Stick with neutral sofas and add pattern/color with a large anchoring rug and two armchairs. You might try this arrangement and add a couple of stools to increase seating capacity.

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I like the grey Sofas. Maybe go a little lighter not as heavy with the color. I would also pick a large rug and chairs with some color. Will the couches be to Large with the console under the artwork.

When you say go a little lighter, do you mean about the sofa color? I'm flexible on couch color as long as it is neutral. The gray seemed to go with the quartz. The couches will be ok because the console is between them. Any suggestions for specific chairs? I'm concerned because a lot of armchairs, that I like are really wide compared to the 26inch ones that I have. Thank you both!

With the two quartz and metal tables, you have gone contemporary in the room and should change out to a different layout. The two sofas / two chairs are too stiff and formal, very 1970's, and you should go for a more relaxed look. The balloon-style valances over the windows should go as well. What I would suggest is to use an L-shaped sectional in the space to use the area of the one sofa / 2 chairs (sofa closest to the bookcase). Then anchor on the opposing side of the L-Sectional with a single chair. Crisp, clean and would work well with your new tables. The Fleming series by Taylor King would look good with the table/console. This link shows only the chaise variant, but all the pieces are there to make a "L". Take a look

https://www.taylorking.com/furniture/fleming-sectional/?category=sectionals

Duane Collie

I did mean a lighter grey sofa would be softer and a rug and some artwork and curtains. You could do greys, creams and blues or whatever you like. If you google apt size furnishing you will see many options for chairs. Duane does have a point that an L shaped sectional with the right proportions might look a little cleaner. And the chair. Good luck to you hope it turns out great.

I've got a few questions...

Your room and furniture are traditional and your new tables and future couch are modern.

Are you wanting a style overhaul? Do you want a more modern room instead??

Love the tables and the space, but as of now, there's a lack of identity going on.

Yes I want to move from traditional to more transitional or modern. The room was really full of heavy wood pieces in addition to the couches and chairs. I'm looking for a more streamlined look . I realize that right now it is a mess of styles which is why I want to get this project done.

Duane I like the idea of having a more casual layout but with the sectional and one chair, that would be seating for 4, correct? I generally have 8 people in the room.

The Sectional would be an "L" shape, and depending on your room dimensions could seat from 5 to 7 people. You don't want to overcrowd the space, and I can't really determine dimensions from your photos. It doesn't appear you can take a sofa segment / corner / sofa.

The best option for maximum seating would be a U-Shaped sectional around the new table, that actually would be very practical for entertaining. Something that looks similar to this photo (just for shape, not for style). What you should probably do is template your floor area and measure off your space to see the maximum that would fit in the room dimensionally. U-Shaped sectionals are great for having lively conversations, which sounds like what you may be looking for.

Using that Taylor King Fleming unit, go to this link and print out Page 2. These are to scale and you can cut them out and see how it fits, then have the dimensional values on them and try different configurations. This is exactly how I do it in the store for clients.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.taylorking.com/documents/6179.pdf

Here's just one configuration I laid out for you using the Taylor King Fleming unit, from the ,pdf printed out above. It shows how much space you would need to pull it off. I like the chaise on one end as it keeps the sectionals from feeling like being boxed in. You can get 8 people of this if everyone is friends. Just exploring ideas....

Duane Collie

I suggest bringing in your charcoal and and/or black accents in a side chair or two, and other accessories. That would keep your space more open, rather than having the heft of 2 dark, large pieces (i.e. sofas). I also believe going this way would make your color and style transitions simpler.

For example, in room below the dark patterned chair adds visual interest and drama, and coupled with the sofa and other lighter chair, allows for light/open feel.

But since you are planning on two sofas for the space, I would go with light/white sofas, and you could do 2 chairs in charcoal, maybe one with a pattern and one without, something along those lines. Or just two solid colored chairs.

Some of elements in room below could also work in your space. Black shaded lamp, gold tray, etc. Your current floor lamp is nice, also. And art in both pics I posted has black frames + more white in matting, which may work with your tables and the general direction you're going towards.

