Nicole's Living Room

Christine,

I am so happy to find your blog again, it is awesome!  I have it bookmarked now too.  Moving across several states was quite a process, but I am settled!

Will you PLEASE help me??  The pictures have captions so you know what they are.  I’m going to make this CONCISE- one room!

 

• The first floor in my new home is an open concept.  
• We need help making our Living Room look better so we can invite some people over.  We are pretty plain people.    
• I am interested in buying new seating- husband thinks sectional, I think sofa sleeper and chair.   You may recognize the couch.  It is very, very, grandmotherly old. 
• We need some new stuff and ideas on how to work the living room/make it look put together, but still be child friendly…by that I mean that white is fine, but not fancy/breakable accessories.
• Measurements:

I wish I had a room worthy of a magazine, but don’t know what to do or get…what color couch would go with the carpet, ect.  Right now it is just ‘blah’ and doesn’t flow.  Our style is not retro or bright type. 

As always, thanks so much for the help!  

- Nicole

Hi Nicole,

I thought it was funny how you said that your style was not "retro or bright type"- I don't know why I found that so funny- but it made me smile.  I kept your design traditional and not too bright.  ;-) 

Here is your current floor plan:

 Here is how I would like to see you have it:

Check out this post on Negative Space.  The first question you should ask yourself when deciding how to arrange your furniture, and so by extension, what kind of furniture you should purchase, is "What is my focal point?"   Your focal point is your fireplace, which is on an angle, which started the concept. 

My next consideration was scale.  You have a small room.  It is only 12' deep.  I used all small scale items.  In your room, they will not look small; they will look great.  More standard size furniture, however, would make your room look small.  This will not.  I have a settee rather than a full size sofa. 

I have a smaller console table behind the settee. 

 I selected slipper style wing back chairs, saving you about 6 inches in width.  That's a big difference.  (The settee and chairs and ottoman below are from Overstock.com)

 To maximize your seating options, I added a couple of small ottomans that can be used with a larger crowd. 

This coffee table is only 26 inches deep.  Perfect. 

Whereas your room is small, you do have a large twelve foot bare wall that is perfect for a larger piece of furniture that can be used as a desk as well as storage and decoration.  I also love how a tall piece of furniture can help the rhythm in a room.  The piece above is from Carolina Rustica. 

Don't forget that your fireplace is the focal point.  Hang something above it that is going to draw the eye of people as they enter the room.  Jewel tones are the up and coming color palet.  In a few years it will be everywhere.  Jump the gun and use them now.

Hang three drapery panels on your windows.  These above are from West Elm.

I chose Quietude by Sherwin Williams for your paint, but you should always get sample quarts. Remember that I can't really select paint remotely very effectively. 

On the wall to the right of the fireplace, I added two sconces, with wall decor between them.  I don't like the idea of having a set of two pieces of wall decor over the fireplace.  I can't really explain why, I just don't like it.  I will say that it just feels wrong.  Now, on the adjacent wall, we don't want one item.  You have one item over the fireplace, you need variety in subject as well as quantity.  I selected for you a photo collage from Uttermost. 

When you put furniture on an angle, I always try to use an area rug, even over carpet.  It helps to ground the seating area.  Especially angular arrangements need that grounding.  This is a Martha Stewart rug.  Another thing that helps to ground an area is a good hanging light over your coffee table. 

Add more color and pattern with some throw pillows- these are from Bliss Living:

Also notice on the floor plan that I showed you exactly how to light the room.  In addition to the hanging light there is track lighting over the wall unit, the sconces on the opposite wall, an eyeball light over the fireplace, a floor lamp by one of the chairs and a table lamp on the console table.  Somewhere in the room you need to put a floor plant with an uplight.  It's a perfect lighting plan, I just needed to make sure it didn't go unnoticed.  ;-)

There you go- we are all done.  I hope I wasn't too bright.  ;-)

Christine T. Needs Some Personality

Hi Christine,
I just found your website and I love it!  We bought our first home about a
year and a half ago and I was hoping you could help me.  My house has looked
bare for over a year now - I'm overwhelmed.  I love a light, soft and
comfortable up to date/fresh style home. I have 2 small girls so have to be
practical. I have no idea how to accessorize or what to put on my walls!  We
have an open living room/dining room in our small ranch and I just don't
know how to make this feel like home...if you could look at the pictures
attached you'll see what I mean~  any suggestions would be a huge help!
Thank you,
Christine T.

