SFGate

Dytecture Hi Tabitha, you've got a lot of great stuff going on here. The couch looks neutral in 2 photos and lemon color on other photos, but you could consider having a simple piece of contemporary glass coffee table that goes with the clean lines of the couch. The accessores in the back can be beefed up to give the space more personality.

Chandani Hi there, Sometimes it is difficult to judge a work in progress. So, don't be too hard on yourself. Also, mixing it up a bit adds interest, so don't give up on the rustic entertainment unit. I like when space looks like it's been developed over time rather than put together in one shopping trip. Is it possible to break up the sectional, take one end-- the chaise and position it in the corner on an angle beside the fireplace (in front of the shelf with the airplane). Then you can position the rest of the sectional to face the fireplace. It's difficult to know the scale based on the picture, but if this works, it will allow you to have the fireplace be the focal point and develop an conversational furniture cluster. Is there a possibility of reworking the fireplace? With the modern sectional, an simple update to the fireplace can be achieved by tiling over the brick in large stone tile...limestone, maybe...lots of choices. I like that you've chosen to paint the wall flanking the fireplace darker. I might consider painting the wooden shelves the same shade as the fireplace brick (or whatever you cover it with). Right now, my eye goes to the shelves rather than the accessories. I'd consider fewer larger accessories - including books, photographs/artwork.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Hi Tabitha. I'm sorry you're having trouble, I think you're on the right website. I like this coffee table from Room and Board http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=22112&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuCategory=201&menuSubcategory=143
I'm sorry to say this, but the sofa is way too big. It's in the way of the lovely fireplace area you have created. I really like the shelves, accent color, and clock. Is there any way you can remove the chaise portion that is directly in front of the fireplace and use it in another room, maybe a bedroom? That would really improve the layout of the room and open it up to the nice details on your fireplace wall. I'm assuming the sofa is modular and is put together in pieces.

I like the idea of a glass table so that you can see your rug and also it will feel light and airy against the large scale of the sofa. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

Dytecture You're welcome Tabitha, I prefer the clean lines of the glass & chrome coffee table on the left side, it just goes so well with the 'large' contemporary sofa you have.

nicmic Hi Tabitha,
what about plastering the stonework around your fireplace so that it looks smooth? And paint it white? I miss color in your pictures. Maybe a lime color or another fresh color on the walls at both sides of the fireplace? I agree with the suggestions by the other responders that a few large accessories would look good. Maybe in the color of your sofa? Or in a contrasting color that comes back in maybe some extra cushions or throws? And what about some plants?
Your sofa looks super comfortable... it would be so nice to have two smaller parts at both ends of the fireplace... but I guess you do not want to spend money on another one!

Tyler Jennings Maybe something like this would work? http://www.coffeetablesgalore.com/coffee-tables/rectangle/bernhardtconneryrectangularcocktailtable.cfm

I'm not affiliated with that site, but something that incorporates the stonework and maybe some metal or glass (perhaps go a bit more modern than the linked table) would look nice. So, maybe something more like this: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/bernards-stone-glass-iron-coffee-table

choralanne Hi Tabitha,

In studying your pics, I am curious what type of flooring you have?

and do you have an area rug in front of your sectional, or is that the flooring?

The reason I'm asking, is because my new flooring looks somewhat similar to yours and I'm having difficulty even choosing wall colors because of the way colors are reflecting around the room in totally unexpected ways - .

SalvageArtisan Looks like you're getting lots of good ideas. Here's a couple more suggestions.

1. Consider doing something with your lighting. Lighting makes a huge difference in a room, and in my opinion, ceiling fans don't go well with modern furnishings. Consider replacing it with a modern chandelier or group of pendant lights. Also do you have track lighting or some way of lighting up the fireplace/bookcases?

2. Add more bright pops of color. Pillows, accessories, etc. Maybe paint your "side" walls a darker color or at least a medium shade of grey, and paint the end wall that is currently dk. grey a bright tangerine or blue green. You could also wallpaper that end wall a BRIGHT funky modern wallpaper. Then PAINT YOUR FIREPLACE BRICKS the dark grey, and paint the clock your third accent color.

Couch: Light lemony yellow (am I correct?) Have a few splashes of a brighter version of this color elsewhere in the room and the adjoining room(s)

Accents: Choose one two more bright colors that make you feel happy. =) I'd suggest like I said, tangerine, bright aqua, or maybe even a bright royal blue. I'm a huge fan of bright sassy greens and that could look awesome too. Here's a couple of similar samples:

Basement Den
Upper East Side
Living Room


4. Def. rearrange the sectional. It's too big and awkward the way it is, you need to mix things up.

Suzan J Designs - Decorating Den Interiors Hi Tabitha,

You seem to be on the right track, and it's clear you enjoy the process of doing the design on your own, searching for that perfect item, etc. It might be worth it though, to hire a designer to assist with space planning, color, accessory selection. Many, but not all, designers will hire out for a consultation, knowing you would like to do the work and make the purchases yourself. It's worth it, especially when you've made expensive mistakes. It's better to pay someone who does this for a living for a few hours of their time, rather than have to keep returning items that for one reason or another don't work, or worse, have a garage/basement full of items that didn't work.
That being said, I agree that the chaise needs to be moved, either in the corner as a few have suggested, or the other suggestion of moving it into another room. A space plan prior to your purchase would have alerted you to the size issue and saved you some headaches! Agree with others - glass and chrome for the table, and make sure it's not too petite, or you won't get the desired impact/look. A vibrant rug with the colors in the rug brought up onto the sectional with pillows and a throw or two would allow color to bounce around the room. The shelves do need to be painted, maybe the same white as the baseboard? Clock is hung a little too high - the bottom of it appears to line up with the shelves; it should be lower. All in all, though, you have a lot of good things in this room! Good luck!

ruthyo You need to somehow turn that sofa..It is off balance..take it apart..I had one that I put part of it in the bedroom...You need some wow pillows..You can have lots of pillows and still be contemporary. A glass an chrome coffee table...Need mor accessories on shelves but may need help with arranging them..Maybe a new area rug??? Lamps that are chrome and more modern...Like all the above suggestions about the fireplace

normie94563 Here’s a Noguchi coffee table option for your living room. The Noguchi table is a classic, beautiful, organic lines, a work of art. The cherry wood could go with your sofa. Good luck.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Hi Tabitha. Just try taking the chaise off for starters and then position the sofa so that it makes sense with relation to the TV. Pull it away from the wall just a bit, can't tell if it's all the way against the wall in the picture. Should be floating away from wall slightly. Try burnt orange and brown with the camel sofa. Also, try www.rugstudio.com for hundreds of colorful modern rugs. Search by "modern", then the color you want. Good luck. Charmean

futrovsky I hope more input doesn't make this overwhelming! I like a lot of the ideas you've received. To me, from the photos, the wall with the fireplace, shelves and clock is too busy or "chopped up" visually: you have the black shiny clock, the horizontal brown shelves, and the pale brick all competing visually. Here is what I would do:
If you are choosing an accent color for the room (to use in pillows, etc.,) you could paint the wall that accent color (as others have said, it is hard to see the couch color but if it's cream, then let's say you like aqua as an accent color; I suggest getting some fun pillows with acqua and painting the back of the shelves acqua). Or you can keep it brown (nothing wrong with that) but in either case I would then paint the brick a "quiet" color like a tan or a couple of shades lighter than the wall. The clock is very cool but I'm not sure it goes with the mood of the room. I think something else there could tie in visually better with the room; is there another room where you could put the clock? Kitchen maybe?What color(s) are in the rug?
btw, I think the rectangular coffee table you pictured is great.

