To decorate or not to decorate?

7 years ago

I'm toying with the idea of hanging something on either side of the fireplace on the empty wall space. I plan to put a fiddle fig tree in the right hand corner but feel the space is missing something.

Frame with glass so it's see through and more clean? Decorative piece? Nothing?

Thanks for the help!

Featured Answer

Irene Morresey

7 years ago

If it were me, and I have done this to mine, I would add a trim on your curtains, it may well be all it needs. I bought ribbon and measured in from the edge and glue gunned trim on, didn't even need to take down curtains, looks great and still fine after two years, just make sure you do it slowly, little bit at a time

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Comments (32)

Rosemary Mozzone Goncalves
7 years ago
You need drapes in a pattern or print. Your rug is whitish, windows white, nothing to make it pop. Cute drapes in a gray print would be nice, and hide the black and white blanket, try to get one that coordinates with the drapes. Also get some throw pillow to coordinate.
Kendayl
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you Rosemary! New curtains aren't an option because these are new. I like having a neutral base because I switch out pillows and blankets, etc often/ seasonally.
The picture attached below is the wall to the left of the fireplace where here is more layering and pop.
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PRO
TR Designs
7 years ago
How about an area rug. I feel your place needs something to anchor it and an area rug would work better than adding more items to your wall.
User
7 years ago
I would not hang anything on the sides of the fireplace. I just think you need some assorted throw pillows with some snazz;)
PRO
User
7 years ago
I like the room, it is very tasteful but I agree the curtains are too subtle. I did a search for drapes black in the shopping section and there are these drapes, matching throw etc. I think you just need a larger curtain and a bit of pattern.
Kendayl
Original Author
7 years ago
The design group what would you suggest? I've thought about layering an area rug but can never figure out what.
groveraxle
7 years ago
Don't hang anything between fireplace and curtains. It will look squished.

I very much like the art grouping over your console, but it would look better if the frames were much closer together and the whole grouping was less wide than the console.

Very pretty room.
groveraxle
7 years ago
Area rugs on carpets don't usually work very well. You might try pulling your seating in closer together. Try centering the coffee table on the fireplace and arrange your seating around that.
Kendayl
Original Author
7 years ago
We can't really move the furniture in closer because of then opening to the room. While it's "open concept" we have a large sectional that if moved in closer will close in the entrance to the room.
PRO
Sofia Sakare Interior Design
7 years ago
Kendayl, your have a great taste and the colour scheme of the room is so pleasing! I would suggest to put floor lamp next to the chair. Look for reading floor lamp, more of industrial style, do not match it with the other lamps. It would fill the space and complete your reading nook. On the right of the fireplace - you can put that fig tree you were thinking about. Try to put it in wicker pot. Good luck!
PRO
HomeScape Stagers
7 years ago
After reading all comments above, I thought you need some sconces for some ambient lighting. That is until I saw you had the lanterns on the other wall. I would at least put a colored band (gray) around your curtains to give them some presence. They would still be neutral enough. I would also like to suggest natural roman shades in a bamboo or grass. They remain neutral, but give some warmth, definition and style the the window. Give the windows a little more thought and the space between the fireplace and windows won't be an issue. Good luck!
Kendayl
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you Algorithm Interiors! My pictures aren't doing it justice it's not AS boring as it looks. I also hadn't switched pillows and what not more shown the whole room. I actually have a floor lamp and reading nook on the other side. I plan to add a vase with taller stems/ branches to add height along with books etc. (horrible lighting but here's a bigger picture)
PRO
Sofia Sakare Interior Design
7 years ago
Oh yes, I noticed that light close to leather chair, but I would insist to put the lamp to the second chair as well. There is no such thing as too much lamps ;) it's like a rule of thumb - make sure every sitting space has a decent lighting. And then another trick - rule I always recommend my clients - turn off the ceiling light and make sure that your room does not have "blind" spots. I want that floor lamp by the window. And I am assuming your candle sconces are not lighted usually ;)
lcswilcox195kw
7 years ago
Swap the two chairs on the left so there isn't all brown in the front and all white towards the back.
Kendayl
Original Author
7 years ago
That makes sense and I know what kind of lamp you're referring to. Just thought it was too many floor lamps. I'll give it a try! Thank you Algorithm Interiors.
shiningautumn888
7 years ago
No to pictures flanking fireplace. In my opinion it is already a tad over accesorizex with smaller stuff. Swap out smaller stuff for larger and less "stuff". Otherwise I love the room and colors and furnishings esp the black/white throw and hemp pouf
PRO
M&M Interiors
7 years ago
I say no to the art by the windows and yes to either an area rug with a pattern or some really fun throw pillows to give the room some interest. Right now you have only solids and it makes the room feel a bit sterile. I have no problems with putting an area rug over wall to wall carpet. I also like the idea of adding trim to the plain white drapes. Good luck!
PRO
Luxe Property Staging
7 years ago
How about two long narrow mirrors. One on each side?
Tems
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
For me the curtains are the biggest problem. White curtains look anemic in this room and they don't provide enough contrast with the fireplace and windows. As simple change as wall colored curtains works to my eyes.

