Help need decorating ideas for my 2 rooms!

Suzanne
by Suzanne
Here are pictures of 2 of my rooms that I cannot seem to be able to invision any sort of decorating ideas.
This is a photo of my middle room next to my living room
This is my living room
  23 answers
  • Cynthia Reedstrom Cynthia Reedstrom on Dec 29, 2014
    Couple questions: what is the far room (with paw print sweat shirt)used for? And do u have a space to store what's currently there while u do the work of re-decorating? I would start with completely emptying the space to paint and do what u can to improve the flooring. The two rooms should be the same paint color and same flooring to make it feel larger and more open. The drapes though lovely must go! If your goal is to update the space. There are so many reasonably priced window coverings these days. You don't have to spend lot of $$ to update. My eye wants to see something lighter with less stuff in the spaces
    • Suzanne Suzanne on Dec 29, 2014
      @Cynthia Reedstrom The room w/ the sweatshirt is the dining room and the kitchen is off to the other side. The 2 rooms are painted very pale green.
  • Pat Pat on Dec 29, 2014
    I am confused....the middle room has what looks like a grey room sized rug. Your couch is sitting half on it and half on a tiled/linoleum floor. Then in your living room picture it appears you have beige carpeting. Besides being confused about your rooms....I first noticed your curtains....not good with the skimpy center panel and valances. Also I would recommend something lighter in color. After your Christmas decorations have been put away, post some more pictures and I am sure someone can give you suggestions.
  • Raelene Raelene on Dec 29, 2014
    First of all, define how you want to use the space and set up a budget for updating. Decide what colors you want to use and freshen up the space with new paint and let in the light with new window treatments. Decluter. Set up your furniture in small conversational areas. Not all furniture needs to hug the walls even if the spaces are small. If this doesn't feel like something you can do, call a stager for suggestions and help. They won't cost you as much as a designer. Good luck!
  • Kathy Paul Kathy Paul on Dec 29, 2014
    Maybe some plants or seasonal flowers to give the room some life...a fish tank or electric fireplace for a focal point kitty corner from the front door. Try cream paint to lighten and unify the two rooms. Use horizontal plantation blinds on the windows to update (also a creamy shade). Use soft cotton cream throws over your favorite chairs and add some seasonal color with throw pillows. Yellow and pink in summer, orange and taupe for fall, shades of aqua and red for winter, and shades of white and green for spring. With a neutral background you have a clean slate for any season!
    • Suzanne Suzanne on Dec 30, 2014
      @Kathy Paul That sound fabulous. I will try it. Thank You!
  • Becca Becca on Dec 30, 2014
    Painting the woodwork a light neutral color and the walls several shades darker but still a neutral would help it feel roomier. I personally am not a fan of curtains and drapes so I would suggest plantation blinds or shades in a color that doesn't contrast too much with the walls. This would really open up the space. Put the sofa catty cornered just past the tv and put the floor lamp behind the sofa. Put the one of the end tables by the sofa, put the recliner where the sofa is with a table by it. Paint the coffee table a darker color. Put the piece (a chair?) that matches the sofa where the recliner is now. Add color accents in pieces that are easily changed or replaced. The desk and chair would be good where the Christmas tree is and could be painted and the seat easily recovered to give another splash of color. Paint the basket that the plant is in and put it by the desk. Get a small basket or decorative box to round up the remotes. Put something colorful on the shelf under the coffee table. Pinterest has some great ideas for decorating and arranging.
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Dec 30, 2014
    Suzanne- thanks for asking for our opinions! Sometimes it's better to have someone with fresh eyes take a look at a space for you. From what I can tell, that "middle room" is just a pass through from the living room to the dining room. I would move that upholstered love seat back into the living room and put a small bench or hutch in its place as a "welcome" spot. As far as the living room goes, there doesn't seem to be a focal point, at least not one that is visible. If you don't have a fireplace or woodstove, I would definitely style one wall as a focal point wall (wainscoting, fake mantel, TV in an armoire, whatever you want) and then flank those two matching pieces on either side. The dark curtains make the room appear even darker, especially being next to the dark door. I would remove those curtains and expose some light. Since the furniture and the floors are dark, you definitely want to stick with a light color for the walls. The burgundy should be used sparingly as accents only. Good luck! Show us the after pics as well " )
  • Melinda Melinda on Dec 30, 2014
    If you could attach a floor plan, it would be helpful, so we can see exactly how the rooms are laid out. I agree with the above, I am confused.
  • Cat994668 Cat994668 on Dec 30, 2014
    move the furniture away from the walls.... make conversation areas.... find a color you like to add....accessory changes are easiest....ex...the photo between the windows is beautiful and im sure sentimental... get a shelf..paint it and lean the frame on the shelf with some candles or flowers..... adds dimension! lighten the drapes---toss a throw over the recliner...add a toss pillow...if you wsh to paint id say paint woodwork white and choose a color...if you want the room large go light.... warmer and cozy go darker..... add some mirrors.....
