Formal Living and Formal Dining Area

5 years ago

Looking for ideas to make this space flow and stand out. We like the industrial, modern and rustic farmhouse looks but can't seem to find ideas for the fireplace, wall art for above the fire place as well as other decor pieces.

Featured Answer

cawaps

5 years ago

I was putting this together while others were commenting but incorporated some of the same ideas: pull the chairs in closer for a conversation cluster, tables, floor lamps, artwork. I used wood and warmer colors in the art to balance your very cool palette. I'm not necessarily suggesting any of these specific items, just giving you and idea of the effect of the changes.

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Comments (22)

Jeanette Vey
5 years ago
Love your sofa!!!!
Jeanette Vey
5 years ago
And rug. Sorry no help.
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I would find one or two large pieces of art for that wall. Then fill out the seating as calidesign suggests, so that people can sit facing one another -- be sure that the rug is large enough to encompass the whole seating area, and you might try to pick up some colors from your art to break up all the neutrals a bit. You could even make your second couch a bit colorful, with the art above it, so that the color and warmth is integrated into the whole space.
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PRO
Shannon Ggem Design
5 years ago
Interesting!

Perhaps put the Sofa facing the fireplace, leaving a path to the doors and honoring a one of the classic fireplace room layouts.

Put the chairs on either side of the fireplace, a floor lamp and drink table next to the chair on the doors side and a plant next to the chair on the dining side will look nice.

The mirror goes on the horizontal, hung 8" higher than the mantle .

To me the door is begging for drapery- or course the panels will need to stack completely off the doors- which would look gorgeous in the room.

The drapes can be simple like these... or you can have some fun with pattern mixing and make a bold statement with the drapery, too!
PRO
Shannon Ggem Design
5 years ago

Here's a layout with the sofa facing the fireplace.
Saman Farshori
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for the feedback! Love the idea for the drapes will definitely look into that. However, the sofa if placed facing the fireplace will block the entry to the house, the foyer and front door are right there and the space is separated by the two white columns which I'm not sure if you can see in the picture.
PRO
Shannon Ggem Design
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Is the rug 9 x 12? You likely don't need as much space as you are allowing for the furniture but I can't tell in the photos! Here is a fantastic pinterest pin https://www.pinterest.com/pin/149463281362258322/ Your instinct may have been perfect here. You may just need to pull those chairs in tighter so they occur before the doors and tighten up the whole arrangement.
rnonwheels
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

I would like a darker wall for the fireplace, a modern grate and modern

coffee table and some faux sheepskins on the formal chairs with small side table that are very modern. Any plans to lower your dining room light?
Saman Farshori
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for the feedback! In regards to the light fixture, we have been looking for an entirely new fixture as this one came with the house but we aren't fond of it at all. I do like the idea for making the fireplace wall darker but weren't sure if that would look awkward as it would seem unbalanced given the room walls have no separation from the dining area. Might painting the fireplace (not sure what color) work?
grapefruit1_ar
5 years ago
Your sofa and rug are beautiful. Your room needs warmth. I would begin with end tables, lamps, and curtains. Then you can choose art. Art has to be a personal thing. Wall decor can be ' things" other than paintings/drawings/photos, etc.

I am not sure how to incorporate modern, rustic , farmhouse. I would choose one for now. Rustic and farmhouse can easily be warm. " Found objects" can be used to add interest to walls, tables, bookshelves, etc. Look for vintage glass, dishes, metal work, baskets. The thrill of the hunt will be fun and your house will develop personality. AND you will not have to go to IKEA or Pottery Barn!
Annie Deighnaugh
5 years ago
Make a conversational cluster...a 12x12 to 16x16 ft sq area that is comfortable for people to sit and talk to each other. So the two side chairs should be pulled in closer. I'd move the sofa toward the center a little more too. Get an ottoman or coffee table. Get some side tables for the chairs so people have a place to put things down. If there's room for a sofa table and some lamps on it do that behind the sofa to help separate the dining from the living area.

