Wow - what a nice job! TV and built-ins look great, and I especially like the all-white accessorizing on shelves in hallway. Maybe there's a little too much going on near TV, but that's a minor quibble, and I'm not sure what I'd change.

Forgot you asked about the urns in front of fireplace -- I prefer without, as the room seems more broad that way.

I looked at the photos before reading the text - didn't realize the cabinets on either side of the fireplace were not built in until I read it. I would not cover the bottoms with trim.

It is a lovely room - looks like a model home or a page torn out of the Pottery Barn catalog, thoughtfully put together without excess.

If the items on display were multi-colors, it would be too much for my eye. But the monocromatic look allows more without it appearing crowded.

I love your cozy room and that beautiful bluish paint color on your walls with the gorgeous trim and the gorgeous floor. What wood species is your floor? I love everything. I find the Manequin Cream looks nice and does not clash but I am only looking at the color on my monitor and it may give you a feeling in person that feels not right like when I repainted a room that had too much lemon in it for me to another creamy color that feels right for me.

Beautiful! And I like the urns for the added greenery and since I happen to love topiaries, but I also see that for those who like a more open look without them, that works, too. You've made such a pretty space, and I love the white accents with your blue walls and pillows.

On the open wall shelving, I might have not quite gone so close to the corner and door jamb with them--maybe set them in about 6 inches on each side, but is that worth the pain of changing?..maybe not, and it's just MHO anyway. I think the shelves are nicely decorated--great space!

Very nice! I also didn't know those cabinets weren't built ins. I like them a lot! Love all the white. I don't think you have too much stuff out and I love both topiaries.

Thanks for the kind comments..

sujafr-Funny you mention about how close the shelves are to the door jam/end of wall. I wanted them to be @ 4'' inward (now they're not even an inch. DH was hanging them with the contractor that had just finished the baseboards. They had the screws in the wall & all 3 done before I even had a chance to see& stop them.(thinking they'd surprise me:)) I also wanted them set slightly closer together. (I had tape on walls 'ballparking' distance but would have moved them closer for sure)

I just might patch the holes and start over as the closeness to the end of wall and door jam and the distance between is bothering me slightly. (DH might think I'm being picky...but see, I'm not the only one that notices:) LOL)

Thanks!

so pretty and restful! my 3 year old would tear that up in a minute! I am wistfully enjoying your lovely room - all that beautiful white!

Lovely room! The blue is just right. I would not have the topiaries there either but that's just me. I once lived in a place that had a room about the same shape--now I know what I should have done with it!

What a beautiful, serene room you've created!

You had me fooled. I thought you had custom built ins.

Very pretty, however I can't help but think that it could use a little more warmth somehow, maybe with the addition of another color or different window treatments, or perhaps a print to be introduced to throw off it's order.

Lisa....I just ADORE your style. The room looks fantastic. Wish I could be more help, but I love your room with AND without the topiaries.
What I want to know is WHERE did you get those GORGEOUS mirrors on either side of the fireplace?
I love everything....the shelves, the flooring, the cabinets, your accessories, and especially, that chocolate furbaby!

What a calm, peaceful & simply stunning room!
I think I like it best w/out the urns....
enjoy!

Very NICE!!!! The cabs look built in, so your already there....lol The topiaries do make the room look smaller, you do gain width without them. Accent pillows on the couch would be a good addition. Maybe a white with blue design. The wall shelf clutter is just right!

Ooohh!! How gorgeous and soothing! I love your style so very much and it's exactly what I one day hope to live in (once our small kids are grown up!!). Thanks so very much for sharing! I hope you don't mind if I save your pics...even just to look at, they bring me so much peace! Enjoy!!

What a transformation from ordinary to extraordinary! The only thing that is too much is the pup! heh heh! Your room is lovely with or without the topiaries so you could remove them for a change if you wished.
I also would not change the bottom of the cabinets I love the lines against the hardwood- if you had not said anything I also would have thought that they were built ins.
I don't recall the name of the color you used there. perfect.

wow, so so pretty. I just love the blue it's such a gorgeous colour and really perfect against the white.

Absolutely gorgeous!! I love the topiaries - the green really adds to it. Just a minor thing but I agree with htnspz about adding a bit of warmth. It's wonderful as it is but I think it could be better with a few more plants and perhaps a bit of an accent color - pale yellow, green....perhaps something that pics up the yellow/gold from the flower pictures.

That's gorgeous! I think I would add trim to the faux-builtins or else I'd be sweeping black Lab hair out from underneath all the time.

I do think one more subtle color touch would be nice. The topiaries are pretty, but I don't think they add much--do you have room to pull the sofa out and put a sofa table behind it, with the urns on that?

And I do think the one bare wall could use something, but nothing too dramatic. Or maybe not.

