"they're already upholstered in something neutral. Does that change your mind? " I think I like the simplicity of a solid for your table, because it's all very elegant together, although more formal. It might be a bit much with two directly on the rug. Is the cream even available? The blue would be a muddle of patterns, I think, without more contrast in color. I do think you might be able to do a flame on the drapes. I can definitely picture a chair in the corner without clashing. This post was edited by snookums2 on Fri, Jan 11, 13 at 13:19

Doppelgänger. The two chairs are different despite their similarities. I think if you upholster them in an identical way it will serve to highlight the differences rather than make them look like a "set". Since you want a more contemporary look I would do them slightly different using the same fabrics in both. (I love the fabric Les found!) Maybe even keep one with cushion, and one without, like they are now. I would not paint the wood. I think the natural wood seems richer than painted in that style, and you are not going for a Shabby Chic look with the upholstery so don't paint them. With all that black in the fabric painting the wood black might be overkill and make them look flat and uninteresting. Of course this might depend on the overall decor in the room....Do you already have a lot of painted pieces? Or a lot of natural pieces?

laurie_2008 - I always think of you as the resident expert upholsterer, thank you for chiming in and for the link. I will try to center the fabric and post. After I posted I wondered whether I'd hear that one should start from the seat BACK vs. the seat.... I think it depends on what one is trying to highlight, as well. holly-kay - thanks but I can't quite figure out how the combinations of colors would work!! OOOH beverly27 - I really, really like the contrast presented by your photoshopped version with the white built-ins and the green wall. Thank you - this is not something I had yet considered. Major issue in real life - this is the NW side of the house and there is not a lot of sun. I am not sure the 'green' will ever be seen so may want to stick with the white built-ins to lighten up this side of the house. Other reasons for the built-ins - I'd like to move the cable box and xbox to one of the built in cabinets, to remove from view. Also, am trying for sleight of hand; ceiling is tall, with flashy lights above, often in pictures, this room looks narrow, so would like to widen the room, which I think can be done with the bookcases.

Whats happened with the Sofa Seat "Tee" filling between the two photos? Has the filling has gone on vacation? Well to start with the the book shelf is underperforming its duty as a statement piece in the room. Its a bit pedestrian and way under scale. Not sure of your seating needs but there is too much furniture in the room with the 2 sofas. If the room is not too narrow I woud put a narrow sofa table to pull the sofa off the wall. I'd move the rug further out from the sofa. Hopefully the two chairs are being upholstered in a contempory orange contrasting color. This room needs no more Robins egg blue. The curtains woud be nice in a wide 2 color striped textile hanging vertically, STYLE: TEXTILE using a large gromet in a flat nickel finish. Restoration Hardware.... There is nothing archectural about the room, it would be helped by some wide window casings and beefier base and crown Mouldings (see fireplace image) Some other paint suggestions TRIM BODY