My first thought is that everything is so light, that maybe a dark chocolate rug would help pull the colors of the entertainment center and some of your other pieces together. I also think some beautful crown molding would help frame it all. The mirror on your short wall is nice, but maybe a large rectangular mirror in a frame color that matches your entertainment center would work.

Babs, you have so many questions that my head is spinning! First off, your living room is beautiful. I love the colors you have in there. Are the drapes staying? I like them and they tie into the red chairs wonderfully. I think adding white slipcovers would give the room too much of a light look, IMHO. I like the chair the color they are, They help ground the room, now that your walls are the light blue. I think the large leather chair overwhelms the one next to it. That one is too small for that area. I'd also suggest a black lamp that's more substantial than the one you have now on the table next to it. You need to bring in more black to tie in the black EC. Ditto with the lamp between the two red chairs. I have more ideas but DH just called and will be home for dinner in 20 minutes :~O I'll be back tomorrow.
Lynn

I'm thinking I should have taken the pics without a flash. In real life the walls aren't quite as white-blue looking. They're a soft blue but a bit darker than in those pics and not as washed out looking now that I've viewed them on two computer monitors.

I'm sorry I have so many questions!

My main ones...

1)the rug
2)the blank wall with the a/c return
3)console behind the sofa

4)Should I try switching the brown chair with the striped chair to get all the darker colors away from each other? The problem is that then the recliner is near the sofa and then opens up by the coffee table which blocks that flow of traffic when DH is sitting in it.

Lynninnewmexico, I think it's going to depend on how the new rug works (whatever I end up going with) as to what I do with slipcovering the furniture. I may keep the chairs red. I think they look nice with the curtains, throw pillows and artwork colors. Do you think having JUST the recliner there and taking away the striped chair would work? Where to then put the striped chair? I agree about the lamps. We've had these PB lamps for 10 years and it's time for new ones. Thanks!

Oh, I forgot to address the molding. We didn't put it up b/c we're planning on doing the beadedboard ceilings and didn't want to have the trouble of taking it down to do them. But eventually we'll have both!

Babs, I really like your shades. Are they camel colored?

I would move the striped chair somewhere else and then angle the leather chair, table and lamp.

Your front door is just beautiful!

Regarding your black wall.........Would putting one of those leaning ladder, open back bookcases there work? They don't take up much floor space. You could put a pic or vase on the shelf to conceal the thermostat behind it. The cold air return would not look so obvious behind it and it would not block the air with the open back. Maybe put a couple books to the left on the lower shelf to help divert the eye from the vent.

Here is a link that might be useful: leaning ladder bookcase

I like Dilly Dally's suggestion. It lets the air flow stay unimpeded, but kind of disguises all of those essentials.

Honestly, I like the rug. Warm and cool colors CAN play well together. Your rug is pale enough that it doesn't steal the show from your coastal vibe. Also, you still have warm tones in your furniture, so the rug helps marry them. Even if you decide to slipcover everything in white, I think the rug will keep everything from feeling a little too chilly.

You do have room for something behind the sofa. I would probably go with something a little heavier than a console table. A long dresser or buffet would work, and give you storage.

Have you tried another furniture arrangement? If I were you I would try the rug going the other direction...long side by the entertainment center. Couch facing TV and the leather chair at an angle (toward tv for dh) a turn from the couch. Does he still have a good view? I would then bring the two matching chairs into the grouping so that it's cozier. The current placement is unfortunately unbalanced due to those two chairs at the "head of the table" so to speak.

mammie, do you mean the ones in the back of the house on the doors or the striped ones? The ones with the stripes are a pale ivory. The ones in the back are natural bamboo-type roman shades. Thank you!

dilly_dally, I really can't lean anything b/c (a) people walk right past that all the time going from the front door and/or around DH's chair to the kitchen. It would be in the way and just awkward...an obstacle and (b) because of that, I'd think the kids would be bumping into it and knocking things down. I wish it would work but if you look at that first picture of the blank wall (right underneath the paragraph where I'm asking the questions about it), you can see the tile inset of the front door and how it's centered in front of that entry and basically in front of that a/c wall. So people would have to walk around that obstacle. It's fine as is but anything else sticking out wouldn't be good. I like the idea if that wall was set in further.

alex9179, I think the contrast is greater in person. It has NO blue in it at all and is more traditional than what I want. It's just too brown. I like the idea of a piece with storage behind the sofa! I'm all for more storage.

We did have the sofa in front of the TV but couldn't angle the chair since the sofa is so long. The chair would have to go to the side instead. Also, would we just put nothing by the windows if we brought everything inward? I feel so lost! LOL!

