olldbobbi My friend had a sofa just like this once, but it was upholstered in red velvet. Anyway, she found oval picture frames in the color of your wood and had sepia tone copies made of pictures of her older relatives. It was interesting, and very fitting.
NexTrend Design I almost always put art over sofas, although yours needs more consideration because it has a pronounced curve and the style is somewhat ornate. What I've found from experience is that I don't tend to like the results when a straight edged art or mirror is placed over curved furniture. It's more pleasing and visually satisfying to have curves on the art or mirror too. I like Bobbi's idea of curved frames on sepia toned art. Mirrors are best when they reflect something beautiful on the opposite side of the room, but in a conversation area like this, a mirror could just be a distraction while art would add color, style, and allow emphasis to remain on conversation, not looking into the mirror to check our appearance. Although the photo below is a bedroom, you get the idea of curves complementing curves. I also like the above suggestion of botanical prints. If you go that route I suggest you hang 3 with the middle one about 4-6" higher than the outer 2. This would allow straight edged art to follow the curve of the couch. Just make sure they're large enough to span about 75-85% of the width of the sofa and it'll look scaled & sized appropriately. An area rug picking up colors & style of the art would get you on your way to giving the room warmth and personality. Keep us posted on your progress, OK?
mpoulsom NexTrend.....would 2 round or oval sconces on either side of a square painting, or portrait, work in this application? You sound like you have experience with this arrangement.
Not these in particular, but for example....
anitajoyce The room looks and feels cold. Nice furniture! .I think you need a rug on the floor also. What do you think of a folding screen behind the sofa? The sofa needs balance with another lamp and table on the left side. and the table could use a small plant on the table also.
myodis I would do a black & white photo gallery above the sofa and definitely a rug to warm up the space. I would also put a vase on the table filled with brighter color fresh flowers to add a pop of color and a few interesting coffee table books. The room is very neutral & needs color.
dcer I agree with myodis, I would put a gallery wall above the sofa. I would also add a colorful rug, and switch out your table lamp for something more colorful and modern as well. Also, you should switch out the throw pillows on your sofa and chairs for more color. Just add color, basically:)! Your room is very neutral.
Dave Conrad a large scale contemporary art piece, such as a beautiful abstract photo or sculptural wall art, which would keep the room from appearing too much of one style. Or a tapestry/rug, hung with carpet tack strips. And 2 sconces (wall mounted lights) that are simple and basic.
stuckinthekitchen I agree with a contemporary art piece, otherwise the room risks looking too stuck in a time capsule. Whatever colors are in the art, you could change the pillows on your elegant furniture to coordinate with the colors in the art.
NexTrend Design Thanks, mpoulsom, for your question. Yes, 2 sconces on either side of a square painting would work quite well by adding the curves that the couch is asking for. Something like your chandelier style photo with crystals look very lovely... just make sure they're not too small or too dainty so they don't look lost in the vignette. You could have some fun with this idea and consider black or charcoal sconces (with clear crystals), black/charcoal frame on the art, a relatively neutral area rug with black/charcoal border or stripes, and a few more black/charcoal touches with cushions & accessories.
A few photo ideas below show some general ideas for area rugs, coffee tables, cushions and accessories. Since you already have many curves in your furniture, I'd go with a square or rectangular area rug. The last photo (scroll over it to enlarge) shows 2 sconces flanking square abstract art, although these sconces are more bulky & masculine looking than what I envision for your furniture. Interestingly enough, the abstract art here could work with the neutral curvy couch because the colors are somewhat soft, featuring both curved and straight lines.
portpiro The room is screaming for a rug and with such neutral furniture any colour will do except cream. Bring some colour into the room by choosing a beautiful rug first and then look at wall art. Easier to choose prints or painting once you have the rug sorted.
fife2 Well, very lovely furniture. Very period. Yes - you do need a lovely carpet - your chairs seem to have a modern bent to them, so not quite sure what the look is you are going for - period? Trad itional? A little more modern mix?
IF it were me, I would run to a high-end antique mall - where there are many vendors - look around and find somethng extremely different - which appeals to you. Botanical prints are nice, but there are also architectual prints? Bird prints (reproduction Audibon style - FABULOUS!) ; Prints of theatre costumes, Prints of Italian medevial costumes - you get my drift - what appeals to YOU? All of these could be colorful, as well as highly interesting. You could purchase reporduction prints OR begin collecting antique prints - anything DIFFERENT and interesting -
And here is another perspective - unique and different lamps MAKE a room! So many people overlook this wonderful asset to a space. Find and old lamp and have it redone with a new shade, a fabulous pull, and a finial. What about a period floor lamp for between that amorie and the sofa? A beautiful antique floor lamp with real carved alabaster balls? What about a stunning investment lamp - from the 1920's - with a filgree brass lamp shade and mica inserts? Something which appeals to you - or a stunning hand carved wooden lamp - with layers of different woods?
With a beautiful carpet - large enough to sit your furniture on - don't get a small one - it will chop up your space - and some lamps - and interesting something YOU discover - or begin to collect - this will become a stunning personalized space.
