Congrats! Can you please add pictures showing all directions of the room? That will help us see what you already have and might lead to more helpful suggestions for the room.

Can we have some measurements too? How many people will be using this room daily? Main purpose of the room? TV or no TV? Hello LaLa. :-)

MAE

For starters, I'd pull the sofas off the walls, bring them in so the front legs are resting on your rug (you might need a bigger rug) & add a coffee table. Skip the faux plant and buy a real one. I'd suggest curtains & art for the walls. Is that a TV over the mantle? It looks high, can you move it to the wall we are looking at, add a console under it & shift the sofas? That's all I got for now, can't see enough of your room to see what else is going on.

Yes - We need pictures and dimensions!

Without more info.... move the sofas in towards the middle of the room a bit (making an L shape). The sofa table can sit in the "L". On the far wall, add a sofa table behind the couch and put a lamp on both ends of it. Add a LARGE piece of art or gallery on that wall, and paint the wall vent the color of the walls.

It’s good to look at lots of pictures to help you decide. Test things out and you can always return them. Think about functionality, as well as accessories.

I would pull the couches into the middle and add a large coffee table and a side table/lamp. With the space created behind couch, you have room for a low bookcase for toys/books and even a small play area. Add art and cushions and blinds. You don’t need to buy all at once, but with a plan deciding will be easier when the time comes

You could add a console table behind other couch, so when you walk into room, it’s more welcoming.

Try couches facing each other, again placed in centre of room with the play area still behind the couch. You could add another chair facing fireplace.

Yes, its time to stop the random buying and make a plan. Start by putting together a living room ideabook here on Houzz. You will start to see a pattern emerging from what you've collected together and that will help guide the direction of your plan. Get out your floor plans and make a copy of the living room area with all the measurements. Load a photo of that for us and put a copy of it in your purse to have when you're shopping.

Wow, thank you for all the suggestions! I wasn't expecting any so that is why I didn't go into too much detail.

We have 4 kids 11,8,4, and 7 months (surprise!) and we spend most of our time in the living room. The area rug is normally used as a gymnastics mat, wrestling ring, doll house village, and baby gear which is why we didn't do a coffee table.

Yes, I keep reading and re reading pull the couches in and make room behind the wall couch. We did give that a half hearted try and didn't like the cramped in feel. But will give it a better try.

Good call on the wall vents, I honestly didn't notice too much until I started snapping pictures tonight... yikes!

I was absolutely against drapes in the living room, but afraid I might have to to give it some depth.

I'm having a hard time finding the plans but it looks like it's 21'lx18'w per basement plans.
Hindsight I wish we would have gotten a sectional, not mounted the tv over the fireplace and put on the long empty wall with built ins on each side. And that very well might have to happen in a few years, but for now I can't justify the new furniture going to waste. Or have a picture/art work I like enough that can go in the built in tv space above fireplace.
I really like that you can access the living room from both ends of the couch facing the fireplace, so if I brought both couches in I'd lose that access. I could try it out for a few days though.

If I kept the couch close to the wall, should I do a gallery wall over bench and art/mirror/large item over couch to try and separate the spaces?

farmhouse chic with color blocking, details of pleats and buttons. Slight weave variation in cotton- linen blend.... different colors, even butter yellow...

you might want color.

Linen Button Single Window Panel, Linen, 108"x40" · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/linen-button-single-window-panel-linen-108x40-prvw-vr~161954375

Winslow Homer 'Sunset, Saco Bay' Canvas Art, 47 x 30 · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/winslow-homer-sunset-saco-bay-canvas-art-47-x-30-prvw-vr~96902655

What a fun household you must have!! We too lived without a coffee table for many years, for the exact reason!! What a great reason too. Your other photos look like you are doing a fine job. I would add curtains and a larger rug but other than that--with a busy household you can't have much more in a room!! What is tough is you are building a home to LIVE in...most design sensitive people are building rooms to look at and swoon over. HUGE difference!! My now adult children once came home from college and said 'mom our home is the homey-ist of all our friends'. That was a HUGE compliment IMHO. I have photos of my kids when they were small, special occasions that get swapped in and out, I change a few decor items for the seasons, many would scream clutter at!! And as you found out it may be chic to pull the furniture from the wall and "waste" a lot of walking space but when you have kids you need EVERY inch for LIVING!!

They say on leather a pillow filled with down will stay in place.

But a very large or chunky textured throw might 'fill' the spot! night.