Yes, the roman shades. I really like them.

bumping. It seems like a lot of suggestions threads get tons of responses but for some reason mine get overlooked a lot. Am I asking for too many ideas at once? Is my room that horrible? *ducks*

I have an awkward air-return, light switch wall in my dining room. Ours is even more awkward than yours, as our air return is right at eye level. It's lovely. :p I painted the air return to blend in with the wall, and left it at that. I'm also planning to paint my switchplates so that they disappear as well. I've thought about putting a small table against that wall with something decorative sitting on it, but I haven't found the right piece yet. When we were looking at the house before we bought, I noticed that the POs hung a small framed photo above the air return on our wall. It looked strange and drew attention to the air return, which is the reason it remains blank today.

One other thing on blank areas on the wall: eyes need a place to rest. It's not necessarily a bad thing to have occasional blank walls. That said, our house is a 1964 split level, so less is more (no beadboard for us) in my decorating, and I'm still getting used to editing furnishings and accessories to allow the charm of the house to take center stage. It's not easy for a packrat to live a mid-century lifestyle, LOL.

What if you get a bigger rug, leave the oouch where it is, leave DH's chair where it is and put a bulkier table or chest next to it, lose the striped chair (put it in another room), and pull the 2 red chairs forward so they're resting on the rug? Then take the chest that's by the front door and put it under the window where the 2 red chairs are now.

I would rather have my DH centered in front of the TV with me and the kids than to have a separate "man cave" for him, so I'd let him have his chair right where it is now.

Will your console fit along that blank wall? If so, you could get a tall arrangement to help hide the controls. Or, taking the leaning ladder idea, have someone build you a narrow shelf anchored to the wall that simulates the ladder look or has staggered shelving.

You'll be surprised how a family can adapt to walking slightly around things. They (we) don't need a straight pathway to get from one area to another.

Love your house and colors. Oh, spread some of the colors from your curtains around a bit more :-)

Interesting ideas frazoo! Very interesting things to think about! Oh, I plan to spread those colors around. It takes some time though!

So does anyone have any rug suggestions for me??? I'd love some examples!

"I would rather have my DH centered in front of the TV with me and the kids than to have a separate "man cave" for him, so I'd let him have his chair right where it is now."

For years, my DH (a computer nut) had been hidden away in a man-cave office in our previous homes. With our new home, we've turned the family room into a computer/game den so that everyone is out in the open. I see him much more now, even if he is still essentially stuffed and mounted in front of the computer. :)

Glad I could give you ideas to think about, Babs711. I don't know anything about rugs so I can't help you with examples.

Sarschlos_remodeler: I'm cracking up at your description of your DH...."stuffed and mounted in front of the computer"....or TV! That's soooo funny! I'll be using that line now...LOL...LOL!!

So I rearranged a bit. I turned the rug sideways, moved the striped chair below the pic beside the TV unit, moved the red chairs inward, slid DH's chair and table toward the sofa a bit and put the magazine basket under the table to try to hide the darned eyesore of a floor outlet.

But then I ran into a PROBLEM....the table between the two chairs with the lamp on it. There's no floor outlet on that side...only the wall outlet that's behind that right window panel. SOOOOO, if I move the table to between the two chairs, how will I plug the lamp in other than having people trip over a cord behind that right chair or plugging it in under the table by DH's chair and running an ext. cord under the rug?

For now, I moved our leopard magazine basket between the two chairs and just left the table/lamp where it was but I don't know how it works there. So now that's my issue. Of course I'm assuming the red chairs work in this new position. What to do?

New arrangement. Thoughts?

I like the new arrangement, Babs. I think having the lamp and table behind the chairs is okay and it looks good, too. I like the striped chair against the wall by the EC. Maybe you could put a throw on it??
I hope others will chime in and tweak it some more for you. Did you come up with any ideas for the blank wall?

I really don't know why no one else is chiming in. I'm stumped. I thought for sure I'd get some more suggestions. I'm kind of torn as to why I'm not getting helpful suggestions from the longtime members here. In the past I have. ??

No - no ideas for the blank wall yet. I'm looking at some of the ladder shelves but am not sold on that idea yet.

BUT, I did move the round end table in between the two red chairs and it works. But now there's nothing below the window. I think putting something there will make the room too crowded though. I may just leave it open for now. Running the cord down the inside of the table leg and right under the rug over to the other outlet actually works!

What if you were to move the sofa facing the tv, keep the red chairs where they are and move the leather chair where the sofa is. You would be able to plug everything in if you put the electrical cords running under the carpet, under the sofa and into the outlet.

