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llenox

What should I change in this family room?

llenox
11 months ago

I am wanting to update my family room and have 3 areas I am thinking about. (1) Should I paint the brick surround a light color or remove the surround and the gas fireplace as it does make the room awkward for arranging furniture but does help keep the room fairly warm here in Oregon (2) I want to remove the carpeting but should I put the new luxury vinyl flooring, regular tile, or wood flooring as it needs to go into the kitchen


and (3) should I paint the wood window trim a light color to go with a light wall color or leave it wood? The wood ceilings will stay as they are throughout a lot of the house.

Comments (40)

  • jck910
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Hardwood floors throughout. Make sure they complement the ceiling wood (i.e.no gray or gray wash). Paint the trim white. Leave brick as is. Maybe a sage for the walls. BM October Mist, Camouflage, November Rain are some to look at. Wait until floors are in and trim painted before finalizing wall color. Also, your furniture & other textiles in the room needs to be considered when choosing wall colors.

    llenox thanked jck910
  • housegal200
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Some suggestions:


    --Choose varieted wood floor so that some of the slats match your current trim, which does not need to be painted.


    --Do not paint the surround but work with it. Paint the room a warm off white pulled from the brick grout.


    --Your couch should be facing the TV.


    --Look for a patterned wool carpet in warm tones pulled from wood trim, brown couch, brick, a palette like this. This actual rug would be perfect for your room. That light tan is a perfect wall color. The rug should be plenty large so sofa rests entirely on it.

    Mosaic 5'x8' Area Rug · More Info

    --It would be great if you could have built some raw bookshelves to flank your TV credenza then stain the shelves the same stain. You need something all the way across. Then add some art around the TV and perhaps some floating shelves as shown here:

    Single Family · More Info


    --Get a big round saddle leather ottoman that's in proportion to the couch as shown above. Or something rustic:

    Rustic Organic Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table, Natural · More Info


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  • everdebz
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Keep warm, certainly. Some floors have underlayment. This might have a realistic concrete look.


    Duren 28mil Concreto 18"x36" Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring, Steel · More Info


  • einportlandor
    11 months ago

    The fireplace, trim and ceiling are what makes it a PNW home -- I wouldn't mess with them. You could replace the stove with something more modern/sleek -- a scandanavian style would look great. Definitely replace the flooring. I don't think LVP floor will work because it will scream "fake" next to all of the beautiful wood in your home. Real hardwood would be my first choice. Tile might work too but it's not really a thing in the PNW with our long, cool, rainy months (will it EVER stop raining?!?) so it wouldn't be my choice.


    I'm not crazy about the wall color with the wood. As others have suggested, a creamy white might better showcase the other features. Lovely home!

  • PRO
    BeverlyFLADeziner
    11 months ago

    The house has more than enough wood. I would suggest tile floors






  • Rawketgrl
    11 months ago

    a light colored stone look LVT would be great. keep the brick and the fireplace.





  • lisedv
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Wth the new wood floors and the wood ceiling that makes for a lot of wood in the room. So my suggestion is to paint the ceiling wood planks in white, and the walls white. I can't see the entire room in your photos but if it's possible to group your 2 leather sofas in the TV area then you can get 2 comfy chairs to sit by the fire near the window. If you need to close off the windows for either shade or privacy, install solar shades in the bottom section and high decorative side drapes on a black rod on both sides of the window. You can also paint your TV cabinet in black, buy accent pillows for the sofas, an area rug large enough to group together your seating arrangement, and framed prints for the walls,



  • decoenthusiaste
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Have you thought about taking out the FP & surround and putting in heated tile floors?

  • arcy_gw
    11 months ago

    I would caution on tile floors. Especially in Oregon. They are cold, they are acoustically LOUD, they will then scream for area rugs. The window trim is sooo beautiful please don't cheapen it with paint. I would focus on your decor. Proper window treatments, art, lamps, etc.

  • littlebug zone 5 Missouri
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Agree that the blue/gray walls are the odd man out, clashing with the warm-colored features (brown wood, brown furniture, rust/red brick) of the room. Paint in a very slightly warm-toned white and then reassess.

