Living Room Makeover Help!

5 years ago

We are in the beginning stages of a living room makeover. We are trying to decide on all new living room furniture, table, window treatments, replacing book shelves, wall decor, need a rug. My biggest dilemma is that the only place for the television is above the fire place. My living room floor space measurements are approximately 20 FT long from window to wet bar and 10 FT from the fire place to where the tile at the entryway starts.

Featured Answer

Susan Davis

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I would think about removing the brick and drywalling over the fireplace. Voila, new big wall for TV, in the obvious place.....

Or drywall over the wet bar area on the living room side only and keep the wet bar used in the dining room; or just get rid of the wet bar and install a steel or glue lam beam (spelling?) in the ceiling to hold up the second story.

Or redo the window wall with side windows and keep the upper window and put the TV where the large window is now but remove the window and sheet rock the wall and keep the fireplace and put in a sectional.....lots of options, and they will probably all fit in the budget and enhance the room and give you a new look for the room....everyone wins! Good luck and think positive....also hiring a designer might be good too as you are looking to spend a few dollars here and you should be happy about what you are spending knowing you will get a look you love. But first decide where the TV will go and what size it will be.

Windows on either side of TV/entertainment area.

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Comments (43)

Bri Bosh
5 years ago
Remove the bookshelves and all the little photos, as well as the vase and flowers. Remove the clock over the tv. Extend the window coverings to the upper windows. I’d also consider replacing your entry light. I don’t see a great alternative for your tv placement unless you have another room you can dedicate to watching television.
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
I agree with everything you’ve suggested. I am not good at decorating so need ideas on what I should replace it all with. We want new everything in our living room. Here is another view looking down to the living room.
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Just some thoughts.......... I would definitely get rid of the behemoth entertainment center and get something smaller. The one you have now actually blocks part of the nice windows. You have a newer TV and don't need a big ET for it. I would just paint the end tables and coffee table maybe a matte black. They look sturdy and clean lined. When painted they would have a bit of an Asian influence and look more contemporary. Its cheaper to paint than to buy new ones. I would cover the planter and make it a ledge. I would install tiny pendant lights replacing the cam light overhead. This will help define the foyer area. Tiling the foyer area would help define it and be more functional since that area is where dirt and slush from outside land. I would paint out the backs of the book shelves. Also remove the doors on the bottom and put in some large baskets to hold your stuff. This would break up the big 'wall-o-wood' look that it has now. Use a warm color for the walls so that the wood wall blends in better. Since the paneling goes all the way to the ceiling, use a warmer white on the crown molding. Stark white is too harsh when lined up with the wood. Don't change the brick or the mantel. They go with the house. The fireplace looks very nice. Painting the screen to bring down the shininess would be better though. If you do not open and close the shutter doors and use them, I would remove them. Do you use the ceiling fan on the living room ceiling a lot? If so, you need to keep it of course but otherwise it could go. The idea to put a bar in place of the desk.......Do you NEED a bar near the foyer to offer guests a drink when they come in? If so, then it would work for your needs but I think a narrow cabinet or table would be the better choice. Consider adding a rug to anchor the furniture. Nice heavy drapes would make the room look cozy and balance things out. I would stick to solid color instead of a busy print for such a small room or use a print that is tone on tone.
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The main challenge you have here is to draw all the different elements together. However, you have a lot of different colors and patterns going on. No two things match. That floor rug in front of the fire place certainly is a statement piece. It's very fresh and has such vibrant colors that you could actually draw your color scheme from that. A fresh, cool color scheme with lots of blues and greens would look good. Maybe you could get some dark blue slip covers for the couches, or just replace them. I found this picture to help you out. Cream couches with blue and green cushions would also look good. I don't think you should make your interior this busy, this is just for color inspiration. Draw the fresh, bold colors out of the rug and spread them around the house. You also have that nice hardwood floor to work with and it will look nice with these cool colors. You could also put some plants on the shelves, maybe with some hanging down. Take away the other two rugs. They just don't go. Also, take down the map wall art and the picture to the right of the door and replace it with something like this. It would go good with those vases you already have in the entryway.As for the walls, I think they can stay as they are. You want some neutral, light colors like the white and gray walls to balance out all the other bold colors. I hope my advice is helpful to you. Let me know how it goes. Happy decorating!
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Here's a picture of our old layout, minus the rocking chair that we had by the wall unit and the fireplace. And a picture of best layout incorporating all needs/stipulations I had to work with. The new layout has templates with existing tables that I will change as I am able. You can see how much the entry was blocked, I had 1 little picture to the right of the fireplace (sunset was in dining room) and that big honking wall unit with an analog TV and a small hand me down digital TV with a firestick on the coffee table and extension cords running from there to the fireplace wall. I think I've thought of every possible configuration of things and have gone back to the drawing board several times when I've run them by my husband. 100's of media consoles, sofas, fireplaces, floors, layouts. We use the turntable. The Ikea bottom cabinet doors slide.
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Bri Bosh
5 years ago
Are you keeping the built in sideboard and walls red?
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes, for now but eventually We want to do something different with that also. I don’t think the wet bar can be entirely removed because we think they are supports for the upstairs. We want to paint over the red and completely re-design the “formal dining” room as well.
MarleneM
5 years ago
I agree with taller drapes also. I’ve included a photo below. Disregard the two chairs in front, but notice the other furniture. I think an arrangement of a chaise sectional and two chairs opposite it would work well in your room as it wouldnt block entrances. Since the tv stays above fp, I would suggest mounting it on an articulating arm so it can be angled towards seating.