Sandra Van Konynenburg Roman Shades and Pillows in some great color or two could really help unify this space. I'd also paint the shelves the same color as the walls and bring in some coordinating accessories with color! Good luck! You have some great advice here!

jewelgirl one armed sofas are in vogue right now! So can it work out that the armrest-less side can face against the fireplace? If it can, then lucky you because it would be best if it didnt look blocked off. you have two focal points in the room, tv and fireplace are fighting for attention. Is there a possibility that you could move the tv above the fireplace? how big is it? i really like the secional but it is just tooooo big and is the third focal point when it shouldnt. post more pics, now that you have split it up.

jewelgirl I went back and read your comments again....if you dont like rustic then think about painting the wood shelving the same color as the wall they are on. Or black. or removing them all together?

jewelgirl And dont be so hard on yourself!! :)

futrovsky Tabitha,
You are getting lots of differnet advice and that can be confusing. For what it's worth, here is where I think you need to focus:
I would keep the couch as is; I think the layout actually works well because you can face the TV, which you will want to do most of the time, and also be near or face the fireplace.
Add a coffee table and just make sure there is room enough around it for people to get in and out. I think the rectangular one you picked out works great.

The first change I would make is to take care of the wall with the shelves. Definitely keep the shelves. They are beautiful. Just paint the brick of the fireplace--try the same color that is on the walls to start. That will quiet it down and tie it together.
Ditch the current clock (or use it elsewhere) and put one that is more consistent with the rest of the room.
It's hard to tell the color of your couch and your rug. So assuming the couch is tan-ish, you may want a different rug.
Here are two pictures that show:
- The fireplace in the same color as the walls (sorry for the clumsy photo but hopefully you get the idea)
- a new clock that fits better with the room's decor
- tan and brown rugs (each is 5 x 8 and about $150 from Overstock)

At least in my eye, those three things make a huge difference. That is where I would start.

I think if you do these things first, then you can do more later, like pick an accent color or two (aqua, lime green, tangerine, citrine, etc.) and add pillows, window valances, and vases/knick knacks for the shelves.

Good luck!

jewelgirl try this...get some paper the same , or close to, the color of the wall the shelves are on.Inexpensive at a dollar store. Fold it over and tape to his glossy wood shelves. Try black paper too. Remove the knick knacks except for a few same colored peices. Go to walmart or where ever and buy pillows or fabric in the color of whatever you put on the shelves. If you bought fabric then fold it around pillows you have now and leave it for a few days and see how you/he like it. If you do, and blues would be nice, then buy the carpet with that color in it. But whatever you put on the shelves....try and choose something in your house that you already have and LIKE. Some art leaning against the wall, a tall vase etc. But no baby or family pics unless they all are in black and white and matted the same. ;0 Thats what i would do. I like the clock with the furniture. both have a modern vibe. you said you dont want rustic but bought a rustic peice of wood furnitue? Paint it a funky color....maybe the color of the pillows, whatever they may be. post pics!

jewelgirl OH, AND CHANGE THE HARDWARE , ESPECIALLY IF IT IS BLACK IRON. THAT SCREAMS RUSTIC COUNTRY CABIN CHARM! Sorry about the caps. :)

Tabitha Dyson we were actually talking about putting tile or some kind of stone over the fireplace, but that may be to $$$. FUTROVSKY i do like the fan you have in the pic alot better, it looks alot more modern, i had liked the idea earlier about exchanging the fan for a more modern pendant iight or chandlier.. humm i do know we need more light ... and on the rugs you showed me, im getting alittle confused because most ppl are saying to get something more vibrant..(sigh)
jewelgirl, great idea about painting the media center! or even exchanging the hardware, my husband would prob go for that! we had been thinking of putting it in our bedroom but your idea would save me some money. here are the pics of the sofa after taking it apart... what do you think? weve alot been considering moving the tv over the fireplace...

nicmic Here in the Netherlands smooth plastered walls are very popular. That would not be that expensive for the brick fireplace, would it?

Emily Hurley Oh, I think you are on the right track. The sofa really frames the fireplace now. Love it!

Interiors Unleashed Try the chaise in the corner and maybe bring the rug and rest of sofa close to fireplace. Leave your tv where it is, try your lamp beside the chaise, leave everything else.

A glass coffee table will keep the room more open feeling but so will any coffee table that will bounce some light in the middle of your space. A shiny metal one will give you some modern glam and help bring it all together, looking spectacular with your airplane and making it show up more. A shiny lacquered coffee table in a color that works will do the same. If you have an old coffee table, get some metallic paint or gloss and try something, nothing to loose. If you don't have a table get a big piece of card board and paint it and lay it ini the middle of the space and see how it works. You can also try shapes and size for your coffee table with card board.

You might even find a consignment store or 2nd hand store piece to paint or one that works the way it is, if you know the size and shape you are looking for.

Get the furniture and TV where you like it, then work with the coffee table and then accessories - as they can balance and fill in. Strong colors have more visual weight, more oomph in a space. Circles dominate in a space so strong vivid color down in the room somewhere will help balance the large clock.

You are almost there. Keep going!

Interiors Unleashed take a look at this photo

Interiors Unleashed another one,
Riverstone Tables

mirror will work too, here is a photo of a do it yourself one with mirror tiles. A frame with apron and legs the size/scale of your shelves with mirror on top would tie in your beautiful shelves and add more modern glam
DIY Mirrored Coffee Table

these are not coffee tables but they show you how lacquered tables can bounce light and add color to the middle of a space
Red dining table with white high-backed chairs by AltaModa

my client found this coffee table at a habitat for humanity store and it bounces light into the middle of this small loft space. even though it is a chunky table, the wood trim and shelves stay light in feeling
Loft Family Living

here is an example of a simple silver tray that brings the glam and bounces some light into the middle of this space, it is complimented by a smaller shiny table in the space, your lamp in the fireplace corner with the chaise or a small shiny table beside the chaise and the lamp elsewhere might work for you
purple in the room

Tabitha Dyson Thanks you guys, love all the ideas. smooth plastered fp...humm sounds cool, i will research that! i will move the rug as suggested, soiunds good! only prob i have ran in to is that the chasie doesnt fit in any cornor in the lvrm, its huge... not quite sure what i will do w/ it...do you guys think i need to get a bright vibrant area rug? or a tan one as suggested above? the room really needs some light, some pop, color.... after i figure out how to get the furniture i am going to start on art... i love art! would yall suggest a diff/contemp ceiling fan or switching it out for something else? i sure would love to have all of your eye for design! i know what i like but i cant make it all go together, that seems to be a complaint on alot of ppl, i watch alot of DIY home design shows! Ha! Thanks again guys, you all rock.. anyone want to come over and go shopping w/ me! Ha!

Interiors Unleashed I gave you so many ideas on coffee tables, I thought I should address the rug. You need to think of the coffee table and rug together so they work together. If you want to use the floor for your pop of color, then an all glass coffee table or one that lets you see more of the rug would be nice. If you choose to do color with accessories or even the coffee table itself, you can go neutral or find a rug that blends in without too much attention and use less see through coffee table.

This coffee table lets the rug shine through although you don't have to have one as vibrant as this one of course.
Hollywood Regency- Turnberry Ocean Colony Sunny Isles, Fl

This rug works with the dark walls, has a large pattern but is not as vibrant as the above. You might look for a rug that pulls your dark walls to the floor yet has a large pattern.
Our Navy Living Room
This rug stays more in the background, although it is modern, and the pops of color are in the pillows and accessories.
Living Room Chic

This rug idea uses several colors from the space. You can achieve a similar effect using carpet tiles. Flor, www.flor.com has lots of colors and rug ideas and you can get samples. An all glass or heavier look coffee table would work for something like this as the light cream helps bring light and brightness to the middle of the room.
Fancy Armchair 05247

Above all, enjoy the process and take your time. There are a lot of good ideas here, none right or wrong. An idea needs to speak to you and your tastes. Pick out the things in the space you really love. Those are your style elements to work from.

