Bookshelves fixed - now let's update the entire living room

3 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

With help from Houzz friends, we have updated the entertainment center with painting, arranging the shelving and painting the backs black. The difference is fabulous and now I'm asking for help to finish this living room. I'm ready to empty this room out and redo with your help.

This living room has been through some changes and the top is the most recent. The chair has a new place in the garage. I have not purchased the camel color couch but really like it.

This is what we started with.

This is where we are now.

Featured Answer

Robi J
Original Author

3 years ago

I wanted to post a picture if the tv I’m seriously considering purchasing. It’s a little bigger, not much, than the one currently hanging. As you see, it doesn’t look like a normal black screen tv.

Comments (330)

Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Somethings are not meant to be. We took the fan down, carefully put everything in a ziplock bag, threw the light fixture out bc the globe broke and with the fixture, painted the fan and blades. Very easy update!! Hung the fan, power to fan and then realized I threw out an important piece attached to the light kit that makes the fan work. Opps. Off to buy a new fan after all.
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
I didn’t make it to Pottery Barn but will. We ordered the 2 swivel club chairs.

Can I please get some help with coffee and end tables. What type of curtains would y’all suggest me looking for?
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Hey it worked. That's a good start. Thanks aok, Didn't address you before because I've written a reply about a half-dozen times to have it get lost in cyber space. Glare is a concern especially with no window treatments but there are ways alleviate that. Just rotating the couch will cut down on it a bit as much of the glare will come from the floor when the sun isn't hitting it directly. I would usually use some type of a scrim/screen when people want privacy/shade but don't want curtains/ blinds etc. Although I didn't show it I did guess at laying out the room as you also need to rearrange the furniture if you block off that access-way too. I rotated the coffee table and centered it on the fireplace put the two mission chairs next to the new unit and the red one off center of the edge of the table. The couch face the TV with the FP on the right and the buffet can go behind the couch with a scrim separating the two if it is needed. They are inexpensive to build and add "wall space" when needed. If you want to post the dimension from the column to the center of the FP and to the window wall along with an indication north and closest major city I can do a sun study to see how we can prevent the glare. Thanks jey
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That column about stacking bookcases can't be downloaded until you register, which I haven't done yet, but I like what the writer says in the synopsis: "We make them that way because that's the way we've always made them." What's important for furniture users and buyers (and DIYers) to realize is that the way things are "always done" has often evolved for the convenience of woodworkers or to reflect the tools and materials they most often have, for mass production, or for other reasons that sometimes don't matter for a one-off idiosyncratic project like this one, or for the non-woodworking builder who has fewer tools but more flexibility in other directions. In those cases, DIYers are sometimes on their own in terms of design because we have to think outside the box. Below is a link, for example, to a project my husband and I did recently, where our constraints and wishes kind of precluded doing things the way they are "always done" and we had to figure out a whole different way to build drawers. I'm still not totally clear on some of your project details, for example why you wouldn't be attaching at both ends of the row, whether you can screw into the floor, whether budget is an issue, and what the overall intent of the project is in terms of appearance and function, but there are a couple of alternate ways of thinking about this project. For example, you could look at it more as a wall-framing exercise than as a set of four bookshelves, and take your construction clues from how a wall would be constructed and installed. The stacking boxes that are apparently the idea in the Popular Woodworking articles may also be a good approach. You can construct the stationary and mobile sections differently, and also, your two stationary sets together could be constructed as one unit. But there is another option if you want to stay with free-standing bookcases that you install and connect. This evolves from the recognition that the back is much more effective if it is inset. Go ahead and use 3/4" plywood, but cut it to fit entirely within the case of your shelves. Lay it on the floor, and then assemble your case around it. Screw the case sides to the top and bottom, as you intend, but then also drill and screw them into the sides of the 3/4 ply all the way around. Now you have a pretty solid box that will not rack, and