When you have a large room you put large things in it.....I like the room and what you have done so far....agree that end tables go on either side of sofa on long wall, Put a pair or heavy looking rounded puffy lamps to mimic the comfy puffs in the sofas; lamps on each of them in an accent color you want to use in the room, and veer toward stronger color as opposed to pastel; make a statement. Around 29-31 inches tall. Not shorter, but taller.....not shorter....you need weight to balance the sofas!!!!

I would also get a matching storage ottoman to the one I see in the corner by the toys for another pair in the room. Put the matching pair of ottomans in front of the windows on either side of the fireplace. Pairs will give harmony and structure to the room and hold it together. And hold more of those necessary cute toys.

You can also add another pair of large baskets for blanket toy etc storage behind the sofa facing the entry doors under the console. A large bank of flowers or greenery on the table will also add a welcome look; seems like tropicals are big this year.

The pale aqua chairs can also have smaller down pillows in your lamp accent color to bring more color to that side of the room.

A round fabric or faux leather ottoman 36 inches diamerter ish would be a nice play spot in the middle of the living room plus you can put your feet up at night if the sofas are not recliners.

And art over the sofa on the long wall......check out home goods, tjmaxx, wal mart target for really big wall art and find one big, two smaller, or three panels.....hobby lobby has canvas frames in all sizes that can be cobbled together and then covered with interesting decorator fabric.....you can find a large cheap canvas at second hand store, good will, and wash it off and cover with fabric and hang on wall.....

Horizontal striped curtain panels in your accent color would look nice on the windows and balance the other three area of furniture in the room and could be carried into the dining area....and they can stop at the bottom of the window and not go down to the floor; the ottomans will hide the hems and I think it would look very nice and finish off the windows and keep the floors clear. Please have the curtain rods be an inch or more in diameter to balance out the large windows and fill in the grommet holes....less than one inch diameter looks wimpy; try to extend the rod placement beyond the window three inches or so on each side and have backets sit at top of crown molding.....Have brackets touch the bottom of the crown molding for tallest effect.

Clear off the mantel till rest of room is done...nothing on it will be fine for now; the stuff you have now seems to distract from the tv screen view....when you have filled in the room more, you can then decide on mantel....right now it seems to get in the way of the TV.

Send pics of all that you decide to do.....I love your room.

Thank you for all the great advice!
I agree the sofa along the wall needs another end table. My husband and I rest our drinks on the end tables, and we don't ever sit on that end of wall couch. So I will definitely need to get more for the couch facing the TV. Should I get a nesting table for each end? I can't get anything too big or it will block entrance on the end closest to the wall. Or should I just get one for that couch?
Susan, I really like your idea of getting a matching storage bench and placing under the windows. The only downside would be blocking the floor vents, but I might be able to make it work.
Should I put something in corner closest to kitchen where doll house is currently? (That needs to be moved back to basement 🤷)
I see everyone is against faux plants, so I guess we'll go with real... is that corner where toys currently are a good spot for it? Any recommendations on type of plant?
The million dollar question is what I should hang on the wall. I am not into art, so will really need to find something I love to hang on there. What about 3 mirrors? Or a simple, modern gallery wall of family pictures?
Thank you again!

Hello again BSDS71.

Are you open to moving the TV into a better viewing location? Is that an option for you?

I was going to try to put a 3D rendering together for you with the TV in a different location that's why I ask. And, put everyone else's suggestions into the layout where possible. So you can do a walk through to see if it works for you. Please let me know if that would work for you.

MAE

bsds,

1. So you don't like the alternate furnishings arrangement I presented with turning the rug? Sometimes it the small changes that make the biggest improvements to the final placement of furnishings in a room.
2. You already have two end tables. I realize they do not match but at present, just place them on either side of the sofa because the room needs table lamps. The lighting from above is a bit harsh
3. If necessary, buy a "C" table for the other sofa because that end table sticking out in the open doesn't present a good look IMO.

Here is a 3D picture with some suggestions for your consideration also incorporating the prior suggestions. Lots of toy storage can be found in baskets, under the window seat/trunk, and crates. The shelf was moved around the corner near the stairs and the mirror near the stairs can go over the fireplace or a different one. That adds natural light to the room. Two floor lamps.

I like plants so a couple of those in tall containers in the corners. A TV console with more storage and so on. I know that the furniture does not match yours exactly this is just for the layout purposes only. Not the styles or colors.