I would even consider hanging some pieces collected from different antique chinese screens - or gates, hand carved and red - on the wall above the sofa . Some of these still have the original washes of gold left on them. The choices are endless -
takage LOVE the furniture. An animal print area rug to give it a more contemporary edge or brown and white cowhide rugs are trending right now. Choose a new center pillow with a favorite pop color like pale aqua or pale lavendar. I would put an elongated oval mirror for height in the center and a smaller square or rectangle print or bw photo set, one on either side to keep the proportion in line with the top of the couch. Try to include your pop color in the print you choose or add a small sliver in the matting of photos. I just think you need to add a little more to make your over the couch choice make sense. Looks beautiful !
rynnie024 As an Interior Designer with 30 years experience, I believe that this room is screaming for individuality, warmth and personality. I am a full time artist now, so I firmly believe in original art. This would be a great place for a grouping of colorful original art. Collect several pieces of art from some local art festivals, buying only pieces that you fall in love with. Then when a you and your friends enter this room you will feel the energy of both the artist's and your memories of selecting these pieces. If you must buy mass produced items made in Asia, at least supplement them with original art!
scveenhof Everything in the room is curved, so you need contrast to achieve the visual balance you are looking for. A wall of 9 botanical prints above the sofa, a rectangular rug with color, and a drum shade lamp will do the trick
mitzievalentine This area is too leggy! Maybe you could lose the cocktail table and replace it with a low round ottoman (cream?) with glass cut to fit it and an oriental (reds, creams, blue or/and oranges) that all the furniture can sit on. The dark wood on the right can support the stronger oriental rug colors.
ABOVE the sofa: What do you love? What is your passion? eg: If it's piano, then frame your favorite composer..frame a picture (sepia) of yourself playing a grand piano..or frame 4 covers of your favorite sheet music,,,,,,,..OR if you love dogs, frame 4 of your favorite dogs in oval frames.....etc
Oh my gosh I had no idea I would get this many responses. Thank you all so much. I am going to try and answer all of the questions that have been asked. There were some botanical prints that I thought about but I'm not sure and I did get feedback from another website regarding them. Let me know your thoughts?
The big wooden and glass piece to the left is part of an Original BlackForest German Schuck (spelling) I purchased when I was in Germany. I even have the Certificate of authenticity and origin. It's made of pure Mahogany and heavy. It came in five pieces. Because it was so huge as one piece, I decided when I moved into this house to separate the pieces...one bookcase and one bar unit. The two end pieces with the middle is what you are seeing in the living room. At one time I thought it may be too much but it has lights inside and I believe once I place my pieces inside it should look really nice. My husband wants me to get rid of it but what does he know (smile).
luvthegoodlife The family room is calming to me but I think I need tomake adjustments here as well. Just giving you guys a sense of what I like. I guess I am all over the place (smile)
luvthegoodlife This is the room (Library) across from the Living Room. As you can see I have not done anything to it except place some bookcases in there. Trying to do one room at a time.
Vikrant Sharma Homez Your home reflects your fine Taste , I feel the wall behind the sofa can be made to look a little wider by a Landscape as well , and do add a rug as well .
decoratorlady My living room is very neutral and I like it, but I did use a pop of color to give it some color. I would put an area rug in an off white color and maybe some type of shag, something with a modern twist to it. The throw pillows could have your "pop of color" in them. I like the idea of framed art over the sofa. I suggest going through Houzz at living rooms and look to see what people put over their sofas. I like the idea of abstract art, something soft. good luck and have fun!
judyg i am going to go in a different direction. Love the fabric on your chairs. It is not typical of what you might see on Victorian furniture. I'd work around that feel.
Amy Butler Lacework Blue Floral Wallpaper Wallpaper-eclectic-wallpaper-other-metros
Jenkins Baer Associates
mpoulsom ok....I'm not getting the feeling that you would go for an abstract painting after looking some more at your style. I am in agreement with the others that an abstract would work there, but if it doesn't work for you, that's what matters in the end. I like the botanical idea, but i'm not sure the one you have is strong enough to give the room that spark you are looking for. A landscape would be very nice there. More traditional one. Don't know if you like birds, but if you could find something along these lines, it would add some beautiful but soft color on the wall.
txmagca I like the wall paper idea and love the above guineas for the colors. No mirror, yes to botanicals with color. The botanicals that you had liked in a recent post were too devoid of color or interest but would be nice in a bedroom above the bed. And when you choose the art you could arrange it to not be a straight line above the sofa if you did a series of three prints. Back to the "too leggy" comment that judyg had, I agree, too leggy. An upholstered ottoman would be so nice. Color!
fife2 I had suggested "birds" - but I also like someones suggestion of original art - collected from local art shows, etc. NOTHING beats hanging something you have fallen in love with!
I agree - the Botanicals are way to blah and do not add anything to the space. "Lovethegoodlife" - I think once you can add some carpeting (rugs) to your individual spaces - this will change everything! This will first of all pull everything together, and provide a focal point in your rooms because everything will then appear grouped.
I am especially fond of your chairs - they are beautiful - again I suggest some interesting lamps!
and IF you decide on an ottoman - I would definitely go with a solid color - which you could draw out of a carpet - I can see a beautifully textured and tuffted ottoman - in your room - which will add a layer of interest - since you like a calm space - what about one of the new linen covered ottomans - perhaps in a rich Mocha color, with NO legs! I think it should be at least a shade DARKER than the tone of your chairs. This will ground your room and add some balance to the heaviness of the German piece (which I LOVE). Have it covered in square pleats around the bottom and definitely if you like - add some trim for extra texture - something simple.