  • PRO
    Patricia Colwell Consulting
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    No tile floors for sure the brick is also the driving force in this dilemma I would choose a slate look PLT so nice to walk on and then paint the brick a color from the new floor like a pale sagey green since IMO the walls need to be painted that same color too.I like this color with slate and wood I like this type LVT and this for the wall color maybe cut a bit



  • RedRyder
    11 months ago

    Go for real wood floors. If you are considering removing the wood burning firebox, find out the cost of radiant heat under the wood floors. You will absolutely freeze with tile floors (and yes, they are hard on your back). If you have little ones, tile is not fun to play on.

    I’d look for darker brown floors so they don’t compete with your wood ceilings. Paint the rooms a warm white, and paint the trims around the windows as well. The ceilings don’t need competition.

  • llenox
    Original Author
    11 months ago

    Thank you so much, everyone!! Your suggestions are wonderful and confirm many of the ideas that I have had. It does seem that the fireplace should stay, and I do like the idea of getting one in a different simpler shape. Painting the walls is a must and the colors suggested of warm light colors of ivory, shades of tan, or a color that matches the brick grout. I also agree with several that tile is not a good solution in the PNW as it is cold and I don't want the expense of putting heating under the tile. So doing some form of wood floor is probably better; however one person mentioned marmoleum and that might be a practical solution or even look at a high grade linoleum (is that what its called today?) as the flooring could flow into the kitchen and be a practical solution there too. I will probably paint the trim around the window as I don't like the contrast between wall and window there, but leave the doors and trim in the wood. And I agree with everyone that furniture placement as well as having different textures of material in furniture, blankets, pillows, and most importantly the rug definitely needs to be done. Once the walls are painted, the furniture and accessories chosen, flooring replaced, then I will determine if I will paint the brick or leave as is. The brick may take on less of a role once everything else is done. Thank you ! Thank you!!

  • RedRyder
    11 months ago

    Is it LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring you’re thinking of? That is absolutely an option. There are so many high quality LVP wood colors, and it is a comfortable floor as well (as opposed to tile). Worth your time to explore it as an option.

  • john3582
    11 months ago

    Cork could be a floor option too..

  • Sandra Chauncey
    11 months ago

    You have a beautiful room. I would paint the walls a very pale sunshine color, that will complement the wood, as well as add light, and you can add more color with accessories. The floor should be vinyl or tile since it will extend into the kitchen.

  • Marci
    11 months ago

    I would not paint the wood or brick. It’s what gives the space character. I’m wondering why you need the same floor in the kitchen. Wood in the kitchen can get water damage. Tile in the living room gets cold. I would split them up. One warning I want to give you on LVP flooring, from my experience it’s not as durable as they say. During my kitchen model I had it put in. A worker got a huge scratch in it. They had to take out a huge section to fix it. There was another place that they got a whole in the floor, and that remains. I’ve had some other scratches within one year of having it. The planks interlock. If one gets damaged, you have to remove everything from the wall up to the damaged plank in order to replace it. Also, mine scuff easily and are hard to remove the scuff marks compared to other floors I’ve had. Wood at least you can repair. LVP in a smaller area like a kitchen would be easier to replace if they don’t wear as well as you expect, but provide a more reasonable surface for water splashes or leaks.

  • Rene Sommers
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Love the paint color on the walls, brings out the orange tones in the wood. Of course, if that is not your thing, a creamy color would lighten it, but... it would be kind of boring. A warmer green would be beautiful. Wood flooring in this room could work if it doesn't compete with the other wood; perhaps a completely light colored flooring (maple, white oak?) without too much variegation and a large area rug to pick up the orange tones in the ceiling wood. (Luxury vinyl is not as great as they say.) Tile with large area rugs would be a great option here if you choose a more updated pattern but one that also doesn't overwhelm.

    Personally, I'd update the stove with something to match the modern design of the windows and either leave the brick as is or just paint the floor brick white, as it looks like an add on that doesn't quite go with the surround. Overall, a beautiful space to work with!!!

  • HU-489810002
    11 months ago

    I think the current wall paint color is too light, it is a pretty color but looks more like a bathroom or bedroom color. Maybe check out some rustic, cabin, ski-lodge styles and colors. Deeper hues would give the room a richer look. I like the rustic look of your fireplace and brick. You have a beautiful space.

