Know what --removing art and items would help us to see better.

Okey dokey, Ladies! I ordered a 10x14 basket weave seagrass rug today. I just read a post about pairing floor lamps on the sides of a sofa. I like my floor lamps, they free up space on each side of the sofa and give a more up to date look; also my table is large enough that I really don’t need end tables. I gave it a really good cleaning with a mild Clorox/water followed by Murphy’s Oil Soap. Before removing the art work on either side of our fire place I’m going to remove the tables. I’ll take art work off the mantle. The stained glass used to hang behind the sofa from inside the window frame. That’s the only possible option. Thank you for your opinions on the fireplace tile. That tile was all throughout the back of the house. It took Hurricane Harvey to replace it all, thought I could live with it so I’ll try and see your viewpoint to save $$$ and replace other priorities.
Thank you all!
Cathy (Nancy)

Maureen,I would love to see your posts. When we first got married my mother told me always go with good traditional, it will never go out of style. We’ll, 43yrs later I’m feeling I need a little refresh!

Maureen, BTW o you posted earlier a picture of a fireplace with stonework. I really liked it.

Oh my gosh , two Maureens in this post!

Your coffee table is so cool! Looks nice! I see such a pretty garden through your windows too!

I’m going to be wheeled out on it! Thanks for the compliment on the backyard. We live in Sugar Land, Tx., outside Houston. We took a serious hit with the freeze last winter. I’ve been waiting months for a landscaper to come in and help. Finally have an appt. coming up this week. Do you like my “Zombie tree?” 🤪

Nancy, which sea grass rug did you order? I’m thinking of getting one for my living room, but also thinking about a wool/sisal blend, I want it to have a trellis design woven in. We are letting the floors fade for a year before buying rugs, but I am shopping options.

Maureen, I have sea grass in dining, living and now family. It’s great in our climate. I’ve had the LR and DR for 3yrs. Easy to take care of. It comes in patterns and is very budget friendly.
Yea, for real. It’s called a Zombie for obvious reasons. It’s actually a Japanese blueberry, I think native to Fla.
BTW I spent many times in MN. Employed by Northwest back in the 60s thru 80s.

I ordered a 10x14 in a neutral basket weave
Not sure how it would do in MN. During the winter the home heating may take its toll and dry it out.
Lucky you, I bet you have a basement! Oh, to have a basement again😢
Cathy

Maureen, is it on Houzz?

Maureen, can’t find your idea book.

Hi, I'm back, wishing for a clear view of the area, "sorry" please without rug, wingbacks, art, as much as you can.

The table is special and authentic. Other furniture isn't 'farmhouse', so to me it's in a lost middle ground, among "perfect" traditional. ... thing is, it should look right with the sofa... this is rug's color?

Ragni Brandy Leather Chair · More Info

I think I found one, traditional room, with raw wood on colorful rug... I think the simple wall canvases are a good direction [less complicated than stained glass]... and no large grouping of photos and various wood dressers.... is this ok to discuss?

White Beach House · More Info

White Beach House · More Info

White Beach House · More Info

Photos of good wood pieces, with the floor...

anyway, 2 good chairs -- could it be a rug isn't necessary? most want one...

White Beach House · More Info

White Beach House · More Info

Fp tiles, and mantel a greigey paint color?

Spyglass Hill · More Info

Spyglass Hill · More Info

Try this room's 'color' changes, with brighter chairs. Your dining could have teal.... sofa pillows could have beige/red/teal, etc...

Traditional Log Cabin · More Info

"Vary textures... add simple, sleek furniture in with rustic or knotty. The contrast in texture will add interest and dimension." ... seemed to apply, so I copied it online.

... earthy color blends with your room, almost looks whittled [anyone know it?] ...

Galano Arm Chair · More Info

Welcome back👍🏻 I would love to empty the room but there no place to put it🎃
I have a sofa table to move into the space below the photo wall. Tea table needs a new home looking for one. I guess it’s a good problem to have, too much furniture!
I love the Stickley chair next to the stone fireplace. I’m thinking maybe a pair of club chairs in a multi color, nubby fabric across from sofa would add more color and texture.
I really hate to give up the stained glass.(post Civil War from a DC church)Some things just need to stay.
Debating on the photo wall.
Everdebz, thank you, thank you. So much to think about!
Hubby’s family left us with family antiques which I feel compelled to keep.

Cathy

I’m too old for this🤪
Ok, moved a living room bench to foyer. Dining room side chairs are back in the dining room.
I know sea grass rug needs to go. Waiting for hubby to help me roll up and store.
I was going to move a sofa table to under the photos, but I think this maybe better. Thoughts?

Yes! Looks good there.

Thank you, Jinx!

Sea grass in the living room. Perfect for humid climates. Easy to care for, lots of texture, neutral and layers nicely with other rugs. Stands up well to spills, blot really well over and under. We use a felt pad to protect wood floors.
Cathy

I'd like a photoshop of no-textured rug, so the rough table's texture would pop against it...

or at least a color like muted blue....