My brother was stationed in Germany for 15 years and they have LOTS of beautiful pieces. We also have an old (250 years) black oak carved Grandfather clock which I think is stunning. Do NOT let your husband talk you into getting rid of any of those pieces you love! :-)
Please DO let us know - am ever curious and know it will be beautiful!
txmagca Go for the big rug next, then worry about over the sofa. You can use whatever bits of color that you like in it guide you towards colors you'd like to see above the sofa when you art shop. The rug is the biggest expense and will have the next biggest impact on the color of the room. If for some reason you are not going to put in a rug then the covered ottoman can make the statement and pull colors from it for the accent pillows. Looks like you made pillows from your upholstery fabric already. Pull off a couple of them, save them for future "accidents" that might happen to your pillows,and add a couple of pillows with a different color. If you like monochromatic, then go with the mocha someone suggested, but not silk. Change up the texture for it. You could switch out the lumbar pillow in the middle and make it an accent/statement piece. A favorite phrase stitched on a pillow? Mocha velvet lumbar pillow? I know it is kind of cottage to do a statement but you are allowed to do something DIFFERENT. A botanical print pillow? But the rug is the biggest statement and the biggest expense remaining so I suggest getting it before the sofa art.
luvthegoodlife Thanks for the latest remarks. It strange the ottoman was mentioned. I initially started to get an ottomon but changed my mind. I had chosen this one...now mocha is more of a deep brown..correct?
luvthegoodlife Ok..I will begin to look for a rug but my problem is I don't like shag...and I'm not sure what to get...can someone possibly post some pictures? Oh and by the way my walls are painted you just can't tell by the pictures.
fife2 Dear Ms. Goodlife: NO, Mocha is NOT a dark brown - think of a delicious creamy milk chocolate shake - I LOVE your ottoman choice - but would like to recommend you consider a rectangular shape to add a different perspective to your room. I think this is why everyone is screaming BIG SQUARE ABSTRACT - or rectangular picture - NOPE that's not it for you - that is not what I see after looking at all your photos - IF you can get this in a rectangular shape for coffee table - try Pottery Barn for one of their wonderful Butler's Tray - for your Stuff - (flower vase, books, candle holders?) whatever - I think you need to insert a different shape into the mix of the "legged" furniture?
Mocha is more of creame colored brown - certainly NOT dark - just chose soomething which reflects the TONE of your deepestt Chair Stripe and go one shade down? It could certainly be a different color - was only suggesting the Mocha - because you seem to like the subtleness of color. :-) I am trying to get you to balance the heaviness of the German Piece by putting something solid and eye catching into the other grouping?
Just ensure iyour rug is large enough to place all of your grouped furniture (the legged ones) on , to provide a visal space to rest the eyes - this will focus the view onto what is in the room, rather than the space. Rugs are a very personal choice - and gosh there are so many fabulous choices out there now . Go on line, look around - go to a rug outlet store? You may discover something no one even knows about. A friend actually purchased some stunning wall to wall (you can have these cut and bound) with a differiniated Giraff pattern - (not an animal print) which has a lovely cream and mocha patterning. It is very subtle - but might brink some interest into your room and break up the stripey - all matching look - this would also continue your monochromatic look - if this is the way you would like to go? I cannot see this room with a shag?
txmagca I think fife2 did a great job of expressing where you are now on this effort. Go to www.rugsusa.com to search but fife2's idea to consider binding a carpet to make a rug is a fantastic one because you will be able to choose a subtle monochromatic pattern easily to bring some interest to the room and still allow for color additions in art and decor elsewhere that can be changed out whenever you want a change. Norwalk sofa and chair has a huge variety of ottomans but none that meet the rectangular, pleated, and tufted criteria all at once. Please keep us up to date on your progress.
OH, what are your interests, loves, passions? That was asked once to help you guide yourself on art over sofa and will bring some of you into what is at this point a display. You mentioned botanicals. And what will this room be room used for - book groups? Brief receptions with those who stop by? Nothing in the room yet to indicate if it is to have a purpose.
fife2 Thanks TXmagca: Perhaps what I am thinking of in rectangular - is like a bench? I know you can purcahse the forms and have these custom covered. I hae seen them at higher end fabric design centers and I am visualing something in Italian Linen. Maybe RESTORATION HARDWARE - would be agood place for you to look - Ms. Goodlife - lots of ideas on MIXING Textures! :-)
Arlene Warda, Architecture+Interior Design Hi luvthegoodlife,
Here is an idea, I think wondeful to add above the sofa. A group of pictures, different but relatable, as a fun and whimsical way to bring life into your living room.
Janis Pasiecnik there is no color in the room. you need a stately picture. try to get one with some of the same tones in the room but with some color in it. them you can take those colors and get some accent pieces of those colors to spread around the room. its a bit boring as is.
mitzievalentine luvthegoodlife: that is exactly what I was talking about--it's perfect--so just put a round beveled glass on top and it will look great....I walk away from my room and re-enter and if I'm not saying wow! then it's not right yet! Plus, I still like my suggestion of using what you love for your wall art -- I'm sorry but botanicals are boring UNLESS plants are your passion of course!