Hi Christine T.  Thanks for writing in.  I'd like to see you focus on three principles.

1.  Pattern

2.  Contrast

3.  Focal Point

First - Pattern.  I do see that you have used two patterns- which is nice- but when you look at the room overall- the larger items are all solid.  You don't have enough pattern, and what you have is too weak. 

A word about pattern.  If you have a very modern home- avoiding patterns in fabrics is the way to go.  Most of us- do not have modern architecture.  Pattern is sometimes intimidating, people worry of tiring of it, and are not sure how to combine it.  But- even though there are plenty of excuses - the result of being pattern shy- is seen in Christine T.'s photos.  The home lacks personality. 

I would bring in a stronger pattern on the window treatments.  This gives you another opportunity.  You have a low ceiling- what is it- 8'?  You can make it look higher with drapes that go all the way to the ceiling.  I think what people tend to do is say- oh, the 96 inch drape is too high, so I'll have to go with the 84 inch.  When the better solution would be to go with the 96 inch drape and simply have it hemmed.  Did the whole process cost more?- yes.  But it was money well spent.  You just increased the height of the ceiling!  Really it is a bargin.  Your drapes are also not full enough.  One panel is not enough on such a wide window.  Make it a totall of four panels- or two double wides if you have them custom made. (If I were you- while I was over there working on my windows I would up your texture by replacing your white wood blinds with woven Roman shades. )  Add a set of panels to the dining room as well.  The drapes you select will serve as your unifier, your inspiration, your color pallet.

#2 Contrast.  Look at your furniture and your rug.  Beige beige beige, mixed with some dark taupe.  If I weren't drinking a Diet Coke, I would seriously be asleep righ now.  Wake up your room with contrast.  Contrast in tone, contrast in hue.  You need some contrast.  I would start with your rug.  This gives you more opportunity to increase pattern while we are at it.  Just becasue you have young children, doesn't mean your rug needs to be the color of dirt.  As a mother of four- with the oldest age 9, I feel qualified to make that statement.  A rug like the one below will make it look like the sofa was a terrific deliberate decision, not a "that doesn't look like it will show anything" decision.

Your dark sofas need some stronger contrast as well.  I would increast the number of pillows.  Keep them light, brightening up your dark sofa.  This also gives you a third strong pattern in the room. 

  33.  Your focal point.  I like your TV above your fireplace.  A single focal point it nice to work with.  But now, we need to make that wall look much "cooler."  I would start by putting your components next to the chair as a side table rather than having them against the wall.  It is bad rhythm to have them next to the fireplace.  Now, you have two, fairly symetrical sides to the fireplace.  I would use a set of two paintings here.  Why paintings instead of other wall decor?  I want to introduce more color into the walls.

I found this painting on Overstock.com.  I would get two paintings, similar in style and color, same artist, similar sizes.  For the novice, it is much easier to go symmetrical than to try and balance asymmetrical. 

What to do on your other walls?  Things other than art.  Start an antique plate collection.  Go antiquing and look for random cool stuff.  Add some wall shelves.  Add two sconces on either side of your french doors.  (Allowing room to stack off your drapes.  Your art above your sideboard is a good scale and size.  Your set of six small frames is too small for the wall you have it on.  Your furniture arrangement, by the way, is very good.  Well done.  :)  You also have great wood floors and a nice fireplace.  I also think your paint color is just fine.  I would consider adding crown molding before doing your drapes.  Do all of that and write me back and we can address your lighting. 