I think you implied you want the wheels to fully stand out. If it doesn't matter, then another slightly patterned rug ?

Calling it Emerald must mean there's 'no yellow' in it. Your painted chair -- they have a muted Mandarin also - a direction toward farmhouse-warm too much idk?

https://www.rugsavings.com/products/dalyn-rafia-rf100?variant=31580045900

Called the look of jute. So much wood in the room, a neutral blue could be 'welcome'

Largo Modern Solid Blue Rectangle Easy-Care Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, 7'x10' · More Info

Nice color to go far under brown sofa. MIght slightly draw out green in painted mantel [?]. Colonial Mills, good reputation?

Simply Home Solid Rug, Moss Green 2'x3', Green, 10x13 · More Info

Nancy, I love the bench by the picture wall. The simpler look is more restful to the eye, while also allowing you and your guests to really see and enjoy the photos up close.

Kathleen, thank you! I am teaching my self to edit.

Not usually a party pooper... but the photos, though small, have the dressy appearance so unlike your table -- and it's unusual cause authentic. I think the entire area should reflect that [unless you want an eclectic mix].

Happy Monday! Finally unloaded the artwork and rid the mantle of autumn deco. Window takes 2 to bring down and the clock is finicky due to age. Pics speak for themselves. The table to the right is really for storing keys etc before out the door. I can live with or without.
I

I think I like it with the art work. Thoughts?

Just some more pics

Hi... glad to see new photos as it helps. Another thought that there's little connection between greys of fp, and even the wall color, and then stained glass.

Was it mentioned - you did? - to paint the mantel...

If you took small item to large paint store and explored paint for mantel, and deeper color - might well fit with neutral gray tile, etc...

or bring paint brochures home.

Not right example - but paint line they call 'historic' etc. might be worth a look. Chair rated high, with changes around might be nice.

Designer Goes Retro · More Info

High Wingback Linen Armchair, Avocado · More Info

Nancy, seeing this wall and hearth unadorned, it is really beautiful! I like the stained glass piece up there and here is what I would try. Only three items on that mantel...and for there to be a bit of asymmetry and different shapes to the arrangement. This is where you fiddle and see what looks interesting. And take a photo of each arrangement (no, you don't have to post them all, they just give you an impartial eye at the arrangement. ) Slide the stained glass left on the mantel, so that its left side lines up with the interior edge of the dark wood trim around the fireplace tiles, your delicate clock in front of the stained glass on the right side and try one beautiful tall pumpkin for the season on the right side of the mantel. And then consider putting a green plant in the corner between the window and the fireplace. Like a ficus, that will be about 6-8" taller than the height of the mantel, to balance the very tall piece of stained glass and bring green into the room.

The clock may be too small for this threesome over the fireplace. Maybe another plant instead, that drapes over the edge of the mantel and softens that line and continues the green from the outdoors, to the tall plant to the mantel. I am sure others will also have good ideas to consider.

And golly, that corner by thebwindow sure would be a terrific spot for a holiday tree if you celebrate Christmas!

Your table would work so well here! if you love wingbacks, like in this room, maybe one that's "modified' transition, neutral.

Moose Mountain Ashlar · More Info

Is that not fabulous??????

Kathleen, is a faux ficus tacky? I love to garden but I’m better outside than in.
Cathy

I like stained glass like anyone - but 'antiqued finish' mirror could complement.

The stained glass is beautiful, Nancy, and unique. I like it there a lot.

Your room looks comfortable, interesting, and welcoming — I’d want to walk around and look at all you’ve decorated with, and at your nice photos on the wall.

Stay true to what you love and how you live.

Thank you, Jinx!

I like Kathleens ideas about your arrangement of the fireplace mantle. I also like your present rug and think it will look great over the seagrass one you just bought. It is a nice compliment to the coffee table in style and casual feel of the room. It brings in some colors that flow into the other rooms, and give you a starting point for picking your chair fabrics. ( I updated my Houzz files so my living room is open )

Maureen, I checked out your idea books. Tell me what color the new kitchen is.
Cathy

Nancy, I should let you know that what I post refers to keeping your current rug... and ideas with the new rug.

Nancy it is traditional BM White Dove, countertops are Quartz, Cambria, Torquay, Center Island is BM Spanish Green, with quarter sawn white oak counter in walnut stain, Kohler Sea Salt sink, tile is hand made Italian subway, in Bianca off white color. Quoitzel light fixtures. here is a photo taken before I added accessories. Cabinets are custom made by a neighbor, Dave Redding, who owns a cabinet shop. Knobs and pulls are German Bronze by Top Knobs, the island hardware was Emtek, Faucet is Brizzo, Appliances are Kitchen Maid. The center island is really a gray green, (this was photoshopped). I designed and subcontracted it myself. It took 3 months to complete! okay, sorry I got on a roll, I like Benjamin Moore Paints.

Maureen, what a wonderful kitchen! You did an amazing job!
The cabinets are to die for! It’s just beautiful!!!!

Thank you so much! Cathy