As far as the blank wall goes, maybe you could find a cute, decorative wall cabinet, cut out the back, mount it to the wall and to turn on the lights and regulate the thermostat you'd just have to open the doors to the cabinet.

k9arlene, that's a thought...something I never thought of for the blank wall! Regarding moving the sofa, in my original post, I had said that DH wants his chair somewhat facing the TV so I'm kind of stuck that way. We did, at one time have the sofa in front of the TV. It really opens up the room to the kitchen more to have the sofa how it is now and now that DH has experienced his chair in front of his TV like this, I don't think I can ever get him to agree to switch it back! LOL! But it would be a great idea.

OK, I don't really think you need a lamp on the table between the 2 red chairs. They're not reading chairs anyhow. If you were to get a very bright floor lamp to put in the corner where the plant is, that would shed enough light on that side of the room.

http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3026491&cp=1331604.1770209&view=all&parentPage=family

You could even stencil or do something decorative with the glass doors.

Babs,
I just read this thread for the first time. The room is looking better and better! However, if your goal were to achieve a coastal cottage look, it would rule out many of your furnishings - the big leather easy chair, the black entertainment center, etc. It is really not about warm vs. cool. You can paint your walls cottage blue, but that will not transform your furnishings to be compatible with that theme. Perhaps you should consider enhancing the cozy, comfortable eclectic vibe you have going on in there unless you are committed replacing, refinishing and/or adding slipcovers. One major issue is the size of the rug. The others were correct in asking you to integrate the furniture with the rug, but that has diminished the space in the room because the rug is just too small. You want a new rug because you do not like the colors, but more importantly, you need a rug in the correct ratio for the floor space! Then you would be able to maximize that space and still have all of the furniture on the rug (or at least with the feet in it). I do not understand the color scheme - the curtains look as if there are orange and olive green stripes. Are you changing them? Am I the only one who is sorry that you are stuck with that leather chair in the LR? It belongs in a den or study so manly! It is the main limiting factor in changing the character of the room! Sorry. With all due respect, for your DHÂs comfort, would he consider a plush, comfortable, slipcovered easy chair with an ottoman?
{{gwi:1844502}}
With regard to the "blank" wall - I like the idea of the decorative wall cabinet with doors to hide the thermostat and switches, allowing for access through the back. Then a potted plant on the floor below could hide the air return. Another thought would be to find a narrow console with a shelf below so that you would be able to hide it with plants or baskets and then some artful arrangement on the top of the console would tone down the switch and thermostat. Obviously, this would rule out a sofa table.
{{gwi:1844503}}

nlcf2, I think that's why I was going for more traditional/coastal. We've only had this chair since we redid our home after Hurricane Katrina. He LOVES it. Had I had more time to ponder what I wanted to do, I probably would have done different things, but we just wanted to get back home, you know? There's no way I could talk him into getting rid of his perfectly good, comfy, 2 1/2 year old chair. So, I'm settling for coastal/traditional. I will, eventually, slipcover the sofa and chairs in light fabric. But I've seen lots of coastal rooms with nice pops of color.

The curtains have bright colors actually. They may not have photographed well. The colors mimic the colors in the sofa throw pillows. No olive, but a bright green, orange, red, sunny yellow, blue, etc.

Regarding the rug. The current rug is 8x10. Do you suggest going out to 9x12? I'd thought about that but worried that the furniture would extend beyond comfortable TV viewing limits. The current rug is about 4-5" past the TV unit on either side. So I should go larger than that?

I'm curious about that table...where is it from? I like it.

Thanks SO much for your suggestions!!

Oh, dear! I thought you might like that console...and unfortunately it is no longer available, which is why I didn't send the link. It is the Bailey Console Table by Pottery Barn. It's a great look and I am sure that you can find something similar. Take a look at the Layla Grayce link below. Their inventory is a bit pricey, but the furniture and rugs on the site are wonderful and may provide some inspiration.

RE: the rug size
As a rule, choosing the correct size area rug depends on the dimensions of the room or space you are trying to cover. To determine what size rug will best suit your needs:
1. Measure the size of your room.
2. Measure the space you want covered.
3. Now place a piece of paper where each of the corners will fall; adjust the "corners" as needed to make the space larger or smaller and then re-measure the area.
Most people feel that room will look better proportioned if there is at least 18-24" of bare floor space around the area rug. Try to leave an equal amount of flooring exposed as a border on all sides. If that is not possible, try to ensure that the borders on parallel sides of the rug are equal. All legs of the furniture should be on the rug for a classic look, and at the very least, have the front legs of the furniture on the rug and the back legs off the rug (a more casual look).
The reference below is helpful if you want to follow the 18" to 24" of bare floor showing around a room sized rug "rule of thumb".
8' 0" x 10' 0"-Size Area Rug - for Room Size: 9' 6" x 11' 6" to 10' 0" x 12' 0" & larger
9' 0" x 12' 0" -Size Area Rug - for Room Size: 10' 6" x 13' 6" to 11' 0" x 14' 0"" & larger
10' 0" x 15' 0 -Size Area Rug - for Room Size: 11' 6" x 16' 6" to 12' 0" x 17' 0" & larger
It is generally considered awkward for a heavily traffic area to be half rug, and half "no rug". You do not want one foot on a rug and one foot off as you are walking through an area constantly.

