looking for advice on family room upgrade

4 years ago

This is my bare and ugly looking family room. We have been here 9 years and I’m desperate to update it but am overwhelmed on how to start and what order to go in. Built in 1994, looking to make it inviting and make that wall look not so bare. Need to update fireplace too. Advice welcome and thanks in advance!!

Featured Answer

mindshift

4 years ago

Perhaps you do not have neighbors who can see into your house; nonetheless, I would add some blinds to the windows. Place a mirror or art over the fireplace between the sconces.

It does not matter how tall a wall is, you should place the center of any art between 58 and 62 inches. This center height is the natural focal point for adults. The only exception is for pieces larger than 48" tall. These are better with the center of the piece set between 48 and 54 inches. For these you might want to use painter's tape to outline the area before committing the hanger to the wall.

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Comments (8)

One Devoted Dame
4 years ago
Can the TV be moved to another room?
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elizabethdoubet
Original Author
4 years ago
It could but this is our main living area so I want to keep a tv in there.
deegw
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Curtain panels or blinds would go a long way to making the room look more cozy and finished. The clearance around your fireplace looks tight for panels but might work. An inside mount blind would work fine.

A longer TV cabinet would fill out that wall and give the whole tv space better proportions. You can add some color to the room with accessories on top of the new cabinet.

Add some large throw pillows to the sofa. Your space is neutral so almost any bright color will work. Use colors and patterns that make you smile.
deegw
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
celerygirl, a houzz member, photoshopped a longer tv cabinet and greenery in this space for another member. You can see how it makes a big difference. If you don't have the light for a plant you can use a tall colorful floor vase and tall filler.

Before

After
One Devoted Dame
4 years ago
Curtain panels or blinds would go a long way to making the room look more cozy and finished. The clearance around your fireplace looks tight for panels but might work. An inside mount blind would work fine.

Agreed.

The area *does* look tight for panels, but I think you'd be able to get away with a lighter material like sheers or a fine linen. I like having 8"-12" on either side of windows for curtains.

I also really like the layered look of blinds *and* drapery, if you're so inclined, lol.

A longer TV cabinet would fill out that wall and give the whole tv space better proportions.

Yep.

The TV should be about 2/3-3/4 of the length of the cabinet that goes under it.

As for filling the wall, how do you feel about gallery walls?

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mindshift
4 years ago
I did not mention curtains in my original post because 1) those corner windows don't have any room around them, and 2) I cannot figure how one would deal with those narrow windows above the main ones! Blinds or shades seemed the only option.
One Devoted Dame
4 years ago
1) those corner windows don't have any room around them [...]

That totally may be the case! I was hoping that OP would go measure, and see if she had 8" between window and fireplace. I might even fudge it for 6". Less than 6", though, and I'd have to pull the curtains all to the *other side* of the window, instead of splitting panels on each side.

But, I am a total fabric fanatic, so I realize that my rationalizations for adding curtains may not be completely kosher. :-)

2) I cannot figure how one would deal with those narrow windows above the main ones

I've had windows and transoms separated by a narrow strip of wall, similar to the OPs, and I made the mistake of putting the rod in between them. :-/ If you want to elongate the window and appreciate the taller ceilings, then the rod needs to be mounted closer to the ceiling. I dunno, say, in line with the bottom of the fireplace trim?