How do I pick out a new furniture for my family room?

K,

Do you want contrasting colors or earth tones?

I would suggest looking at what you have, decide your color pallet and visit the paint store.

I usually get the little squares and when I find one I really think may work, get a few of that color to make a larger piece or place in different areas to see how the light affects the color.

We are owned by two big furry creatures too. We only buy leather. I, personally, hate the stuff. But I LOVE how easy it is to clean with dogs. A little mink oil or leather conditioner on an old rag and you are good to go. I do keep a blanket on the seats to help with claw marks. Our good leather has lasted through 3 dogs.

Go to your closet! The colors you are most comfortable with will be the ones you see most in your clothes. Choose the top three. Decide what your main color and two accent colors will be.

As far as the dog, I have an 80 pounder that is a lounge lizard. I keep a sheet over my bed and change it every other day. When I got new leather furniture, I made him a dog bed in front of the fireplace. He soon learned that's his place with all dog toys nearby. I put treats on the dog bed and praised him whenever he lay on it to train him.

Hi Kmm,

Color in a home is very personal. Everyone has their favorite color. Since you have a lot of sun, that will give the room a warm look. To increase that, use warm colors line red or yellow, but if you want to make the room look cooler, choose cool colors like blue or green. Something that works for me is to purchase the furniture in a neutral color like beige, tan, gray, white, black or brown, then use color for drapes, pillows and other accessories.. That way if you get tired of a color it's easy to change it. I hope that helps you with some ideas and gets your imagination flowing. Wishing you success with your project!

What colors are already in your room? Walls, fireplace, flooring? Do you have any pictures? To choose colors, try getting paint color cards in the colors that you're considering. Put them around the room and see if that helps.

Thanks!