Need help brightening up this space
Please excuse the clutter we're in the middle of filing everything and it's back to school season.
When you enter, there is a lot going on. We are not looking to replace the wood floors or granite. However, we do want a more well lit space and just want to brighten up the place a little bit. With the reddish floors and the dark couches, I feel like there is very little brightness, and the windows only do so much. Trust me when I say that these pictures are much better than the reality of the space.
Any thoughts on couches, lighting, or anything else?
Comments (15)
katinparadise
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Need help toning down and brightening up
Comments (12)I don't mind the color blocking that's been done...I like to use different colors in open space to help the rooms feel more separate even though there are no walls to define them. I'm not a fan of the colors right now, and you don't seem to be either. I'm also not a fan of the layout as it makes the room feel very long and narrow. Plus, the shelves on the right don't seem to be working for you...probably more display than you need, and it looks like you could use more functional storage. If those shelves are built in and can't be moved, then I would look into getting someone to make doors for the bottom half to give you more enclosed storage. If not, some big baskets would be helpful to contain and store toys quickly and easily for the kids. I would also get some smaller containers for the upper shelves to mix in storage with the family pics. I would also want to put something horizontal along the short window wall... can the desk be moved there? Just something to break up the hallway look. As far as colors, I suggest you start with something you like...maybe the pic on the wall in the kitchen...and pull a couple of the lighter colors out of there that you'd like with the white cabinets. I think I see a pretty cream color and a soft blue in that pic. Paint the wooden shelves the same color as the cabinets. Paint the base of the island black like the counter top. Get some matching window treatments that make use of both of those colors to tie the scheme together between the family room and the kitchen. Maybe something like this valance from bed bath and beyond Then paint say the blue in the kitchen and the cream in the family room. Finally, the other problem you have is simply not enough lighting in the family room. The room is too big to be covered by an overhead fan and an uplight. You need to look at some lamps. Maybe if you move the desk by the window, put a nice desk lamp on it. Get an end table on one side of the sofa and put a lamp on it so you can distribute the light through the room....See MoreHelp brightening up living room
Comments (21)It's such a pretty room already, you just need to add the icing. I agree with those who suggest moving the couch to face the fireplace and put 2 chairs facing each other between the couch and fireplace with the coffee table in the center. I'd also chose the slipper chairs because of their scale, but they may not be the preferred TV watching chairs for your family. How much room is there from the end of the couch where it is now and the wall facing/opposite the fireplace, behind the camera? If there is enough room, you could add a sofa table with a lamp or lamps on it behind the sofa (in the new suggested arrangement. That would bring some light to the middle of the room. ETA: I reread that you are replacing the armchairs. That opens up the options so much. I'd find a style you like and then search for that style made in a fabric you love, or have them custom made with your fabric, if that's in the budget. I don't think you can go wrong if you pick something you love, but if you are unsure, post choices here for opinions. These may not be your taste, but may help you start thinking about what you would like: Maybe not blue, but an all over print:...See MoreNeed to brighten up study
Comments (9)How you will use it drives how you make it look. If you will use it as a work area, storing home records etc, I'd build in storage on the short wall, so that when you are working you don't have your back to the rest of the home. Then perhaps shallow shelves/cabinets across the long wall, less than 12", leaving space in the middle for nice colorful piece of artwork. A cozy lamp on those shelves, but of course a task light or lamp on the work surface. I don't think it has to be bright, it can look like a little hideaway, but it should have some interest and a central eye-catcher since you see it from the dining room and as you come out of the bedroom. Do you plan to use color or paint the condo? I don't know how you feel about accent walls, but painting the nook's exterior wall a different color than the interior could look intriguing....See MoreLiving room help! How can I brighten up this space??
Comments (2)It's a nice room and you've done a pretty good job. A few tweaks though,,,,exchange the short plant for a taller plant, in that corner. If you can't do a taller one, then hang the one you have from the ceiling or put it on a taller, mini table. put the plant on something like this. Target..Project 62 That sectional, (which really is too big for this room) in front of that door, really closes off the room (visually and literally). if you could, at some point, you could use separate pieces, that would be great. going w/a round, open style coffee table will soften some of those square edgesTarget. a single sofa against the long wall, some colored pillows, artwork, the coffee table/bench (using one like this that's 'open' looking, gives the illusion of more space) the blue velvet chair for some accent colors,,,,this is what you need in your space. for instance, imagine if you removed that smaller end of the sofa and had something like this against that wall or this one. BTW, these colors, below, would look great in your room. Do you have any artwork? Framed pictures, tapestry, shelving,,,anything? here is a simple example that you could do. Target has cute accessories like little tables, pillows, wall decor, etc, that you could use. bring in some color w/the arrangement like they done here, for behind your sofa. the pics behind this sofa are hung a bit high, but should give you an idea of how to accessorize your room. this would also be a better table for you. It's mainly that sectional that is really making this room heavy. if you need window coverings, I keep it sleek w/some inset blinds of some sort....See More
kootenaycapable
5 years ago
ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
5 years agoJ Kay
5 years agoIf you are willing to change the furniture definitely get lighter pieces. Pier One has performance couches that have a slip cover you can take off and wash if your worried about the kids and light furniture. I agree that drapes would make the room more homey.
Nicole Williams
5 years agolaurafhallen
5 years agohousegal200
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoYou have nice light golden red wood floors, a big bay window with golden trim, white walls. The problems are the furnishings. You need to replace the oversized sofa and two chairs. Sorry, as someone said, they're sucking light and space from the room. You don't necessarily have to go white or cream if you have kids. Consider a golden camel leather sofa with a couple of comfortable narrow profile recliner chairs for TV watching. The chairs are too fussy for your style, though you should go for something up on legs.
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Pair of recliner chairs for TV watching:
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Rug
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Console table along back wall near front door. Add a lamp.
Coaster Furniture Reclaimed Wood Console Table - 950364 · More Info
Add a long vertical mirror by the front door
J J
5 years agoBruce Ulrich
5 years ago
PRONandina Home & Design
5 years agoIf you have to keep the furniture then try side tables with lamps, a light rug, and perhaps a mirror on the wall where the door opens. If you can get new furniture then we say go for lighter furniture. Below we will include some designs of ours to help:
Columbia Timeless Transitional Home · More Info
Woodside Updated Traditional Home · More Info
Woodside Updated Traditional Home · More Infohoussaon
5 years agoIf you can afford a glass front door that would add a lot if light in that corner.
FORMA Design · More Info
Classic B&W Infill · More InfoYou could have six cam lights with a dimmer installed in the ceiling. I've been in a few home exactly like your's and that is what they did. Then you don't need to add table lamps, although one or more would be good for reading.
Villa Los Cabos Mexico · More Infoingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
5 years agohousegal200
5 years agoI just came across this photo on Houzz that shows how a camel colored sofa in a room with reddish gold floors can lighten a space tremendously. If you do get a new sofa or chairs, get comfy deep seat and back cushions but with a frame up on legs, with low arms, and a back that's not too high. This opens up and lightens space.
Schwarz auf Weiß · More Info
JAN MOYER