I like it, it’s a huge improvement. Those sheers helped tremendously to lighten and warm the room, it feels more cozy to me and I would definitely curl up with a book and a cup of tea in there.

I would not paint the fireplace and I think the carpet is fine. I would change the pillows, go with a different color than burgundy.

The Botanical Collection · More Info

Hi Ezett, Your sheers have brought the 'outside in' to the room well. To further that, I would like to see your burgundy chair re upholstered in a soft but strong botanical print and then match up with large pillows on the sofa to balance the room. The coffee table switched to large sofa, might be better. Definitely a large artwork! Its a lovely room with good bones! No rugs over carpet though :)

I think it looks lovely now....as Grover suggested, some art...that speaks to you...then go from there.

We have all wood floors, and I really miss carpet in the living room. If the carpet is nice and in good shape, I would leave it! I think it’s looking great so far, and I’d just keep adding details. What Lynartist did looks great...something along those lines would look really nice!

Great room and going the right direction! When in doubt; move it out! Consider removing ALL from the room except the two white sofas and drapes. No chair, art, accessories, tables, lamps, pillows or little stuff. Now, go raid your closet and bring your favorite colored pieces from it to the blank white canvas of your living room to help you find a direction that makes you feel as good as the piece of clothing does when you wear it. Go shopping for art you love and upholstery fabric for the chair that feature that favorite color, and get enough fabric for some pillows for the sofa. Is that color one you'd like to see on the walls; perhaps in a lighter shade? Get new tables that are no taller than the arms of the seats they sit beside and are large enough for a table lamp.Once that is all in place, you shop for throws, vases, candles, a floor lamp, etc.

Your room is very nice. Can the sofa and loveseat be swapped? Then I would look at adding color thru wall art and pillows. Not sure what color you want to move to but if u find things with a little burgandy, it will tie the chair until it can be recovered. Love the sheers. For the mantle, think of what u are drawn to. Or start a new collection that u and your husband can enjoy together.

Its a beautiful room with good bones. I recommendedrecommend:

1. Rearrange the furniture. Have the 2 sofas face each otherother - extending out f om the fireplace wall.

2. Layer a pretty new rug over the existing carpet - between the dofas and place the coffee table in the middle.

3. Face the arm chair achair. Towards the fireplace. (Between the end of the sofas)

4 iPILLOWS

5. New art - maybe a mirror.

6. LED candles w/ lanter, or

pillars..

Hi Everyone - THANK YOU SO MUCH for your kind words of encouragement and suggestions.

I think I got a plan....we will start by recovering the chair to set the color theme and then go from there.

QUESTION: CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH THE TABLE? I went shopping and failed. What does a WOOD transitional table look like? I am trying to avoid glass because I wanted the wood to add color into the room. I tried to find a wood and black metal table (to match the curtain rods) and found nothing in 8 stores. I understand that my queen anne table is "too traditional." OH - I don't like round tables, they throw me off when decorating. I prefer rectangular so if that is an option, can you upload an image of what a transitional table looks like? Thanks!

This could be transitional. But wood doesn't add color to a room. Wood is a neutral, part of the background. It won't add any more color than a glass table would.

Archive Grey Coffee Table + Reviews | Crate and Barrel · More Info

You add color with pillows, throws, curtains, upholstery, painted furniture.

I suggest you find a great piece of art and use that to inform your color palette before you reupholster the chair.

You have a lot of hard edges/lines in the room, so please reconsider a round coffee table or ottoman. It also allows for easier flow when walking by.

I like your coffee table. There's no reason to get rid of it if you like it. It is traditional, but a mix of elements in a room gives it some character. So glad you're not going into farmhouse whatever. You've done a great job!

Your cherry mantle is staying- correct? If so, have a least one other piece of wood in the room of the same or similar tone. I tried to find a table that would coordinate with your cherry mantle- and make the table accessible to seated guests from both the sofa and love seat. Since you don't like round, choose a square, or two rectangular tables that will "match-up" I found a square concave leg table with a similar wood tone and interesting lines and curve to the legs. Soften the bold square shape with a round tray to the top to organize the display, and allow guests to place their glass on the table.

Walnut Finish Elmwood Chinese Ming Rectangle Coffee Table · More Info

Stage the coffee table with a round tray, containing a vase, some books, other objects of interest....

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/214835844706731560/

ETA.

If you chose an ottoman... They look comfy to put your feet, but require a guest to stretch to set their glass on a tray.

Maybe oval instead of round.

wayfair.com

Your room looks much better! If you can, get a different coffee table and end tables in the style you are going for. If not, try placing the coffee table in front of the couch, not the love-seat.

I think some new, contemporary throw pillows will help.

I like sheers in general, but maybe in your room, some warmer, textured curtains would be better to bring in some coziness.