Michelle Bramucci 1-large rectangular picture above the mantel that compliments the carpet. The clock is too demanding on the eye. 2-Use the blue from the rug in throw pillows. 3-Paint the shelves a shade darker than the brick, or stain them in either a wash or a dark espresso tone. 4-Add black and white family photos, organic looking sculptures (all or mostly ivory) and chrome accessories(because that lamp is working really well). 5-Some natural roman shades in blonde. 6-Comfortable armchair in the corner across from the sofa with a small table and a lamp. (Don't go too big or too bold)

Michelle Bramucci Hi Tabitha, What I mean by complimenting in this case is finding something to repeat throughout the room. It's always a little tough to get real hues from photos, but it looks like there is a nice blue in your carpet that works really well with your sofa (which I think I see as a very pale green) Tell me if I'm wrong. If you chose to go with the blue pillows, I would suggest a picture in something that also picks up on that. I'm attaching an image of a picture from Pier One just as an example. I think the colors are similar. Something else hit me when I was looking at your photos this time. The room might seem cozier with the rug turned parallel under the sofa instead of perpendicular.

Michelle Bramucci Genevieve is a genius. I tried to find a photo of what you are talking about but didn't have much luck. I think creating a visual pathway across the entire fireplace wall will absolutely make the whole room start coming together for you. One trap you don't want to fall into is creating more than one focal point. With the television on the other wall, it can be tricky. If you're not in love with the rug-change it. It might be beneficial for you to choose another patterned rug that you can pull colors from. Also, try a smaller rug. It really only needs to be as long as the space in the center of your sofa. A room full of beige and brown is not necessarily a problem because it's so versatile. In order to keep your contemporary clean lines and still give your husband a comfortable atmosphere mix textures but not too many colors, add lamps for cozy lighting, and try some wood roman shades(which can work with almost every style). Just remember to keep something cohesive throughout the room so your eyes don't feel cluttered. I'm sorry this is so long but I have one more idea for you that works well for me. Before you buy anything, find images of things you like and clip them together in your online boards. You can do a lot of preliminary weeding before you commit.

Tabitha Dyson thank you michelle! being cluttered and busy is something i ABSOLUTLY DO NOT want, my life and job are so busy i dont want to come home to it. i do not want two walls to be fighting for attention either - what do you think about mounting the tv over the fireplace?

Michelle Bramucci I think it's a great idea. You may be inspired to put up some built ins to house your tv gadgets.

Tabitha Dyson whats a "built in" ? you dont think putting the tv over the fp wouldnt make the wall look "too busy"? one last favor, could you show me an example to a rug you would use to replace the one i have now? ive been searching diff websites and im just lost, i cant have anything too light because of kids.... i think i almost have it. the rug, then i will use the color from that to add color around the room.. i really appreciate your help.

Michelle Bramucci Built ins are cabinets with open or closed shelving that are secured to the wall. If you Google search "fireplace built ins" I'm sure you'll find plenty of examples. I have a tv hanging over the fireplace in our family room and it really solved the focal point problem. Just make sure that cords and electronics are out of site. -You can use conduit for the wires. I'm attaching one example of a rug that I think would be a great solution for a few reasons. It pulls the colors together in your room, it adds enough pattern to hide traffic/spills, and it has clean lines that can work for both traditional and contemporary styles. Tell me what you think.

SalvageArtisan I still think you need more color! =)

Michelle Bramucci Hi Tabitha. I had a little bit of fun with your room. I put an idea board together for you to play with. Let me know what you think.

Tabitha Dyson michelle, the idea book was awesome, i could actually do my entire room with your help like that, would you consider helping me ? like a consultant, i would pay you for your time! as for the idea page, i love it all, but one thing, dont you think i need more birght color? i was looking at overstock and saved a few pic's i was thinking about, i am attaching them, i love everything else, i was about to buy a coffee table from crate and barrel called the era i believe, its glass and chrome, i was thinking chrome because of the airplane and lamp.. would the one you have work better? i mean, i like it better... but..idk.. i really would love your help finishing the room if you would consider it...thanks!

Michelle Bramucci I'm so glad that I could help. I really like some of the pictures you have chosen. I'm going to go see them next to the rest of your room in the idea book.

Tabitha Dyson thats only saying we use the blue..it doesnt have to be blue...i just wanted something w/ POP.. i got these off overstock, they are on sale.. husband dont like the dots, but i have some more saved i will attach

Tabitha Dyson opps

Tabitha Dyson last one

Michelle Bramucci I really love the last one. Why don't you tell me some things about you and your family. Nothing personal, just a little about your likes/dislikes. I know you prefer clean lines and contemporary design and that your husband prefers a more traditional approach. These can be blended to some extent. What are the colors, themes, textures you really love? What stores do you enjoy window shopping in? Crate and Barrel has a lot of beautiful things. When you look through other stores, are they more like West Elm or Pottery Barn? What do you like/dislike about them? When you watch TV shows like sitcoms, do you ever find yourself admiring the set design? Which ones? Finally, how much is the space being used? Do your children tend to gravitate there or do they have another area to play in? If you wouldn't mind sharing some of that information with me, I think you'll be much happier with the finished product.

Tabitha Dyson Oh Michelle, what would i do w/o you? lol. ok. i love sushi and kirin sappro. haha. we like the blue colors or the bluish green in the last pic.reds... not overpowering colors just small POPs to give the room intrest, im wanting to do our bedroom in grey w/ biright orange as the pop for example. art - i like though provoking, visually interesting pic's (my taste tends to be on the darker side of art but i'll stay away from that in the livingroom) themes..idk, i dont think we really know, not feminine, def not country, not rustic..(see attached - another $$ mistake i made w/ the media center- ugh, im going to replace that too when i can ).just clean modern but family friendly too, not busy, i hate when you walk into a room and there is so much stuff everywhere its unsettling. we like the things you sent me on the idea page, we both really loved all of that. we are pretty cool, concert going old people ...haha. we have parties etc..the stores i love are crate and barrel, west elm, cb2,room and board...not so much pottery barn..but i have to watch $$ some of those, they can get pretty pricey. ill find something i like and if it cost alot i try to find something similar on overstock or amazon..i dont watch too much tv, so i dont think ive ever really noticed a design i like..most of the space is used, our sofa takes up most of it. Our kids are teens, so they tend to stay in their own rooms alot unless they have friends over then they are on the sofa. we also have a 80lb boxer and a ragdoll kitty that are inside, not allowed on the furniture tho. i dont know if this helps but our livingroom in aprx 17' x 12'- so its long. im also going to attach my feeble attempt at decorating my shelves...sigh... it may be tto dark but the top left is 3 really cool glass hour glasses that we love...thanks michelle, you rock! please let me know if i didnt answer something you need...

Tabitha Dyson oh, my husband says no flowers. lol

Michelle Bramucci Okay Tabitha. I started another idea board for you on Pinterest. It's so much easier to upload photos on there. I kept the blue, but made it a little brighter than the original and it looks great with lime green (which makes a beautiful pop) It's just the beginning of an idea-I haven't come across everything for the room, but it's enough to give you an impression. As far as the cost is concerned, we can usually find substitutes for inspiration pieces that will work just as well. Also, I noticed you have a blue paint swatch in one of your ideabooks. What are your plans for that color?

Tabitha Dyson thank you michelle. the blue, idk what i will do w/ that, i just really liked it. weve only lived here 2 yrs and it was a house built in the 70's so im updating everyroom.. i love pinterest, are you keeping some of the peices you had in your original idea board? i was thinking about going ahead and getting the coffee table you had on it, unless i should wait...? also, that painting you liked, its 50% off today, are you planning to use that? last question...the ceiling fan in the livingroom? yea or nea? since some of my pics are so dark i was wondering if you would like me to take some more in day light?

Michelle Bramucci Honestly, I wouldn't purchase anything until you have a clear vision for your room. Sometimes a table or picture that would look great in some situations will not look so hot in others. On the pinterest board, the white, three tier table would be used as a coffee table. That's really why I put the second board up. I need to know where you fall between those two concepts. The first is a little swankier and the second is a little airier. I wouldn't purchase the art yet either unless you really, really love it and can't live without it. Then we can build the rest of the room around it, but it might mean compromising on other details. Nea on the ceiling fan. Yes please take a few more pictures for me. It would be great if you could include the wall opposite from the fireplace wall, the ceiling, and a quick shot of whatever room steps right off of the family room.