  • dochop1
    11 months ago

    I second the ”cork” recommendation. I pulled out aging marmoleum and replaced it with cork and am happy so far. it looks far smoother than the rippling marmoleum and is soft on the feet. I‘m also in the PNW.

  • briandbec
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    I would approach this by tiling over the brick surround and floor, possibly the same tile if I could find one that would look good directly abutted to the natural frame window. I'd replace the 1970 hollow slab-side door with a real door stained the same as the jambs, paint the walls and get rid of the egrets and the moon.

    Thing is, wood is the main design communication material of the PNW. Painting over or removing all that wood would eliminate what makes the house "Oregon." Might as well be some cookie-cutter tract home in Indiana or New Jersey without that characteristic wood. I would even go so far as to preserve the wood riser trim below the stove platform.


    Oh, and you need more substantial baseboards. Match that riser all the way around. Personally I would not do a wood floor just to have some materials contrast.

  • User
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    I would go for all white walls and a white vinyl floor and invest in a great new fireplace unit — I think I would pick a UFO suspended one, maybe in orange! I’d also get a new contemporary media cabinet

    https://www.bordelet.com/en/ranges/central-design-fireplaces/

  • User
    11 months ago


    Something like this except with an appropriate size fire unit

  • User
    11 months ago


    Storage Media Cabinet, Golden Legs With 3 Doors and 3 Open Compartments · More Info


    Coaster Contemporary Wood Media Cabinet With Glossy White Finish 700825 · More Info


  • btydrvn
    11 months ago

    In this space i think the unpainted wood on the ceiling is enough…the trims..doors…should be painted…the big window is an example as the wood color trim stops the eye…instead of drawing the eye to the views….this also leaves room for any wood flooring …in a color that is as close to ceiling as possible…there are many reasons why LVP is better…mainly cost …for labor and the flooring…but equally if not more important…maintenance…choosing the best quality will avoid any damages from normal wear…who wants to be a slave to real wood floor maintenance?…we have had LVP for many years with no damage…spots and drips wipe up easily…and it doesn’t dent no matter what you drop on it… we have even had people ask if they were real wood 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • btydrvn
    11 months ago

    I think cork is a viable choice as well…with a few reservations…cost…?….and color….will it change (darken or lighten) over time and in parts that are in direct sunlight…lastly will it show dents?….

  • Kathi Steele
    11 months ago

    Following

  • kimchadw
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    There is a lot going on in that room. I've been in homes in OR with tile floors and even with heated floors they were cold and echoy. That's a large room--it will be bad. With the roof and fireplace, I'd try to minimize everything else. I'd go with an off-white berber rug (durable, stain resistant) for warm and quiet. Keep the floor either white/off white, or go with the darkest shade in the roof (and do some vinyl plank--but not something with a lot of texture or color change---no more patterns necessary in this space--save for rug or art). I'd paint the wall off white as well. I'd probably leave the trim since it echos the roof and all the wood work in the kitchen. But would put some nice cellular shades in each window. Individual shades could turn those windows around. Once, everything else is subdued (minus the fireplace and roof), I'd build with my furniture and art to blend it all together. A great area rug that incorporates all the colors and new ones. A big cozy couch--maybe olive greens or some furniture colors that are warm, but not currently in the room in any way, like: https://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/lowell+sofa.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=fn And build from there. Have fun!

    **another thought--a warmer dark gray floor would be beautiful in there--it invites the black of the stove in and would be a smooth/rich aesthetic contrast to everything else!

    https://www.tilebar.com/instinct-dark-24x24-porcelain-tile.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwq5-WBhB7EiwAl-HEkmppbSmYNMH3Kq2UlruXcnE8WpdhLZDZ3GdInC0G9X6VAUga4Z8JqBoCu2kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

  • Ipacs Krisztina
    11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Light seems to be gone from this space. I would paint the walls white (off-white), or something beige colour. Replace furniture 100%, and try to do something with the nice high ceiling by adding a big bookshelf or something like that. Have a look at Erinn Valencich's youtube channel where I think she made interior design for a similar space (living room). Agree with kimcadw adding some art (proper big size art picture). Good luck! :-)