  • Suzanne Suzanne on Dec 30, 2014
    Thank you all for your wonderful ideas. I understand the confusion, as I am on how to decorate.
  • Rosette Rosette on Jan 01, 2015
    I would consider your options for lighting. The overhead lights seem harsh but using table lamps and floor lights, especially the up lighters, will light the rooms in a much better way. Good luck.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Jan 05, 2015
    Ok, Here's my input...For the middle room when you remove the tree, place the loveseat in it's place. If you like the print on all your loveseats then leave it as is, if not I would suggest a slipcover in a denim color. So all the pieces match. You can add throw pillows for pops of color. Then replace the heavy dark curtains w/ white sheers that reach to the bottom of window frames. If you are worried about privacy there is opaque contact paper for windows that you can place on the lower windows so people can't see in. This will let in a lot of light in the during day so you won't use as much electricity. The wall that is now open you can add 1-2 tall bookshelves, OR a shorter 3 shelf unit so you can put up artwork & pics. I would try to match the stain to the trim work you have if you can, if not I would get white ones. You can place books, decorative pieces on the top shelves & use the lower ones for storage for stuff like blankets or stuffed animals you can put it in large baskets to keep things neat & uncluttered. I would replace the grey area rug for a smaller one & I would change the color to a dark blue w/ some kind of design on it. For your living room I would move the loveseat to where the chair currently is & center bet. both windows. I would leave one of the side tables beside the loveseat. It looks like you have a 3rd loveseat or chair, if that is the case I would flip it for the desk that way you have a L-shaped sitting area. I would move the TV so it's kitty corner in the corner where the loveseat used to be. The chair can be put in the corner we can't see very well. LOL. You can put that floor lamp next to it & the other side table. I would reupholster the chair as well. Replace the heavy curtains w/ white sheers that hit the bottom of the window frames. Again this will let light flood the room. Hope this helps.
    • Suzanne Suzanne on Jan 05, 2015
      @Kayo Frazier Wow Thank you so much for your input.I am definately going to use your idea!!!
  • Angie Angie on Jan 29, 2015
    I would suggest using the middle room as your office space. Move your desk into the middle room, and the chair that is in front of the window also if it will fit. Set it up for reading with a side table for a drink and a floor lamp for light. Then you can work at the desk or read. In the living room, I would suggest arranging the couches in an L shape with a coffee table closer to one. Side tables and lamps would warm it up as well. Add some artwork to the walls freshen up the window treatments by removing the vallances and sheers and just leave the panels.
    • Suzanne Suzanne on Jan 29, 2015
      @Angie Thank you for your input. In which wall or space should I put the couches to an L shape?
  • Susan M Susan M on Jan 29, 2015
    Suzanne I like Angie's ideas, however would do away with any burgandy window treatment. You can get fabricated blinds at Walmart. They are quite inexpensive or even just sheers. I would go for white or ecru in color. Your room will seem much larger by doing this. I also thing the idea of turning the center room into a small study is wise. Unless you have a true need for both end table I would only use one. Hope this helps. Good luck
    • Suzanne Suzanne on Jan 30, 2015
      @Susan M Thank you Susan I will definitely take that into consideration. Thanks for you time.
  • Carol Tomlin Carol Tomlin on Feb 02, 2015
    Find a look that you love on the DIY sites.Choose a refreshing color for the walls of both rooms to have some continuity. Make the couch more neutral & simple with a plain fitted cover or replace it. No print. Choose some cheerful accent colors for throw pillows & consider opening them on a seam to add more fill to give new life, if you are choosing to keep them & the couch. Replace the grey rug unless you choose red, white, black and grey as your color scheme. Recover the desk chair seat with one of you accent colors or a bright print with your accent colors. If you are really ambitious paint end tables, desk & chair to match. Replace wicker with something that has hidden storage, & is more inclined to blend with the other tables/ desk in the room.Second hand stores have some great inexpensive stuff. Make some new,simple art work for the walls. Take the wedding picture down, choose a lovely new frame & perch it on the desk or in your bedroom. Please hang all art work at eye level. Freshen the look by replacing fake flowers with a live green plant. If your budget allows, replacing the carpet with wood flooring would be worth the investment. Have fun doing this.My redo makes me so happy & peaceful.