When changing the light over the dining table, hang it so the bottom of the fixture is 30" above the table surface.

Here's an example of the conversational cluster.
rnonwheels
5 years ago
Sure the fireplace could be painted the contrasting dark color. You could also use two columns (floor to ceiling) for wood storage and paint the space inside them the dark color-that would add interest and the separation you need. Picking the new light is going to be fun!!
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
I rarely say this, and hate to criticize the beautiful rug, but it is too big for your space. It looks like it butts up to the hearth and possibly to the column wall. You need anywhere from 12-18" of floor exposed at the hearth side, and the same on entry side for a bit of a breather before stepping onto the rug. The sofa and chairs look like they're testing the water with their toes before getting in. If you can't exchange the rug for the next smaller size down, you might check into having the length reduced and re-binding it. If that's not possible, you should at least take advantage of it to anchor the seating. Center a coffee table with the firebox opening. Pull the sofa to within 18" or less of the table and bring the chairs up to it as well. Their placement will depend on the door swing from the French doors. This will also open a larger passage to get around the sofa into the dining room. I'm guessing you've centered the sofa with the French doors, and that's OK. I do advise drapes for the dining room with matching roman shades on the French doors. Add art you love at the mantel (no larger than the firebox opening) and try your mirror in the dining room or in your entry/foyer.

Bay window drapes can close or be stationary
Kim
5 years ago
I agree with bringing some warmer tones up onto the walls, placing the arm chairs closer to the sitting area, moving the mirror to the dining room and adding a round coffee table. This one is $180 at Hayneedle.

Then you could put a tall plant or table with a lamp and a plant in the corner to the left of the fireplace.
therightlook
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Looks like maybe due to the door in living room, you can not move both chairs in. Can they sit side by side facing fireplace on left end of sofa?

Use one of them in a bedroom...?

Mirror is so pretty but not there. I saw a mirror like yours used in an entryway and it worked beautifully.

Art on fireplace wall.

You already have a chandelier in dining, when you change it out, have electrician pull the wire to living room. A chandelier in living room really will be nice there.
amykath
5 years ago
I see what you mean about blocking the entryway. However, can you place your sofa there but move it into the room more? If so, then I would place your chairs where the sofa is now. It would look more inviting and cozier.

If you can do this, I would start from there and then see what the space looks like and what you can fit in terms of a coffee table, end tables etc. I definitely think you need some lamps and end tables. I hate to say it but can you move the rug to another location and get one that is smaller? The one you have is large and seems to cover so much of the flooring and is impeding on your fireplace.
Kim
5 years ago
Can we see a picture showing the entryway?
Saman Farshori
Original Author
5 years ago
Here is a picture of the entryway! Thank you everyone for all of these helpful suggestions :)
therightlook
5 years ago
I think there is no wall for mirror in entry?

What about as you walk in living area, on that left wall, where chair is pictured? Be nice spot for checking guests maybe with a table under it and a lamp...A mirror there will also give the room dimension and help appear wider.
doctornancy
5 years ago
Thanks for the photo of your entry. I thought the entry was the door between your two blue chairs. I'll reiterate what was suggested above - facing the sofa toward the fireplace and placing the blue chairs on either side of the fireplace. I'm assuming that doing this still allows a width of at least 3.5 feet on one side of the sofa to enter the room from the entry.
Kim
5 years ago
Lovely entrance to your home. Is there a wall across from the bench for the mirror?

I agree the chairs would look nice flanking the fireplace, but it's possible one of the french doors will not be able to be opened if the sofa is placed in front of the fireplace. Is that accurate?

Mercury glass or forged iron candle holders would look nice on the mantle.

Aqua apothecary jars can be found on etsy or the blue mercury glass looking one below from Wayfair.
doctornancy
5 years ago
Would you be willing to move the sofa facing the fireplace and place the two blue chairs angled alongside the fireplace and post a few photos of that arrangement?