in which the backing plywood also helps keep the vertical elements in line. An advantage to this is that your plywood edge will not show and in fact, if you use finish-grade plywood, the backs of your shelves will actually look darn good. Now you can attach your shelves. One of the tricks I use is to shop the moulding section quite carefully (actually I scour a specialty moulding store). Whatever the moulding pieces are designed for, they can be used for other things, for example, keeping corners square or supporting shelves. The discussion about your lumber selection question also leads me to suggest that you expand your search beyond your big box stores. I shop for the best lumber I can find and often have to go to specialty stores to get it, and I usually pay a premium for it - but since I'm not paying for labour, the total cost of the project still often ends up being very reasonable. Besides getting lumber that is dried in keeping with the sort of work you want to do, you also get a better selection. And I will say that in the square-cut-and-screw method of attachment, a hardwood like maple is going to give you a way better result than a softwood where the fibres on the corners are apt to crush easily when the unit is stressed, resulting in wobbly joints. You may also find that the aesthetic appeal of using really nice lumber is such that you will be happier with better thinner boards than with lesser quality thick boards. Plus, thinner boards give you more room on your shelves. KarinL Here is a link that might be useful: home-made drawers
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Is1208, your picture of only a part of this room makes it look as if all your furniture is clustered toward the left wall, as if it was important to leave the right third empty for traffic to pass through, and perhaps also to keep a wide diagonal path clear from top right to bottom left too. That suggested appearance in your picture may not be the case, but is suggesting the problem with that wall--it's not just empty, it's located in in empty space. The room is out of balance, with the left 2/3 furnished for living, the right waiting for the passengers to disembark and head for their luggage. The group of pictures does a lot in its little way to throw some weight on the other side. But it just seems to me that more indication of actual living on the right would really benefit the feel of the whole room. It's not a small room, it shouldn't live small. Having people arc around furniture as they pass through a room is fine. Even nice, desirable. A chest would likely be, as suggested, something your family ended up using a lot. A settee maybe not so much, but it might be even more valuable in making your living room appear to live large--the same way a bench invitingly placed by a lawn but seldom sat on makes a lawn look so much more appealing than one without it. I'm also wondering if that is a front or back door and how it might be influencing the throwing of all living to the left? If a back door, could it exit from the living area instead of being walled off so resolutely? If it's the front "stranger" entry, it's more problematic, but still--do you have a lot of strangers entering that way? Enough to cause the seating group to huddle to the side and try to ignore it? Yes, I'm really suspecting the actual situation is probably entirely different. Maybe someone's nearsighted and it's really about the TV. :) But that is what it's looking like from my side of the screen.
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Don't move the credenza then. Get an area rug, center one group of seating around fireplace and conversation and then maybe get a tea cart or something and put a small chair or two around that near the doors/windows to the outside. You can sit and sip your tea and watch the birdies outside there in the winter! When the weather gets nice you can carry the chairs out to the deck to sit in the sun! Then roll the cart out there with some cocktails later in the day!
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Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Oh my goodness! The couch came in unexpectedly to me. I had a horrible snow ski accident last Monday with broken ribs and have been out of it. Maurice forgot, wanted to surprise me by not telling me they were delivering today. Here is the couch and and please tell me this is going to work. My emotions are going through the roof and hope I didn’t make a mistake. Please, if you have time help me not worry.
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
I don’t think the couch looks right with the credenza behind it.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
2 years ago
Oh no……so sorry to here about your ski fall…that is miserable and ribs are no fun…you needs lots of rest!
The sofa is beautiful….don’t worry about the credenza you need to leave everything for about a week or so just to adjust to the changes…I think changing the lamp shades on credenza to white might be all you need…can you post image if chairs?
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Hey Julie, I think I’d rather have a broke back than the ribs. Who would have thought a ski pole could cause so much pain.