NexTrend Design Thanks Arlene for the photo that illustrates an art grouping that doesn't line up in a straight line at the bottom or top or either side... would work well with the curved back of the sofa here. I also like several touches of black in the photo.
Luv, I'd like to see more drama to wake up your space, not just neutrals throughout. You've got plenty of "YIN" (feminine curves) in your seating already, so I'd opt for some "YANG" (masculine) straight or geometric lines in an area rug to balance it all out, plus some black. Arlene's photo shows the square/rectangular rug with more smaller squares in the design, which illustrates my point.
I think a large ottoman that's upholstered & tufted all the way around (no skirt) would have more longevity and appeal. While the skirted one above looks elegant, I think the skirt dates it more quickly. The ottoman shown below (scroll over to enlarge) may not be exactly what you're looking for but it offers the tufted style I'm suggesting. I've seen 2 rectangular ottomans used together to make a large square "coffee table", which could work in your space. A large round tufted ottoman in an accent color could also look stunning with accessories such as cushions & art in the same accent color to provide a focal point & visual appeal in the room.
fife2 You know that wold have been my first choice in pointing this out - but ALL of the furniture in this room have legs! I was trying to suggest something which would counterbalance the weight of the German piece. I t ink your suggestion is great - I love those. I do agree about the skirting - what about one which is cusom made and just has a regular ruffled skirt with trim?
fife2 not RUFFLES - like feminine - Lucy's bedroom form the 1950's - yuck - like just where the fabric is gathered. BUT - I had an even better thought - what about a simple straight-line fabric piece with small inverted pleats only at the corners where it meets? NO pleats - just something at the corners where it must be sewn? then it could have plain cording on it, or trim - or something to add weight to the piece to counterbalance the German wall piece. No her furniture is far to elegant for ruffles - whew! :-)
luvthegoodlife Oh my gosh...I am so overwhelmed!!! OK guys...NO PLEATS :-)......I was looking at House Hunter tonight and it was an hour show which was the first time I've known this show to be on for an hour but anyway this couple brought this home which was a short sale and to make a long story short they had the entire house redone except the bathroom. She chose a rectangle tufted ottomon in leather in a mocha color...just gorgeous and it had legs. Although I would not choose leather but I get the picture of what you all are saying. I really believe as all of you have stated I need to get the rug first. I;m off for the next two days and I'm going to a carpet store and see what I can find. I will take pictures and post. What colors should I be looking for? Should I take one of my pillows with me?
txmagca Maybe you could take a look online at Shaw rugs before you hit the road to get an idea of what you think might appeal to you?
http://shawfloors.com/area-rug/Traditional/5'_To_7'/Brown_Chocolate
You can even upload your room photo and try dif designs with your photo but really just get an idea. Besides, the colors on your monitor are not what you'd see in real life anyway.
Measure your sitting area . You would probably want all your furniture's feet on your rug/bound carpet but you will have to see if that would work for you because your space is asymetrical, it looks like. Take a look at this link on houzz:
to get an idea of rug placement if a rectangular one won't work.
After you determine size and what appeals to you, take your iphone with your photo of the area so that you have something to reference when visualizing what a selection might look like in the room. Your pillow will help you stay on track with color. I hope that you can take a friend or sister so that you can stop and have a coffee during the day and make this fun. If you go traditional there will be several colors in the rug, one of which you might like enough to use as an accent on a tray on the ottoman or wherever . I wish you the very best of luck.
NexTrend Design OK Luv, here we go with yet another approach to consider! I'd actually recommend looking for art first, then rug & accents. (Don't you just love working with so many designers all at once?) As we often say, "START WITH ART!"
In my experience, it's much easier to pull the room together if you START WITH ART to go with your couch set. I think you'll have an easier time picking art first because you'll instinctively know if you love it or hate it or if it's just OK. Since your taste is classic traditional, that's what you'll naturally be drawn to. Then as long as your art is the right size & shape and has a few hits of the neutrals in your upholstery, it should work well. Then you can proceed to pick a rug & ottoman to coordinate. For example, if you go with art that has colors & images you love plus some black in it with a black or espresso (brown/black) frame, then your carpet would do well to have a dark border and a few hits of black in design of the rug. Then the accessories will be more easily chosen out of the colors in the art plus a few hits of black. Does that sound reasonable and doable?
Oh, one more thing... absolutely, take your cushion or preferably just the cushion cover along (less bulk) to make sure you're on the right track with color. Check with the stores on their return policy and then bring home more than 1 piece of art, try them out and live with them for several days or a week. Some will grow on you and others will fade in appeal over time. By all means, take pictures of each piece of art over your couch and post them here. (Lean the art on a sofa table behind the couch or rig up a temporary shelf behind the couch for a trial run with the art. Don't put a bunch of nail holes in the wall. Then stand back and analyze, try another one, etc.)
Jake Have you thought about moving furniture around?
