The only think I don't care for is the large terrarium or whatever it is. Very handsome room.

I like the shelves too- even the greenhouse decoration. It might be nice to add another plate- maybe a round one with a darker blue- to your blue porcelain shelves.

That's really lovely -- it looks as though there are lots of stories on those shelves -- and the rug is gorgeous.

I love the Wardian case, and how it's balanced on the other side by the lantern; but for more balance, I would switch the lantern and the ceramic platter.

I would add one more blue and white piece (maybe a plate as Abby suggested) to the lonely ginger jar on the left on the bridge.

When you center the pendant, can you try lowering it a bit to see how it looks? I think it might be a tad too high right now.

Wardian case- thank you, Becky!

You asked about the bookshelves- I have a suggestion just outside of the shelves. I was wondering if you thought that some brighter pillows might be nice in your nook? There are lovely colors in your rug to pull out perhaps. And maybe four instead of two pillows ...

Very pretty!

I'd add another blue and white piece to the bridge. I'd want another very similar piece there so it's symmetrical.

I'd also try flipping the lantern and ceramic platter for balance.

Agree about the light.

I like the pillows you have and maybe they're not showing as well in the photos. I do think it would be nice to have brighter pillows that pull colors from the rug more.

Something about the second shelf down on the left side seems off to me. I'm not really sure what it is though. Is the wooden thing a box? Can you center it more and prop straight/overlap the frame a little? I can't tell if the frame in the next box below is angled or straight. If you prop/overlap the frame on the wooden box, I'd angle the picture frame below.

I like that tree picture better here!

ETA - I just clicked on the first photo to enlarge, something I didn't do the first time. I think the shelves look very nice overall. I like that it looks like the pieces have meaning and were collected over time and not just decorative stuff. I even think it looks fine with the lantern and ceramic platter where they are. Even though the platter isn't as large as the lantern it visually adds the lighter color, which my eye goes to first, on the right side of the shelf.

Warding case?? I never knew that's what it was, thank you! I really have no other place for it.

I switched the lantern & plate, thanks!

Yes, I need another blue/white piece. I'm going to have to order something- anyone know a good place to look?

Pillows- I just threw those over there. Trying to get ready for a party next weekend. I'll look for something else & 4 of them.

I purged all of my Hobby Lobby "decorations" in this move & am really trying to work with what's left- that is meaningful to me.

Thank you!

I agree that more blue and white ceramic pieces would look great!

I forgot I had these to return in my car-- maybe with 2 navy pillows behind them?

Kinda going with the rust/ navy combo?

Overall I think it's very well done, but I would choose a painting that is less dark and contains some of the colors of the pilows and the carpet. It will pull the whole scheme together and make the dark bookcase seem lighter. I think the proper painting will really tie this whole look together and give this area much greater impact. Otherwise what you've put on the shelves seems well-chosen and interesting.

peppa, yes, it's very obvious that the things that are left mean something to you and your family.

I'd love to get a closer look at the rug -- it's lovely. Where is it from? That also might help suggesting another pair of cushions covers.

I get my blue and white pieces from Etsy and Ebay, though Wisteria has some nice things (they don't ship to Canada, unfortunately).

I am squarely in the camp that art doesn't have to match the decor. Art should be something you love, that is meaningful and moves you; plus it's hard enough to find pieces like that, and that you can afford, without making sure that it matches the interior design : ) . I also think that art is better highlighted when it doesn't blend in/match. But I'm also squarely in the camp that the walls don't have to be spare and white to highlight the art either!

I like the idea of the blue pillows!

One idea of making that seat a little more tied in and colorful would be to have a short custom navy cushion made to cover the whole bench and then the throw pillows would seem more integrated. Lovely, lovely room overall!

Peppapoodle (I love your screen name,) I think the picture you have in the nook is fab. Maybe one day you could add a light obve it so it stands out more. I am firmly in the camp of art is not decor. I suggested more pillows because I think the area could benefit from a little more color. If it were my house, I would pull the red color from the rug with the pillows- a nice balance to the blue porcelain. I'll look around for a blue plate and come back if I find something reasonable. And by the way, as everyone has said, the room looks fantastic just the way it is.

Really nice room and I like just about everything in your staging. The only thing I can offer is that I'd get pillows that "pop".

Give it a little whimsy.

Also, if it's in the budget, I'd have a custom cushion made for that seat.

Ingrid, thank you! I appreciate your opinion. After seeing your home, I know you have a good eye! This piece is just a "fill-in" until I find something I love for the FP. Big bird would look really nice in this spot, I think.

Beckysharp, the rug is from esalerugs.com. It's polypropylene & was very reasonable for a 10x16.5-- I didn't want to be tripping over a too small rug! I agree--it's hard to find art that hits me & that I can afford!! I'd actually like something unexpected there or on the FP. The hunt is fun!! I'll look at your suggestions, too.