Following. Just to be clear you are doing a sweep of the entire room? New paint, couches, etc. It is a lovely room. The colors are so inviting and comfortable. Could you do a drawing of the room with it's measurements, doors and windows included. It looks as if you have space to add more seating it is just hard to see the whole room. Sometimes folks will take sequential pictures of a room by starting at one area, such as the edge of the opening and ending where they began. It is so helpful. You did a great job with this room. I am certain you will do a great job on your remodel. Marcie

I don’t think your current couches or room are dated. They look like ones that currently sell at pottery barn. I would switch out the red thow And pillows to ones with more modern colors. Like a previous poster mentioned adding a transitional rug would also help you move away from the traditional feel of your room.

I like this room. The only thing I would change would be the chairs. You can go with neutral chairs or chairs with patterns to add some color to the room.

Wow you all are so helpful. Thank you so much. Here are some photos of dimensions of the room . My current layout has the two chairs looking out to the street which I kind of like.

Hello Ann,

do you have for (4) matching chairs that would fit in that room for you? What about two chairs against the wall on the street side of the room and two chairs where they are in the picture we have? Sort of the way you have it in the first picture you drew out for us but just add two more chairs on the opposite end. That would give you enough room for eight seats. Perhaps the couch table could go behind the two seater On the right side as you face the street. There seems to be enough room behind it to do that. Even if you don't have matching chairs Perhaps you could bring a couple of chairs in when the group meets. Also, I wonder if lamps could go on the couch table if it is in the back of the couch? If you like the red and want to keep it how about adding an area rug into that space that would pull all the colors in the room Together. Just some thoughts and suggestions. Hope you are doing well. Marcie

I would suggest an “L” shaped sofa with the new marble top sofa table behind the sofa, two chairs in front of the bookcase, and as suggested by someone else, two stools between the windows. I would also add two wall lights on the wall between the two windows (have an electrician add the wall units).

follow...

After the magnolia prints go, replace with something colorful framed in metal similar in scale and color as new table legs. Make the mats large and white, toward gray, to pop off the wall, but in keeping with quartz tops. Faux silver leaf the 2 existing side chairs and reupholster if cost effective. Paint out the back wall of the bookcase like the bottom shelf of the coffee table, but at 1/2 tint, otherwise it will look black. The color through the windows is twisted, but inspiring nonetheless. I think the rug, window treatments, pillows and accessories in turquoise, lemon and white would look great with the flooring and current wall color if that's not being repainted.

Hi, Ann ... I did a board with a transitional look. More modern, but with a slight traditional feel, and no MCM, as you stated. Since you entertain guests here, I absolutely would not get a sectional.

Not suggesting these exact pieces, but just to show an example. It’s fairly monochromatic, but you could certainly bring in more color with pillows, different rug, accessories. I used the sofa you linked to, and a graceful chair that is 29 in wide. My goal was to find things cohesively mixing both warm and cool tones. I think it’s a style and direction that nicely fit what I see of your home, while still being the big changes you want. It would allow you to collect art, accessories, etc over time, rather than basically having to gut the entire room because of any clashing or anything looking disjointed.

(For the record, I like your current furniture and think you could work with it, with some changes. But I also understand wanting a fresh look.)

Uttermost chair:

https://www.houzz.com/products/elegant-black-and-white-curved-armchair-prvw-vr~89786339

This rug:

https://incrediblerugsanddecor.com/collections/karastan-titanium-rug-collection/products/karastan-titanium-transcendent-gray-area-rug

Not in mock-up, but saw this cool drinks table for between chairs:

https://www.uttermost.com/Sanaga-Drink-Table--Gold-25061/?SelectedSKU=25061

Another idea is to recover your chairs, and do a different finish (since you’re wanting to go in a transitional direction). I saw these on the Uttermost site:

https://www.uttermost.com/Willa-Armchair-23095/?SelectedSKU=23095

Or ... zebra? (I’m just kidding.) 😁

unless I missed it, you haven't mentioned what your budget is. Any feeling for any of these?