Lastly, I'm not a big fan of a rug on top of a carpet, but maybe an area rug could break up the pristine ivory carpet and make people feel less "nervous" being in there.

This room would be a great place for people to have "quiet time", or if entertaining, a nice place to have conversation away from the TV room. Enjoy it!

Try a black Asian inspired coffee table. It’s a natural with those white sofas and that rosewood colored fireplace surround!

Your room looks really good as is.

Unless a hearth is to be used for sitting on it, I'm not generally a fan of a raised one but yours suits the style of the room an goes well with the flooring and white walls..

Like all that natural light, especially with the white walls with the cherry mantel.

I like your burgundy wing back. Unless it's worn, don't redo it to just change the color -- it suits your room as is. All the wood in a room doesn't need to match but if you're planning to change that chair in any way, you might consider darkening and adding red to the wood feet. A red scratch cover product might do that.

The legs on the coffee table appear to be Queen Ann cherry, which goes well with the mantel. If you're going to change the coffee table, stay with rounded corners rather than adding a knee knocker to the room.

The end table in the left foreground seems a bit small and short so if you're going to change any furniture, you might be on the lookout for a taller narrow end table you truly like.

Great ideas. I would rearrange the furniture by swapping the position of the long sofa and love seat. I would pull them in toward the fireplace and add a square table that each piece of furniture can reach. By pulling the furniture closer together, you will create a cozier feeling. Art over fireplace is key to defining your color palette. Do you have any collections of china other colorful items? If you give me the room measurements and the big furniture measurements I can do a scale drawing for you to save you time in moving items around. It is a very room and you have done a really nice job. Btw one way to help in rooms with neutral palettes is to add texture not necessarily color! It softens and yet keeps things from being boring. The fireplace surround is beautiful and with perhaps a vase or two with texture on the hearth might help too. As for dining table I agree with I think it was groveraxle that wood doesn’t add color. Do you have a size in mind?

Wood might not add "color" but it does add warmth and, if well chosen (classic rather than fad) a bit of class. Choose something that both meets your needs (storage shelf below?) and that will hold value -- sturdy and made from real wood(rather than wood look). Would not choose a "modern" metal and glass table for a room with a classic fire place surround.

Well goodness, coffee tables don’t have to be wood to add warmth and interest to a room! They come in innumerable types of materials;-).

Btw, this room is not a mess! It has great bones and you have done nice job. Now just some tweaking to give it a polished, fresh look. You are 80%there!

What did you end up doing with your stairs? May we please see!!

So great!!

The problem with that room is that it is so freaking boring! There's no YOU in it! It looks like a sample room in a furniture store.

Fix that. Get stuff in there that shows you, your history, your life, your travels. Make the room interesting; the furniture is just backdrop. This is a public space in your private home. Show yourselves off.

Get rid of everything from a décor store (and the painting, if it's not real). Put interesting stuff in there from your life--conversation starters.

I really dislike the coffee table; it's not my style. But if it held a piece of pottery from a trip to New Mexico, I'd never notice the table.

It's a very pleasant space and even nicer with just the sheers. Now, make it yours. Make it you.

Thank you!! They turned out perfect! Just beautiful

Your stairs look fantastic..

Tatts - The reason the room is so boring is because I was hearing everyone tell me to remove all of the knick-knacks that you can see in the before image at the top, but then I wasn't sure what things to add to the room that were okay to use. I did move the coffee table in front of the couch and then I moved the small gold table from my grandmother next to the loveseat in the corner and added a plant as was suggested. Yes the Kinkade is real - but everyone seems to want it removed and replaced with something that fits a transitional decor. Still processing that as my husband gave it to me. But back to the knick-knacks, I am trying to figure out what is okay to add and what will add too much clutter.

You are doing great! Your room is the perfect neutral backdrop- you can do anything with it! It is very similar to my last house, down to the “only used holidays” living room!

I assume you you are working with a real life budget. So that’s where my ideas are based.

My ideas will keep you under the cost that you’d spent reupholstering the chair alone.

The biggest thing that now dates the room is the artwork over the mantel. It creates a dark hole, leaving the viewer “sucked in”. The art and mantel should contrast each other a bit. Consider moving the art to a place where it stands alone, maybe a hallway or guest room. Consider something colorful from TJMaxx or Homegoods:

Don’t reupholster the chair- use a quality slipcover from Surefit. This particular one covers two burgundy wing chairs in my entryway. Because the area is used more for “show” the slight shifting of covers won’t be a true irritant. Can find on sale for about $100. Will voice for this pattern only- read all reviews if you go this direction!

Recover some of the throw pillows to tie in chair, add season ones to make yourself happy! Amazon rocks for this. Buy 18” inserts if your current ones are too small.