Jane Lockhart Interior Design, Kylemore Model Home "Dublin" · More Info
Kris Bruesehoff
5 years ago
Since you are limited on location for the tv, what if you added doors or art panel to cover it when not in use?
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
I never thought of putting doors or art to cover the TV when not in use. That’s a great idea!
everdebz
5 years ago
I don't think raising the rod would matter. Wouldn't the window then look like a black rectangle sitting atop the rod ....

are you saying you won't have a nice round table in front of the patio doors?
hollybar
5 years ago
How much do you use the fireplace? How long do you plan to be in this house?
everdebz
5 years ago
Between the red walls - is the ceiling light directly centered over the wet bar?
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
We plan on staying in the house for at least 10 more years. We’ve lived in our house for 8 years now. The fireplace doesn’t work so we never use it. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind somehow building a wall in place of the fireplace but that will probably cost a lot more than I want to spend right now.
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
Everdebz I think I misunderstood you about the rods... i assume your talking about the curtains. I definitely want to raise them higher above the top windows.
The ceiling light between the red walls is centered directly over the wet bar. Behind that area is supposed to be a formal dining room but we are currently not using it for that. I would mind removing the wet bar to have a more open concept between the living room and dining room.
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Oh, above them -- would you miss the light from uppers?

Does that mean also to cover upper window above patio doors? I know you said 20' long, but it's narrow at 10' [?] -- Would it seem closed in?
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Brainstorming -

Between "posts" drywall and accent on DR side - banquette could sit against that wall [with regular table and chairs].

This table is where I'd try a banquette.
Jewell Street Addition · More Info
https://www.houzz.com/photos/jewell-street-addition-contemporary-living-room-austin-phvw-vp~101777
everdebz
5 years ago
W 48" / D 32.5" / H 40" / for one side of a dining table....Neatly tailored / antique brass nail head trim / tall tapered legs. 100% polyester is durable and easy to clean. By R2H for $228.
Upholstered Banquette Leisure · More Info
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Or extra seating on LR side? .... more casual than DR....
Carnegie Hill Residence Breakfast Area · More Info
[https://www.houzz.com/photos/carnegie-hill-residence-breakfast-area-traditional-dining-room-new-york-phvw-vp~204857[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/carnegie-hill-residence-breakfast-area-traditional-dining-room-new-york-phvw-vp~204857)
everdebz
5 years ago
And seems to me with already long room you don't need more length by connecting more with DR [and you said they support upstairs anyway]...
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Ideas: a 2 way gas fireplace between red posts. Faucet there: a fountain.

The fp is nice, but....does it have fp on 2nd floor... your house isn't that old, but checking. :)
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
yes, it's red.... checking if upper windows have black metal frames, at all transitional?
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everdebz
5 years ago
Idk what your ideabooks have for your style plans, etc... but better with your nice fp would be to close the red up, and place a wonderful secretary desk there. Or desk with upper sections.