I am also sending a 3D link so you can do a walk through with the avatar.

https://home.by.me/en/project/5797574

Hope this helps.

MAE

Mae, That is so incredibly nice of you... thank you! I won't say I'm opposed to moving the tv, it's more if I can convince my husband. We had the fireplace surround made with a built in spot for the TV so I'd have to find something that fits and that I really love going there since it's the first thing you see when you walk in. Not that a TV is a great focal point either lol. I think for now it would be a hard sell for me.
Beverly, I actually do love your design! We tried to turn the carpet but it is too long and goes into the kitchen area. I can try again tucking the carpet under the front of the couches and chairs but I'm afraid I'll lose too much carpet area as we have a 7 month old who is starting to crawl and a 4 year old who loves challenging her siblings to cartwheel contests lol.
The end tables actually are a match so it won't look bad on the couch. And I agree that end table seems out of place, I will definitely need to get a small c shape like you suggested though because that's where my husband sets his drinks.
The console table was a little under the arch so I moved the couch and table in about 6". Thank you for the suggestion!

Nesting tables would be a nice addition. They give you more "TV" tray like surfaces that can be neatly tucked away when company comes over. Unless of course you need them for your guest. That's nice too.

MAE

Please give the link to the 3D walkthrough a look see. That may help. A nice big mirror in place of the TV works really well. I have done that before and it looked great.

Best wishes,

MAE

Thank you, Mae! I'll be showing this to my husband tonight! I wasn't able to do the walk through though? But the rendering itself looks really good!

How to do the virtual tour.

Click on the link. https://home.by.me/en/project/5797574

Click on the open project tab in the upper right hand corner. Wait for it to load.

Left click and hold on avatar in blue sweater to move him around and walk through the 3D rendition. If you don't have a mouse you can move him around with your touch and depression.

Hope you get to do the walk through because it's fun.

MAE

I would rearrange a bit. Switch the sofa and the shelf. Add a lamp to the table in the corner between the 2 sofas. Move the rug so the front legs of the sofas are on the rug.

Add a piece of art about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the sofa. Not a gallery wall, not a mirror. Choose some art that repeats your accent colour (blue) to echo the colours of the 2 chairs, and the pillows. https://www.art.com/gallery/id--b1833-g207266-h207272/scenic-posters.htm?pathNumber=0

On the shelving unit, put some things that are larger and taller. It could be as simple as a large basket. Largest and heaviest-looking things on the lower shelves. Leave the top of the unit empty to keep the eye lower in the room.

Put the bench under the window. Agree that the mantel should not have any decor items on it.

Move your blue chairs closer to the sofas so there is no walkway in between. Then your seating is in a U shape. You enter the room on the fireplace side. Also leaves more room for play.

Hello B.

How did it go. I put in the instructions so you could do the virtual tour with him. Hope you were able. Was it a yes, no or maybe? I will gladly move the layout around so you can both see other ideas if you like. I am here to help in any way that I can.

Best Wishes,

MAE

Hello bsds71.

This is just in case it was a no way for the other layout/ TV on the wall idea.

Here are a couple more pics. The layout is basically the same minus the two blue chairs and small side table between them. This opens the room up a whole lot. Instead of the TV on the wall to the left of the fire place; back goes your couch and a large mirror (instead of art) over the couch. This adds light and openness to the room. The mirror reflects the natural light coming from your beautiful windows by day and lamp light by night. It also acts like a window on the wall for the reasons mentioned above.

Yes, the chairs are removed to give the room an open concept feeling. Perhaps you can put them somewhere else in the house; maybe your bedroom?

It looks like the room might need some artwork. Also we might suggest pulling both pieces of furniture off the walls and setting them partly on the rug.

Roseclair Residence · More Info

bsds71 wrote: "The million dollar question is what I should hang on the wall. I am not into art, so will really need to find something I love to hang on there. What about 3 mirrors? Or a simple, modern gallery wall of family pictures?"

You are still adjusting to new place! and you wondered aloud: "or have a picture/art work I like enough."

May I mention that mirrors are heavy and breakable... to many, they aren't homey.

Canvas art is so good an option.