Tabitha Dyson hey michelle, we took a bunch of pics, too many to post on here, it only lets you post 4 at a time, is there somewhere i can send the entire folder? or do you want me to post them here?

Tabitha Dyson ok, im going to go ahead and post here, i can't find any kind of idea page on pinterest..?? i took alot of them to give you every angle. you will see my bird man poster,i love it, everyone else hates it so im going to move that into the hallway. you will also see the chaise against the wall w/ birdman - doesnt fit there, its too big but i had no idea where to put it.you will also see my dining room- which i decorated, im not thrilled w/ it either- i know now that the chandlier is old world, and idk what the pic's are but ive been told it not the same theme...see what i mean about me buying things and nothing works together? lol thanks michelle.

Tabitha Dyson and more...

Tabitha Dyson and yet more.. let me know what you think...be kind. hahaha

wcrjcs Love the couch! I would paint the brick white (super easy and there is paint for that). Ties in the white woodwork through out the house and allows other colors to pop.
Spray paint the hardware for the fire place (special paint for that too.) Go to HomeDecorators.com for super reasonably priced rugs for all room types. The color combos of the rugs you like will help with your colors for pillows etc. Bigger funky pillows would look good. Pinterest has video demos how to make easy pillows too. Super fun room to work on. I would put some storage accent pieces under each lower shelf on each side of fire place. Not a fan of the county wood shelves with the modern clock.
Beautiful floors!!!!

Tabitha Dyson Im kinda feelin ya there on the shelves, but my husband just built them and he worked so hard on them...i cant tell him they gotta go....any way to make them more modern?

wcrjcs I would stain them to go with your awesome floors.
More thoughts...
If you chose to paint the brick, I too would paint the walls behind the shelves to match. The texture of brick will break up the unifomity of using the same color. It would make the wall appear larger with nice flow.

Paint the longer walls with an accent color or color of choice. You can also pick one bold color for the room, put it on your window wall. By choosing that wall, It wont make the room appear smaller.
Here's just an example. If you go with the grey (suggested and pictured by another reply) you could paint two walls a shade or two lighter than fireplace wall and then paint window wall two shades darker than the fireplace wall. Again your white trim will give it a nice pop.

The tv idea on the fireplace (if it fits) would be good if it doesn't get to high in your hubby's " lounging" position! I recently purchased an arched lamp from CB2 that would look cool in your room. It doesn't take up a lot of room and will offer light w/o adding more furniture to the room to support lamps. CB2's price is the best I've found. I am a believer that you don't have to pay a fortune for something to make it look good.

I think it's important to figure out what color tones you are drawn to. Warm or cool...then decide your color palet. (Your bird picture is fun, but if those are not the colors you are drawn to more often than not, save it for a hall, office or even a bath.) With tone/color decision made, you can begin to tie it all together as you put your room together.

Green plants in planters can fill a shelf space and won't make it cluttered if you are lacking items for your shelves. If you don't have a green thumb, Pier One, Hobby Lobby, Kirklands or Michael's have some good looking artificial plants...don't fill your shelves with clutter just to fill them...go with meaningful things...they don't have to match the whole modern, country or theme of choice.
Good luck- sorry so long....Cathy

Tabitha Dyson Hi Thank you for your suggestions..i wouldnt want to paint the brick any type of dark color- you cant tell by the pics, but the room is pretty dark. we would paint the brick again, but i have no idea what color...we thought about maybe limestone or plaster or ? i really wish that the fireplace did not go all the way up the wall, i do wish i could update it somehow... as for the shelves, i do agree maybe we need to stain them the color of the floor- i choose the color just because it was light- but as it turned out, it looks kinda "country" NOT what i wanted. The wall paint, haha, we have painted that room 5times- from bright limeish green to everything in between..my husband was about to choke me so i decided...maybe i should just go w/ a camel color.... i would love to paint it to have some personality, but what color..?? i have no idea. tone, color, warm , cool??? im so lost! my bird pic was moved this weekend into my hall..it looks good there!

wcrjcs Your fireplace is great!! I wouldn't paint it dark either. White or the color of the trim through out the house would work. That will go with what ever colors you decide on now or in the future. Thinking about your coffee table...you could find square hassocks and store them on either side of the fireplace under the lower shelves. Pull them when you need to put down drinks/food. They come in fabrics or leather...
Sometimes walking away from a project for a while can help too, unless of course you are on a deadline. You can always go to a paint store and ask for good color combinations.

What about pulling the L shaped sofa and rug back a bit, leaving enough space to enter the room. Have your hubby remove the lower shelf on the left side of the fireplace (TV side) and slightly angle the chaise into the room. You won't be able to see the TV, but where it is now, you can't either.

Sometimes walking away from a project for a while can help too, unless of course you are on a deadline. You can always go to a paint store and ask for good color combinations.

Your husband sounds like he's a "keeper" just keep at it.
Best of luck-send photos with your updates.. BTW, where did you your sofa? I really like it.
Cathy

Tabitha Dyson cathy we had our sofa made at build a sofa in houston. they were great! i couldnt find one in a store i liked so we decided to have it made...now i see we made it too big!

Tabitha Dyson Michelle, i cant find the idea board you made me on pinterest...can you tell me how to find it? thanks!

noorlina Very nice pieces of art you have Tabithat

Michelle Bramucci Hi Tabitha. Sorry if I left you hanging. We spent the weekend with family and I was at work all day. You got some more great ideas while I was away. Thank you for posting all of those photos. You were right about the first ones being dark. I see entirely different colors in there now. That birdman pic is awesome. Is that your style? If it is, we can definitely move in that direction. On pinterest, just look up my name and you can see a list of my boards. Yours is titled "room idea 2". How do you feel about cool typography?

Tabitha Dyson thats okay michelle, im not rushing you, i just wasnt able to find it and i thought maybe you were waiting on me. wow, you like my birdman? yeah i like him, its..light..hubby isnt crazy about it...lol.. family and friends think im weird.. i do like that style tho. sorry i dont know what typograhpy is...? i keep getting more suggestions from others and im getting a bit confused.. taking a shelf down, painiting walls diff colors, painting the fp...ugh..can you just come do it for me? lol. no rush, no rush. thanks again girl.

Michelle Bramucci Honestly, if we lived close enough together I'd love to get my hands on it. Typoghraphy is art made with words or letters in special fonts. It can make a really interesting statement and create a black and white backdrop for more colorful accessories.

Tabitha Dyson sounds great to me! did you read the suggestion above about painting the FP and the shelves and the walls behind the shelves? what do you think i should do? i am terrible w/ colors, as i said ive painted my lvgrm 4 times, lol..i tried to look on pinterest to find diff things i like to try to hlep you with what kind of taste i have..but..i couldnt really find anything..like my birdman, i love him but my husband thinks its retarded, he wants to put it in the washroom...so i guess maybe not go down that style road too far or he wont like it..its hard finding a middle ground w/ us..oh and do you think we should put the tv on the FP? the only thing i see is the brick ledge/mantel thing would make it kind of high, how can i tell if its too high? ive tried to sit on the sofa and look but..its hard for me to picture things in my mind. how can i help you?
this is totally a diff room but i have one question about bedroom- its light grey and the bed we want is from crateandbarrel, its a black canopy style, i want to do the room in grey w/ pop of orange. black and whi pics, would wood blinds look good, kind of modern? i dont want drapes of any kind because of my cat, but i wanted to get something because right now i have tinfoil and it looks crazy. lol.

Tabitha Dyson michelle, i found some rooms i liked. i put them in my idea book on this site . its called, To Michelle. haha idk maybe you can tell me what kind of theme i like...???

