So is this going to remain just a formal sitting room? No TV or other uses?

Thank you for replying, Jamie. We do use this room pretty frequently as a sitting room to enjoy the fire place and conversation without TV. Our family room has a TV and is right to this room

How exciting, a total room re-do! You have beautiful furnishings though. Any way to repurpose any pieces if they're functional and comfortable? That could go a long way to stretching your budget. What's in the corner behind your sofa? Would it be possible to get better lit pictures of the room? Do do you have any inspiration rooms to help guide you on furnishings and a colour scheme?

My advice would be to clear it out of everything (including what's on the walls) but the main seating, nail down the most comfortable layout and then decide where you need your tables.

You might want to check out Laurel Bern's blog because she features what's called new traditional interiors, a mix of traditional with contemporary pieces. For example, if your sofa is comfortable, good quality and the right size for your space, upholstering it a contemporary fabric might be just the refresh the room needs. (Sometimes as expensive as buying new so build quality is the factor here.) A new wall colour, some contemporary art on the walls, sleeker lamps, a new rug...You might not need to replace everything, you know?

The seating isn't working for us. The sofa isn't comfortable and we don't have any comfy chairs. I'm also just plain old tired of it all. The corner piece is huge and I haven't figured out how to use it. It's a reproduction that I got for a steal off ebay many years ago.

Thank you; I will check out her blog. I would love a fresh, traditional with modern touch!

sIf this is a sitting, conversational area then maybe a circle of comfortable chairs will give you a cozy, but more modern feeling. I love all the color choices in this room.

oh wow! Very interesting!

Gotcha. Well, get started on an ideabook! :) You've really a blank slate. Hope you can find some easy venues to sell your pieces. Besides Craigslist, there's letgo. Whatever you can get for your furniture, you can put back into the room.

Hi, Tricia--

Good bones here. Nice finishes and a good opportunity to re-eval the best options in the space since the flow is already working well for you here. I also wonder if the room may seem a bit dim at times. Lots that can be done to aid that, but a pair of fireplace sconces would help enhance the presence the fireplace currently has, and set new parameters for featured artwork above and accents around. I would consider adding an electrical check to your list as you think about the quality of light available in the space first since you don't have to reimagine the traffic patterns in the space.

As others have advised, I'd explore another placement for your large secretary (either in your place or onward if its time has come). That space will be a great breathing room between windows and to display choice artwork or group with a significant plant.

As you reexamine options for your furnishings, I think you might also have the opportunity for a slim console table behind your sofa (or key furniture piece there) where you could place two lights for additional illumination to keep the room warm, friendly, and inviting. This will be a fun one for you to do - enjoy it!

Larger art, larger bolder rug, comfy chairs, more modern lamps and coffee table...

Thank you so much, Flo!

Thank you for all these beautiful ideas! Just a little more information about the arched opening. It is a 60" opening and 69" including the trim. What size demilune table should I look for? I'm thinking I should start with the artwork above the fireplace to get color inspirations; what size do you suggest? The fireplace mantle is 62". Leaning towards the layout with the sofa:) One last question... do you think I should ditch the radiator cover and paint the radiator? Should it be trim color or wall color? Thanks Flo:)

OK, good feedback. thanks. How much wall is on the front door side of the entry before the opening begins. I can make a change once I have that info. How wide is the arch at the bottom?

I have mixed feelings about the radiator cover. I have had a condo with radiators and I liked the covers because you could give them some use. I put granite tops on them and was then able to use them for some books, and plants. I can't see what the top surface is? You don't gain much by removing them IMO. I would paint them your trim color since they are basically trim. As to art, the size somewhat depends on what you are looking for in art. I have done all kinds of widths of art over mantels. The basic tradition is to have the art be approx. 2/3 as wide as the mantel. But with yours, I think you could go a bit wider and higher if you find something you love. Sometimes you find something you love and we have to create the visual space we need for the proper balance by adding candle sconces or tall candlesticks or some type additional element to properly proportion the area above the mantel. I would start by looking for something about 38-40" wide. How much space is there between the top of the mantel and the ceiling/crown? Your current tapestry? is too small as you probably know.

What colors are your drawn too and would like in your room?

Between the doorway and arch (bottom) is 12", arch with trim at bottom 69" then 31" of wall. 57" from top of mantel to ceiling. My mom brought me that tapestry from Belgium and I really never liked it but have had it over the fireplace for 20 years now, lol. Time for a change!! Also, the radiator cover is pretty basic being just wood and some metal screening. This is the radiator with and

without the cover.

Don't see the "without" pic. If it is in need, you could have it removed and sand blasted this summer and then painted. Might be just fine. For that window, try using a fabric roman shade or simple roller shade that matches your drapery fabric.

Original cast iron radiator, untouched:) Our 1900 home has a lot of charm but we do suffer in some regards. Behind the blinds is a big air conditioner that we can't live without in the summer and it is too heavy to remove. We have many 'warts' to cover:)

following

Tricia, perhaps this Houzz article on key measurements for your living room will be useful. Spotted it when I checked out Houzz on my phone today.

Thank you for all the great ideas! I rearranged the furniture I have and decided on Flo's #2 design with sofa table behind with two lights. Looking for two chairs and coffee table to start. Also will explore Fairway's idea on sconces above fireplace. So much to think about but I feel like I am not as overwhelmed so thank you again:)