By the way forgot to mention...the four pillows on the couch will be getting new covers in the same fabric as the chair.... :)

I think either carpet will go, but I vote for the second one. Keep in mind that carpet looks lighter when you see it as a whole, rather than a small swatch.

I don't understand. Are you removing the current area rug and putting in wall to wall carpeting or are you making a small area rug with carpet or something else?

I don't know...but I love that MCM chair and that couch!!! where did you find the couch? I must have it!

The rug shown in the photos will be replaced with another, larger, solid color rug. This will be made of the frieze carpet shown in the samples. Carpet stores will take orders for any size area rug which the factories cut and bind.

Thanks for the compliment on the chair and sofa. My sister got the chair at a yardsale for about $5. I kind of hate to see the original fabric go, the pattern is so cool. but it's semi-ratty in person and the cushion is crunchy.

The sofa is the Gus Modern Jane Bisectional (see link).

Here is a link that might be useful: Gus Modern Sofa

Love the sofa and chair. Think you need something else on the wall vs. that cabinet . . .it just makes me think you are hiding a TV. Cabinet might work if you had other things there, too, on that wall.

Tough choice on the rug. The blue is more modern but colder. Sailboat is so warm, but not sure it goes so well. I think if you pick tidal foam, the brown accents would be needed elsewhere.

Lovely space. Trust your taste!

like the current area rug

I think that the blue tone would be too green next to the yellowy tones of the floor. But then, the sailboat color would blend so much with your walls.

Then again, that'd make the blue/gray of the sofa stand out...decisions, decisions!

I like the area rug you currently have. I might move it back so that there is more walkway in front of the tv.

I also don't care for the animal print. I think if orange is you accent color, you should find a fabric with orange in it.

The painting next to the tv feels a little awkward because it's not anchored by something below it.

I really like your furniture selection. I do feel like there is a mismatch though with the art over your fireplace (that you're aware of) and the mantle and columns.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment.

htnspz - I am also second guessing the fabric for the new chair. I think I need a bolder print rather than the small print of the one I chose. Darn! It was expensive, and not returnable. Maybe I can use it somewhere else...but not sure where. I did actually start out looking for upholstery fabric with some orange in it, but couldn't find anything. Any suggestions appreciated on that. As far as the mantle and columns, totally agree...long term I'd like to replace the mantle and re-shape the columns into something more arts and crafts (linear).

Anele -- Looking at the pictures I also think the cabinet looks not quite right (it always looked fine in person, but maybe we are used to it). It does in fact hide a TV (flat screen) and DVD player, and VCR (who still has one of those?) and about 50 DVDs and VCR tapes. Kids! It's Stickley and not going anywhere. Just have to add something to that wall I guess. I hate "wall to wall" furniture and always try to stay on the spare side so things don't look overcrowded. And, the speakers and subwoofer (what you see under the painting) do need to go somewhere.

Very pretty house! Nice paint colors and wonderful floors and windows. I love the high ceilings and airy feeling of the space. I like that it feels so open and spacious.

I like the current rug better than those you are considering. If it's in good shape, why not save some money and keep it?

I also agree that the pic to the left of the TV needs to be anchored or replaced by something vertical. I don't mind the cabinet.

The pic over the fireplace does look very different from other artwork--but so different I kind of like it.

I would chose a fabric with a larger scale bolder print.

Good luck!

Adding something under the picture would solve two problems-- anchor the picture and give the cabinet a "friend," (haha!).

Trying to think of something that will bridge your styles . . .maybe a low but long bookcase (as long as picture, at least) in an orange-y hue . . .or maybe brown.

I like the sailboat for the rug. I think it will make the sofa pop out rather than have everything all blend in and become one big blob of colour. I like the small print, but think you should add two more pillows in a pop colour - orange or yellow maybe?

Love the suggestion for the picture given above. Is there anything you can do to the fireplace to make it go more with the modern vibe (which I think you've really got down wonderfully)? Can it be painted and the little scrolly bits removed? If not, could you get a very large, but simple black fireplace screen to go in front?

Again, I think you are well on your way. I love the idea of the bound rug and think it will look great no matter what colour you choose.

BTW, is the fabric on the chair now too worn to keep? I actually like it for your room. I think I like that it is a bigger, bolder print than the animal.

