Help with double hight living/family room
Erika Díaz
5 years ago
We just moved to our new home. We are having trouble with the living/family room due to the lack of lighting. The room feels too cold!.
We haven’t bought anything until we figure what colors/style we might go with.
Light paint color makes it feel too cold and “blah” due to the hight ceiling and dark color makes the room even darker. We thought of painting an Accent wall (as in the pics) for the chimney/tv, but I’m not sure that’s look good. In my mind I was thinking dark blue for accent wall and the other walls white (right now they have light beige) but now that we painted the blue accent wall, I’m not sure those are right. Colors
What colors would you suggest to make it fee cosy?
Also I you would l help me with distribution of furniture/ decor/ rugs/ lamps ideAs i would love it and would be really appreciated! (The wall decor that is there now will be gone to get something higher)
We haven’t bought anything until we figure what colors/style we might go with.
Light paint color makes it feel too cold and “blah” due to the hight ceiling and dark color makes the room even darker. We thought of painting an Accent wall (as in the pics) for the chimney/tv, but I’m not sure that’s look good. In my mind I was thinking dark blue for accent wall and the other walls white (right now they have light beige) but now that we painted the blue accent wall, I’m not sure those are right. Colors
What colors would you suggest to make it fee cosy?
Also I you would l help me with distribution of furniture/ decor/ rugs/ lamps ideAs i would love it and would be really appreciated! (The wall decor that is there now will be gone to get something higher)
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (29)
PROJudyG Designs
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoThe space feels cold, as it would, with angled walls and soaring ceilings. I suggest for your space to:
Leave white woodwork as is.
Leave the stained railing and stained stair treads.
Paint the ceilings white
Everything that is wall, (including the blue fireplace wall), paint B.M. Gray Owl.
So now the walls are the backdrop for fabrics and furnishings that will warm up everything.Rug: using the tones in the fireplace surround, your furniture and Gray Owl for inspiration choose a rug something like this in warm browns, taupe and gray.
Throw pillows…use red accent for the leather sofa. Get a red accent chair.
Erika Díaz thanked JudyG DesignsRelated Discussions
Help convert family room to formal living room!
Comments (5)Well -- start by clearing the room completely -- that move alone can really help you see the whole space in a new light or form! Also: what items do you currently have to furnish it? What do you need? How about painting the room? I like the rug -- and the shelves. Clear the shelves -- and simply add some books -- and modern clean-lined glass or silver/plate items -- like bowls. For a modern touch -- add a gallery of black-and-white photos -- mat alike and frame alike too. If you plan to keep the TV in the room -- then consider angling the unit into the corner at the left-hand side of the far window. Then step back and really look at the space -- would a sofa work against the wall where the computer desk now sits? Then add a couple of armchairs and an ottoman/long coffee table. Lots of lamps too. Maybe roman blinds at the windows....See MoreHelp with furnishing Living Room / Family Room
Comments (6)I agree with CDR's thoughts on furniture placement. You could use a linear electric fireplace like this with the t.v. mounted above it. I think they're much nicer looking than something with a mantle. It's clean and modern looking. Just be sure the fireplace is longer than the t.v. or it will look out of balance. If you put a sofa table behind the sofa in the bay window, it will keep the sofa pulled away from the baseboard heaters well enough for the heat to circulate. Then you can add a couple of lamps for ambient lighting. Two chairs (swivel are nice for going between conversation and t.v. watching) with a table between them for drinks and an area rug to pull it all together. You'll want to add art where the candle holder is on the wall I think, to add some life and color to the space. Keep the furniture smaller and with feet so it doesn't overwhelm the smaller space....See MoreHelp with living room/ family room
Comments (42)Good morning Jalpa, May I be direct about the furniture placement? I do not want to offend. Please do not purchase a theater chair or three seater couch. If you really do want to open up the room, add comfortable seating, accessibility and aesthetics to your room then I suggest that you get 2 recliner or regular love seats. The larger furniture limits your TV viewing and crowds the room. If it was me I would replace the sectional with 2 comfy love seats. I would put them in the corners and have the tv on the stair wall. I know that the furniture store wanted to give you a deal but honestly your comfort and overall happiness in your living room for years to come is well worth the money spent to put the right furniture in your living room. So whether you get love seats with recliners in them or love seats that you can add ottomans to them; I ask you sincerely; Please do NOT get a 3 seater couch nor a theater love seat. Theater love seats confine you to only two people whereas a regular (even with a recliner in it) love seat makes it possible for 2 to 3 people to sit in them and one person to lay down in them. Forgive me for my boldness but the sectional and any 3 seater couch will close off and overwhelm your living room. Please get 2 love seats for your living room. I sincerely believe that you will be happier in the long run. Also, the one love seat that is in the furniture store would not go well with your sectional. When furniture does not match it really t akes away from the beauty of the room. The first one is from HOUZZ. The second one is from Shields Reclining 68" Pillow Top Arm Loveseat at wayfair https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/palliser-furniture-shields-reclining-68-pillow-top-arm-loveseat-paf8589.html?piid=27367354%2C27374487 [houzz=https://www.houzz.com/products/medora-manual-double-reclining-loveseat-prvw-vr~154549915]...See MoreFamily room/living room arrangement and decor help
Comments (5)Are you okay to put the TV above your fireplace? If concerned about having all the wires dangling down, you can have an electronic "eye" installed at the bottom corner of the TV that to operate your TV components using your existing remotes...i.e., cable box, speaker/sound system, DVD player, etc. They're fairly reasonable and easy to install. Then move your TV cabinet next to the fireplace and add some decorative items (vases, candles, books) on top where the TV currently lives. All the wires would get fed through the wall and into the back of the small cabinet to the components. My husband installed the "eye" on our TV that is above the fireplace. All the wires are fed through the wall to the built-in next to the fireplace. They are completely hidden away. A clean look, no wires hanging down, components hidden away. Next, by moving the TV above the fireplace will free up the space in front of the window. Maybe relocate the loveseat (for now until you get something else) in front of the windows. This will improve traffic flow and help both spaces more open. We have a similar situation between our kitchen and family room area. I've found that keeping that area open makes feels and the foot traffic flow better. We have 2 dogs, 2 adults, 2 kids...lots of feet :)...See MoreErika Díaz
5 years agoErika Díaz
5 years ago
PROErika Díaz thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering imagesErika Díaz
5 years agocelerygirl you are awesome! Thank you!!
