More pics of what I’m thinking of replacing

Your space is looking nice and cozy! It's evident you enjoy somewhat colorful art so perhaps consider neutralizing the drapes in living/dining areas to a simple linen cream color (like rug in living rm) so art isn't competing with wall color and drapes. Over fireplace I think a vertical art piece would look better to break up the squareness of fireplace appearance and give height there. The art you're considering for dining room looks great. Here's the thing, you have a nice open plan and can see all the different art going on which on my monitor just looks too busy to appreciate what is displayed. I would be inclined to take all the art I want to keep and line them up along a wall and evaluate for their contrast, color and theme you're going for. Process of elimination to get the balance you're looking for. When budget allows consider getting a different ottoman in solid color (green? or color from art over fireplace). The chairs and ottoman together look kind of busy and kind of compete with the colorful art. Good luck!

My 2 cents. Do you feel the need to have art over the fireplace? i think it would look good without ( but I tend to like modern ). Art is very personal, I like your colorful pieces, if you want to bring in more ”green” check out Desenio.com. Their pieces,prints & canvas are very reasonable & you can customize size, framing, categories, color, etc. Also, I’ve had good luck with Minted.com.

Thanks!
I do think I need something over the fireplace. Someone suggested that to me on here a few months ago. I just hung that canvas up and, even though it’s ugly, I do feel that having something up there kind of connects the area.

Other ppl in my previous design posts have commented on these drapes. They don’t bother me and were a lot of money so I hate to get rid of them, but i do understand the sentiment that they aren’t the best. I’ll keep
It in mind.

I do understand, and hadn’t considered before, how all the artwork needs to connect. It doesn’t now along the dining room/ living room wall and also won’t with what I chose to replace it…..

I love your three new pieces. I agree you have one too many pieces in here and the Marble fireplace is so pretty so leave it blank. The other three spots are enough. The wall art is fine where it is.

All your lamps are too short and squat. The illumination from then ends up in the wrong location.

Accentuate the VERTICAL in this space.

I'd like to see something in brass over the FP. Let the marble show through.

I also wonder about leaving breatospacd over the fireplace. Almost any painting will compete.

I could see a simple metallic flat sculptural piece over fireplace, but none of those busy sunburst things, no clocks. Something very light, a frond- like thing.

I’d leave it blank and wait for something to turn up, maybe pre- owned or artisanal, ragged than just art-art - art over all the walls.

I never heard of buffet lamps before! I did wonder if I should have a floor lamp but I never knew where to put them.

I see the critique of art art art. I do like what I picked out to replace the art near the buffet. What if I do that but get rid of anything in the dining area?

Regarding a place for drinks. There is none and I’d like to discourage drinking in there. I have 3 kids. I was thinking of getting one of those ottoman trays since my husband and I drink coffee in there in the morning. Those trays are so expensive for what they are though!

These lamps are typically 32-36" tall and the ones below are items I found on the Target website.

Changing out the artwork will be a huge help in refreshing the rooms. There are a few more minor changes that can help transform the spaces. While the drapes may have been expensive, they look drab against the wall color and don't play well with the floor and sofa colors. There are relatively inexpensive replacements that can make a big difference and brighten the rooms.

The trunk is too small by itself behind the sofa. You could try using it as a coffee table instead of the ottoman and add a longer storage bench behind the sofa.

Painting the dining chairs black is an easy project and will create more contrast with the wall, as well as relate to other black elements like the fireplace glass and the trunk bands.

I agree with the points about artwork overload - one way to soften the transition and not leave the dining space with bare walls is to use carved wood panels that provide texture and dimension. I also really like your choice of the water artwork because the large, light areas provide depth and don't just blend in with the walls.

I would remove all the pink elements and sell or relocate your current artwork.

Okay, you have sold me on the need to change out the drapes! What a difference that would make!

Can you give me a direction on textures?

I see how your changes are better. I can’t paint the dining room chairs, but I could switch the ottoman with the chest. I actually don’t like the chest, but I can’t bear to part with it.

Also, could you explain more what you mean about carved wood panels in the dining area?

Lol Meredith, I have identical trunk I bought at an antique shop back in early 90’s and it’s hiding in a spare bedroom. Someday I might use it…..

You've received some very good advice so far! Some things I've noticed that would go a long way to improve:

- Vary your art so they are not all 1 rectangular/landscape orientation painting. Try brass &/or wood sculpted pieces as suggested, &/or 2-4 related pieces grouped together.

- Replace or recover the ottoman with something else, there's too much of the same fabric.

- Replace the curtains with something lighter & hang them to the ceiling.

The trunk was my great great grandfather’s that he used when he came over to America! And then my mother restored it! So I can’t get rid of it. I wish I had a spare bedroom, lol!

I’ll look for wood sculptured pieces. I can see what everyone is saying about too much of the same.

Many ppl have commented on the ottoman (also in earlier posts I created about this room). I do like it. What if I put a tray on it? Would that break it up?

I’m looking for a wood sculptured piece by the dining room.

Granted I just started looking, but nothing really grabs me. My dining room table is natural cherry wood. I love it and it has darkened over time. I think the wood is beautiful and the wall hangings I’m looking at seem to cheapen the table.

Maybe a mirror instead?

Or maybe something like this over the dining room?

Or maybe something like this over the dining room? I already own it. It’s metal