and accessories. You can spray paint the collection of items on the wall as well to make them all more cohesive and move the shelf over with the collection and do something else on that wall. You can bring in some pattern with new curtains and maybe a nice rug. :)
    • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 13, 2013
      @Giani Granite So true- Pillow on couch isn't s'pozed to be there- left over from a nap- but def right about the clocks- at one point was planning on getting more- but not now- I kinda wish never started with them!
  • Marsha Marsha on Sep 12, 2013
    Seems to me... when we can see it we can do it. Search the web for rooms decorated in a way that you like. Decide exactly what it is you like about it and do that in your room, be it paint color or picture hanging or shelves. Our brains are very visual and sometimes just need stimulation to know what we like.
  • GranArt GranArt on Sep 12, 2013
    A few ideas: Paint the futon legs black (use craft enamel glass paint, 2 coats), paint all frames of clocks black, paint the door on the big clock a light turquoise color but the rest of it black, paint the top of the end table black and the 2nd shelf of that table black. Paint the shelf black on the small wall. Then add a flowing flower arrangement (with a touch of turquoise, red and cream colors) on that shelf with some books. Rearrange all clocks - looking at the futon, put big clock to the left three small clocks lined up to the right going horizontally and the longer clock to the right of those. Paint the base of the lamp - black. Throw some cream, red and zebra color pillows on that futon. whal-la!!
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 12, 2013
    Thanks- you are right- I recall seeing some- some even made from plastic bags and cans- going to look them up!
  • Authentica Classics Authentica Classics on Sep 13, 2013
    Hi - you might want to try Indoor Outdoor rugs that can be easily cleaned. Overstock.com and Ballards.com both have quite a few to choose from. If you don't want to paint, you may want to consider adding one large picture over your couch to help balance the weight of its darker color. OR find a piece of pretty fabric with all the colors from your room and wrap in on a piece of framed artist canvas. It will give you clean lines and you can go large for a little cost. Maybe add a plant and/or a floor lamp to your corner with a small table - to fill in the white space and add more depth to your room! Good Luck!
  • Floretta Isom Floretta Isom on Sep 13, 2013
    Love the color of the end table and lamp! What about a 'frame' decal above the couch and the clocks positioned within, maybe a little closer together and more vertical. More shelves, some shorter and staggered on the short wall with some pictures of your favorite rescues. Use one of the colors in your pillow and the turqoise for the shelves and the picture frames. Since you don't mind painting the clocks, consider repainting some of them as well. Camping World has a huge selection of outdoor rugs in many colors and patterns. Polypropylene rugs will be 'plastic' [sort of like the lanyards we used to weave at camp] so you probably won't want that type.
  • Lori Cochran Lori Cochran on Sep 13, 2013
    The grouping arrangement needs to be changed; not straight across, but closer together at eye level. Perhaps oil cloth for a "rug", still can be wiped down, could be the splash of color to add interest.
  • One big piece of art has more impact than a lot of little ones. If you place it on a vertical orientation rather than horizontal it will make it more appealing and appear higher. The clocks are actually too small for the size of the sofa. If you are going to keep the clocks, try a different wall. There needs to be some color. Either change the color of the clocks or create an accent wall behind them. You could even try stacking them in a vertical line instead of across the wall. If you are looking for outdoor rugs, try Home Decorators Warehouse.
  • Wanda.ll Wanda.ll on Sep 13, 2013
    Like the others I would paint the wall/ walls. Then get big and I mean big pictures of all kinds of dogs. Make some little but have maybe 3 large(24x36) size prints. You can find cheap frames at Goodwill or place like that. Or you can just mod-podge the print to canvas the same size and not hang with frames. That is the style no days. Put up some shelves and add a couple of dog figurines on them. Heck put some dog calendars up to. Now I'm a cat person so you could add a couple of cats photos too. What about wooden letters of dogs names you've got or had. You need stuff and color.....
  • Bonnie Lewenza Bonnie Lewenza on Sep 13, 2013
    You need some co;or in there, ivory walls is old school safe when you are scared of colour. The clocks from what I can tell are the same color as the wall therefore they just blend with the wall. You seem to have that follow the wall thing going on with the furnishings leaving the center of the room empty. Try shuffling some furniture around away from the wall to give a more warm cozier feel. It will take away that boxed in look, try an nice area rug and work around that. If you want to collage the clocks either change the color of them so they stand out or change your wall color. Good luck I hope it helps.