Pick colors to tie art, chair color to pillows. The corduroy pillows feel great, the linen ones are holiday fun!

I

Will add more in another post, my additional pics won’t load.............

I like the cherry surround and you have mentioned anyway that painting it is not an option.…and I think it looks fine with the other darker wood in the room for contrast. I would add colour by putting a small scatter rug perhaps underneath the coffee table. A large rug on top of the carpet will creep but a small one could look nice and be anchored by the coffee table.

You could then pull in some of the pillow colours that would go with the rug and the pillows would contrast a bit less as they wouldn't be the only dots of color.

Took another look at your first photo with the knickknack problem. I have the same problem here in my place. In fact my whole thread was started around that topic… haha. A couple of things that have worked for me are: don't put knickknacks on every surface. Pick one or two display areas in the room and then don't have anything on the other surfaces. For example you could use your mantle piece and then a side table. Your mantle is probably ideally suited for doing vignettes.

The second helpful thing is to rotate your knickknacks. If you have things that were given to you or that you treasure and you want to display them create seasonal displays rather than displaying them all at once.

And the third thing is to learn how to put together a vignette, there's a few tricks to it. I've picked these up, not from my thread but just by reading about it. It helps if your objects are displayed in a cohesive kind of layout as opposed to just lined up. I can see you've done a bit of that in the original but then there's just too many of them. They do bring personality into the room however and colour so I would bring some of them back keeping the above in mind. I think you have a really beautiful room and it's not going to take much to make it work.

Sorry, but I don’t think the previous statements about the “room being .....boring are helpful at all”. Ignore those comments. You are at the stage of determining best layout and then comes accessorizing. It is always good to remove existing accessories and start with clean palette. I like to use the “rule of 3”. So, three items clustered together at 3 different heights is good starting point. Repeat main accent color you want 3 times. If you can’t reupholster the chair right now, get a long cream thin blanket and fold it so it can be a stripe down center of burgundy chair. I would use black and cream as accent colors with gold as complimentary metal. Leave the painting over mantel. Such a beautiful gift. A pair of large jars either side of art is all you need there. I will pull together some ideas for you. Bbl

A light colored tray (round or oval) filled with decor could update your coffee table. Just search for “tray on coffee table”, so many vignettes to inspire you. The tray will frame the smaller decor items. Too many small items “not contained” feels busy, not restful.

The same with mantel decor. You have got a great start. Copy the look of something you like. Google “model home living room”. Decorators master just enough, not too much decor!

On the subject of pillows, a total of four is probably plenty. A solid and a lighter pattern on each sofa. Coordinate colors to the artwork.

The Kinkade is a nice piece, and many of us own them. Understand the value both in $ and sentiment. Moving artwork around the house can make the whole place feel “fresh”, and moving things is free.

Check the Homegoods near you a couple times a week. The same new thing can be clearanced priced on a back wall.

Have fun! Don’t take this too seriously. Don’t be afraid to check garage sales, auctions, consignment stores, and online sellers locally. (Take a friend with you if buying/selling online......) People redecorate regularly- their change might be your score!

Your room is perfect, have fun!

Lovely room. And lovely advice above from Flo. No need to buy "art you love" if you already love your art. I also like your chair just the way it is.

Styling a coffee table example here-

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L9YRJB6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I'm not suggestion this particular coffee table for your space, but rather I ask that you absorb the styling tips shown in the image. The items are grouped in a pack of 3s. The tray's design repeats the pattern on the table sides- (open work metal). The candle holders echo the same detail. If you had a geometric rug, it would have the same repetition effect.

-Rearrange the coffee table in front of the sofa. I suggest two of this rectangular shape to allow those seated on the love seat easy access to the table, or choose a square The shape of the rectangular table in the link above would let you use two tables side by side..

-In this room the fireplace is the focal point. You have a cherry mantle, which is lovely. As I wrote above, it is best to repeat elements to make relationships between your items.

Avoid the high cost of reupholstering the Poppa chair or purchasing an area rug with updated accessories. Remove the dried flower ring on the candlestick. I suggested jewel tone wine, blue, linen patterned pillows from PB's sale to soften the harsh color blocking of the wine cream (before) decor.

Is that a T. Kincade painting? If you love it, then keep it. If not, then show your personality.. You could enlarge and frame several photographs to display on the. mantle.... (Walgreens is my go to for enlargements) This pic of the mantle below is an asymmetrical display layout, but it is balanced by the height of the objects. Frames: on sale- https://www.michaels.com/search?q=Belmont%20

A Modern Gem · More Info

If you prefer a more symmetrical mantle, try this mix below. Although I don't suggest an ottoman for your table, as it is a precarious place for seated guests to place a drink, even with a tray, I hope you see how the ottoman table echoes the TONE and SHAPE of the fireplace. (Note the bit of sparkle offered by the metal vase below and metal spire on the mantle)

Cherry Mantle- & -Coffee Table

A warm toned wood coffee table would compliment and relate to the cherry mantle, but the current one (Queen Anne) is too small for the furniture arrangement. The Asian leg tables have curved legs. Look at the arc of leg. That prevents anyone from walking into a cornerr. .