XOXO

- Christine

Drapes and pillows from Pottery Barn,  rug from homedecorators.com, art from overstock.com

Liz's Living Room

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Hello Christine,

I was so happy to find your blog.  I would love your advice for my house.  We just finished a green remodel of our house.  We are currently looking to furnish the great room.  I was hoping to find 2 chairs to face the sofa with a coffee table for the center.  I really like this coffee table.. but it seems it's only 17 inches tall and 16 inches wide.  I think it pulls in the exposed beam in the ceiling.  I really want something without sharp edges or glass ( I have a 18 month old).   I was thinking that it might be best to get 2 chairs with a bold (yet not overpowering) pattern... maybe a dark teal damask or something.  Have you seen any reasonably priced accent chairs anywhere?  I have used all Benjamin Moore colors for the walls.  The great room is painted "Mellowed Ivory".  The office through the french doors is "Mill Springs Blue", and the family room is "Palladian blue".  All trim, doors, and ceilings are "White Dove".  I have attached pictures.

- Liz

Hi Liz.  First let me address the coffee table.  It is too small.  You could get two of them - but I would not do that if you get two chairs.  The two and two thing is less than ideal.  It also looks pretty "ouchy" for an 18 month old.  :) 

Consider instead a tufted ottoman.  They are tight enough to add a tray for beverages, but soft enough to learn how to walk around.  (overstock.com)

 I do appreciate your idea of repeating te finish on the beams- but you can do that in and end table, and/ or accessories, like this tray from Uttermost:

Now for your two chairs.  Teal damask is pretty specific.  Even just Teal is hard to find in a pre-made chair.  That would be no problem if you had not added the phrase "reasonably priced."  You could always have a fabulous set of chairs made for you in a fabulous fabric like the one below from Lee Jofa:- but you might not consider that "reasonably priced". 

 I tried to find some well priced chairs for you- without a lot of luck.  The one below is definitely more of a turquoise.    

This chair is from CSNSofa.com.  $249.  I found this manufacturer when I had a client interersted in a chair in the Macy's furniture showroom.  The chair had a name on it- the Jasmine Chair.  I thought I'd google it and sure enough I found the same chair from CSN for a much lower price. It iwas a very comfortable chair by the way- and a fun style:  (but doesn't come in teal)

I also like to check out homedecorator.com  I liked this chair quite a bit:

The leaves do have a teal:

I am far from an expert on great sources with low prices.  I am more of an expert on fabulous sources and who cares what the price is. So- here is where I'd like some help from all of you- if someone asked you where to find a great chair at a reasonable price- where would you send them?  What are your favorite sources?  Let's share.  :) 

Malia in Singapore

This e-mail came from my sister-in-law- who- with my brother and their two darling little boys just moved to Singapore for two years.

Hi Christine!

We made it! We're all here in Singapore and trying to adjust to life. It's been crazy, but we're slowly working at it. I was wondering if you had a minute to help us? We currently have rental furniture and I am dying to get something more permanent in our town home. Do you have any suggestions of what to get and how to arrange it in these rooms? I'm totally open! I think you know my style. I'm a modern girl. :) Please don't mind the mess everywhere! The curtains and lights are part of the town home and can't be replaced. We will probably be going shopping on the weekends to see what's available. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Love ya,

Malia

Malia,
I think what you really need is an onsite consultant. A note to all listeners: I am now officially accepting donations for my Singapore trip. :)

Since you are only going to be there for two years- I would do two things. #1- not spend too much money. #2- spend the money you are going to spend right away so that you can enjoy your improvements as long as possible.

Your place is great- it has nice floors. Your room is asking for an L-shape furniture arrangement. I put an off white sectional at the top of the post. To me- going so light is bold and fun for a mother of two. Very modern- very sleek. Go bolder than you might typically- this is your chance- as you know it is a short term purchase. It is clean and simple- a perfect look for a modern girl. I would focus on four things:

Area Rug
Plants
Pictures
Splash of Color

An area rug will warm up your space, soften the harshness and make it more inviting. It will also add texture- which I think is the most missing element in your place. I loved the Zebra rug...