  • Sally Riley Sally Riley on Sep 13, 2013
    Scale is off The clocks need to go on other wall maybe a charcoal background hang them vertically Put a huge black/white art work on wall behind sofa maybe andy Warhol?
  • Virginia Arbo Virginia Arbo on Sep 13, 2013
    I have dogs in the house, so I have purchased outdoor rugs for the main areas where the dogs will be. All I have to do is bring them outside and hose them down, let them dry and then brings them in. I purchased them at Home Depot. They are all different colors and patterns. Just log onto HomeDepot.com. They also have plain one's that you would be able to paint. The objects on the wall are just too small. You need one large piece and then maybe you can then place the one's you have around the large piece.
  • Jan Brider Jan Brider on Sep 13, 2013
    All great replies have fun with it and post after!
    • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 13, 2013
      @Jan Brider I agree- I LOVE THIS SITE! iT MAKES OTHERWISE FRUSTRATING STUFF SO MUCH FUN.
  • Pat Farnworth Pat Farnworth on Sep 13, 2013
    I have 2 large pictures in my bedroom and I got the print from a roll of wallpaper. Cut the pictures out of different parts of the roll so they are not the same and frame them. Mine look fabulous.
    • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 13, 2013
      @Pat Farnworth That sounds great- could you possibly post those pictures?
  • Sally Sally on Sep 13, 2013
    I don't see YOU there! Where are your pictures? Being such kind people to run a rescue, I'm sure you have memory pictures! Putting part of yourself into your home includes putting pieces of whatever is important to you, A dark wood shelf, high enough above the couch to prevent it from paws and secured with 3M sticky sticks can prevent falls onto your noggin. A wild idea is to paint a rug onto your floor with outdoor paint! The stuff you display doesn't have to make sense to anyone else but makes you smile. surefit.net has slipcovers of many colors and fabrics. Field testing the twill with my three labs shows it can handle 15 dog nails. You can switch it out for a change BUT the best part is it is machine washable! Good luck and the sky is the limit. If you find you don't like it, change it! That's the fun of decorating YOUR OWN house. Have fun too!
  • Mindy O'Toole Mindy O'Toole on Sep 13, 2013
    I think you need more items with color. Paint some of the frames & shelf that turquoise color of your table. Or something more on the shelf.
  • Tammy Sweet Tammy Sweet on Sep 13, 2013
    if the futon is vinyl you can find vinyl paint at auto zone. We painted chairs from and old retro dining room set it looked amazing and sooo natural paint and maybe throw in some burlap, big colorful mirrors .......
  • Elle J Elle J on Sep 13, 2013
    I think the contrast between the light walls and flooring to the dark futon and chair are too stark. If you aren't wanting to paint the walls, maybe a lighter colored slipcover for the futon and/or office chair in a fun bold pattern. Maybe even a fabric with dogs and/or cats? I saw somewhere where you can make any fabric into an oilcloth so this would be easy to keep clean. And I definitely agree to add lots of oversized photos of your passion--animals!
  • Frankieh Frankieh on Sep 13, 2013
    Paint the wall a cheerful color, then with a pencil (so it can be erased later), lightly draw a long vertical line, about 18" above the futon. Hang all the clocks with the bottom touching the line. They should be hung close enough together, that they don't extend too far beyond each end of the futon. This will give the grouping some unity and not look awkward. You may need to hang the two smaller clocks, a couple of inches above the larger ones, if the group looks too long. The point is, they should be close in proximity to be a grouping, so that your eye isn't darting around trying to connect them.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 13, 2013
    BRILLIANT- GONNA DO IT- PRETTY EASY TOO!
