Just saw an idea for end of island. Looks good, but wouldn't take up much of the space I was trying to fill. Maybe that's okay. Maybe it would be just enough. But it works because it blends with the chairs. Not sure I can add that's something I can add to my style. Had planned on clear acrylic, so this would be a very different look. Thoughts?

My Houzz: Pretty Tropical Touches in South Carolina · More Info

you need to try it, to see, Im not sure how many stools you are planning to add.

I haven't read all the responses, but if you're looking for an inexpensive, contemporary rug, have you looked at rugs on Overstock .com website? Also, check out the rugs at storefronts like Home Goods. I've seen some nice rugs there.

Oh my. I just looked back at the floor plan reconfigured and posted by RL on Tuesday. I had not noticed you moved the sideboard! (How did I miss that?) That looks like such a good use of space, but because I have not made a floor plan that shows my furniture to scale, you can't see that it would block the traffic flow. I do so appreciate your efforts and wish I knew how to use that program. What is it? Is it easy to learn?

I'm excited because I visited two design studios yesterday while visiting my son and his wife over the 4th, and I bought a few accessories. I know that you're all saying "What is she doing?! She's supposed to be taking care of the area rug!!!" But I was so drawn to this vignette on a sideboard; it is a rare thing for me to just know immediately that I'm going to love something. I do have them on approval, so if they don't look right in my space, I can make the four-hour round trip to return them. If I like them as much as I think I will, I'll post a photo. Maybe by tonight. I'm still out of town.

I keep going back to this photo (reposted below) which I now consider the best of anything in my files to show where I want to go, given that it has the walls and floors I must work with in this temporary apartment.

I'm very aware that for many of you, this will be too neutral. I enjoy being in other places that are colorful, but that is not what feels right to me for my own home. I've looked at hundreds if not thousands of photos with an open mind, and almost without exception, the “rooms” I’ve saved are neutral.

I have spoken with five designers in their studios in the past month. Guess what? Each of them said she still designs rooms with my "colors." Yes. You read that right. Each considers white, off-white, beige, gray, and black to be colors. And to be classic...timeless...never out of style.

I like one of the designers a lot; I had worked with her at my former home...it’s just that she is not in the same city. But she gets me. She is looking for textures including velvet, sheepskin, and/or faux fur (but only the ones that have an incredibly soft hand.)

For me, this inspiration photo reads "cozy and warm." I love these pillows and the throw on a sofa so similar to mine.

And then there is the one photo that I keep coming back to:

I want to carry the sofa color to the chairs, and the chair color to the sofa. I’ve seen a post about getting that balance when there is a high contrast between upholstered pieces, and I liked it.

The sofa is not deep; larger pillows from my previous sofa do not fit on this one. Max size is 20” square. How much smaller for a third pillow? I want people to be able to sit without having to move pillows. So three?

Can you help me out, please? Do I have to choose the look from just one of the two photos of pillows on sofa? Or is there a way I can have both looks?

I still need two lumbar pillows for the two black leather chairs. katinparadise shared this idea:

I'll need to see this after getting the sofa looking right.

My next task is to schedule delivery of the first rug which I'm taking on approval. Wouldn't it be awesome if the first choice is "just right.?" I promise to post photos.

Thanks to anyone who likes working with neutrals and has ideas about what I'm trying to do with the sofa pillows based on those two photos. (-;

If your max size for pillows is 20", you could do a third in a 16". That would let the other pillow show behind it if you plan on layering them. Mixing and matching pillows is something I love to do. I don't see any reason why you can't do the same.

Thx!

The painting would be replaced with a taller piece...but I think these accessories are too large for my sideboard )-:

I agree. They seem a bit overwhelming in proportion to the size of the sideboard.

Thanks, katinparadise, for the affirmation. It's disappointing in that I really loved those shapes. Maybe a designer in the studio can locate similar pieces that are appropriately scaled.

As long as we're on the subject of my sideboard, I will ask for ideas for the bottom shelf. I do not like the current arrangement. Any suggestions?

Moved back the vase and the Ansel Adams. Added some shiny things to top vignette. Please click to see bottom shelf. Better, I think. Working with what I have until I figure this out.

Better. How do you feel about nothing on the bottom shelf?

i love the Ansel Adams but IMO, you definitely need something larger when you find exactly the right thing.

I had tried it with this painting, but it seemed top heavy. Suggestions for shape and size?