Plants. Imagine your apartment with some nice large plants in the corners of your rooms. Get something with large leaves and a tropical feel- large plants in large posts. Then add uplights on the floor- put the lights on the timers- and your home will have ambiance when the sun goes down. Don't skip this step. Go get yourself some plants!

Wall décor. Choose a prominent wall for a photo collage- that will make it feel like home instantly. Then go with some alternative wall décor to bring your other walls to life.

I would finish the place with the smallest splash of color. A bright green- a funky orange- an intense blue- pick a color- slip it into your wall décor- add a table runner and a couple of throw pillows- and you are done. You could even purchase some blank canvasses and paint them solid colors.

The furniture, rugs and art in this post are form overstock.com. Do you think they ship to Singapore? I checked on my little map and I've had 164 hits from Singapore- so- any Singapore readers out there? Help Malia out- where should she shop?

Beverly's Bedroom

Hi, Christine!

Found you through my friend Nicole. I am sending you some pictures of my master bedroom which I am in the process of redoing. The first set of pictures (to the pic of the bedding) are befores. Those after the pic of the bedding are what I've done so far. The room is about 12x16 (if I remember right). There is not an unbroken wall in the room. We live on a busy street, so the ceiling fan is almost a necessity for noise control. The new paint color is Benjamin Moore Wilmington Tan, which I love. I want the room to have a casually elegant feel. A couple of things I've done but have no picture of: rehung the mirror over the dresser and rehung the window curtains so they are now about 6 inches longer on each side--now the window appears much larger. I can't go higher with them as they're on the floor now. I need a valance or cornice or something. Any suggestions you can give would be much appreciated. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!Beverly

Hi again, Christine

I sent you several pictures of my master bedroom the other day and meant to send this one as well. My first attempt at using graph paper to rearrange furniture. This is how I was considering placing the furniture.

Thanks.

Dear Beverly,

I would like to focus our efforts on three things:

1. Scale


2. Distractions


3. Focal Point
   

First of all, you have multiple scale issues. Your nightstands are WAY too small. I don't even know why people make night stands that small. They should be three times that size to go with a queen size bed. See the chest I posted at the top of the post. ($285 from Overstock.com) Replace them with something that is not only larger, but has some style. Your lamps are also way too small. Find some that are at least 34 inches in height. Those little lamps are accent lamps that belong on a console table.

Secondly, your room is filled with distractions. We want one common color pallet- one common style to the room- you are all over the map. You should have fewer pieces of furniture in there. Get rid of the trunk, the little floor candle holder and move your hamper. (Lower the mirror above the desk and slip cover the chair while you are at it.) Your burgundy carpet is a big distraction as well. If carpet replacement is not in the budget- get a large area rug that tones it down- like the one above from homedecorator.com.

I also find the bright white closets to be quite a distraction. Paint your closets and trim a darker warmer tone. Use your fabrics in selecting the paint.

You also have distractions in all of your small accessories. Remove them all and then deliberately invite a few back into the room. Don't have things on display simply because you have them. You should have them out because they are the right height, size, color, style, etc.

Your bright white chair does not go with your new bedding at all. Move it to the patio- I included a corner chair at the bottom of this post from Uttermost. You need something more sophisticated and more subdued.

And lastly- you need a focal point. This should be the headboard wall. Find some nice art work for above the bed- like the three piece set above from Uttermost. Should you rearrange your bedroom with the headboard on an angle? No. This is almost never a good solution in a bedroom. Then your focal point is what? A corner? I prefer it to be a wall. Add some greenery. I don't see any.

Sorry if I sounded a little harsh- my husband is in the same room balancing the checkbook and he keeps asking me - "what was this?" "what was that?" So- perhaps I took it out on you... :)

XOXO

Christine