  • Carole curtis Carole curtis on Sep 13, 2013
    That wall desperately needs some color. Perhaps a warm peach or yellow which would pick up on the color of the daybed. Also, hand a nice large painting on the wall above the sofa/day bed and arrange the clocks on either side, but not spread out. Perhaps three in a triangle on one side and two bove and below each other on the other side? Good luck
  • Beverly Hullender Beverly Hullender on Sep 13, 2013
    Well, I see that you're not ENTIRELY afraid of color! Love the end table, lamp and sofa. However, those mundane walls (with MATCHING clocks) just don't work in here! If you need (feel safer) staying with more of a neutral tone on the walls, at least go DEEP. However, I would love to see a warm gray in here. Yes, gray is usually considered a "cool" color, but there are many with warm tones associated with it. You already have this wonderful red futon in here, so let's get down to the home improvement store and get some serious paint chips/samples. Don't think that you'll make the room too dark. It will be lovely. I like the clocks, but consider painting them as well.(They need to contrast with your wall or background so they show up!) You need MORE on your wall. Group your clocks more closely together and then add another element. Sometimes adding a background to your grouping will make it POP as well. Fabric stores may have a piece of fabric, let's say 60" x 50" (Upholstery fabric is usually 60" wide) that's a remnant where you can add even another dimension--texture! You may find something that pulls your furniture colors in and repeats them on the wall! Wow! I can see all sorts of possibilities here! It doesn't have to be on a 90 degree or 45 degree angle. Get experimental with it. You can get simple trim pieces (flat 3/4 or 1- inch trim will work) and staple the fabric to the backside of the wood (or glue) and you have an instant art piece! (Uh, be sure and paint the wood FIRST....LOL!) Black, gold, or whatever you think works best with your walls and accentuates your clocks or other wall accessories would be a great choice. Paint your shelf to match your wood trim and get some more on that wall with it! Raise it or lower it and add to the wall. You could actually do a smaller fabric block behind (or above/below) it in a coordinating fabric scrap if you see something that you love as well with maybe 3 size appropriate mirrors on it. (See where this is heading yet?) You do NOT have to be symmetrical with your clock and/or mirror placement. You need to achieve "balance" but not perfect symmetry. I think I saw where someone recommended an outdoor rug that can be easily cleaned as well (which is a brilliant idea!) GET GOING, GIRL! I know that you can do this! As Nike says, "Just Do It!" Can't wait to see the pics!
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 13, 2013
    Your remarks are well- taken- and funny- because I am such a 'color person' but tried to do something with neutrals- just goes to show- be who y' are!!!
  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 13, 2013
    The clocks would look better if hung as a grouping and not in a line. Hang so some are higher and some lower making the grouping. I would balance that grouping out with a piece of art that is roughly the same size as the clock grouping. Also, hang the whole lot a little lower so, along with the couch, they read as one unit. Also, center the clock grouping/large art over the couch. Also, since the clocks all have white frames, they would stand out better with a color on the walls as others have suggested. Since you have a red futon and a blue table (at least that's how they look on my monitor) you'll want something that works with those colors. I would suggest grey but you may have another neutral-like color that you love. Use that little shelf next to the window by adding items with different heights and maybe hanging some small artwork and/or plates around it. You can also introduce color and pattern and even texture with new drapery panels. I hope you're able to find something that makes you happy!
  • Gloria Moran Gloria Moran on Sep 13, 2013
    Hi, How about changing the wall color to a warmer color and bring the clocks on wall closer together.
  • Sherry O'Brien Sherry O'Brien on Sep 13, 2013
    Hi, not sure if this would help, but here goes..... I would put your blue dresser against the short wall and mount 3 clocks in a design on that wall, move the sofa down further to the right of the wall it is against. Then, I would mount a colourful print directly centred over the sofa... It will add all the color. Then, take your small shelf and hang it on the wall to the right of the sofa and mounted print. On it I would place a mirror to open and widen your space and I would mount the 2 remaining clocks around the mirror. This should tie in the effects of the clocks from both walls.... And if you feel like it, paint the apple clock red and place it in the grouping on the short wall and it will add color there to that wall, and make sure you have some red in the print you hang over your sofa :) good luck :)
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 13, 2013
    Great ideas! Thanks!
  • Colleen Colleen on Sep 13, 2013
    Sherry has something there.grouping the clocks on the smaller wall with the blue dresser under it will fill that corner giving it something to do. Moving the sofa to the right will center it along the wall. If you plan to keep the wall color as is, then find a fabric print you like and and create a faux wallpaper( using liquid starch and roll it on the fabric on the wall) stripe (going up) behind the sofa, this would draw the eye to the center and balance the size of the sofa. On the right side of the sofa place another end table or puff cushion and a floor lamp.