Mae, Thank you! Yes, I was able to do the virtual tour with first layout with my husband. It was a no... for right now. But open minded if we never end up loving the living room.
I like the new layout! I still need to walk through. I debated on floor lamps instead of table, that might be better to add some height on each side of the couch. I like where you have the bookshelf, I keep thinking if I need to get rid of it in LR where could I put it, and that's a great spot! I ordered another storage bench for the other window, and 2 table lamps which could go in my bedroom if I decide not to go that route.
As for the chairs, yes they could definitely go in my bedroom (that project is next on my list) but we really need the extra seating. We entertain quite a bit and those chairs have gotten a lot of use.

partim- Thank you! Mantle is cleared, bench is moved. I really like the bookshelf from your picture, I'm going to switch that tonight since there is space now with bench moved. I did try the u shape like you suggested and I liked it a lot better than I thought I would actually. But I think we are still going to leave enough space for walk through. But it does feel more intimate moving the furniture closer together.
Thanks again for everyone's help!

Your room could use some color and texture so either a canvas on the wall, a group of canvases on the wall, baskets, 3-D artificats, but no mirrors.

For large art (for wall behind sofa) I’ve had great experiences ordering from art.com or greatbigcanvas.com for reasonable prices.

Hello B,

By the way congratulations on your new home. I wish you and your family many, many happy days and memories to come. And, a new little one, so wonderful. These are the best times; when you have you children around you. Enjoy.

MAE

I believe some of the folks are suggesting some wall art. Maybe something like this?

I haven’t read all the comments, but I would strongly encourage you to stop buying things to just to “fill up the space”. That’s a sure way to end up with a home that looks like Aisle 4 at Hobby Lobby.
Take your time! Find things that are meaningful and special to you! Curate a home that reminds you of people, places, moments from your life. You want your home to be attractive, sure, but also unique and personal. That does take time, but is so worthwhile in the end.

Thank you, Mae. I'm definitely trying to enjoy this time, I know how fast it goes. The kids are just REALLY missing our old house. It's only 5 minutes away, but the house itself they are missing. My 4 year old asked the other week "when can we go back home?" my 8 year old can't talk about the old house without tearing up and my 11 year old who used to share a bedroom, is now scared to go to bed and says her room terrifies her at night. I know a big part of the home sickness is the new house doesn't have a homey feel yet. I have been buying soooo much stuff but I couldn't even tell you what. A book I bought for one of my open shelf areas🙄 said exactly what drdeb said. So I have definitely slowed down and decided to do one room at a time. I am just rushing a bit for the kids sake... maybe mine too.
I think for the empty wall area I'm going to do family pictures. I know it's not what most designers would do, but I think I can display it in a tasteful way, and my family is really the only thing I love enough to hang in such a showcased area. We just now got family pictures with our newest addition so it might be awhile until I get them back, so I'll still keep my eyes open for something that really speaks to me but I'm not holding my breath.
Thank you everyone for all the help once I start getting everything in and put together I will post pictures! Now, I think the next room to tackle will be my daughter's "terrifying bedroom." 😩

Hello B,

I changed the rendition to incorporate the newest suggestions. I did not put the book shelf back on the wall to the left of the fireplace. Just couldn't get myself to do it :-}

I figure my purpose as an older designer is to do the renditions so folks can see the suggestions in a visual format. I am so visual that it helps me to see it in a visual layout so hopefully it helps others too.

The living room has been redone so you can do another walk through to see if you like it.

Wow, moving the furniture around is getting to my back. Yes, that's a joke; also the reason I like this program because I can move anything I want around without breaking a sweat.

Best Wishes,

MAE

Lots of changes for all of you. From your description of things I would say; "What a good mom!!!" Your story touched my heart. What a perfect solution for that wall. I do believe that it will turn your house into a home. Best Wishes to you and yours, Marcie/MAE

I am here to help and support you. Let me know if I can be of any help in the future.

Marcie

Hello B,

Is there anyway you can put twinkle lights in her room, on the ceiling like stars or somewhere? Maybe a really fun nightlight and a great big teddy bear to sleep with her and protect her? We put these stars on the walls and ceiling our grandchildren love them.
They light up when you turn the lights off. They are fun. What do you think about these for your little ones?

Niteglo Stars and Moon 20 Pieces

Visit the JA-RU Store

You can get them on Amazon. Here's a link https://www.amazon.com/Niteglo-Stars-Moon-20-Pieces/dp/B001T8S8UG

Thank you for the suggestion! She has really cool hanging fairy lights behind her bed. I'm going to start a new thread for her room. I need to figure out what to put on the rest of her walls! Hoping to get the dimensions of her room and get pictures up by tonight. Thanks again!