Snookums, I'm going to PB outlet tomorrow, last time they had some navy pillow covers- fingers crossed!

ipinkmountain, yes-- bench cushion is in the plan. Something soft to sit on. It took cabinet guy forever to get this in & ive run out of time before the party.

Abby Kruger, thank you! I'll see what PB outlet has for pillow covers. The Pom Pom ones are growing on me- kinda different for me. And I have a battery powered antique brass picture light on the way from Amazon!!

Mimipadv, yes to cushion!! I'll try to find whimsy!!

Do y'all think the Pom Pom pillows work?

I found a 12" blue porcelain plate at the Enchanted Home's shop that could work.

And here are pillows I liked at PB. In the blue color way, I thought the Suzani looked nice and could be combined with solic pillows- so a solid pillow- blue or white behind a patterned one on each side. In the reds there were these tile patterned pillows.

Just some thoughts.

Thanks for the rug info, peppa : ) .

What about one pair of pillows that pulls both colors from the carpet up and includes the navy from the pompom pillow, like this one from Etsy?

Definitely, Becky's pillow is better. I limited myself to PB because you said you would be shopping there tomorrow. I don't think you should buy pillows just to tick off a box. Your room looks great the way it is. Find pillows that are beautiful on their own and do the job they need to do. The pillows I found fill a need- but are not beautiful on their own. Don't rush these finishing touches.

Consider using a colored liner (just paper or fabric) to line the rear of some or all of the shelves. It's a very dark monolithic piece, and you cuold brighten it up in a temporary way.

I really like your pillow choices. However, if you are considering a custom pad, I'd wait to pick that out first so the pillows don't drive your choice.

Placeholder pillows would work until you figure out the long-term plan.

I have to say I love your bookcase!!!!

(Okay, as a serious bibliophile, there'd be MORE books, but I get it...)

Worry about accent pillows later -- and don't overdo them. Guests will toss the excess where-ever.

You did a great job with the shelves! Here is my few suggestions about styling. Maybe someone mentioned it already, but the styling lacks balance and symmetry. For example in the shelf above the seating area, I would take out some of the pieces and add two of the same vases on each ends with the plate in the middle. The shelves look overwhelmed, I would take out some of the pieces if they don't have any sentimental value and leave fewer pieces. I like how you put some of the books laying with the pages side, do the same on the other side. Also both sides need symmetry of some sort. I would purchase similar vases or decorative objects that are the same or similar and put them on opposite sides. You can add symmetry by choosing accents of the same color, I would recommend more white pieces to brighten up the look, and put them on opposite sides.

Thank you all for your suggestions!! I don't get notifications about post here- they were coming through my DH email & driving him loco! i got so busy with the party & just kept having them:)

So, here's where I am right now. Ignore boxes- have another tree to put up.

In the far right corner, I draped some cream colored burlap to see how lighter backs would look per lazy gardens. I could cover foam core with burlap or use a grass cloth paper- which I've always loved. Burlap is cheaper! Do you like?

Found the terra-cotta pillows at outlet. Tried balancing the other earthy olive jug with another earthy jug & removed Demi John with corks- work?

Tried to balance bridge by removing the larger vase. Not sure I really like the blue/white pieces up there.

Looking at it from distance- it seems things are getting lost on the dark background. Not as much in real life- bad iPhone camera.

Still have lighting to do. And not sure what I'm going to do with centering light over pool table in wood ceiling? Would it be tacky to drape it with longer chain & a hook?

That is simply gorgeous!!!

What a stunning transformation. Paint is any home decorators best pal. Congratulations!

OMGosh! That came out beautifully! What a great color choice!

I love it!

Paint is magic! They look beautiful. The middle section with the bench seat is making me jealous... what fun you can have changing the art and pillows for the seasons and holidays.

What type of paint did you use?

Wow! The paint color is perfect! It is so amazing what a can or two of paint can do. Your space looks incredible!

I hit comment so the page jumped right to the bottom. I saw the word paint, thought white and oh no! It looks very nice and I prefer it this color over the wood.

I'm glad you all like it!! I used the same color as my kitchen cabinets- SW hardware 50%. In the pro classic paint-water based- primed with oil base.

Its definitely a battle of woods here with DH &this friends! But, they all like it now after much griping--men!

Thank you! I love when people update their dilemmas here so thought I would share:)

What a difference. So pretty and much brighter now.

It looks great! The piece really holds its own instead of being one with the ceiling and floor.

Very well done!

Such a gorgeous transformation! Wow! Did you paint this all yourself? It must've taken forever, but the results are oh, so well worth it!

Beautiful!