Thats a lot of wall to try and fill with art just to fill it... Rather than have the German freestanding piece tucked away off to the left, why not move it against the big wall and put that on display? Place your sofa where the cabinet once stood. The wall space above here wouldn't need much art all. Even if you did the sconce idea, they would look great if everything were symmetrical against that narrower wall.
Another consideration with art over where the sofa currently sits is that you would have natural light washing across the art which is advised against. When illuminating art, lighting should be balanced from the front / overhead position.
What if the seating were all rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise around the coffee table? Perhaps the sofa has its back to the cabinet with a nice narrow side table placed behind it, and the two chairs sat angled with their backs to the corners of the space facing in to the table similar to how they are now. Now you've created a space within a space and you place an art piece on the wall aligned with the coffee table which wouldn't need to be huge following everyone else's comments?
I'm always a fan of moving furniture to see how a space might transform (sometimes for better, sometimes for worse). Overall, I am almost always finding better arrangements to excite and then accentuate from there. That and if you get a rug, get it size appropriate. Try out new furniture arrangements for a few weeks bc a rug bought now might now work if you decide it needs to change later.
Like everyone, I concur with the rug idea. Ottoman sounds nice too. Perhaps accent pillows... or a throw blanket casually laid out or naturally draped over one of the arms.
Flowers, sculpture, or some sort of center piece on the table and side ables can bring in color and feeling as well.
fife2 TXMAGCA - thats a GREAT Idea! And, just for some IDEAS - what about looking in Pottery Barn to scope out a feeling for the NEW colors in rugs. Another - great place: YOUR local high-end Rug Cleaners: Ours sells carpeting also: from investment level pieces (orientals) to the differniated giraffe design I spoke of. I don't know where you live - but we have these places around - called the "DUMP" - massive amounts of furniture sold at wholesale and BELOW - but always HIGH end - and TONS of RUGS! Close outs, etc.
I know they have some in Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. - check on line to find out if there is one near YOU?
Whom we have NOT heard from is Mrs. Goodlife? How do you feel about all of this?
EMGguitaris: I am thinking the large German piece would then be the predominent thing in the room. And we do not know what it's depth is? I think moving this to the center wall would overhwhelm the space? This looks like a litte entrance parlor to me - and perhaps not that large? And she is going to fill this with her pretties - which will make it the show piece of the room. Everything else will get lost?
luvthegoodlife Hi all....I have pasted the latest comments in words and will respond to each of you. As I stated before I had no idea I would get this many remarks so it's only polite to respond to each comment...stand by :-)
Cynthia beautiful sofa!. Definitely art, not a mirror. I mostly loathe contemporary art, so am in conflict with most postings here, but agree with most of them that art would work best. Buy a painting or print that you really LOVE. Pick up its colors in small accessories. As lovely as your furniture is, this piece will be the focal point of the room. Clearly you have great taste. I'm not worried. Good luck, I'm sure it will be awesome.
I am very familiar with the “DUMP” but never been there. My sister lives in Virginia Beach and she talks about this place all the time which is located in Norfolk, VA. In regards to the large German piece, I measured from the back to the front of the center piece and it is 18” and I allowed for the slight curve (if that’s what it is) and I added about 4” for a total of 22” in depth. My concern is where would I put the chairs and ottoman? I could put the chairs at an angle to each other in front of the bay window. I agree moving that large piece there could overwhelm the space. The room is not going to be used for anything and it’s not that large.
I checked Pottery Barn and saw nothing I liked. I get really overwhelm with all those patterns and afraid I will choose the wrong one. I just want it to be right and not purchase something because I need to right away. You can always tell when it’s right….the item speaks to you…TAKE ME WITH YOU :-)
I have now :-) and you are correct that is a lot of wall to try and fill up with art. A lot of sun does come into that room and for some reason does focus on that wall. Gonna get my husband to help me rearrange this weekend and see what it looks like.
NexTrend Design Great suggestion, Darcy, on the animal print rug. That would bring in touches of black (ie. leopard print) along with some neutrals plus add some drama & updated visual appeal.
txmagca Safavieh Martha Stewart Kalahari Brown Rug, Rugs USA. Luvthegoodlife - nothing wrong with a little drama and it would update the room. You could do it, really, you could.
fife2 Dear Ms. Goodlife: AH-ha! I had to take my Mom's rug to the cleaners today (the RUG place) and they were having their annual Tent Sale. While these are investment rugs - I did think of you, asked some questions and finally came up with what I was trying to explain to you about looking in Pottery Barn at some different rug styles.
The rugs, I have been speaking about are called "WASHED or ANTIQUED" oriental rugs - VERY soft colors, all look aged. Just fabulous - although I have to say, I don't know many folks right now, on ths site purchasing $18,000.00 area carpets. - THUS - my further suggestion about the "DUMP" where they DO sell, high end- quality rugs at huge discounts. We have one in Atlanta. Soft golds, blues, beiges - whatever you think you might like - in these WASHED orientals - are just beautiful.
I could certainly see one of these in your lovely room. SO, IF you DO make it to the Dump, or another carpet and rug place - ask to see their Washed or Antiqued Oriental style rugs.
Perhaps moving one of the chairs to a position facing the German piece, then a nice sized custom ottoman, in the center? And a floor lamp, or you could pull the small table with the lamp closer to the single chair located somewhat in front of the windows, facing the cabinet? This might break up the cluster look and the chairs would be more singled out, and stand out better since they are so stunning?