Safavieh Couture Dilan Leather Safari Chair, Black/Brown · More Info

you didn't ask but I think the pair of magnolia prints are not quite right for your new quartz console table. I would either replace them with one much taller rectangle with a modern thrust, photo or poster, or just use one magnolia print (the darker one) and put some tall decorative objects with a modern feel on the table, along with a plants that won't compete with the magnolia, but maybe drape down a bit over the tables edge.

one modern print

"Empire State" by Vintage Apple Collection, Canvas Art · More Info

or with the dark botanical print

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oh -- and how about a waterfall valence instead of what you have?

Brooke Faux-Silk Blackout Grommet Waterfall Valance, Natural, 18"x23" · More Info

Get the rug FIRST. You can choose from hundreds of furniture fabric swatches, but there will be less variety or choices in rugs. Get a fabulous rug and the rest will be easy to choose.

I agree with the advice to get the rug first. I would not use an L shape sofa. We had a leather L shaped sectional that was beautiful, but even in really large rooms, it ate up too much space.

I rather think that the only thing that doesn't go in your L/R are the 2 chairs. They don't look comfortable to sit on, and don't go with/complement the rest of the look of the room.

About 35 years ago my mom bought a townhouse and furnished it herself. She bought 2 smaller swivel rockers, covered in a light green velvet. I LOVE those chairs! Being of smaller stature, I can't sit in oversized furniture - it hurts my back unless I can raise my feet up. Something to think of when you're looking for seats for company - it really should be comfy for folks of all sizes, not just those 6' and taller.

I went on line and found these - not too expensive, good reviews, and part of what folks liked about them is they aren't too big... And personally, I have found that chairs with lower backs - barrel sort of shape - are very comfortable. There's room for your arms to be on the arms of them, there is't a high back pushing on my heard - or sticking up blocking the view of the room. It's just a favorite comfort style for me... Others who come to my house seem to like sitting in them too...

https://www.amazon.com/Christopher-Knight-Home-298869-Cecilia/dp/B07CBFYGJM/ref=sr_1_28?dchild=1&keywords=swivel+rocker&qid=1587909381&s=furniture&sr=1-28#customerReviews

Personally, I love chairs that move: rock, swivel, glide. There's an extra comfort factor to having that fluidity and flexibility... Less stress on the neck looking to folks on the left and right sofa...

BTW: I bought a couple of West Elm (Oliver) chairs that are more of the barrel design. Liked the look and the feel when new. But I found the seat cushion itself wasn't very thick and wore down quickly. Not all new stuff is built that great... Try to test drive them first, feel the thickness of the seat cushion, or be sure you have a good return policy....

I love your couches and I would keep them. Maybe move the, around the room to find the best arrangement. Get a wonderful carpet in a colour that you love and then get the two chairs in perhaps a matching or co ole ent art colour and then add cushions and a throw to finish the look. And maybe also get two new pictures for the wall. Incorporating a

the colours or even a nice big framed. Irit to match the consul table. Good luck you have a nice room and I don’t see that you need to do so much

Freedomplace1 and jinx submit some beautiful ideas. I’m big on flow. i wouldn’t do sectional in a room that size. What we can’t see is how this space connects to others.

Looking on Room &Board to match your sofa and size requirements, what about the Novato chair in Cowhide. The Jonas lounge chair, or Lira lounge chair would work too!

Even if you decide the room needs a rug, I liked the one Jinx proposed, but I would suggest something very low key, maybe jute or another textured, grounding style. Your existing wood floor has a light hue, and would look for a run that forms a bond between the wood floor and the charcoal of the upholstery and the stone and metal tables.

River Sand Jute Area Rug, 8'x10' · More Info

I want to add that I really like the rust throw that you have on the sofa now, and it will look nice with the new gray sofa. Looking at your living room, I would be tempted to consider painting the bookcase entirely in the same rust brick color as that throw. If I were standing in the room and saw the bookcase I might change my mind, but when I look at the photo -- I'm tempted! Farrow & Ball has a couple of colors called Book Room Red or Picture Gallery Red that are what I am imagining.