Styling: Add some reflective elements by using a few metal accessories in your coffee table display items, lamps, a picture frame on the mantle. You have that disc, but it is hard to see what's written on it. Transitional leans to cool metal mirror accents

Here are some ideas for you.

Art is personal. I think you can probably do without the picture light; it isn’t hardwired and the cord isn’t a good look. I’m not crazy about the light here either. When doing future accessories think big. What you had was just a lot of smaller items that created a cluttered look. Less items, but larger! The chair is sentimental. Don’t let that color dictate your future design. It’s time to give it a whole new look so reupholster it.

Your room is attractive and I find the monochromatic look calm and sophisticated. Much better without the knickknacks. I don't think it looks impersonal at all.

As it is, the wing chair is not part of the conversation area in the room, and to my eye it makes the room look a bit awkward or even unfriendly since no-one would choose to sit there.

I suggest that you switch the side table to the fireplace side of the wing chair, and pull the wing chair as close to the sofa as you can without blocking the traffic path. It will be closer to the fireplace which is also good - it should look like an inviting chair to read a book at the fireside on a chilly day. Don't try to center it in the nook - I'd put a plant in the nook. For the same reason, move the love seat closer to the fireplace by a foot or so.

I like the burgundy color but whatever color you choose, it needs to be repeated to look intentional. Maybe a burgundy and cream print on the pillows instead of the solid color, to avoid the spotty look. And a burgundy throw over the sofa or love seat and/or a cream throw over the back of the wing chair.

Your pillows look firm and uninviting. Replace them with ones a bit larger, and with softer filling such as down or feather/down. Given the satiny texture of your sofa, velvet or velour pillow covers would look good as a contrast and to add a soft touch.

I have no problem with a room being traditional btw. I just think it’s more interesting if you mix some transitional and ethnic pieces into the mix. Ouch a color that you love for the chair and let that take you were you want to go.

Not Ouch! Pick.

I put a blue and white chair in my montage for you if you decide to reupholster your chair. I would do the back in a coordinating blue velvet or chenille and a blue and white trim on other parts. Consider blue velvet piping for the cushion for added punch.

Here is example. Then you could add urns for mantel and some white/cream and blue pillows along with tall fiddle fig in room.

Here is rough mock up. Of course, your family chair would be where I put the sample chair so the blue and white combo can shine. It will also make the Kincaid paint shine!

The stairs have turned out SO well! Congratulations!

There is great advice in this thread for not only you ezzett36 but anyone who is wanting to change up their room (s). It is change of season time so perfect timing!!

ezett36: Important things from your life aren't knick-knacks. Chinese-sweatshop décor items are knick-knacks.

And, this ain't a museum, it's a room to be lived in. Don't "style" the coffee table like that; it's silly and precious. And there's no room left for...coffee, croissant, and napkins (and books--especially photo books about artists, parks and birds--are meant to be picked up and read, not to build pedestals for knick-knacks--especially with their titles upside down!).

It's a swell space, bring your life into it. Start roaming around your house, the stuff doesn't have to be expensive, but it must be about you.

And if you don't have such things, start keeping an eye open. Go to art shows--outdoors this time of year--have lunch, some beer, get some sun, buy or don't buy, it's the experience. Pick up cool things when you travel. You don't have to finish that room and cast it in amber any time soon.

I see that you are looking for transitional colour and interest. By keeping the big (and often most expensive) items neutral as you have, you can change up 'the look' with colour in accessories (as mentioned above) on a seasonal basis. Bring sofas in closer to the hearth as suggested by Flo to make feel cosier. Add bigger feather pillows in colours to coordinate with your chair. Add a grouping of plant and books on your coffee table. Add a throw to your chair to relate to your sofa. Then add some lovely white church candles. You have that enviable position of being able to change the colour way next season without major expense. I do this regularly, it keeps the room fresh and ALways there's comments from friends, such as she's changed things again! Its usually just the pillows! All fun!

The fireplace opening looks unfinished. Maybe a free standing screen or glass doors would give it the finishing touch...

These may be a bit fancy for this room, but there are many architectural trims available that can be used for either of the above options that would be suitable for this room such as these:

We provide a Free Fireplace Door Design Service for those who email pictures to us where we can show you how various screens and doors might look on your fireplace.

Hansen Wholesale

Custom Fireplace Doors

Custom Fireplace Screens