Michelle Bramucci Hi Tabitha. I think I got it. I used the rooms in your idea book as inspiration. That great Missoni rug you saw is $5000.00. I don't know if you want to spend that kind of money on an area rug so I found a less expensive but similar rug and ran with it. I also found replacements for some of the major investments at Ikea so you can have the same vibe for around $40,000 dollars less. Tell me what you think. It's on Pinterest under "room idea 2". Also, I don't think you should jump into painting the fireplace. Since your husband did the shelves himself, I'm trying to avoid painting those too. I think That entire wall can work with the room just the way it is as long as we accessorise it just right.

Tabitha Dyson OMG. a rug thats $5000.00! i wouldnt let anyone even walk on it..good deal on the fireplace and shelves, you must have a husband too...they can get touchy about changing something they worked on so hard...thanks, okay now im going to ck out pintrest! thanks!!!..oh, and what about the wood blinds i mentioned in the ? above? i really need to get something this weekend, im tired of the foil look. haha

Tabitha Dyson OH MICHELLE I LOVE IT! ALL OF IT!! on your suggestion about raising the media center, we actually have like a sofa table in the garage, i didnt know what to do w/ it, how would that work under the pic? i can send you a pic of it if you think it might work .
also, i love the pic from esty for over the fp... do you think it would be better to get the pic or to move the tv there? what would you do? im so excited to show hubby all the items you picked out! love it love it!! thank you thank you! will you help me later when i do my bedroom? would you consider giving me your email address so i can talk to you as i do the livingroom instead of using the houzz site? or i can give you mine.. if you dont want to it okay, i understand. oh, im also going to get the book you have suggested on pinterest too, The Alchemist, i love to read!

Michelle Bramucci Wish you could see the smile on my face! I'm so glad you like it. I don't think you should move the tv over the fireplace. After I saw the rest of your pictures I really think it is where it belongs. Just put that white dresser from Ikea under it and it'll look nice by the green chair. My email address is mbramucci@gmail.com. Feel free to email me at any time. In fact, if you could email a picture of your bedroom I can give you an educated opinion about the blinds. I'll see if I can find a pic of your bed on the Crate and Barrel site.

Tabitha Dyson hi michelle, heres the bed. i want, havent got it yet, i want to do the lvrm first, but i do need something to cover the windows. we have 3 35x71 windows side by side. the room is light grey. i wish you lived close and i would take you out for sushi and beer...thanks girl!

anni lissee ....a few suggestions.....I would remove the decor objects on the mantel (under the clock). Add an accent colour that you could use for accent pillows, a few art objects on your shelving. Install puck lighting or light strips within the shelving to give that area some light. Arrange books and objects of art, photos (I am not a fan of family photos in the living space....more in the bedrooms or upper hallways). Looks like you might need an entertainment unit to house the TV as it looks lost on that wall.........well all I can say is you have lots and lots of storage.......I would also pump up the base boards to 4-6" to give the room depth....you can also had some crown molding the same size. ......

Anne Carey At the risk of being redundant because I haven't read all 70 responses, I think your purchases are great, even the rustic media cabinet, it's the brick/walls/windows that needs work. 1. Remove the shutters - they are a more traditional window treatment and cut the windows in half. Hang rods at the ceiling and repeat a pair of simple canvas grommet panels on each window or better yet a geometric pattern - something to balance the rug and provide a backdrop for the solid sofa. You don't want just one focal point, and drapes would provide a great vertical counterpoint to the vast horizonal expanse of sofa. 2. The fireplace brick is dated and the white clashes with the cream of the sofa... find a carpenter who can clad it in some old weathered wood (the current Crate & Barrel catalog has a great example of this). Just make sure it isn't matchy with your entertainment cabinet, maybe go a little darker. You could even subtly stain (grey, the new beige!). 3. No kitty tower in the corner! Replace with a tall plant in a woven basket or fun colored ceramic pot (fig trees are all the rage now). 4. Repaint room a singular color (no accent wall), and paint the wood shelves a contrasting color to pop against the wall paint. I like the idea or pulling a muted green from your rug for the walls (but be careful -- the wrong green will look putrid against your sofa), or a soft version of the blues in your rug. Then whitewash the shelves on the wall to stand out in contrast. 5. Glass top, chrome based coffee table -- a large round one... it will soften all the angles and be easier to move around. 6. Move the chaise to the right of the TV cabinet and and add fun accessories for the shelves (books, vases, chunky photo frames, woven boxes for storage, etc). 7. Lighting is an issue: Change out the fan to one without a light. Move the floor lamp to the fireplace end of the couch. Add wall sconces on either side of the TV (large enough to hold their own against the TV). You may also need recessed lighting in the ceiling (toward ends of the room). Change out entry light fixture to something that makes a statement. 8. Hang a mirror on the wall where the chaise now sits, with a console table underneath. Tuck twin upholstered ottomans underneath for extra seating, or woven baskets with lids for storage. 9. New entry rug, something more contemporary and rectangular, should be larger and centered under the light. Good luck, you've got great potential!

Get Back JoJo STOP SHOPPING until you hire a professional. It looks like you enjoy shopping. Get a designer to tailor a project based on what you need. This designer can make a plan for you, with sizes and ideas and you can buy from what they suggest. Stop wasting money.

Tabitha Dyson thank you. i do have someone helping me now.

anni lissee .....Ok my last comment on this subject......do exactly as Get Back JoJo suggests. Hire a professional interior designer and for the bucks spent on the designer, you will save more than the fees on headaches and purchases....and the end result will be beautiful.

If you can, hire a designer for a few hours and pick their brains for suggestions, advice and what would they do remedies. As you listen, take lots of notes......... I think this will be less stressful and achieve your design vision for the space....Good luck!

Suzan J Designs - Decorating Den Interiors Agree with Get Back JoJo and Anni Lissee, something I mentioned earlier after reading about Tabitha's dilemma. For those who love the process and the shopping but can't quite pull it all together, paying for a few hours of a designers' time is worth its weight in gold. We can do space planning so that the furniture fits (Tabitha ended up with a huge problem with a chaise that was too large for the space), guide on style, scale, color, etc. Yes - pick their brain, take notes! So often people don't realize that a good designer helps a client create a room specific to their tastes, needs, lifestyle, etc, that they don't just design a pretty room. I tell clients when they look through my portfolio that they should not be able to tell my own personal style, that the rooms were designed around the client's needs and taste, not mine. Tabitha, I'm glad you've gotten so much great advice here, and now have someone assisting you. I think your room will look fabulous when done. Make sure you post a photo of it!

wcrjcs Hey is Michelle your designer you are using?
We are moving and if I get in a pinch would she be a good source?
Does she have a professional web site or is it more of a hobby of hers?
If she has a web site could you put it on this thread? Please post your progress...
Good luck!

Tabitha Dyson Yes Michelle is helping me, i believe she only does it as something she enjoys..im not sure...thank you

dbkter45 Hello Tabitha

the room it self is a good room to decorate open and airy I love the sofa, and I think a few well placed accessories, rugs and pillows in a shade of teal or another bold toned down color would be fabolous! some geometric pattern would interest, and a touch of other textures would make a statement.. The accessories should include something of great size, along with a large print or art work on that huge wall...

eichenmuller Poor Tabitha, thats an awful lot of advice and here is yet some more suggestions..... If you haven't bought your rug yet. You have competing focal points that may tempt you to put your tv over your fireplace but before you spend that kind of money, realize that the two competing focal points may be ok since you have a couch that looks both ways now. You could add a cool chair to the corner of the fireplace eventually that may bring in your accent colors with a pattern. You clearly like the red on your art on the wall. I would continue to use the rug to pop with some red and I'd put some strong consideration to buying a round shaped rug. You have all rectangles and squares and hard edges here. A circular rug to repeat a circle on top of the fireplace and maybe a funky circle-bubble like lucite table lamp base would pull together your mod look. I wouldn't fuss up the windows with the contemporary feeling you're going for. I loved the fireplace color painted consistent with the shelves and in a darker color. Best of luck

lesliejane99 Hi Tabitha,

Just wondering if you have finished the room and if so, could you post a photo?

