Totally agree with will2kz. My style is also transitional. The concept also calls to mind simplicity and clean lines. Here's HGTV's definition. It's pretty comprehensive: "Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Furniture lines are simple yet sophisticated, featuring either straight lines or rounded profiles. Fabric is as diverse as graphic patterns on overstuffed sofas and textured chenilles on sleek wood frames. Colors: The transitional palette relies on a lack of color to evoke a clean, serene atmosphere. Dark brown can add depth to a neutral balance of taupe, tan and vanilla. Accessories: A minimalist approach is taken with carefully selected accessories ��" a potted orchid gracefully arching in front of a window, white mats that set off photographs in simple black and silver frames, an oval wooden tray that provides a resting spot for similarly shaped silver candleholders. This kind of grouping provides a counterpoint to the furniture. Fabrics: The lack of color makes room for interesting textures, such as the olive-colored corduroy found on the pictured sofa and a smooth, creamy white cotton used on two of the side chairs. Other good choices for a transitional space are soft ultrasuedes, pliable leathers and nubby chenilles. Furniture: Curves combine with straight lines in a transitional style interior. The look balances both masculine and feminine attributes for a comfortably contemporary design. The scale of the pieces is ample but not intimidating. A lack of ornamentation and decoration keeps the focus on the simplicity and sophistication of the design."

You can see a red countertop,with the rest of the décor being average and or neutral (in color, not in form), at Hayden's Alley Cafeâ at 128 N Commerce St in Centreville MDâ. 410-758-0879. I was there a couple years ago. Perhaps someone who's nearby can post a photo. Personally, I think it would work in my space. For me, it would make sense as the single act of red in the kitchen. The more it gets covered with small appliances and stuff, the more it becomes a backdrop. I have strong_red leather dining room chairs and dark_green leather armchairs within inches of the red: the two colors go very very well together. There are millions of carpets that have red in them; both mass-produced with reddish tint in the field as part of a beige tint, or hand-made Turkish and Persian carpets with red visible in the highlights or in the entire carpet. There is nothing wrong with using red. Saltillo, terra cotta and brick are red, in a brownish hue. Going for a purer red makes sense in a hygienic surface like one long countertop. HTH -david

Got it. (or so I think) You can get a lot of color with throws, pillows, plants, lamps, art, books..narrow on whether you like solids or patterns speak to you most, and which ones..from my experience the more you mix, in terms of both colors and patterns, (takes some basic rules to follow, the rest are easier to break)) the better and easier and more fun it becomes, but takes time and figuring out what you want, whether the room is happy with what you want, and feeling when to stop or when to continue. Texture is also very important. Different surfaces will reflect light differently, so even same color won't read as same. Seems like a lovely house..love your floors and wall color. Very versatile, great to work with. Won't be boring-you just see it empty right now. As said upthread. already. It won't be.

Your room is attractive and I find the monochromatic look calm and sophisticated. Much better without the knickknacks. I don't think it looks impersonal at all. As it is, the wing chair is not part of the conversation area in the room, and to my eye it makes the room look a bit awkward or even unfriendly since no-one would choose to sit there. I suggest that you switch the side table to the fireplace side of the wing chair, and pull the wing chair as close to the sofa as you can without blocking the traffic path. It will be closer to the fireplace which is also good - it should look like an inviting chair to read a book at the fireside on a chilly day. Don't try to center it in the nook - I'd put a plant in the nook. For the same reason, move the love seat closer to the fireplace by a foot or so. I like the burgundy color but whatever color you choose, it needs to be repeated to look intentional. Maybe a burgundy and cream print on the pillows instead of the solid color, to avoid the spotty look. And a burgundy throw over the sofa or love seat and/or a cream throw over the back of the wing chair. Your pillows look firm and uninviting. Replace them with ones a bit larger, and with softer filling such as down or feather/down. Given the satiny texture of your sofa, velvet or velour pillow covers would look good as a contrast and to add a soft touch.