I also thought about this: I mentioned Rejuvenation Hardware previously - they have fabulous high-end light fixtures, grouped in period and style. Have you considered adding wall sconces above your sofa? Please just look at this site for some ideas? I like the wall sconces as they are these days, so unexpected in a home - and add so much to a space with an architectural element. You can mix and match the hand blown shades, or globes, or whatever? OR just use it for some ideas?
This will still you leave you a space to add a beautiful painting over the sofa.
I don't know what you like to do in spare time - one thing I have always enjoyed are gallery openings? Gallery walks - in neat towns - where you go gallery to gallery - wine, friends, etc.
You can usually find listings for these things in local papers - or even in Southern Living Magazine (since you mentioned VA. Beach) - get some ideas of what YOU like in paintings and purchase one - it will always be special as you recall finding this piece and purchasing it just for your home.
Please let us know what you decide. Hey - its only stuff - and it should be FUN!
fife2 That's georgeous! see if you can also find one which looks like a giraffes body - it is the same idea - but the colors are in larger portions? make sense?
txmagca That was the style but I think you picked out the "sand" rather than the brown with the blacks in it. Remember, the colors on your monitor may not be what you see in real life in your room. I'll attach some images. Whatever you get go a shade down rather lighter from your tone if you cannot match. And listen to NexTrend about the black or espresso to anchor and balance with the German Mahogany and add drama. Here are some neutrals but flip through "animals prints" on Rugs USA. Click on the pics to enlarge to get a better idea of the colors on the rugs. Looks like you'll find an animal print with your color. There is so much there. A giraffe is included below as well as an animal print with a traditional border. All found under the animals prints category on www.RugsUSA.com. Back to your orig dilemma, art. Refer to NexTrend's tips in same one that she explains the hits of black or espresso for the rug. Or use on frames for your grouping of prints. You know, sometimes Houzz has uploads problems so cannot attach at present.
NexTrend Design You're almost there! Just make sure your animal print rug has black in it. It'll remain a little too dull without the dramatic touches of some black.
txmagca Luvthe goodlife - The rug you posted I think has blue, not the darks and black. It is a different color selection of the same rug.The site keeps posting and won't delete answers so one of my answers is repeated endlessly. I can't get it to attach an image either today but that sometimes happens on houzz. Apologies. will try to see if site will clean up later.
luvthegoodlife I like all three above. I am currently on Shawrugs.com where I have posted my living room pictures and trying on some rugs. I am going to see if I can transfer these three from Rugsusa and apply to my floor...may take me a month or two to figure out how to do this (just kidding) but I will figure it out. I see now where all of you are going with this. I never would have thought a pattern rug would work but it can. I've only been thinking about solids all this time. Let me ask you something...why black accent in the rug?
txmagca NexTrends covered it. Quotes here from her posts: "For example, if you go with art that has colors & images you love plus some black in it with a black or espresso (brown/black) frame, then your carpet would do well to have a dark border and a few hits of black in design of the rug. Then the accessories will be more easily chosen out of the colors in the art plus a few hits of black. "
And see Arlen Warda's room photo posted above. See how it has neutrals but has the black accents to punch it up? And you have the heavy piece on the wall that needs balance to the furniture side of the room. And Arlene's photo also shows the photo grouping arrangement that you could aim towards.
To quote more of NexTrend: "Luv, I'd like to see more drama to wake up your space, not just neutrals throughout. You've got plenty of "YIN" (feminine curves) in your seating already, so I'd opt for some "YANG" (masculine) straight or geometric lines in an area rug to balance it all out, plus some black. Arlene's photo shows the square/rectangular rug with more smaller squares in the design, which illustrates my point. "
You do have A LOT of yin. I'd almost feel like I'd need to change my outfit to something prim and wash my hands to sit in the room as it looks now. With the animal print and dark accents I could feel comfortable sitting in there in any current fashion (but I'd still make sure to have clean hands :-) The animal print will update the space and give it a bit of punch.
txmagca Dear Luv, you are in the golds almost but you are in the patterns!. Start with your size in rectangle and then head for brown, select and compare some. Then head for beige, select and compare.
http://shawfloors.com/area-rug/Rectangle/10_And_Higher/8%27_X_10%27_(approx.)
luvthegoodlife tx...this is the one....LOVE IT!!! Im in Shawfloors website now...what type is this under? Contemporary...Traditional?? Also what is Hasta?
txmagca Great. Click the link above and it will take you there. My only entries were 8x10 rectangular and probably brown, maybe beige or black. "Hasta" is part of "hasta luego or hasta la vista, It means "until" in Spanish.
Hasta luego, Luv, off to the spa
Arlene Warda, Architecture+Interior Design Thanks, Melissa! these are great ideas, very classy! I like the post with mutiple pictures, one post above!....