Are you packing yet? I hope you share your journey of decorating your beautiful new home!

Here is a picture of the 2 chairs on order.
User
2 years ago
The sofa is beautiful! Love the chairs too! You’re only seeing the credenza from the one angle and without the lights on. It will come together
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for the vote of confidence rtpaige and suggestions to get me off this pity party is greatly appreciated.

I went shopping in “my house” had my friend over to move rug/furniture hoping to ask for advice of wood tones. Laugh is on me l!! I realized I’m stuck in the brown wood era. This couch is 96” long -much longer than previous. what is the ratio of couch to a round coffee table?

Also, I found a few lamp shades for color suggestions. Should I go with the white?

Thanks for your constant guidance.
User
2 years ago
I can see the lighter shades make a difference. I like an oval coffee table for the space.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
2 years ago
Yes white lamp shades look beautiful…and no you don’t have to do brown wood furniture..look into light whitewashed or painted…silver metal too! I am so busy getting ready to move and a huge baby shower this weekend with guests in town staying with us! everything all at once! So if you can wait until I move and have some extra time to shop for you I would love to help🤗
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
2 years ago
The coffee table can be 2/3rds of the sofa length if doing a rectangle..if doing a round I would say no smaller than 48”
Cathy Johnson-Young
2 years ago
Following
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Julie, I’d love your energy and talent. Whenever you get time or catch a breath I’ll be here. Enjoy your family and friends.
PRO
Kim B
2 years ago
Following
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
I’ve been looking at coffee tables and find myself chuckling. I am clueless!! I know the styles I like and find myself questioning- will the HOUZZ folks agree. So, I say pass. Here are a few that caught my attention. What do you think? Please offer suggestions. Since my chairs won’t be here until late June or July, I’m going to order off white patio cushions and put them in the LR.
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Hello! Since my ordered chairs wont be here until June or July, I’m making due with the two in the picture.

I was out “exercise shopping” and came across these white curtains and wanted to hear your thoughts. Too white? Too shiny? Need pattern? Keep them? Take them back? We added trim to my curtains in my DR and thought possibly of repeating that same look.

I’m having a hard time finding white square lamp shades. Any suggestions to look?

One more thought I had- what do you think of adding a light color of say 1 or 2” thick wood to top my mantle. That could be an easy do… right? God help me, he’s gonna be pissed if y’all like my idea 🤣😂

Thanks for your any input you can give me.
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
How do you delete a reply in a post?
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Hello!! I hope everyone is doing well and hoping I can get some advice. Chairs are still on order - ETA June or July.

I ordered this round coffee table with a little silver and it’s here. Should I keep it or send it back?

Changed the lamp shades to white.

When shopping for couch pillows should I go with dark blue, cream/white and dark gray? Or black?

Definitely need a direction for an end table. Do I need one with the coffee table? What color wood should I be looking for? Lamp - white?

I’ve had no remarks on the curtains. Should I go with a different color or possibly had trim to the edges?

Thank you for stopping by my thread. You can see I need help!
Kathy Furt
2 years ago
Where is your couch from??
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Kathy, I got the couch from Infinger Furniture in Charleston. It’s a Smith Brothers
Kathy Furt
2 years ago
It’s gorgeous as is your home!!
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, Kathy. I count on HOUZZ to help me with my decisions.
Robi J
Original Author
2 years ago
Lonely old me here hoping to get a few helpful hints with my pillows. It looks like I will have two chairs and a couch. These are the pillows I’m looking at. What sizes do i need and how many. My chairs will be delivered in June or July. I’m not sure if i should add black or dark blue.

Here are a few pillows that I’m interested in. Any thoughts? Buy? Look in a different direction ?

Any advice will definitely make this easier for me. Thank you!
itsourcasa
2 years ago
@Robi J love the bottom pillow, where from?
Robi J
Original Author
last year
I really like the 2 end pillows and have been searching for something to go with them. I was hoping someone could help me picking out contrasting pillows.

Also, I want to add shades on my windows. What color would you suggest. Light tan or medium.

Thanks, for any suggestions.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Hello! I realized I didn’t post the picture of the 2 pillows that I purchased to see if the pillows above coordinated. I thought the pillows purchased had dark blue and now seeing it in today’s light it’s black.

I’m trying to make some decisions here and stumped. I found curtain trim and wanted some input on the color. I’m thinking tan and want to make sure I’m on the right track. Tan or black?

A newbie to shades and really liking the look. How do I match the shades? To the couch or just pick a neutral color. To start with the shades would it be okay to do LR, back door and kitchen windows only? My house is covered in blinds and not able to replace all at this time.

Would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you!!
User
last year
I think I may be a little OCD, but those pillows are sideways to me. I would need to position them as in pic 1, the front pillow. And my brain sees lobsters and spiders. I can’t unsee it. I like the colors, and I typically love a print, but I prefer the pillows you posted above to these. Hopefully a pro can weigh in for you about the shades and trim, as I think your windows are lovely as is.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Rtpaige - thank you for your thoughts. I was trying to hide the price tags and didn’t even think of a right way but totally get what you are saying. Spiders and lobsters oh my! Now, I know they are too busy. I ordered some of the pillows I posted above and waiting on them to come in.
Kathy Furt
last year
You’re not OCD they sideways
everdebz
last year
May I butt in about windows and what shades are on now? They look fine with many linear lines: table lamps, and one is made to be circular, lines of metal item, and art. What's out of place about metal cool-toned grommets? it seems better rods are high on the wall.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Everdebz, thank you. I’m not sure what you are saying about the rods?