I had a suggestion earlier. Now I love the idea from Jinx, keep the sofas, recover the chairs (love that idea!), I would still add two wall lights, in the evening you will not have the natural light, and two stools (suggested in an earlier post) placed where you now have the sofa table. Sofa table placed behind sofa opposite the bookcase. People can place their drinks there too. The little round cocktail table Jinx suggest is so lovely! All anchored with a fabulous rug Jinx suggested. .

Jinx- love that drinks table- do you know or remember where you found it?
Btw- love idea of recovering those chairs!

following

Hello Ann,

How is it going? So many wonderful ideas. By the way I am curious; what program are you using to put your floor plan together? I have one that is a 3D design program that I like but I like to explore new ones when I can. The one I use is call Home by me. It is user friendly. At least I think it is. You may like it. Marcie

Your second graph-paper design layout is a winner!

See what this design does for you:

Gives you a clear, easy pathway to all the seating in the room.

Placement of the two chairs gives clear visuals to both your bookcase and into the next room = open and comfortable!

Placement of your sofa on the long wall creates a strong anchor for the seating group.

My recommendations:

(Please look at my planning-ideas photo below.)

Keep all your furniture, which is very well chosen and attractive.

Replacing your existing chairs is a waste of money and time, quite frankly I do not know of a more interesting, better choice than these two graceful, curvy chairs: They’ll look great when approaching from the back and the upholstery offers interesting accent colors. (These colors would be great to pick up in odd, colorful pieces on the bookcase and to carry throughout the room.)

What I would add:

THE ROOM LACKS A FOCAL POINT:

Buy one very large, inexpensive canvas landscape. (Example: 40 x 40 “Silver Leaves Canvas Art Print” $39.99 https://www.kirklands.com/product/Art-Wall-Decor/Art/Canvas-Art/Silver-Leaves-Canvas-Art-Print/pc/2283/c/2293/sc/2673/244340.uts

Give yourself a focal point and colors that you like that repeat colors on your two graceful chairs (Yes, your chairs are traditional and this landscape light, airy and a modern interpretation of a traditional design: But feel free to gracefully mix styles by repeating the colors and the “mood” to get what you want.) By the way, this particular landscape repeats the color of your coffee table.

THE WINDOWS OFFER NO INTERESTING VIEW AND NO PRIVACY: $130

Buy good-looking plantation-style blinds for inside-mount in your three windows. (Example: White Cordless Faux Wood Blinds with 2 in. Slats $43 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-White-Cordless-2-in-Faux-Wood-Blind-35-in-W-x-72-in-L-Actual-Size-34-5-in-W-x-72-in-L-10793478352425/300053220

This allows you to control the sunlight, the view, and your privacy.

(Measure inside the window: at the top, middle, and bottom. Subtract ½” from the smallest measurement. Have the width of your blinds cut to this width, which is included in the price.)

THE ROOM NEEDS A RUG TO ANCHOR THE CONVERSATIONAL GROUPING: @$200

Your rug appears to be an 8 x 10, which you may very well have good reason for choosing. However, I would ordinarily recommend a rug to encompass all the seating, so I would usually go with a 10 x 13.

I always recommend polypropylene (or any such-like material) because this rug will take whatever you dish out: Wine, mustard, etc.

If you put an inexpensive rug padding (bought at your local carpet store: That which is put under wall-to-wall), your rug will feel expensive, even luxurious.

Examples:

TRADITIONAL: Cape Cod Beige 10' 0 x 13' 0 Area Rug $175 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Unique-Loom-Espahan-Cape-Cod-Beige-10-0-x-13-0-Area-Rug-3137526/302716121

CONTEMPORARY: Jardin Ivy Multi 10' 0 x 13' 0 Area Rug $213

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Unique-Loom-Jardin-Ivy-Multi-10-0-x-13-0-Area-Rug-3126068/301076471

You could choose to accompany your rug with a traditional-patterned drape (example below) or a solid or striped color.

THE ROOM IS “BOXY” AND LACKS SOFTNESS: $150

An easy fix is to add floor-to-ceiling-length, inexpensive DRAPERIES on each of the three windows. (You could mount these up and under your existing valances. You could also choose to add some subtle, decorative trim to your valances --- Example: a glued-on, simple braid of grey, an inch or so from the edge. You could try it --- if you don't like it, don't glue it!)