I think the wow! reactions are also to your very well-done photos. The lighting, the scene on the TV--these touches really make a difference.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the postive feedback...I do feel like it's finally coming together.

Declansmom- I bought the mirrors at Homesense. I think it's the Cdn version of HomeGoods.
Cooperbailey-The wall colour is Benjamin Moore Beacon Gray. While I would normally not use this shade in a family room, I love it. (I would look at the chip and think for use in a bedroom)

ideefixe-too funny that you mention the dog hair. I thought the same thing that it'll accumulate under the cabinets. Reality is with her, she sheds so much, there's no escape. (And yup...I have white furniture...go figure. Slip-covers are a wonderful thing!!)

I have made a few small changes (the Dog stays...LOL.She's now a 13 yr old Lab and pretty much sleeps wherever I am all day. I know she's going to break my heart one of these days...so much slower than even a couple of mths ago) Anyways! Enough before I need some kleenex!

I removed some of the taller accessories from the cabinets so that mirror show more and as well changed a few things on the coffee table. Does this look better with less 'stuff' on top of cabinets?

I was previously going to have mirror inserts done for the cabinet doors...similiar to below. However, thinking this might be overkill will the mirrors above.(or even a different design)
Thoughts?

I still have some prints to hang on the wall leading up the stairs, some new pillows to make/buy and a new ceiling fixture to buy (I wanted a capiz chandelier I saw at West Elm, but unforutnately, it hangs too low and blocks line of vision to tv)

Finally-What do you think about this fabric to make some pillow? Or...do you prefer this coral pillow? (I would only get 1 of these)

Thanks again for any advice!
L.

I prefer the fireplace without the urns, although the green color adds something. You might add some plants on top of the cabinetry instead. One thing, and this is my opinion only, please dont take offense, the two mirrors are lovely but having two is a bit too matchy matchy for my taste. Perhaps a beautiful round silver wall clock would look nice on one side to balance off the mirror.

Lisa...How about taking the flower off the top of the cabinet on the right? I think that is the only thing that does not belong. You could replace it with the beautiful coral on the table. Also, (only if you want my opinion), I would not add mirrors to the cabinet doors. I think they are just perfect as they are.
The darker blue coral pillow is beautiful and it would go well with the darker blue pillow you have on the other couch.
Where did you get your exquisite taste?

The room is gorgeous. Wish I had your sese of decorating style. May I ask where you bought two of your accessories: table lamp filled with shells (I have several bags of shells I want to use in the same way) and cylinder lamp on top of built-in cabinet to the right of the fireplace and the one (square?) on the table in the hallway? Great finds. Would love to know where you bought them.

Love, love, love it! What a wonderful transormation! Great colors and accents. I would put a white fabric cover on the TV cord. I don't think the topiaries look bad, but they don't seem to match your style. Maybe try more modern topiaries like the one in the edge of this pic:

Your room is very nice! It looks like a very serene place to relax.

Hi-

To answer a few questions...

Declansmom-I will try removing that vase on the right and place the larger coral...thanks for that suggestion! I think I will try to order the coral pillow...I actually have 2 of the darker cushions & I think colours are similiar.
I also agree that mirrored doors will be too
much...and I don't really want to see our reflections when watching TV:)

kaisermust-The lamp on the side table was from Pottery Barn. Not sure if they still have these, but maybe you'd have some luck checking on ebay if not available in-store.
(great concept-the 'top'portion of the lamp can be removing, just leaving a vase underneath)

The other little ceramic lamp/light was purchased from a local home decor store. (I live just outside of TOronto) I think it was made by Abbott. You can't see the detail in the pics, but it has cut-out design that gives a very soft glow.
abbottcollection.com (giftware wholesaler based in Toronto
The table in that hall is now replaced w/ the 3 shelves.
The light on the table was another purchase from a few years ago...another little store here in TO.

kiko-Thanks for posting that picture! I love, love those chairs with the orange throws!

Roseabbey/kiko-I think I'm going to try to find another home for the topiaries/urns. Although I do like the splash of green, I think I've decided that I'm not big on them in front of the cabinets.
Once I add in some artwork, it may just provide that extra hit of colour that is needed. (will be a couple of weeks before I receive my framed prints back...I can post another picture at that time)

Next project...think I might take on painting the spindles a creamy white.(lead up to 3rd floor and down to main floor..ugh! Lots to do)

Thanks again everyone for the nice comments!
Lisa

Another admirer saying WOW! Great job. The mirrors flanking the television were an inspired choice. Love the shelves too. They really filled up that large expanse of wall well.

Wow again!

YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME!!! I have been dreaming of doing what you did with the fireplace without spending a small fortune! I will have to get an electric fireplace since our poor little house is without one. Thanks so much for posting!