Do you realize how short life is and how fast it can be taken away from you? Mental illness is real. In the last 2 months, I’ve lost my niece, gun shot, her step father, heroine and my SIL, prescription pills. Do you hear that? I want this perfect little house and with what we have been going through my house could could stay in this state and not bother me. To clean up a room/house where someone took their life is life altering. I’ll be fine but my brother and the adult children will be affected for the rest of their lives. Sorry, but mental illness leaves all kinds of signs.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
Robi OMG it sounds like life has been just horrible with all your loss…I am so sorry…I will pray for you and all the family that has been hurt by all this tragedy…🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
If looking for pillows I saw some really great looking ones at Pottery barn..mix of solids and prints…I will post a few
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
Here is some inspiration and pillow ideas..if accenting with black in the room..you could do black woven shades they would look amazing and add lots of contrast..with the wood floors and rich Carmel leather sofa you really don’t need to add more brown. I had black woven wood in my last home and loved them!
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
Here is my living room from my last home with neutral drapes and black woven shades.
pat1250
last year
Following
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Thank you, Julie. I happened to open HOUZZ up on the ride to the funeral. My SIL was absolutely stunning, funny, smart and loved life. She and my brother never argued. They went on resort vacations every 3 months. Who does that? They did. The death of her daughter literally killed her. She wanted to touch her one more time. With that yearning it blurred her love she had for her 5 boys, husband, 4 grands.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Julie, I can’t wait to see pics of your new home.
User
last year
I am so sorry for the heartbreak and loss in your family.
Colleen
last year
What you have done so far is beautiful and so sorry for what you are going through.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
Robi just checking in how are you and your family doing? Been praying for all.
everdebz
last year
You brought up curtains. With white paint, I like how yours blend in. There are 3 shapes of windows/ door, so imo no pattern 'needed'.
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
I see good decorating already, and architectural elements of 'transom' windows, of wall trim, and shelving -- I don't see the need for curtain trim, and I don't think you need new shades.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Hey! It’s getting easier with the emotions for me. We’ve been so busy cleaning and clearing out and learning my SIL was on the edge of a hoarder. Goodness the stuff! I never understood her style and my brother keeps saying sell it. I can’t even describe it.

I will definitely need the help of Houzz friends to help me put his house back together. They had plans drawn up last year but my brother is constantly changing things.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
My chairs came in a few weeks ago. Maurice’s mom passed Easter and we did a memorial at my house the week the chairs were delivered. OMW the kids kept spinning the chairs like a merry go round. Very stressful! Luckily, no damage to them or the house. I ordered the pillows from Pottery Barn … waiting patiently!
decoenthusiaste
last year
Swivel chairs and kids can be an issue. You're making good progress! Sorry about your tragedies. My SO does a lot in the area of suicide prevention, mental illness and depression. We have had 2 in the neighborhood OD on fentanyl and another friend shot to death by police while on a manic high. Hoping to be speaking at a local church soon to try and help people deal with it before it happens.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
Hi Robi…hope you are doing better these days…such heartache for you…just wanted to check in and wish you a Happy Thankgiving.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Hey Julie! I’m doing good. I came out of retirement for the holidays. I sat behind a desk a 30+ years and this holiday season I’m a UPS driver helper. I love love it!! My house is on hold and still consumed by my brothers life. I haven’t looked at HOUZZ in so long and definitely need to get a help post going. I get to spend his money!! I’m definitely going to need some help with setting up his house. I hope you are doing well. I need to stalk your page!! Merry Christmas!
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
last year
Merry Christmas Robi…so glad to hear from you…I have had so much going on..my husband had a hunting accident Oct. 9th…he fell in a hole and shot his leg..right quad it has been a long road…he just had his skin graft this past week to cover up the big wound…very painful…..I have been his nurse and wound care specialist 🤣for the last 2 months…so good to hear you are doing good.🙏🏻⛄️🎅🏻… have been busy trying to finish the decor in my new home.
Robi J
Original Author
last year
Julie that sounds horrible. I’m so sorry and let me say it a southern way.. bless your heart and Lord, I pray for God to wrap his arms around and your husband and allow healing. What an ordeal!! I can handle most but dressing wounds is something else. I do hope you have a very Merry Christmas. I can’t wait to see pictures of your beautiful home. I retired December 2021 and this is currently my Christmas gig. My son in law is a UPS driver and I’m his Christmas helper and whatever character I can bring to the truck. It’s fun, physical and rewarding. Never a dull moment.