Disappointedly, I passed on the bench/sliding ottomans in the above post due to the cost of over $4200 in the lowest grade leather. However, because I’d had other ideas, I went back to one of those very quickly. The EA Ferri ottomans. But allow me to back up, please. When our church went through a major restoration in 2014, the design team updated some details around the doors, and I was totally inspired by the color palette. I still am. Please click on this photo to see all of the different colors: As I built a portfolio to redesign my family room, l found two continuous “themes." I wanted this color palette plus black, and I wanted an off-white sofa. Unfortunately, I gave into the fear that it would make my family feel they couldn’t relax in the room, and, after two years of debating, I finally chose a tweed that worked. I’ve regretted it every day. But gradually I am getting closer to the “feel” of the room I wanted. Before I could finish the room, I sold my house and moved into a temporary apartment. “Temporary” may well stretch into several years, and I need to feel good in this space. One thing that has worked in my favor is the off-white porcelain tile floor in the large open plan. And I’m so pleased that I waited until I found an area rug that warms up the room with texture but stayed with my desired color palette. Here’s what has surprised me most recently: On the EA floor sample sale were two Ferri ottomans which I asked my designer to bring to my home so we could get an idea of what direction to take. We both really liked the addition of linen-like texture, as opposed to another leather [which I’d planned for practical reasons.] We both liked the way the off-white fabric lightened the room. Knowing that I can choose to have them reupholstered very easily since it only involves the cushions, I chose to purchase them. And I’m another step closer to my original intention. I brought out more of my white and off-white accessories, and put away what most people consider to be “color.” This feels right to me, so now I can better convey that to all of you. I know that most advised me in an earlier design dilemma to add color. Please don’t worry. I can add more colorful accents at any time, and I will do that seasonally. Next I'll be searching for a 42”w x 18”d x 18”h coffee table with a glass top and metal base in oil rubbed bronze. This size seems best for the room, and I can choose to configure it with the two ottomans to form a large rectangle (42”w x 36”d x 18”h) when the ottomans are not in use. They also look nice along the wall across from the sofa, but for now I will use them as my “coffee table.” That has allowed me to remove the current coffee table and re-visualize the room. While looking for the coffee table, I need to decide on the drapery panels. The only reason I want them is to break up the mismatch of colors--the wood-colored blinds and the taupe walls--neither of which I can change due to the fact that I’m renting in a brand new complex. I’d like them to pick up the main color of the area rug. I’ve been watching for a PB sale. PB offers ivory in the 108” length that I need. (So does RH, but even on sale, they are too costly, I think.) It is essential to me that they hang very straight. No flare. Just barely touching the floor...and yes, start above the actual window height by about 9-10”...ceilings are 10' so I can make 108” work. I think I need to have a professional hang them for me. It is hard to spend a lot of money on window treatments for a temporary space, but I want this place to look and feel great while I’m here. Most if not all of the pieces I’ve chosen will work in my next home. But drapery panels...well, it’s harder to justify the cost. Watching for just the right sale. Any tips will be welcome! Thank you for your continued input and support.

Hi Clare/CDR Design (and all): I hope you are doing well! I hope you don't mind me reaching out again. I apologize I never replied or thanked you for the last post you wrote. Just recently I decided to start "obsessing" over the look of our living room AGAIN and what it is that drives me nuts. And, holy cow, the changes you suggested made most of my angst about my living room cease! First, changing the direction of the rug...wow! That made the world of difference! It made it seem bigger and finally more cohesive. The rug "or something I couldn't put my finger on" seemed so out of place and wrong. Just that little change did the trick and now it's not so annoying to look at for me. :) I would have never thought about the rug direction if it wasn't for you. So, thank you!! Second, I moved the couch forward and away from the wall. Looks SO much better! I wish I could get a different couch b/c it is so big and I don't like the color however that will have to stay for now. Third, I was inspired by your rendering of the living room you designed and shared with me so I moved the arc lamp over the leather chair in the corner and "I think" it looks good?! Fourth, will def add a console behind the couch instead of a floor lamp! LOVE that idea! Fifth, I moved the orange chair to the left of the fireplace and removed the blue chair however, the orange chair is a bit smaller and seems insignificant and a little odd in that corner (maybe b/c it really doesn't match any of the colors in the rug/room). :) The blue chair just seems like a better fit in that corner (to me). And, there is still room for the orange chair in the other corner even though I moved the couch forward a bit. My kids told me that the couch was too close to the TV when I moved it forward even more than it is now. I think it was b/c they had to crane their necks a bit (hence your wondering if we could move the TV to the other wall...) b/c it is a little high. WIth all of that said, I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for all of your suggestions! You hit the nail on the head with all of them and were the first person who actually gave me thoughtful and helpful advice! I have asked a lot of friends (many talented decorators in their own homes but not professionally) for their opinions and no one ever gave me such solid advice and recommendations as you. You truly are so gifted!! And have the most amazing vision! Clare, you have brought me this far - I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me finish this project so that I can FINALLY look at this room and think, "YES!" I love this!" I need to be done thinking so much about it! LOL! If you do not have time, then please no worries at all! I am so appreciative of all the advice you have given me already! I'll include my questions here just so you have them and then include pics of the room as it is now in another post but again, please no worries if you aren't able to answer them at this time. 1) Would a different, more neutral rug pull the room together more? Or should I keep the current one I have and work with it? 2) Arch lamp over chair? I also have one that has a gold metal 12" shade that I haven't put together yet. If you like arch lamp over chair instead of the tree next to the chair, metal or white shade? 3) Do I need another arch lamp in the other corner? If so, matching? If not, table lamp or no lamp? 4) Material of console in back of couch? Wood, black, gold metal? Thinking an 8" or 10" W and at least 56" length? 5) PILLOWS!!! My biggest dilemna. There are so many options and I don't know if I should stick with blue/cream/white or add another color!? Thank you SO much for taking the time to read this (if you do) and for everything!!

This chart might help you get the size right while you're shopping. Measure your bedside tables to get your starting number and let the lamp make up the difference to reach the 58-64" ;mark' on the wall.

Ceiling lamps. Shade Lamp