Melissa Elizabeth Thank you so much Arlene! Given everything else in the room was staying the same, I'd say I'd end up going with something most similar to that also... sort of the whole package there with added interest through color/subject matter and the shape of the grouping to balance out the room. :)
Melissa Elizabeth Studied fine arts and psychology in my college days and always try to continue self-study but really just a life long lover of all things architecture and design (both my first "loves")... have worked for others in the field in the past and have been lucky enough to take on some small projects in my area throughout the years - hoping to be able to grow and continue in the future! ...design has always been an obsession, and then I found Houzz, uh oh! ;) My current ongoing project (which brings me here so much) is the restoration of a single family folk victorian in PA... trying to bring it back from the dregs of a 1960's apartment conversion on a serious budget... definitely a challenge, but who doesn't enjoy a little challenge, right? :)
NexTrend Design For you Luv, my 2 favorite rugs shown above (well done, Txmagca!) are the Chameleon Shaw & the Zebra Stripes. The Zebra has bigger hits of black which would look incredible, plus it looks like it has a few shades of your soft beige/champagne upholstery colors. The Chameleon rug would also look fabulous (I hope the beige colors have the right undertone with your upholstery and are not too yellow/tan). Chameleon has an added color that looks like a smoky teal on the photo... very classy. That immediately gives you the accent color to work with for cushions and accessories. Ideally, you'd want to get both rugs to compare with your upholstery and then return one (or potentially use it in another room).
Before you actually buy rugs, immediately start looking for art & take along photos of the 2 rugs. One way to begin your first art shopping trip is to just start snapping photos of art you like, no buying yet. Then come home & try to narrow down your choices to the top 3-5. Giving yourself some time to decide can help clarify your direction. Feel free to post photos here if you want more input. Happy shopping!
fife2 WOW - Ms. Goodlife & TXMAGCA - that IS EACTLY the disarticulated Giraffe I was talking about - and it comes in a softer color closer to Ms. Goodlife's colors. Well, i have even seen it in a soft blue! FABULOUS - that is it! I think I like this one, for the room, because the pattern is not so busy and dense as the spotted looking one. GREAT job!
txmagca I am going to reinforce the yellow undertones problem for you when rug hunting but you'll see it when you have the rug next to the pillow. Shaw has a sale Oct 1 - Nov 17. Type in your zip code and see which of their affiliates/centers suits your needs.
Great idea on photographing the art you see out there and bringing it back.
Carolina Photo To Go LLC I agree with whoever said do not buy mass produced art from China. Please go to Etsy.com and look at their home designer items. People have shops on there from the US, Canada and all over the world. You can usually get custom sized items and can easily contact the shop owners with questions. Some shops also have repurposed vintage items you might want to look at. Just put what you would like to look at in their search engine. Paris photography or whatever. I have a photography shop, nancyhehmann on their. Have fun.
NexTrend Design The above mirror windows aren't working for me with this furniture. 1: the grouping is too wide for the couch, 2: they're too boxy and lack curved lines which the furniture needs. The close up photo shows that they're quite classy looking & would reflect a lot of light & be a great idea in the right setting. Thanks for the idea... would like to try them sometime.
look at the pretty botanical prints that would look "victorian" but give some fresh color as well:
Not these in particular, but for example....
A few photo ideas below show some general ideas for area rugs, coffee tables, cushions and accessories. Since you already have many curves in your furniture, I'd go with a square or rectangular area rug. The last photo (scroll over it to enlarge) shows 2 sconces flanking square abstract art, although these sconces are more bulky & masculine looking than what I envision for your furniture. Interestingly enough, the abstract art here could work with the neutral curvy couch because the colors are somewhat soft, featuring both curved and straight lines.
IF it were me, I would run to a high-end antique mall - where there are many vendors - look around and find somethng extremely different - which appeals to you. Botanical prints are nice, but there are also architectual prints? Bird prints (reproduction Audibon style - FABULOUS!) ; Prints of theatre costumes, Prints of Italian medevial costumes - you get my drift - what appeals to YOU? All of these could be colorful, as well as highly interesting. You could purchase reporduction prints OR begin collecting antique prints - anything DIFFERENT and interesting -
And here is another perspective - unique and different lamps MAKE a room! So many people overlook this wonderful asset to a space. Find and old lamp and have it redone with a new shade, a fabulous pull, and a finial. What about a period floor lamp for between that amorie and the sofa? A beautiful antique floor lamp with real carved alabaster balls? What about a stunning investment lamp - from the 1920's - with a filgree brass lamp shade and mica inserts? Something which appeals to you - or a stunning hand carved wooden lamp - with layers of different woods?
With a beautiful carpet - large enough to sit your furniture on - don't get a small one - it will chop up your space - and some lamps - and interesting something YOU discover - or begin to collect - this will become a stunning personalized space.
I would even consider hanging some pieces collected from different antique chinese screens - or gates, hand carved and red - on the wall above the sofa . Some of these still have the original washes of gold left on them. The choices are endless -
Let us know?
ABOVE the sofa: What do you love? What is your passion? eg: If it's piano, then frame your favorite composer..frame a picture (sepia) of yourself playing a grand piano..or frame 4 covers of your favorite sheet music,,,,,,,..OR if you love dogs, frame 4 of your favorite dogs in oval frames.....etc
Oh my gosh I had no idea I would get this many responses. Thank you all so much. I am going to try and answer all of the questions that have been asked. There were some botanical prints that I thought about but I'm not sure and I did get feedback from another website regarding them. Let me know your thoughts?