  • PRO
    Melissa Gogolinski
    11 months ago

    Instead of painting the brick, I’d stain in it an ebony colour. Stains work great on brick, leaving all of the character and charm, but updating the colour. I wouldn’t paint any of the wood, but would put in a thicker baseboard. A nice creamy white would really lighten the room and make it more modern, as would an updated fire unit as indicated above. If you go with LVP, choose one that looks like a tile. You wouldn’t want something that looks like fake wood next to all of that real gorgeous wood. I have Marmoleum in a slate look and I love it. Easy to care for and warm underfoot. Check out Farbo. It’s also a very sustainable choice

  • Mary Charters
    10 months ago

    I would put hardwood flooring in and extend it into the kitchen. I have had hardwood in 3 kitchens now and love it! You can always add a runner in front of the sink/dishwasher area if concerned about water but it has never been an issue for me. I would paint the window trim to match the baseboards. Walls a warm and light color and I would paint the brick either the same color or deeper shade of the wall color. If you could run the fireplace on a flat wall with the brick surround that would resolve the furniture placement issue. It’s a wonderful space to have to work with!!

  • cxg2
    10 months ago

    Cover the brick in a tile you love… we did this with large unpolished travertine and we love it. A modern firebox would be nice but I bet that thing is 1000 pounds so you might want to leave. Definitely paint walls a warm white to make the wood look beautiful. I would also suggest wood look tile (porcelain) floors… they are beautiful and indestructible… wear slippers for cold feet! I also live in PNW. I would leave the wood trim accents if the wood is really nice, otherwise paint to match creamy walls.

  • lwashmuth
    10 months ago

    Yes, wood floors that don't fight with that fabulous ceiling. Keep brick. Somethings to remember: the fireplace is the focal point so the tv definately needs to be close to it, couches do not need to be up against a wall. Angle them to look at fireplace/ tv. Warm up the walls as many have stated. the PNW is damp and cold much of the time. Creamy warm paint helps it feel warmer.

  • nolanirvana
    10 months ago

    Why are you putting the same floor in the 2 rooms? I have engineered wood floors in my kitchen and great room but in by a previous owner. Unknown to us we had a dishwasher leak that was not evident until water was bubbling up for under the floor! Since we discovered this I have read that if you have a dishwasher, you will eventually have a leak. Waiting to hear from insurance, but our dilemma is that the floor goes throughout a 600 square foot area and we don’t know if the floor can be refinished. We have a kitchen renovation in the future for our vacation home and I will not be putting wood floors in that kitchen. You have beautiful wood on the ceiling and trim. I would keep that, go with a lighter paint on the wall, possibly update with a more modern wood stove and , stain or lime wash the brick.

  • Melanie C
    10 months ago

    I suppose a lot depends on your budget. I love our LVP which we had installed throughout when we renovated a few years back. Your fireplace is gorgeous if you’re looking to update it I’d say paint it or tile it (low/high options)… Either way looks like a gorgeous room. Good luck

  • Savvy mom
    10 months ago

    I wouldn’t do wood floors especially if they go into a kitchen that’s well used. We got talked into engineered wood floors throughout our house and I absolutely hate them for the kitchen. Anything you drop or spill goes in the cracks and messes up the floor. If you do choice wood floors than I’d definitely have the wood floors laid, sanded and sealed so you don’t have all the cracks for food, dirt and spills in the kitchen like engineered floors have. I’d do LVP as it’s just more livable and they make so many quality products in very realistic wood and tile looking designs now.
    We white washed my in laws fireplace brick and it looks amazing. You still see the brick color it just tones down the color but I personally am not a fan of full painting the bricks.
    I also would love to have your wood trim as painted trim shows every scuff mark, paint chips and needs dusted regularly or you can see the dust. The wall color would be lovely in a creamy color or even an earthy color green.
    Good luck deciding and you will have a beautiful home regardless of what you choice.

  • PRO
    ZebraBlinds
    9 months ago

    The room looks like something from a 70s TV show! While I like the retro look, if you want to modernize it, you probably will want to change out the carpet and the fireplace if it's possible. It looks also as if the windows are lacking coverings, and that the top windows aren't rectangular. For those, you may have to look into a custom covering or use a large one for the entire window area. We do have several ideas on how to get custom coverings for the special shapes which you can message us about.

    I will add that I like the retro look of the room, but I would maybe see if the carpet can be changed into wood or laminate, which can also add to the retro style.