  • Carmen Carmen on Sep 13, 2013
    Hi, I would also add a couple of cushions in a turquoise color fabric or cover the ones you have:-)
  • Cherie Little Chalmers Cherie Little Chalmers on Sep 13, 2013
    What I see missing is houseplants. The colour green and things living always bring a space alive, and animals love them too.
  • Marci N Marci N on Sep 13, 2013
    Yes more color. Perhaps a big painting with a touch of the color of the couch. Something to tie it in to the rest of the house.Or you could slipcover the couch with something lighter, say white background and small little flowers? That is if your going for the white on white look.
  • Nivasi Frankly-Speaks Nivasi Frankly-Speaks on Sep 14, 2013
    The wall that you have clocks on could be your accent color. a rich deep tone would make the frames pop, maybe change up table to the corner, the daybed/ loveseat is heavy and needs away from corner.. Don't be afraid of color!
  • Betty Betty on Sep 14, 2013
    Thank you for your animal rescue work. How about taking moving clocks to the smaller wall and adding a big animal print above the couch? Carolyn Carr in Belize does some beautiful ones. Love the blue chest and lamp.
  • Betty Betty on Sep 14, 2013
    Thank you for your animal rescue work. How about moving clocks to the smaller wall or grouping them over the pretty blue table and adding a big animal print above the couch? Carolyn Carr in Belize does some beautiful ones.
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Sep 14, 2013
    @Linda Dann you have a lot of great suggestions here. I think you may be able continue with your white on white if you add punches of colour elsewhere in the room (not too many colours though). You could add a colorful throw on the futon and draw another colour or two from that piece. I would also add some larger scaled pieces to the wall. To do things on cheap here I have gone to homesense and found some metal wall hangings on sale, then painted them a colour to go with my room. You can also get them in various sizes. Target may have similar pieces. The other thing I noticed about your room was the furniture placement, it place against the wall all around the room. You could try angling a piece or two, consider a sofa table behind the futon - of course that would be a used piece which is free or cheap LOL - you could then place some interst items on the table. You could also consider hanging a faux curtain on one of the walls. Thanks for posting and do update the pics with your progress :)
  • Karen B Karen B on Sep 14, 2013
    @Linda We hope you will post any changes you make.
  • Gloria Duy Gloria Duy on Sep 14, 2013
    Sherry has good suggestions. It never works to have things "floating" on the wall. Every thing you hung is kind of high up and spread apart. I would place the couch in the center of the wall with a large picture over it.
  • Patricia W Patricia W on Sep 14, 2013
    I love your clock wall!
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 15, 2013
    Thanks so much everyone- So many great ideas and messages of support- I love this site! However I'm going to have to do this after the first of the year- getting married (oldest bride ever!) in 2 months and just got a house full of dogs- 2 of them really really sick- found out pool needs new liner it is a 'floating pool.' So when I get the wonderful spare time to devote to this- I will repost and hopefully it will be a darn sight better. In the meantime- thanks all so much! Not sure why these dog photos didn't come up- oh well- they thank you also!
    • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Sep 15, 2013
      @Linda Dann Congrats, I hope you have a great celebration and wish you much happiness :)
  • Marci N Marci N on Sep 15, 2013
    Congrats on getting married, hope the doggies heal fast and the pool gets fixed. House stuff like this is a good winters work anyhow. I bet Christmas decorations will look very nice with that couch. Might lean towards the burgundy reds though with decorations. Hey perhaps that would be a good gift? Even if its something from yourself. LOL
  • Carmen Carmen on Sep 15, 2013
    Congratulations.! :-). Blessings to you!:-). Have lots of fun! :-)
  • CynK CynK on Sep 15, 2013
    Go with bigger art pieces. Maybe something with the colors of futon and lamp/table to make the room pop.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Sep 16, 2013
    Your clocks are too far apart, they do not act as a group. I'd place them closer then I'd add something living, (plants) or from nature, shells, dried flowers, a vase with long feathers..they all add "life" to any room. Do it in groupings close together, has more impact than like things scattered around the room..and act as focal points.. every room needs a touch of black..It anchors everything else.. it can be a flowerpot, a vase, tray, just a touch maybe in a rug or pillow..you just need to take this one step farther..