Unless you want the extra seating instead....even a collapsible game table....
katinparadise
5 years ago
How many people do you want to seat in the room? What's your budget for furniture?

Taking drapes all the way up will require custom unless you sew. You can add extra fabric to the longest drapes you can buy, which is usually 108", or you can sew your own using enough yardage to obtain the length you need. How tall are your ceilings?
groveraxle
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
A couple of comments before I tackle this room. First, your curtains are too skimpy. If you're going to close them, they need to be 2 1/2 - 3 times the width of the window. Otherwise it looks like you hung sheets over the windows when they're closed.

Second, there is way too much stuff in this room. Remove everything from the sides of the fireplace. I would try reconfiguring the seating so the sofa faces the window and two chairs face the fireplace. Then I'd put a console table at the window with a few of the very best photographs you have to display. Put the rest of your photos in albums or an electronic picture frame.

Third, if your TV is not on an articulating arm already, get one that pulls out and down so you can position it for best viewing.

When you go to buy new furniture, take your room dimensions with you and measure measure measure. Before you actually buy, tape out the furniture on the floor to make sure it will fit.
housegal200
5 years ago
Groveraxle will come up with the whole thing, so I won't make too many suggestions except to consider building in bookshelves to flank the fireplace to the height of the mantle.

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coreybeck
5 years ago
I can't say enough about what lamp light does for a room. I could do without any over heads if I have
good lamps.
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
Everdebz I love the grey accent wall in the pic you posted and I really, really love that table. I can put a table that size along the wall of the stairway.
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The photo with table was to show middle-of-room wall / to make wet bar closed up to look like charcoal wall. I think charcoal would be contemporary/ dark --- unless you added gold-framed art... even slightly ornate.

Might shine with light from uppers.
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
We don’t entertain much but we have 2 growing boys and 2 dogs. I’m going to buy a sectional couch that is bigger than what we have now so we can all comfortably be in the living room together. I think getting some chairs might be a good idea. I don’t want to box off my living room making it feel small and crowded. The ceiling behind the couch is about 11 FT tall. I have another window with high vaulted ceilings. That ceiling is a lot taller pictures here.
groveraxle
5 years ago
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
This one is better to see the ceiling.
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Say grover's room had a 'backless daybed' across from chairs, would the boys roll over it for play, hey!? ;-)

"A backless daybed is a beautiful and functional piece. It’s perfect for all kinds of spaces. In the center of a long room, it won’t block the view, and those seated can face either direction."

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Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
Groveraxle Thank you for your suggestions. I think having chairs in front of the window would make the room seem a lot brighter and allow me to put a couch opposite of the chairs with out the space feeling crowded.
everdebz
5 years ago
$700 from Ballard:
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everdebz
5 years ago
The tv area imo would close in with regular sofa, with back. Might not too! Surely other colors.

"Part daybed and part sofa — the back comes up if you need more support. I am in love with the color, the tufting."
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everdebz
5 years ago
Add to your team's and art's red - a try for $165:
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groveraxle
5 years ago
A sectional will totally take over this room. Be sure you measure carefully and don't get one that's too deep. Or too long.
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
The dining room is about 17 FT by 11 FT. We are going to paint over the brown and we most likely painting over the red also. I know I need to get rid of all my silly nicknacks around everywhere in this house. Haha
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
Groveraxle it makes rearranging furniture impossible. There are not many options but my living room does extend farther to the right of the fireplace and there is enough room for a sectional couch or a chaise lounge as everdebz suggested. I think I do like the idea of keeping the area in front of the window open and putting chairs there maybe.
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
Housegal200 has a great suggestion to build in some shelving around the fireplace. I really like the way that looks and it won’t take up as much room as a book shelf does.
everdebz
5 years ago
Have both brown of floor and white of fp? Excellent reviews:
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everdebz
5 years ago
Idk if a wash of some kind could brighten brown of DR.... is it expensive looking, quality texture, etc.? Another rug, indoor/outdoor practical.
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everdebz
5 years ago
I see why you might paint over the brown! but have you any liking for linen with metallic threads, not tacky, but nice .. ? what sun exposure does DR get?
Lauren Dixon
Original Author
5 years ago
With the curtains open in the DR and kitchen there is a lot of sunlight in DR.