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Home Decorating

Help furnish my empty living room

16 years ago

We moved into our new home in December and I'm ready to tackle our living room! The only piece we have is a grand piano that must be in this spot. (There is a spotlight built-in for it!)

The room is 18x13 with a 3ft bay to make it 16ft.

Our style is "rustic craftman" if there is such a thing...

I'd like to put the two paintings in the room, but probably not over the fireplace. They are of our children painted by my mother, so important that they are there somewhere.

The wall color is SW Believable Buff and the carpet is sort of khaki. The stone is cultured "Mazanita".

I'm thinking of stained shutters for the windows also.

The layout is just my idea, but not sure how it would work in real life. I know I would also need lamps, side tables etc.

It's a little overwhelming, I'm not sure where to start!

Thanks for your help!

Cindy

Here are some pictures:

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Comments (10)

gk5040
16 years ago
My first thought is that I am not crazy about the placement of the piano, are you against moving it to a better location? Or turning it and/or moving it away from the wall?
sandra12
16 years ago
I think the layout you have works, BUT, I would turn the piano at an angle so it faces (as you play it) into the room. Beautiful room btw!
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cindylou2006
Original Author
16 years ago
Yes, I could angle the piano a bit, too much and it sticks out into the middle of the room. (It is over 5 feet wide and 6'3" long). I wouldn't want to turn it around because of the way the lid opens, it would open into the wall.
cindylou2006
Original Author
16 years ago
How about this? Does this seem better? It is still under the light this way.
Thanks for the comments, I appreciate all the help I can get!
sandra12
16 years ago
I think that would help. The piano just doesn't seem right against the wall as it is. I still would like to see you facing the room as you play, not with your back to it. Just my honest opinion. Please post pictures when you get done!
gk5040
16 years ago
On paper that looks much better, it just didnt look right against the wall.....like an upright.
organic_smallhome
16 years ago
I, too, think the piano should be turned to face the room. Also, since it is the first thing people see when they walk into the home, they should see the beauty of its exterior, not the mechanical workings, imo.
sarschlos_remodeler
16 years ago
Another vote for turning the piano toward the fireplace. That way the pretty keys will be visible when you walk in, and the backside is available for leaning on/accessories within the room. Plus the pianist will be facing the audience instead of the door.
cindylou2006
Original Author
16 years ago
That is interesting the comments about turning the piano around.

I think it's hard to see on the layout picture, but the hinge is on the long side. Turning it so it opens to the wall would seem backwards because of the music reflecting into the wall instead of the room. Does that make sense?

I would love to just "pick it up" and turn it different ways to see, but that's not realistic:)

Anyway, I do like the angled last picture. It seems to better group the furniture and has the comfort/secure feeling of not having your back exposed (and that should be easier to try)! I will let you know how it goes!
Thanks again!
jjam
16 years ago
Cindylou, What did you ever decide about your piano? I have a piano that may also benefit from turning around and I am thinking about it. How is your room coming along?

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