Each drape should be drawn back: Two framing the sofa on the sofa-focal point wall (with the long side closest to the sofa, so the draping leads the eye toward the sofa) and one to frame the opposite window (long side away from the sofa)

Example: Home Decorators Collection, Semi-Opaque Plazzo 96 in. L Cotton Drapery Panel in Sea Breeze, 100% cotton with a 3 in. rod pocket $52 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Semi-Opaque-Plazzo-96-in-L-Cotton-Drapery-Panel-in-Sea-Breeze-9833510810/300820929

You would also need three decorative tie-backs: $25

Montevilla 5/8 in. Facet Ball Holdback Pair in Vintage Bronze, Steel construction for durability and strength, Includes mounting hardware for easy installation $8 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Montevilla-5-8-in-Facet-Ball-Holdback-Pair-in-Vintage-Bronze-680656136454/204201047

CONTINUE TO REPEAT YOUR COLORS, TO CARRY THROUGH AND UNIFY YOUR DESIGN:

Add a few toss pillows: Consider some “Faux Suede” solids (easy-care microfiber, great for naps!), then have fun with whatever interests you in smaller pillows (if that’s your cup of tea).

Consider using wall paper behind the shelves on your book case: Inexpensive & interesting

Add decorative items to carry out “your theme”: Look for whimsical, “fun” things.

FINAL SUGGESTION:

I’d keep that coffee table because it is a nice, generously-sized table.

You could put on the table:

A combination of interesting items to express family interests, what you like to do. Example: A couple of books, displayed against one another, perhaps along with something that goes with it (Handsome, travel books and a little globe).

Add a circle shape to break up the table’s “squareness” Example: A big, round basket, used to contain interesting or useful things) or a tray (perhaps with matching coasters/napkins that are great to have at hand for sitting around in comfort).

Soften up the look with “staging” to create a mood, a scene

Example: Playing a game (such as Monopoly, etc.) = On the tabletop, put a board game or stack two or three. Use the shelf in the table for the four pillows that match your chairs: These pillows could convey the concept of easy relaxation, sitting around the table, playing a game.

You have superb taste, so why not have fun with the lovely things you already have?

For way less than a thousand dollars, you can take this beautiful room and make it spectacular!

Enjoy yourself!

Wishing you and yours safe and happy, Leslie Isbell

Hi, Elisa! Here you go (it also comes in silver):

https://www.uttermost.com/Sanaga-Drink-Table--Gold-25061/?SelectedSKU=25061

LampsPlus is one store that carries it:

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/uttermost-sanaga-10-inch-wide-textured-antique-gold-drink-table__83w85.html

And of course you can do a search for others that carry it. It really is a sweet table, I’m trying to think of a spot for it myself. 😄

oooops! I just realized your first post said you DON'T want midcentury modern for your chairs. So scratch my chair and art suggestions!

I agree with a lot of comments here, with one exception. Your chairs, which I love (French style), are more like dining chairs to me, and not for sitting for long periods. I would pick something with something a little more cushion. For example:

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Santa Monica Bungalow · More Info

These seem more comfortable, whatever style you choose.

Another idea I've seen here is to put wallpaper or even paint on poster board to fit into the backs of your bookcase. Easy to change when you want. Good luck!

During the virus, I am focusing on Gratitude and I can't say enough how grateful I am to all of you for your expertise. Many of you took time from your lives to put some real thought into this project. For whatever reason this project just makes me stressed. I'm torn by thinking of the environment and wondering if I should replace things. I like the idea of recovering the two side chairs, I'm thinking of the economy and what's the best use of my money. I'm thinking of long

term- don't want anything trendy. I used to have a rust colored rug in this room, but got rid of it just to see if the room felt more open and airy without it. I appreciate the suggestions for replacing the valances and if you have others bring them on- again trying to keep it airy in there. I do plan to replace the botanicals. At any rate, I plan to print all these ideas and try to force myself to make some decisions.......but keep those ideas coming. YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!

Mae Day I forgot to answer your question. I am not using a design program. That was one used by a designer I was consulting with at a furniture store pre-virus.