Thanks, love reading about the journey and glad you found someone to bounce ideas off and help pull your look together.

Leslie

Tabitha Dyson Well to be honest things just aren't working out. We did get a new rug, two chars and tried some curtains that did not work soooo had to take them down and return them. But I did get hubby to finally put the curtain rods up so not a complete loss of time. Anyway, the two chairs, I like them but I don't know where to put them??? Our problem is our sofa is way to big, I wanted the fireplace wallto be the focal point but the sofa covers it. What I really want is to re brick the fireplace make it more modern and hang the tv over it, but again the probwiththe sofa issue!! I'm exasperated with the entire thing and wish I could just hire someone fix all the issues. Sigh. :-/

victorianbungalowranch Yes it can be frustrating, but I think you are on the right track. I don't htink it looks bad at all--just needs maybe a few bold accessories and pillows to tie it together.

The birdman poster is great and a good size, but the colors don't jibe with the rest unless you go bright with the carpet and everything else. Too bad your husband thinks it is retarded--perhaps you could just use it for color inspiration. Or let him put something in there that you aren't crazy about! He has the huge TV--right?

This space makes me think of another Houzz post yesterday for fireplace window advice--maybe their bright and modern decor with a massive light masonry fireplace will inspire you:

http://www.houzz.com/discussions/222634/Ideas-on-windows-treatments

Everyone says paint the fireplace, but it is already a nice neutral color, and once you paint, you can't go back, and already quite contemporary with a dash of rustic, which can warm up the contemporary, It doesn't look country or lodgey or anything like that.

---Besides it is a lot of work to paint brick, and result can look sort of shabby chic rather than modern, or if you still don't like the color you are back to square one. Stucco requires a really good mason or it will again might be something you hate. It still looks great, no staining or anything, and is low maintenance as is.

I like the rug too--very soft and muted colors. But if you want to go bolder, paint behind the shelves a bold color like lime green/chartreuse (it will be tricky to get the right shade) or turquoise or some other color you love, maybe from the poster, and the wood would blend in better.

I do think the lounge chair is too big for the corner--you mentioned the bedroom and that is a nice place for a comfy piece like that. Maybe the rug could go in the dining room or a bedroom too, or you can keep it and go more muted. If you have a sofa table, perhaps it would help to have it behind the sofa so it looks less like a wall. You got some great space for wall art and sculpture so go for it!

I would leave the TV as it is--abovr the fireplace would be a big black box and way too high. If you hate, hate the stand, paint it charcoal grey or black, but I think it is OK as is.

The big clock is great--it just needs something around it to tie it in--maybe something bigger and more interesting on the left side to balance out the candlesticks.. Do you have books or anything for the shelves? How about baskets or metal bins or something for the kid's stuff and DVDs and whatnot?

Well at least you now have some decent photos that aren't too yellow and you can bring those with you to help shop or create a PinInterest or Houzz board to your liking. Take heart, and let the ideas simmer a bit-- IT ISN'T HORRIBLE AT ALL.

dbkter45 Hello, regarding the bed... maybe it will be nice if you can rethink the overscale bed and go with a softer feel, such as a tufted headboard that is velvet or microfiber..this will give the room more of a sophistated look without crowding the room with hard edged furniture. A pretty rug! to anchor it, a muted tone on the wall, a credenza and some side tables will all make this room comfortable and chic. here are a few furniture pieces that is just an idea/example that will pull this room together on a freindly budget of any kind... I Love this website because I have learned so much and I am able to chair my design blogs with other people.

lessismoore Has anyone suggested tempered glass or even thick plexiglass to replace the wood beam shelves. I wonder if that is even possible ... but think glass shelving around the fireplace would definitely "modernize" that area.

p.s. love your rug

Tabitha Dyson Thank you for the suggestions. I think I need to take new pics. I've changed the rug to the smaller one michelle suggested its in my living room idea book 2 I think. I've also got two new chairs but I don't know where to put them. . The shelves I dare not mess with as far as removing or painting, that was a big slap to my hubby's man ego when I suggested it before because he worked so hard on them. The problem with removing the chaise is that the seat cushions and back cushions slide off and it not being a tight fit makes it very uncomfortable. If anyone is interested in what I've done so far I'll post some pics. Thank you all

Tabitha Dyson Oh. And I'm moving my bird man to my washroom. I need something in there that brightens my mood! :)

Tabitha Dyson Oh. And I'm moving my bird man to my washroom. I need something in there that brightens my mood! :)

lesliejane99 Could you go back to the people that made your couch and get them to make you another small end piece like the one on the other side? Then just sell the chaise or move it out. The birdman is awesome, but I know what it's like when a husband doesn't like something! Also, I really like the shelves and would not paint or take them out. Can't decide on your fireplace bricks though, something needs to change but what?

Tabitha Dyson im sure the sofa place could do anything we ask, we would just have to load the entire thing up and take it to them... i have thought about that though, and have them add a arm or something to replace the chaise to keep all the cushions in place...its just alot of money..
if i really wanted to i could keep my birdman pic, but the colors really do not match anything in the rug.. i am adding some updated pics to give you an idea of whats going on now, im at a stand still.

Tabitha Dyson few more- as you can see the chaise blocks the fireplace, which i hate but there isnt any other way to put the sofa unless we put it against the tv wall, but then we would have no where to mount the tv because of the windows....

victorianbungalowranch I don't think the Eame's chairs work in this room--too hard and small and white compared to everything else. If you got rid of the end of the couch and put a table between them, it might be OK.

Would it be possible to put the end of the couch along the TV wall, perhaps even put into the recess with a shelf removed, and move the TV a bit. and then move the couch against the window wall. Looks like it might work.

Maybe you could mount the TV sort of cantilevred over the end of the sofa and remove some of the back cushions to make it more like a bench? And move the TV stand completely over, and connect the two with wires hidden behind a wood panel goint all the way to the ceiling about the width of the TV. Could fit with the retro vibe you got going there.

Mayve the Eame's chairs could go in the back corner where birdman was with a higher table suitable for games or homework. Not sure if there is enough room.

Tabitha Dyson we have put the chaise in the recessed part of the wall, in between the tv stand and the wall, it fits right under the shelf but iit looks too crowded, ill see what hubby says about removing the one shelf.. The Eame's chairs... yes, i dont think they look right in the room either... i was thinking of returnig them, i dont think my birdman goes w/ the rug, so i am moving him to the washroom we are remodling... ugh! almost everything ive purchased for the room doesnt work and im either stuck with it or stuck returning it...

lessismoore Tabitha - this feels like months and months (I've read all or most of the comments) of minor agony for you! I looked at Michelle idea book for you (which was great) and all the many comments ... and they are all great (best is stop buying, save some bucks, and hire a pro) ... What I'm hearing or taking away from this is that you love that birdman painting :-) (So ... I think you absolutely need to put that back, even if it NEVER goes with anything) and your clock, and it feels like nothing else works for you.
That is a gorgeous sectional, and I think it has the style you want, but I wish you could sell it, even donate it or ??? It is just too, too big to allow you to have the room I "think" you might want. No rug, no nothing is going to make it smaller.
Trade down for a cheap "modern" and workable - this ikea love seat (you might even do 2 of these - but measure first, buy once) comes in a ton of slipcovers so you could change your mind without it costing and costing ... Finally, read this article if you haven't already:

In the meantime, sit on the too big/too beautiful sofas, put your feet up on the eame's chairs, and watch TV with your husband and forget about everything else for a while.

homestyles Hello,

I would suggest to remove items from the room that don't work, and then start from there. For example - removing the chaise portion of the section that is in front of the fireplace. This will open up the area and feel less cramped as well as give you a visual of the fireplace. I'd also remove the Eames chairs, and even the items by the fireplace, clock, screen, all the items. Then stand back and see how things are working. You can work items in as you first need to get your sofa sectional working right for your room. Lastly, as your room currenlty has two focal points, the fireplace and the TV, I would hang your TV above the fireplace that would change the whole room and really simply the entire room giving it a clean modern look (I think your going for). Good luck - you'll get there - be patient.