  • Cherie Little Chalmers Cherie Little Chalmers on Sep 16, 2013
    Congratulations; your wedding should come first. I hope the dogs will be ok that must take a lot of time to take care of sick dogs and get ready for a wedding. If you want a really easy fix for your wall, Get one larger picture, something dog friendly or a mirror (but a picture with dogs would be better) use that as a base and then place your clocks around the main picture. You will find this will save you much time (ha ha) and it will balance out the look. You need some weight on the wall To balance all of the small things. And remember to always arrange in odd numbers 3, 5, 7. So put your large picture up over the love seat and then add the clocks off to the sides in collage style. You had the right idea you are just missing the main event. If you get the one large picture the rest will fall into place.
  • Sparkles Sparkles on Sep 17, 2013
    Here are some pictures of dogs, maps, and clocks that you could frame for the walls. If you choose one of the clock pictures you could use your clocks to hang around the poster that you frame. Then the grouping would have a more pulled together look and feel. http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b1975-h207272/dogs-puppies-posters.htm?ui=EB6CDB87898B41C5A64C60ADDD66D041 http://www.art.com/products/p9624631051-sa-i5500771/jenny-foster-wait-and-stay.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=23945&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041 http://www.art.com/products/p14910689046-sa-i6101195/patti-mollica-pug-sketch.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=23945&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041 http://www.art.com/products/p12970301827-sa-i6417677/elizabeth-medley-world-map.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=23945&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041 http://www.art.com/products/p13289907-sa-i2388602/john-harper-on-the-hour.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=262647&dimvals=262647&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041&ssk=clock+towers http://www.art.com/products/p15055387530-sa-i6835051/taylor-greene-big-ben.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=262647&dimvals=262647&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041&ssk=clock+towers http://www.art.com/products/p18772657863-sa-i7143519/david-wall-graduation-photos-at-university-of-otago-dunedin-south-island-new-zealand.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=262647&dimvals=262647&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041&ssk=clock+towers http://www.art.com/products/p18772620725-sa-i7144610/roberto-gerometta-clock-tower-of-palace-of-the-lay-fraternity-arezzo-tuscany.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=262647&dimvals=262647&ui=eb6cdb87898b41c5a64c60addd66d041&ssk=clock+towers rugs http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/concord-global-pointers/multi/1659391-27041.html http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/kas-oriental-peacock-feathers/mocha/1230748-26042.html http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/best-prices/geo-rectangular-rugs-/prod.jump?ppId=1a061f1&catId=cat100240023&subcatId=cat100240022&deptId=dept20000011&N=1003060103&pageSize=96&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs&dimCombo=Categories%7C&dimComboVal=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs%7C¤tDim=Categories¤tDimVal=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs&colorizedImg=0900631b81a2595fM.tif http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/best-prices/wipe-your-paws-utility-rectangular-rug/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003160952&catId=cat100240023&subcatId=cat100240022&deptId=dept20000011&N=1003060103&Nao=96&pageSize=96&pN=2&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs&dimCombo=Categories%7C&dimComboVal=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs%7C¤tDim=Categories¤tDimVal=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs&colorizedImg=DP0617201317120159M.tif http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/for-the-home/college-living/room-decor/rugs/bargello-rectangular-rugs/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002325581&catId=cat100240023&subcatId=cat100240022&deptId=dept20000011&N=1003060103&Nao=192&pageSize=96&pN=3&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs&dimCombo=Categories%7C&dimComboVal=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs%7C¤tDim=Categories¤tDimVal=throw+rugs+%26+accent+rugs&colorizedImg=DP0118201317081998M.tif the rugs below I found at amazon Hang a couple of these types frames with pictures of your rescues maybe a shelf like this to set the clocks on and a few nick knacks figurines
    • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 17, 2013
      @Sparkles These are the most beloved (in progress) parts of my home- the first is the entry- next is what I call The Wall of Pity- in my DR. and the other is above the piece I just redid in my LR. I took them just now- for you. Your message reminded me to always stay with what I love in all that I do!
