We have a 14 foot wall opposite the fireplace which we though of adding photos too or art to bring in color. The mirror over the fireplace is 4” above the mantle but i agree it reflects nothing so maybe art/photos on the long wall would improve that.

We had an art piece over the mantle before and didn’t like it. Maybe it was the wrong piece… we could try again and move the mirror over the buffer we have which would reflect the bay window light.

We put the photos over the TV to add a litte height. We don’t love the frames and would be open to changing it, but without them the area was missing something.

The first thing I'd do is replace the plantation shutters with fabric roman shades to soften the space and make it cozier. Get some throw pillows to coordinate with the colors of the shades. The second thing I'd do is add an area rug in the dining space.

I'd also consider painting the walls a brighter white. Right now, the whole space looks beige and you need to inject more color with art and accessories.

@Sabrina Alfin Interiors the dining space is 8’x8’ and having a rug (which we tried) fills the whole space if we go with a smaller rug the chairs are not able to stay on the rug when pulled out.

i appreciate your feedback and may consider curtains to soften the space but won’t be replacing rhe shutters. Those do a lot to keep heat and cold out which roman shades won’t do. not to mention the shutters were were very expensive.

i agree paint would do a lot.

The dining room is the plainest and the easiest area to add some color and warmth.

Add a rod outside the bay and add drapes. (Photo is for rod install, not the two panels).

These draperies are on sale at Ballard Design, as are coordinate pillows for the sofa.

You need two of the 50" wide.

Add two upholstered dining chairs into the mix. I like these and the price is for two at Wallmart.

Once you have a color scheme going on, try choosing art for over the fireplace.

is there a more effective way to layout the living and dining room? i know its small but curious to hear other thoughts. if we have to replace pieces or remove we’re open to doing that.

Your floor plan doesn't enlarge. Hard to help with layout without being able to see the measurements. Try posting it again here in the comments.

@jck910 The measurements for the living/dining space is 24’ L x 12.5’ W the dining area is 8’ of that 24’. The bay window is 8 feet long. Here is a sketch of the area.

I think that your space looks VERY nice. The only thing that I would change is everything on the walls. I have a lot of art on the walls and almost every piece came from thrift stores or flea markets. Look for things you love and preferably framed! Do not hang photographs on the wall.

If the budget allows replace the rug with something more colorful.

I like the contrast between the beige walls and the lighter trim, shutters and fireplace. Your room is quite nice already, but really could use an infustion of color.

One thing I would try is adding a mantel with a little more heft and presence. The fireplace looks flat and too similar in depth and color to the shutters. If you look on youtube, there are lots of inexpensive and easy ways to build/buy a 3 sided box that just slips over the existing mantel. Maybe a wood color to match the console and dining table. The round mirror is a nice contrast to the linear feel of the shutters and the fireplace, but it also lacks depth, just kind of flat against the wall. If you want to keep a mirror there, maybe explore ways you might build up the frame or replace it with one that has a more substantial frame and some texture.

I think the TV console is a good length with the tv but seems oversized for your room (like too deep). I might hang the tv on the wall and try a smaller console under it to gain a little space. Can you (just for the visual) try the buffet under it? I don't see the buffet, so don't know if it has a top or is just the console, but the measurements you list show it as slightly smaller.

I also think a round table would look and work nicely in your dining room (if you're thinking of replacing it). They are nice for family meals and can expand to an oval for larger groups. With your bay window area, a round table would look great.

The bay window is so inviting. Can you disregard the room labels and out yiur kiving space off the kitchen, and dining in front of the fireplace? The tv on a console could go on the kitchen wall, and the sofa doesn’t have to be constrained within the bay window, but can edge out of the bay toward the fireplace.

So cozy to dine, work, or study by the fire, with candles (real or battery) in the fireplace if you don’t want a fire, and candles or fairy lights on the mantle.

How do you use the nook in the kitchen? How old are the children?

@Olychick, I agree with you about the fireplace. The problem with building out the fireplace which we considered is that the sofa is already so close that it would feel even more cramped. My kids already bump their heads on the mantle when they squeeze between the sofa and window. we thought about building a new mantle shelf that’s more hefty and wood tone to bring in some contrast.

The buffet is just about as wide as the TV. we used it for about 10 mins under the TV but it made the TV too high-it’s 36” tall tall. we feel that the current media console is a good width but a but too bulky and something more streamlined might work better. Shaving off 4-6” is huge. The main thing that throws off the room is the lack of balance and staring at the sofa the moment you open the front door. its awkward.

@bpath, we considered swapping the rooms to see how it’ll look. The problem that brings up though are lighting in the ”new” dining area. Installing an overhead light would be so cumbersome and require a lot of drywall work, painting painting, etc. Also, the room is much smaller than the current living room. Kids are young 6 and 9

Round table in living room in front of couch.