I do like the color, but i think it needs more since it feels too “blah”
I like the idea of the accent wall, I’m just not sure of what colors would be best.
I actually had in mind doing shiplap with that blue tone or “peppercorn” color and the other walls white. But I don’t know if it would be too much. And Then after trying the paint color (without the shiplap) i realized the while wAlls might not be a good idea...
This was my inspiration:
- PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago 
Pugga70
5 years ago
Jamie Ludwig
5 years ago
erinsean
5 years ago
PROBeth H. :
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
this room somewhat reminds me of yours
some other ideas for tall ceilings
J Williams
5 years agoJ Williams
5 years agoJ Williams
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoErika Díaz
5 years agoErika Díaz
5 years agoErika Díaz
5 years agoOliviag
5 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago 
PROCamden Lane Interiors
5 years agoIt looks like you just need to work with the colors you have. Here are some ideas from the designs we've done for clients.
Try working the color on the wall into your decor. Note the pillow color here.
Traditional Interior Home Design · More InfoHere the color is worked into the drapes, artwork, pillows, and rug.
Upper Beaches Residence · More InfoThen here it is worked into the chairs, pillows, and artwork.
Harshaw Residence - In Progress · More InfoErika Díaz thanked Camden Lane InteriorsErika Díaz
5 years agoErika Díaz
4 years agoHey guys! After a couple months, we finished our living room during the summer. You suggestions really helped me! I used Beth’s pictures as inspiration to our living room. I Used the same Chandelier. I knew I needed more light in the room, plus lower the ceiling, so I thought the lights on the walls would help me lower the ceiling, and giving me the lighting I needed.
We were really happy with the results.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT!!
Holly Pike
4 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
4 years ago Erika Díaz
4 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
4 years ago Erika Díaz
4 years ago
Yayagal
4 years ago
Related Stories
TRENDING NOWThe Most Popular New Living Rooms and Family Rooms
Houzzers are gravitating toward chic sectionals, smart built-ins, fabulous fireplaces and stylish comfort
Full Story
ROOM OF THE DAYRoom of the Day: Family Room With a Lively, Eclectic Style
Childproof furnishings, classic features and a mix of materials highlight a room designed for both kids and adults
Full Story
MORE ROOMSThe Family Home: Living Rooms You Can Live In
Have a beautiful, stylish living room that's also kid-friendly by incorporating smart storage, comfort and bold colors
Full Story
BEFORE AND AFTERS5 Sophisticated Living Room and Family Room Makeovers
See how designers carefully selected colors and furnishings to create elegant living spaces
Full Story
TRENDING NOW4 Great Ideas From Popular Living Rooms and Family Rooms
These trending photos show how designers create living spaces with style, storage and comfortable seating
Full Story
TRENDING NOWThe Top 10 Living Rooms and Family Rooms of 2019
Conversation-friendly layouts and clever ways to integrate a TV are among the great ideas in these popular living spaces
Full Story
LIVING ROOMSRoom of the Day: Hanging Beds Add Fun to a Family’s Bonus Room
A second-floor sitting area inspired by Balinese treehouses is an inviting place to hang out
Full Story
ROOM OF THE DAYRoom of the Day: A New Family Room’s Natural Connection
Stone and wood plus earthy colors link a family room to its woodsy site and create a comfy gathering spot
Full Story
LIVING ROOMSRoom of the Day: A Family Living Space for Weekends in the Big Apple
A Long Island couple create a family-friendly and stylish New York City retreat where they can unwind and entertain
Full Story
MORE ROOMS19 Double-Duty Living Rooms
Change Up Your Front Room For How You Really Want to Live
Full Story
BeverlyFLADeziner