Tabitha Dyson hahaaha your right about everything, i just wish i had a tiny bit of decor sense...but... the sofa... well, we had it built to my husbands measurements, it cost a small fortune.... no way would we want to do away with it... i do like the style, i think the best thing to do is just go ahead and pay for them to alter it a bit , maybe put a arm of some kind where the chaise is and put the chaise in my bedroom...
i do get wonderful ideas from michelle and everyone else as well, but i know its hard doing in online.. and the fact that i like modern by husband likes....more of a traditional look... so when michelle planned a room i would love it, my husband wouldnt.. so.. like you said, agony!

victorianbungalowranch Like I said before, it isn't horrid--esp. if you move the chaise.

Decor is always compromise in a family--I'm living with mottled harvest gold shag rug in my living room because "the boys" like it and it matches my cat (who really sheds). I would have torn it out in a heartbeat, but I added some green and turquoise and dark brown for a color harmony I can live with. Not my dream, but livable.

lesliejane99 Keep the sofa - get it modified - now! I think you should take back the chairs (you can always get them again) and just change one element at a time. The first element NEEDS to be the couch. It is the item that defines the usable space in the room and everything else you buy will have to work around it. Just suck it up and tell your husband that you promise not to change the shelves if he agrees to get the sofa changed. Then, while the sofa is away getting a makeover, go through some photos on here with your husband that border the line between modern and tradtitional approaches, remembering that these images will be ones he likes so you may not. (You might want to make a board with images first to lessen the pain for your husband!) Try and judge and isolate what aspects of traditional style he likes (wood tones, country style, harvest tones, whatever it is) then you can try and evolve some of those aspects to a more updated look. I think that your room (with the fire and exposed wood in the shelves and the beam) would look wrong with complete modern styling but with modern take on tradtional elements, I think it would work really well.
Also like a previous comment, I really really like your birdman and I think it would work well in this room even with other more traditional elements. But before you get into those debates again, get the couch changed!

Tabitha Dyson lesliejane, yep your right. i need to focus focus! i am all over the place, i know i get on my hubbys last nerve....1st the sofa... i actually just emailed the sofa place and ask them what we could do to come up with a solution that wont cost me too much.
i have two questions,should i work on getting the long back peice shortened so i can turn it to face the fireplace and move the tv over the fire box? or do you think th tv would be too high there?
or
remove the chasie and add some kind of end peice to keep all the cushions on and leave it facing the wall where the tv is now?
to be honest what i really wanted was to cover the 80's fireplace with something, slate or ? and remove that ledge that way the tv wouldnt have to be so high,(like what homestyle said) but..... that going to take getting my husband to do it.... he wouldnt be such a thorn if it hadnt been for me, buying, returning, changing, painting, repainting, hanging, taking down etc.....ha.

anitajoyce I hope you get to read this. I like the sofa. It holds a lot of people. I think the wall color does nothing for the room. Especially the accent color around the fireplace. I would paint The walls in the room in beige or white, along with the wall at the fireplace in beige or white and paint the wood shelving in white to bring life to the space. I would move the clock to another location in the room and replace it with a nice piece of abstract art or a big flower picture. I would add a different rug with brighter colors in it. It barely shows up. Add a few more pillows in patterns to go with the solid colors. maybe 2 to 3 spread out in 3 or 4 different areas. I would fill the shelves with books, more pictures, small plants in pots , standing art pieces and color vases (but fill up the shelves). Add a plant in the conor of the fireplace also. you also need some curtains on the windows in a color such as rust, red or another bright color that you like. I like th ceiling fan also. Let us know how the room turns out.

risha786 although i like the clock you hung on the fireplace, I think a nice mirror would look really good and open up/brighten up the space if you hang it on the fireplace wall

Tabitha Dyson Anita. I think the wall colors need to be diff as well, but, this is the 3rd time I've changed the paint. My husband would choke me. And I just bought the rug R u saying add more to the one I have or a diff one all together? Because changing it would also be an issue since I just took a $1000.00 big rug out of there and put the smaller one in. He does like the idea of two or three more similar rugs kind of layered. ? If I do not put the tv over the fireplace I will def move the clock and put up cool abstract art. Haven't really done much as far as pillows or shelf accessories because I was told that should be the last finishing touch. Sigh. Maybe I should hire a professional. Anyone know of a good one that has reasonable prices ? I live between houston and Beaumont Texas

Tabitha Dyson Anita. I think the wall colors need to be diff as well, but, this is the 3rd time I've changed the paint. My husband would choke me. And I just bought the rug R u saying add more to the one I have or a diff one all together? Because changing it would also be an issue since I just took a $1000.00 big rug out of there and put the smaller one in. He does like the idea of two or three more similar rugs kind of layered. ? If I do not put the tv over the fireplace I will def move the clock and put up cool abstract art. Haven't really done much as far as pillows or shelf accessories because I was told that should be the last finishing touch. Sigh. Maybe I should hire a professional. Anyone know of a good one that has reasonable prices ? I live between houston and Beaumont Texas

lesliejane99 Hmm, I have not been a fan in the past of TVs over fireplaces but it is becoming more and more common and in this room, with that couch, I think that perhaps it is the best idea. I think you should get a piece of paper the same size as the tv and blue tack it to where the tv might hang. Does it fit exactly between the brick? Does your husband think he could watch tv at that height? Would the tv there bother you (maybe black paper for this to replicate when tv is off.) The other consideration to make is cabling, you would either need to go through the brick or get a small conduit to run along the side of the brick, through the mantle and then to a tv cupboard. I think that if that would work, you could then build-in both sides of the shelving with built-ins in a traditional style (your husband appears to be a bit of a handyman!) but in the same colour as the white trim in the room. It would really set off the shelving that is already there and anchor that wall as the space under the last shelf is really drawing your eye down to the floor when it should be raised up in a room with such a great ceiling height. I would paint just the back of the shelving wall in a double strength of the trim colour. This is a design trick that is often used in rooms with more architectural features. Ideally you would paint the rest of the room too but see what double trim colour looks like with the other colour, maybe not necessary. Now for the brick.....I would just paint it the same colour as the trim, that way it blends in rather than sticking out but the texture is still there. Also it is cheaper than tiling and if you are going to tile anyway, might as well try that first. The colour bricks are not ideal and date the house the way they are now so I say go for it.

Ok, first step - couch, get pricing and ideas from manufacturer, I think that you should turn it to be on the wall the tv is on now, that way the entrance to the room is more open and you can look at the nice shutters and you are facing the light coming into the room. But as I am not in the room, I cannot say this is the only way to do it. Turn it that way as it is now (removing the chaise). Sit. Walk around, see what you think. Does it feel right and flow well? Put the chairs (if you still have them) on either side of the space between the window and get a small table from somewhere in the house to put in the middle. This is just to see structure, not colour or design of furniture.
Another idea for the couch is to get a large strip of Velcro from the craft store and sew one side to the bottom of the cushion and one to the seat. Do the same to the back cushion that keeps slipping off. If the couch is turned to face the window, you are creating a more open aspect to the couch as you enter the room. If the couch stays where it is you are creating a more open look to view the fire.
If you do get it modified, maybe just get them to put an arm on the section that it already the, rather than adding another 'square', if that makes sense.
Second step - do whatever it is you decide to do to the couch. I don't think you can go any further until this happens.
Third step - sort out the fireplace wall, get a test pot of the double strength trim colour paint a piece of board or cardboard. See if it matches the other colour on the walls. Check out options for cabling the tv. If you husband is on board. Start making enquiries about cabling and such. I know this is the boring part and you want to start looking at rugs and cushions but if you get the bones of the room right, then everything else will be much easier and more rewarding because it will look right.

lesliejane99 Oh, also if you don't want to build in units, take the measurements and check out some solutions at ikea or the like. If it is a standard measurement, like 1200mm (sorry I only so metric!) then there will be tons of cabinets that work there.