That size and shape are perfect, IMO. Perhaps it feels heavy because there's not as much contrast with the furniture as the Ansel Adams.

Asking for votes on size, shape, and contrast of wall art, please...please click on each to see in full...items on sideboard can be changed...

2)

3) I could re-hang if this is better:

4) Or this:

I like #4 as a composition just leaning as opposed to hanging. I enjoy the overlap of the artwork on the mirror.

Two votes for #4...here's a photo that shows ceiling height, as well:

Thanks for the feedback, Laura Hill and katinparadise. I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness.

Now that I have lived with the new rearrangement of the furniture in the living area, I know that I really like it; the chairs are cozier, and it feels less insititutional. Thank you, RL. [However, the dining table had to go back to its original location to allow for traffic flow.}

But now I have a new problem with the area rug. The new arrangement changed the proportions as far as keeping the front legs of the chairs as well as the sofa on the area rug. The one I had selected is not available in custom sizes. I think I will need to have one cut and bound by a carpeting store. So...starting all over. Sigh.

Transforming ideas. However, this is a temporary rental apartment. I am not allowed to change wall color, etc.

Seriously, stop posting the random ads for your wrinkled wallpaper on the threads here your not even giving advice for the particular space, it's getting annoying.

Must thank Mon for calling out the mural/wallpaper "pusher" who subsequently deleted the post.

Due to standard area rug size not working, and the fact that I need something almost square, I think I'll need to have a carpet cut and bound. I'm wondering if I should go for this look, shared previously:

Same wall color as my room. My porcelain tile is lighter, and it's doesn't vary from tile to tile as in photo...it's all the same [very light] color. But I don't have the pops of white in the sofa and chair cushions, not the fireplace surround, ceiling accents, and sheers of this room.

I could perhaps get more of that effect by adding light pillows and throws. Add folded off-white throw down center of each black leather chair. Sofa is a warm beige, lighter than wall color, but is just the right tone. Because it's tweed, I feel I will have to go with a solid color rug; variation of color in fiber strands conflicts with the tweed of the sofa. Maybe my rug could be similar to the main color in this photo, that is, not the color of the border. I've had the Pottery Barn sample home, and it works very well with wall color and the sofa, so I could probably use that sample to try to match at the carpet sotre?

If I were to get rug (without the border) might that be too close in color to my sofa? which is not white or off-white as the one in this photo.) Some are one color, but are sculpted so there is a pattern. Color for the room would come through art.

Or should I go lighter and then have lighter drapes, too. Would that help lighten/brighten the room?

I've now moved the blue tape (since the furnishings have been moved.) In these photos, the tape marks an 18" border between walls and rug. I could go with 12" border instead.

Thoughts, please, about how I can get calm and serene, yet cozy and interesting room? RE: area rug and drapes? Lighter? Darker? Choose drapes that [nearly] match rug color? Or lighter drapes than rug color?

Thank you to those who can envision textures coming to the rescue!

[Although the area rug must be the next step, another idea has come to mind for the tv console, thanks to a lot of time spent online. I'm not sure where I found this photo, but I like this sleek look:

Mine must be shorter...I think 43" and gray may not be the right color, but I do love this with the art above.

A sleeker console could definitely work in the space. You should look for something that would put the center of the t.v. screen at eye level when seated.

The area rug size you have taped out seems to work well.

As far as drapes, I really think something close to the wall color would work. A pretty linen or faux linen in a natural color should fit the bill.

I like this lower, sleeker TV console better than the other one, which seems too high. For drapes, definitely go lighter in a cream linen-type material. That will go with everything you have and yet give a warmer, lighter feel.

I like the crisp Ansel Adams photo best; only you can decide if there should be more height. The remainder of the styling in the pictures below that looks too furniture-store contrived, without warmth or personality. Your personal vision is what is important, not just something that looks good and is on trend. Anyone can do that.

Blues and aquas somehow don't look right in your space; I'm seeing lemon yellow velvet pillows which look fabulous with gray furniture, although I'm not quite sure what color yours is. I like the white fur pillow quite a lot also.

I'm happy to receive encouragement about the photo of the tv console I posted on July 13. Thank you, katinparadise and ingrid. I don't know where to find a quality version of this style; I want good materials and good craftsmanship, so I need to see it to buy it. Any suggestions?

Having now returned from a wonderful hiking and photography trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, I must now face the area rug!