with a darker rod
miss lindsey (She/Her)
7 years ago
Can you try using the chairs to flank the fire instead? Place brown leather on the left as you face it and white on the right, and pull them both in closer so they are on the wall, not the window.

Then we could see a picture of the space where the leather chair was, looking from the fireplace?
miss lindsey (She/Her)
7 years ago
Another idea is to stack the curtains to one side, left window stack curtains to left and right stack to right, then tie them back or not as desired.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
7 years ago
Oops meant to attach a photo:
Tangley @ · More Info
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Design Views Inc.
7 years ago
Wow, lots of comments - If a trim could be added to the panels that would be great. I love layering an area rug on top of a wall to wall. These options below would really bring a pop of color and you would be able to pull colors from them to coordinate your pillows. I also agree that nothing is needed on either side of the fireplace.
Kaleen Global Inspirations Collection Rug, 5'x7'9" · More Info

Oriental Weavers Brentwood Circles Ivory/Multi Rug · More Info

Kaleen Brooklyn Floral Rug, 5'x7'6" · More Info
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TR Designs
7 years ago
Hello Kendayl. I think a gray area rug with geometric patterns would be a safe bet. A morrocan shag rug would also be a safe choice, that would add texture, coziness, and some color. Here are some choices that would add a lot of color.
5'x7' Beautiful Silver Transitional Vibrant Color Living Room Rug · More Info

Kaleen Casablanca Collection Rug, 5'x8' · More Info

Loloi Francesca Collection Rug, Ivory and Graphite, 7'6"x9'6" · More Info
grapefruit1_ar
7 years ago
I think that it is not as much a problem with the curtains as it is the blinds! They are the first thing that I noticed! Your room is so very pretty.....but those blinds greatly detract from it. I would either remove them or use shears to lessen the impact.
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Consider covering the entire FP wall with shiplap. Then hang curtains (or more substantial ones) properly.
shiningautumn888
7 years ago
Yes even bamboo blinds from a big box store would do wonders, in a light warm tobacco color, adding contrast and warmth
Kendayl
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for all the feedback. I probably should have taken the picture during good day light because it's really not sterile. I do have some more layering and fedora items to add though. Thanks again!
Val B
7 years ago
I'd put the tv above the console table and put artwork above the fireplace. I like the idea that's others said of bamboo blinds under the curtains.
housegal200
7 years ago
Layer an interestining, good-sized patterned rug in browns, beige, and your wall color (can't tell if that's gray or sage). Posters linked to some nice ones. I think the reason you're looking to fill that wall space is that your curtains are too bland for the room. A rug will pull the eye forward and give the room the contrast and pattern it needs to punch it up.
Wyndham Rug, Blue/Multi, 8' x 10' · More Info

Kaleen Habitat Baja 10'x14' Graphite Rug · More Info

Serenity Area Rug, Rectangle, Brown-Cream, 3'6"x5'6" · More Info
housegal200
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Someone else made this suggestion, and it's worth trying to see if it's workable. Center the coffee table on the fireplace. Then bring the sofa on the window wall about 18" from the coffee table. Float your other sofa and just one chair about 18-20" from the coffee table--you have plenty of seating already. Rehome the ivory chair to another room. This could create a passageway on the left side and a cozier --gather-round-the-fire conversational arrangement in the center of the room. This is a little like what I'm suggesting minus the sofa table since you already have a console in the room:
Aldine Avenue · More Info

A patterned rug over your carpeting could anchor the grouping.