Tabitha Dyson But if I turn the sofa facing the windows where would I put the tv? I'm so confused.

Tabitha Dyson But if I turn the sofa facing the windows where would I put the tv? I'm so confused.

lesliejane99 It would have to go over the fire.

lesliejane99 Or, if your husband would be wiling to remove one shelf (the lowest near the window wall) and you bought some free standing units to go under the shelves, the tv could sit in the corner of the fireplace wall and the window wall. It would then have to be on a stand, it will have probably come with one and they it would be tilted slightly into the room.

lesliejane99 Two drawings explaining my floorplans I described

lesliejane99 See what I mean about painting tp same colour and using the texture rather than a difference of colour so it's not too in your face.

lesliejane99 Image 4 has built-ins and image 1 a tv above, tilted down in this case to make up for being too high to watch properly

lessismoore lesliejane99 - I think you've got it! GREAT(or should I say Brilliant?) suggestions. I could totally see floor plan #2, the sectional facing the windows, as working. Wonderful pix to illustrate the painted fireplace.

Tabitha Dyson Yes now I see ! Are you suggesting I paint the fp white like the trim? I don't really like the built ins we actually tore some out when we bought the house, they were too outdated it looked like something my grandmother would have. The tilted tv looks good, but also the tv near thewi dow wall, iif it would fit .i like them both, If I decided on the tv over the fp. How should I modify my sofa so it's not closing ppl out when they come i? I like open clutter free clean lines. My husband is out of town but I can't wait to show him your drawings! Thank you! I wish you could come to mY house!

Tabitha Dyson Yes now I see ! Are you suggesting I paint the fp white like the trim? I don't really like the built ins we actually tore some out when we bought the house, they were too outdated it looked like something my grandmother would have. The tilted tv looks good, but also the tv near thewi dow wall, iif it would fit .i like them both, If I decided on the tv over the fp. How should I modify my sofa so it's not closing ppl out when they come i? I like open clutter free clean lines. My husband is out of town but I can't wait to show him your drawings! Thank you! I wish you could come to mY house!

anitajoyce Ok. I would start over by painting the walls and the shelves at the fireplace white or beige to brighten up the space. The rug on the floor does nothing for the space. It's very dark without much contrast. Next add some panels or drapery to the windows that have some rust or red in them. I like the red pillow. Find other pillows with colors of green, red, tan that may have stripes flowers or another design to go on the sofa. This is a start. Just go slow. start with the painting of the room though.

lesliejane99 Haha, I'm in New Zealand so that would be pricey! If you look on the ikea website there are some cool powder coated cabinets that I could imagine in that space. I actually like the idea of matching units as opposed to built-ins as well. I will have another look at your sofa and think about modifications. If you send me the measurements (room, doorway and couch), I will generated a better floorplan. I'm not an interior designer but I do up houses to sell for profit so have done floorplans a time or two!

For paint. Leave the shelves, love the timber against white look. Then paint the fireplace the same whitish colour of the trim in the room, then get the paint store to double the colour (make it richer) to paint the wall behind the shelves. This way, you get depth to the wall but as there are 3 element going on (fire, shelves and wall colour) the same tone doesn't make it overpowering. Just a thought, paint the wall first, just on the off chance that the fireplace looks ok in the white shade it is. I have a funny feeling you will need to paint it though, it will look great!

Do you know what I mean by the emptiness between last shelf and the floor? You really need to fill both sides with the same thing to maintain the balanced look in the room and draw the eye up instead of down.

I think this will give you the clean look you are after and a good backdrop to add accessories. If you don't like the more industrial look then a clean wooden cabinet would suit as well (same colour stain as the shelves if possible.

lesliejane99 Another option from crate and barrel. I think the key is not buying (are you listening Tabitha!) until the bones (wall with fire and couch) are sorted. But there's no harm in looking right?!!!!

lesliejane99 The one I just posted is more traditional but sort of a contemporary version of a classic. This is what I mean by traditional updated for 2012.

Deb Joshi Wow, what an odyssey Tabitha I read alll the comments and it was a learning experience :D and I can relate so much on the impulsive buys that its not even funny =/ Also I think even with all the overspending you have furniture and taste to be proud of, stuff i buy never looks this good and I would say my tastes lies always between transitional or overly contemporary also.

I wont add to ideas or will tell you to stop buying as you know it better than most. I would however add that I love your couch and all your furniture and your birdman and your hubby shelves and those chairs and the entertainment unit i love everything, but for me the whole dilemma is you trying to make the fireplace work, then everything becomes a problem. So would you be open to the possibility of closing it for a while? I mean just making a drywall cover and plaster over it so you can work with the room without the fireplace as a distraction? Or you could put the TV on the entertainment center instead of mounted to the wall and then use that space? maybe also use the curtains as a projection screen maybe?
Also take the birdman and put in between those chairs near the lamp I think it would look good on the corner.

Michelle Bramucci Hi Tabitha. I just wanted to take a moment to salute you. Your room is really shaping up. I know it's a long haul, and it's hard to live through every stage of an unfinished room. I just took a minute to look back at what your room looked like before your endeavor. You're off to a great start! I'm confident that you are laying the foundation for a beautiful room. P.S. It's time to put West Elm and C&B gift cards on your Christmas list:)

nmadias9808 Get a professional or even just someone whose taste you admire and respect.Let them see your idea books.Last resort find a room you like on houzz that has your similar furnishings /room size/ layout and then mercilessly steal every idea.YOU DO NOT need to spend a lot of money to get what you want. The sofa is a great investment you are putting it too close to the fireplace.

Tabitha Dyson ok, do we all agree first thing i need to do is paint the room? and if so, what color? maybe if i come at my husband with the paint chip he will be more willing (or just give up and let me do what i want to) give me a off white color, hell i'll just go buy the paint and start painting while hes out of town! haha
i have emailed the sofa place, but until i know where i where im going to put it, i dont want to do anything to it. i dont think what i want will cost alot as far at furnishings... because i dont like clutter or crowded... maybe if i promose not to buy anything else i can get away with alittle paint here and there...lol...

nevadan These Midcentury Contemporary houses lend themselves to very simple decor. The architecture is the statement. The big clock looks out of place on the brick wall - should not be in any living room. If you put a clock in a living room, it needs to be small and inconspicuous. The portion of the sectional with back to fireplace should be removed. If you do these two simple things you will be 95% improved. If you want more improvement, paint the whole room (not the bricks) off-white, including behind the bookshelves. Add a window treatment that unifies the two very small windows, Buy some used books and put them on the bookshelves. Then you can go one step farther by removing the ceiling fixture.

mmilos I thought your sectional looked fine without the chaise portion blocking the fireplace. You just need some more throw pillows, coffee table and accessories to tie it all together. I like your chrome lamp next to your entertainment center. I would repeat the chrome element with a simple, modern looking chrome/steel and glass coffee table. Something like this:
http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=563&categoryId=8019

I would then get a comfortable lounge chair to put opposite your sectional in front of the fireplace.

I think your room colors are fine. I would paint the fireplace. Your floating shelves need something heavier at the bottom to anchor them...I would consider removing the shelves and adding some base cabinets (or used pair of old dressers painted a fun color) for more storage. Hang a mirror above each cabinet and place two lamps flanking the fireplace for more light.

Eventually, you can add a sofa table on the back of your sectional facing your entry way. That'll help break up the wall effect of the sectional as you enter the room. Replace your entry way light with something more modern, like this:
http://www.hinkleylighting.com/products/product-detail.aspx?pid=6189&cid=14

Wabisabi Green I suggest a simple clean square wood coffee table (more family friendly than glass or metal) combined with some colorful modern throw pillows for a pop of color and interest such as the Bloom or Dahlia designs below.

David Keller Where did you get the sectional sofa from? We're looking for a mid-century sectional like this. Thx!