I had been leaning toward one these two, both of which have color variation including some aqua, and subtle patterns not present in my furniture:

Unfortuantley, my room shape is much more square than I can get in an area rug unless I place a special order, and I cannot justify that expense for a temporary (one or two years) apartment. I think my only option is to purchase carpeting that I can have bound. I have done this in the past for a 12' x 13' family/sunroom, and I chose a wool that looked like sisal. It had a small 1-inch square pattern created by two sizes of loops, and it was cut on the edge of the squares, so it had a finished look.

The furniture and style for my new space is totally different. I've looked at carpets such as a flotaki that would add texture and warmth, but a long shag is not dog-friendly! (Remember my granddogs?)

As I recall from my research about dog-friendly rugs, it needs to be a dense cut-pile no more than 3/4 inch in thickness with no loops. It can be an even height, or it can be high-low to create a pattern such as "waves."

A reminder of what the room looks like:

And of the sofa fabric (tweed) with other samples that were considered when I was ordering. Note: the color that pops out is a warm tan with yellow undertones.

Thoughts or suggestions, please? What carpeting can I have bound so that it is square and dog-friendly? I'm striving to achieve a calm, serene, yet cozy space. I want it to ground and tie together what is currently "floating" furniture.

Thank you for helping me!

Would you consider doing another wool look sisal for this room? It would certainly be neutral enough that you could use it in another application when you move again.

Hmmmmm. I hadn't thought of that, kat. Trying to visualize, which is difficult for me, I just did a quick look back to find the rendering by celerygirl, copied below. Below that is a second photo that caught my eye. Do you think either of these is a close approximation to a wool sisal? The one I had, but chose not to move across the country, was very soft underfoot. That room was very cozy and warm [but the furniture was very different than what I now have....more color--caramel and green teal with some pattern, too.] I want "warm and cozy" from textures this time.

While I work on finding a carpet to have bound, my mind is turning back to the thought of having the cherry case goods re-finished. I've had these for almost twenty years and they will be passed down to my son who is not yet ready for a house. Due to moves, the table top has been scratched, so I must have someone refinish it. Maybe the sideboard, too...I'm not sure.

I've thought of having pieces painted black, but I struggled with the very idea of painting over such beautiful wood. Last night, I saw this photo online, and I started wondering about STAINING the wood black so the grain can still be seen.

I happen to be with my sister right now, and her thought is that the wood is a neutral and serves as a backdrop for the art. In that case, having the wood stained black would provide less contrast with the art. So maybe I'll just have the table refinished similarly to what it is now (I know that it won't be exactly the same.)

[My sister had not been following, so I reviewed this thread with her today. She likes the latest arrangement over the sideboard. Next to the mirror is a print of the ceiling in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim in NY. I love art and architecture. She noted that the curves pick up on what I liked about the round piece I had tried but found that it was too large in scale. I love that we all notice different things! By the way, I have another mirror that is slightly smaller with a frame that is dark brown, wider, and more textured than the one I have there right now. But I'm traveling so it will be awhile before I'm home to try it.

I'm interested in your feedback on refinishing the table (and possibly the sideboard.)

Thanks!

The first picture you posted of celerygirl's rug does not resemble a wool sisal to me. The second, although it appears to be a natural seagrass, is probably closer to how it would look. To be honest, I love the rug that celerygirl posted.

Although that is a beautiful finish, there's something so warm and classic about your cherry wood furniture. I'm afraid that adding a dark finish like that would make the room seem a bit harsh, if that sounds right.

Hi, Kat! Yes, I just revised my most recent post and explained my sister's reaction. I agree with you...I'm just less happy with it right now because the wall color does nothing to enhance it. Everything just falls flat. But I must remember that this is a temporary apartment!

I, too, love celerygirl's rug!!! She did not mention a source, and I have not seen or heard from her since that post. Might someone please help me out with that?

I think you may be less happy with it because the room gives off a different vibe than does the cherry. IME, the cherry just adds a beautiful touch of warmth. I also think that adding a rug will make so much difference.

I can't begin to guess where that rug is from. There are literally 10's of 1000's of options online. I mainly use RugsUSA and Rugs Direct but as I said, so many options.

I wonder...does anyone out there know how to reach celerygirl?

I just found her on another post and asked her to come on back over!

Thanks, Kat!!! The next hoop now will be whether or not I can get it in a size that works.

I am here...but thread so big! I can not follow from beginning.