Hi babs,

I saw your post a few days ago but ran out of time to respond. The only thing I can think of as to why your're not getting more repsonses is that your post is a bit overwhelming.

I'm in kind of a similar situation with my kitchen and family room. I would love to transition grayish green paint color but the remainder of my house is brownish/gold/olive very warm colors.

Here's my shot at your questions:

Beadboard ceiling and white slipcovers are a definite yes! I have white slipcovered sofas in my FR and love them. I also incorporated a black/white check slipcovered english roll arm chair with black feet.

I'm not good with rugs that's why I have plain dark chocolate wool rug (looks good with any decor) in my FR. I can change my pillows and other accessories without having to worry about coordinating it to a specific rug. I think you have a lot going on in the room and a plain solid color sisal or seagrass rug would lend itself more to a coastal feel.

Can you post a close up picture of your EC and chair next to it? I hope you don't take this the wrong way but I'm a huge less is more person and I think your EC looks very busy. Are you open to removing the items on top of EC? What I love about coastal decor is how clean and uncluttered the rooms look.

I'd leave the air return wall blank at least until after you put up beadboard and slipcover your chairs.

I'd remove the table in front of the window it looks too crowded with the basket between the red chairs. I agree with you about changing out the lamps. I'd go with dark bases with white slipcovers. How about a small pillow in a similar color to your beautiful walls for the leather chair? A couple of throws with blues similar to your walls will also help bring the room together. I hope this helps and that I didn't offend you in any way. You have a lovely home and I can't wait to see your beadboard ceiling.

Hi! I am not a longtime member but I'll give my thoughts.

1. A/c return - switch wall - ----what about looking for 2 older crusty shutters mounted on that wall. The shutters would still allow the air to circulate & you could put them on hinges to adjust the thermostat.

2. I like your rug -= it looks like the colors would work in my LR. Let me know if you want to sale it:) But really if you slipcovered you 2 chairs in cream or even brown - it would work with the ideas below...

3. It seems like you are trying to take a very large living space & center it all around the TV. Look at rooms that the drool worthy designers do - they divide the larger rooms into smaller sections for different activities.

4. Going along the lines of #3 - what if you slid the ET towards the windows with the drapes & work with your sofa facing the ET. Sometimes DH have to give on their fav chairs & positions!! Angle the leather chair on the side of the sofa - maybe get him an ottoman so he can prop his feet up!!

5. I would consider losing the drapes & doing the same pretty wooden shades you have on your doors on those windows.

6. on the other side of the header.....maybe a console like posted above or hutch to store games & craft supplies- actually looks like the console you have there works with the mirror above it. Then add ...maybe like a game table with 4 chairs. Center the artwork on the wall between the header & doorway. Then place the game table diagonally in front of the artwork.

I am thinking by placing the sofa in front of ET on that side of the header also creates more of a foyer.

These ideas may not work at ALL for you in your space!!

You have very nice pieces to work with:)

Smiles:)

ok I'll play! I'm trying to work my brain this a.m. so bear with me! In the first set of pics, it is looking crowded with too many chairs. Taking one away, like you have, opens the room a little more. I would take it one step further and remove it from the room. I like the rug turned the way you have it now. It also will give you more room to place the sofa a bit closer to the EC if you were to move it there. So, I would put the sofa across from the EC and the leather chair on the right of the sofa as you are facing the EC. Place one table in between the leather chair and sofa.I like the red chairs in front of the windows, but I would put the pretty pillows on those chairs. The colors look similar and would tie them into the stripe on the curtains and look pretty against the red. I would also put the table in between the red chairs to place a drink, the remote or whatever on if you are sitting there. If the sofa absolutely can not be moved, then leave it where it is, but move the red chairs in which would scoot the leather chair closer to the sofa a bit more , still keeping the table in between the sofa and leather chair. Play with it until it looks a little balanced. I think what is throwing things off a bit is the busy-ness of all the chairs grouped on one side of the room. As for the blank wall, go to HD or Lowes and get 3 or 4 tall door shutters and hinge them together to create a folding screen. Paint it whatever color you choose and place in front of wall. Another idea is to use a plain front folding screen to place black and white family photos on. It will add interest and disguise the vent and thermostat!