  • Glade Interiors Glade Interiors on Aug 26, 2015
    in addition to the great suggestions above, I ask what functions do you need (form follows function)? Do you need dining space? Office (could combine in mid room)? Craft space? Media room? Once you've decided how to use these rooms, place furniture and accessories accordingly. I like a living room without a tv, could mid room be used for media room with love seat? Consider floating furniture and not have everything against the wall. The bay window (it looks like a bay window) should be a focal point. 2 chairs and a round table. Or desk facing outside. Get rid of the heavy curtains.
  • White sheers on the windows should extend to the floor to give the illusion of height in the space. Window coverings which only go to the sill cut the room in half visually.
  • Judy Judy on Oct 16, 2016
    I like many of your pieces,the aspect I find jarring about your Decor is the eye can not sweep across the room due to the various objects and items scattered throughout. I hate to suggest changing the window treatments since you coordinated the color with your sofa but the point of windows is light and they are too dark and should not interrupt the eye if possible. Tends to make the space smaller. You might spray your wicker table black and place a flat pretty basket or small tray to collect remotes and other clutter. The throw on your recliner also adds to a disjointed affect. Take everything out of the room including window treatments ,vacuum well and polish each piece as it is placed. Take your time and be ruthless. Trite but true -less IS more and a sparsely furnished room with minimal clutter is restful and more serene. You are on the right track,imagine the rooms belong to someone else and critique them from their point of view.
  • Terry Terry on Oct 16, 2016
    thats because it looks like the objects are xmas items.and decortaed for the holidays. but i would maybe pick the one wall with the iron wall decor.and use that a accent wall ,maybe paint it the carpet color .to give warmth to the room.and maybe the 6 inch drop at door way by ceiling.do white sheers ,with accent wall color tie backs.that will warm up your window treament too.
  • Evelyn Evelyn on Oct 16, 2016
    Hi, I totally agree with Carol T and Glade Interiors. So, I am guessing that we just may be on to something. Maybe you could reach out to either or both of them, if that is OK with them, for guidance. Hope that whatever you do, that you will have fun doing it. P.S. Usually when I seek inspiration, I get inspired! Good Luck!
  • Woodmarshrose Woodmarshrose on Oct 16, 2016
    The rooms have a choppy look that isn't going to be unified with just redecorating. Since the rooms are open to each other I would suggest redoing the floors all in one color of hard wood or laminate to create flow from room to room. If this is not in the budget try some large, neutral floor rugs of the same style for unification and position your furniture according to these for conversation and/or TV viewing. If you have popcorn ceilings remove them and paint with white ceiling paint. A more interesting light fixture will add brightness and visual dimension. White trim throughout and light creamy painted walls will brighten all rooms. I would suggest white painted shutters for the windows if possible because it looks as if you like a cottage look. Floor to ceiling shelving between and/or around the two matching windows will add depth and storage for books and pictures. With a more neutral palette add color with paint on the coffee table and shabby it by wiping it off as you go. Keep your wall decor within the same era as the metal looks more modern than the pictures. Go with what you like as far as pillows as accents in neutral or solid colors. Hope this is helpful! Have fun decorating!
  • Jan Jan on Oct 18, 2016
    I would change the paint color to a very light buttery yellow almost buttery cream. add lamps & cover or not use the ceiling light. (Not sure you have enough height for a fan, but maybe. Add pillows the color o f the walls. Either take the drapes off or pull them to the end of the windows to keep lots of light in. Add a rug to separate the areas & creat a conversation area, & bring furniture away from the walls. A green plant or 2.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Oct 18, 2016
    Your middle room has a sofa that looks like it faces a door in the pic? The rug does not extend under it. I would move the sofa to the lr. I'd move what looks like a desk and chair from the living room to this spot with a mirror or existing artwork above it. My impression - your draperies are too dark and heavy looking. (With the door, you have 3 large, dark rectangles in a row.) I would get modern rods with finials for a simpler look. Could repurpose existing drapes as side drapes, and use light sheers in the middle. Would move the other sofa into the living room. Would place the big chair in a corner.
  • Bibi Sweet67 Bibi Sweet67 on Oct 18, 2016
    I wish I was there to help u decorate I just love doing this kind of stuff. But for now what I can tell u is to first empty out the rooms one at a time and paint the walls either off white/antique white or a light beige. Then u should move the sofa that's in the pass through area to the living room. In the living room put one sofa to the wall where the curtains are and the other sofa to the wall where the green chair is. Almost looking like a sectional setting and buy new slipcovers to the sofas adding new throw pillows and a area rug matching the slipcovers with a new coffee table in the center and the end tables at the end of each sofa. Not sure if that's a TV stand or a desk near the green chair but if is a TV stand then u can place it where the sofa is in the living room across from the green chair. But if is a desk then u can place it in the pass through room and also the brown recliner and green chair should go in the pass through room too looking like an office area. Also adding a chandelier in both rooms I know to much info but I hope this helps.