So...we basically so far have 2 votes for Sailboat, one vote for Tidal Foam, and 3 votes for keeping the existing rug.

Does anyone else think the existing rug is too small? What about its design clashing with the design on the chair? (if I kept the same fabric on the chair).

Anele -- The current fabric on the chair isn't in terrible shape. I could just have the foam in the cushion replaced. It certainly would be the best choice to preserve the original integrity of the chair. My mom has been telling me to not change it for awhile, but I trust your taste more than hers!

daisychain - I don't think I can do much with the fireplace surround/mantle. Paint it black maybe? A decorator awhile ago wanted me to paint it white like the trim. My husband would have a cow. But if my plan is to replace it in a few years anyway, I guess "ruining" the wood by painting it wouldn't much matter.

kristinekr -- thx for the compliments on the house. It really is just a late-90s real estate boom fast built cookie cutter subdivision ranch. I'm trying to work with what I have to make it as "interesting" as possible.

I wonder if I could find or make a long low cabinet for under the long painting to house the subwoofer and maybe the speakers...

Yes, the existing rug is too small and it competes too much with the chair (either fabric) and the gorgeous furniture in the room. I think the textured rug will fit better with your MCM feel, too. The existing rug is too contemporary.

If you don't recover the chair, I'd like to see more orange in the space, maybe as a throw or pillows on the sofa? Or, a big atomic kidney shaped bowl on the cofee table!

Agreed that current rug is too small. That would be another benefit of getting one cut to size!

RE: my taste-- heh, I am not sure I trust my own, but I like yours!

What color is your FP? Is that stained wood? It looks orange to me . . .if it is only stained now, I would consider something in the orange family if you want to paint. Keeping the details adds to the eclectic vibe you have, which I like.

Rug color-- can you put different swatches of colors next to each, like orange, blue, and brown? That might help for you to decide.

Maybe wait on chair until you have some other aspects done? I still like it now- but do you like it?

The fireplace is stained wood - the same color as the open staircase posts behind the sofa.

I don't mind the current fabric on the chair but all along have been thinking of freshening it up by reupholstering. If I do, I just think a bolder pattern as most have suggested will be better than the fabric I already bought. A zigzag with orange?

A little scared of painting anything orange...I tried that in my kitchen -->
before:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg1212165912782.html?29

after: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg1217374625667.html

...it was a disaster. Of course, accenting a fireplace surround is different that painting a bunch of walls, and one could choose a better hue.

For some reason...I'm leaning toward the Sailboat color for the rug. Should it be shorter, ie more room between the TV cabinet and rug edge?

Then maybe I'll keep the chair like it is for now, and get some orange pillows? I have a big orange bowl I could put on the mantle. Never sure what to put up there.

thx again to all who took the time to comment. It helps tremendously.

I like clean, simple lines too, but your room has no "soul" right now. It looks too barren. Here are some ideas:
1. I would trade the painting behind the sofa with the bright one opposite the sofa. Would complement the "sailboat" carpet which I like.
2. Yes, your current rug is too small. Does not need to be closer to the TV wall, but I would like it the whole length of the railing behind the sofa.
3. For under the painting by the TV cabinet, how about a storage bench with cushions on top, another pattern with orange in it? It could be modular and maybe one section is used as a tabletop with a large, chunky, vase or basket on it?
4. I dont always love curtains either, but side panels on your big window would soften the room and make it look more finished. Just white would be fine.
5. Yes, I would like more throw pillows on the couch, with some orange and brown and cream in them; NOT matchingh any upholstery.
6. I would like some large accessories on the floor around the fireplace: urns, baskets, etc.
7. What about a large plant near the window?

txmeggie -- those are all really helpful suggestions. Mostly related to more accessories...softening the space which I agree it needs. I'm so afraid of "country cluttered" I've gone the opposite direction. (contemporary cold?)

Looking at the pic, I agree the windows need "something". If there's anyway someone can give me a photo of a curtain suggestion (length, look, way to hang, rod, even color) I'd appreciate it. I used to have curtains there and took them down.

Oh, I saw some big urns at a thrift store yesterday (probably 3 ft tall), but in a cheesy chinese print...could I spraypaint them or something? Thinking for the sides of the fireplace. Maybe just one would be better? Rustoleum has a bright copper and an ORB spraypaint. Hmmmm. Or maybe I'll just do some searching first.