  • Sparkles Sparkles on Sep 17, 2013
    shoot pictures do not show up for me here. Anyway check amazon for rugs, shelves, figurines, and such to pull the room together. You can get some good ideas from them and then look around to see what you can find localy.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 17, 2013
    You are amazing to send me this stuff- and to include the rescue component- so appreciated- very touched- and going to incorporate some of your ideas.
  • Kate Chatterton Kate Chatterton on Sep 17, 2013
    High contrast makes disparate items stand out and not in a good way. Try changing walls to light to medium tone in a color that matches your decor. Then when you are able slowly beef up your collections with thing you love.
  • Val Pieroni Val Pieroni on Sep 17, 2013
    I would use the color of the sofa as a accent color on the side wall...a beige on the wall behind the sofa and the other 2 walls. get rid of all the small items on the wall...find a old wood window, knock the glass out and stretch canvas over it, then splash some of the sofa color some beige color and a spattering of white on it. Then hang it eye level behind the sofa. (when knocking the glass out I cover it on both sides with a plastic cloth and step on the glass till it falls out of the window) be careful to dump it into a garbage can. Put a tiny bit of the aqua or blue from the table in it also.
  • Val Pieroni Val Pieroni on Sep 17, 2013
    Or you could hire someone to paint a dog portrait for you to hang over your sofa....if that's the case I know someone who paints them ...:)
  • Sparkles Sparkles on Sep 18, 2013
    Love the pictures of your dogs. DO you have pictures of some of the dogs you have rescued? If so maybe have some of them blown up to different sizes or put on canvas. We have 6 dogs and most of them are rescues. They give so much love.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 18, 2013
    Yes- (not the golden retriever one) but almost all the rest are my Rescues! I just bought 3 frames last night- so here I go! I love to do the canvas prints of my animals and I tend to wait for sales.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 18, 2013
    Oh- back to work- I've got like a thousand photos!
  • Michela Shoemaker Michela Shoemaker on Sep 18, 2013
    I agree with the ideas of larger pieces on the wall, how about a gallery of the animals you help? To make the couch side table/lamp go together I would put some brown paint on the table and add brown to the lamp shade. You could also paint the silver legs on the couch the color of the table. Just my thoughts.
  • Linda Dann Linda Dann on Sep 18, 2013
    that's a great idea- painting the legs of this (very cheap but quite cleanable) futon in that blue!
  • Anna Anna on Oct 04, 2013
    Need some darker/contrasting paint on the walls. The color now is too close to the floor.
  • Stephanie corley Stephanie corley on Oct 13, 2016
    You are on the right track. You have created the skeleton/base for a great room. I have offered several ideas. You do not have to do all of them at one time. I would do the easiest ones first and that will make a big impact. My house of 3600 sq. ft was not decorated in a year. I have lived here 25 years and I am still working on my ideas. What helped me a lot early on was looking at magazines. I like country home and romatic homes. I also like flea market finds. Just like hometalk, I can get inspired by new ideas and make them my own. I like the paint (or a stenciled wall idea). See the examples on Hometalk. I also like the gallery wall. Since the clocks are light, I would use black photo frames and large ones. I would add some more shelves on the wall (maybe 3 total). I am not sure what you do in the office but I look for items related to that or your craft. Letters, blocks, trinkets, etc. I would mix tall and small items. You have one pillow on the futon. I would add 2 more with differing patterns of aqua and green like the large pattern pillow. Use a small print on the 2 pillows. You will not need much fabric. You can use no sew tape for the pillows or fabric glue if you cannot sew. I see you have white curtains. You can use paint to stencil a pattern on them (hometalk has some great tutorial on this. I would paint the curtain stencil the green color in the big pillow. You can also use painters drop cloths for the window treatments. If you can, pull the futon down the wall so it is not so crowded looking. Between the couch and wall look for another table or trunk. Add a vase of flowers9 Yellow, aqua, brown) on the trunk. Add another lamp or a lamp swag. Paint the cloth shade aqua. Write down your plan and start hunting for thrift stores, Habitat for Humanity stores, junk stores. Send us a picture when you are finished.
  • Paint one wall in a color you like. An accent wall can add a lot to a room.