My rug is from Room and Board,

Safi rug

https://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/rugs/patterned-rugs/safi-rugs

pretty pricey. :-((

I like your idea to get floor carpet and hem it. I think it is not pricey and if something would go wrong with dogs you can replace it.

Thank you, celerygirl! And thank you, Kat, for finding her!

Wow! I love this rug even more now that I know it is 97% wool! It would be so soft and beautiful!!!

The largest size appears to be 9' x 12' but I'm pretty sure I need 12' x 13' to have at least the front legs of both the sofa and the chairs on the rug. (I won't be home for awhile to re-measure.)

Photos from Room and Board, thanks to celerygirl and katinparadise.

Note that in the first photo, the sofa is not on the rug, and in the second photo, the two side-by-side chairs are not on the rug.

I've almost always read that if at least the front legs of sofa AND chairs are not on the rug, the room looks smaller and the furniture not on the rug looks like it is floating.

Below is a screenshot from Room and Board on how to choose a rug size:

My furniture cannot be arranged like this due to size and layout of the room as well as window placement. If this is one of those "rules to be broken," would anyone please help me understand? The above photos that show the rug are good examples, but what makes these work? And would it work in my space?

There are several other drawbacks I need to consider:

1) As celerygirl wrote, it is pretty pricey;

2) I don't know if it's the right color, but I could order a sample; and

3) I have the occasional visit from granddogs, and even small amounts of pet urine may be difficult to clean from wool. Does anyone know?

Oh, but celerygirl, your rendering makes this look so right for my room!!!

Thanks, R. Simpatico.

The rug suggested by celerygirl has more texture than it appears:

It is wool and nylon, and it appears "backless." All of those are features which make it easier to clean. The fringe (oddly, I think) is only on one end...and I like that as I can put that under the chairs where it won't look messy.

Re: the coffee table, this is my inspiration photo for an arrangement of a "coffee table" and two square ottomans in lieu of one large ottoman:

Can you visualize this in my room? (See photo below.)

Here's what I like about it:

1) the flexibility of two ottomans for use with the chairs when my family is home

2) the airiness of this arrangement (instead of the two cube ottomans I'd planned)

3) the way this "square" would complete the middle of the room

But I want the "coffee table" to be something to rest feet on, as well. Would it look "right" in my room to combine ottomans such as those in the photo with a rectangular ottoman (size and shape of the coffee table, pictured) that is upholstered? Or would it be better to choose more of a bench? To me, it seems like a lot of legs, but the style of legs on the coffee table in the above photo is a nice contrast to all the straight legs.

Might celerygirl be so generous as to use her digital rendering [or [or another Houzzer create a new one] to "pop in" potential arrangements of the square ottomans with the coffee table, a bench, or a more solid upholstered ottoman the size and shape of the coffee table? Is anyone out there so into this that you would help me to visualize my style? (so aptly described by kat as "calm, serene and well-appointed" which has really helped contributors to hone in on my taste.

Thank you all for hanging in here with me. I am terribly analytical, along with being a perfectionist--which goes right along with being a procrastinator. All curses I must consciously fight in order to make decisions.

But I’m getting there, thanks to the patience, vision, and willingness of so many of you who bounce around ideas and make suggestions. With gratitude, I present you with my three granddogs...and my only "girl."

Please go to my revised dilemma, Cold Room Needs Warmth (read "coziness") Updated version, for a shorter, more concise post now that we've had a lot of brainstorming and know where our "team" is going for my family room. I kept the title very similar to the original, hoping not to lose any contributors. You've been great. I want to thank several Houzzers in particular: katinparadise, celerygirl, boxerpal, and Ingrid. See you soon!

OMG! so cuties buddies!

could not see any posts.

Please go to newer thread which I renamed when I narrowed my focus: "Arc lamp needs new lamps to coordinate in adjacent living area..” And in the midst of choosing the lamps, I happened upon the perfect rug!

Note to celery girl: Your rendering turned out to be my inspiration in many ways, so I’m very eager to see what you think of the progress. I have added a similar area rug and lamps; chosen lined linen panels but am waiting for a sale; decided on bunching four small ottomans for flexibility, but will give impression of a large square ottoman as you suggested; and finally found a tv stand! The room is still all neutral in color so I can change pillows, throws, and other accents seasonally. I was very surprised this fall when I brought out my rusts and dark reds; they draw the eye away from the color of the blinds which would not have been my choice.. Not sure I‘ll like those colors in spring and summer...maybe then I’ll being in the gold as in your rendering!