Luvthegoodlife
The big wooden and glass piece to the left is part of an Original BlackForest German Schuck (spelling) I purchased when I was in Germany. I even have the Certificate of authenticity and origin. It's made of pure Mahogany and heavy. It came in five pieces. Because it was so huge as one piece, I decided when I moved into this house to separate the pieces...one bookcase and one bar unit. The two end pieces with the middle is what you are seeing in the living room. At one time I thought it may be too much but it has lights inside and I believe once I place my pieces inside it should look really nice. My husband wants me to get rid of it but what does he know (smile).
Amy Butler Lacework Blue Floral Wallpaper
Wallpaper-eclectic-wallpaper-other-metros
Jenkins Baer Associates
I agree - the Botanicals are way to blah and do not add anything to the space. "Lovethegoodlife" - I think once you can add some carpeting (rugs) to your individual spaces - this will change everything! This will first of all pull everything together, and provide a focal point in your rooms because everything will then appear grouped.
I am especially fond of your chairs - they are beautiful - again I suggest some interesting lamps!
and IF you decide on an ottoman - I would definitely go with a solid color - which you could draw out of a carpet - I can see a beautifully textured and tuffted ottoman - in your room - which will add a layer of interest - since you like a calm space - what about one of the new linen covered ottomans - perhaps in a rich Mocha color, with NO legs! I think it should be at least a shade DARKER than the tone of your chairs. This will ground your room and add some balance to the heaviness of the German piece (which I LOVE). Have it covered in square pleats around the bottom and definitely if you like - add some trim for extra texture - something simple.
My brother was stationed in Germany for 15 years and they have LOTS of beautiful pieces. We also have an old (250 years) black oak carved Grandfather clock which I think is stunning. Do NOT let your husband talk you into getting rid of any of those pieces you love! :-)
Please DO let us know - am ever curious and know it will be beautiful!
Mocha is more of creame colored brown - certainly NOT dark - just chose soomething which reflects the TONE of your deepestt Chair Stripe and go one shade down? It could certainly be a different color - was only suggesting the Mocha - because you seem to like the subtleness of color. :-) I am trying to get you to balance the heaviness of the German Piece by putting something solid and eye catching into the other grouping?
Just ensure iyour rug is large enough to place all of your grouped furniture (the legged ones) on , to provide a visal space to rest the eyes - this will focus the view onto what is in the room, rather than the space. Rugs are a very personal choice - and gosh there are so many fabulous choices out there now . Go on line, look around - go to a rug outlet store? You may discover something no one even knows about. A friend actually purchased some stunning wall to wall (you can have these cut and bound) with a differiniated Giraff pattern - (not an animal print) which has a lovely cream and mocha patterning. It is very subtle - but might brink some interest into your room and break up the stripey - all matching look - this would also continue your monochromatic look - if this is the way you would like to go? I cannot see this room with a shag?
keep us posted - lovely room.
OH, what are your interests, loves, passions? That was asked once to help you guide yourself on art over sofa and will bring some of you into what is at this point a display. You mentioned botanicals. And what will this room be room used for - book groups? Brief receptions with those who stop by? Nothing in the room yet to indicate if it is to have a purpose.
Here is an idea, I think wondeful to add above the sofa. A group of pictures, different but relatable, as a fun and whimsical way to bring life into your living room.
The different sizes add fun and brighten up the space.
Luv, I'd like to see more drama to wake up your space, not just neutrals throughout. You've got plenty of "YIN" (feminine curves) in your seating already, so I'd opt for some "YANG" (masculine) straight or geometric lines in an area rug to balance it all out, plus some black. Arlene's photo shows the square/rectangular rug with more smaller squares in the design, which illustrates my point.
I think a large ottoman that's upholstered & tufted all the way around (no skirt) would have more longevity and appeal. While the skirted one above looks elegant, I think the skirt dates it more quickly. The ottoman shown below (scroll over to enlarge) may not be exactly what you're looking for but it offers the tufted style I'm suggesting. I've seen 2 rectangular ottomans used together to make a large square "coffee table", which could work in your space. A large round tufted ottoman in an accent color could also look stunning with accessories such as cushions & art in the same accent color to provide a focal point & visual appeal in the room.
Luv
http://shawfloors.com/area-rug/Traditional/5'_To_7'/Brown_Chocolate
You can even upload your room photo and try dif designs with your photo but really just get an idea. Besides, the colors on your monitor are not what you'd see in real life anyway.
Measure your sitting area . You would probably want all your furniture's feet on your rug/bound carpet but you will have to see if that would work for you because your space is asymetrical, it looks like. Take a look at this link on houzz:
After you determine size and what appeals to you, take your iphone with your photo of the area so that you have something to reference when visualizing what a selection might look like in the room. Your pillow will help you stay on track with color. I hope that you can take a friend or sister so that you can stop and have a coffee during the day and make this fun. If you go traditional there will be several colors in the rug, one of which you might like enough to use as an accent on a tray on the ottoman or wherever . I wish you the very best of luck.
In my experience, it's much easier to pull the room together if you START WITH ART to go with your couch set. I think you'll have an easier time picking art first because you'll instinctively know if you love it or hate it or if it's just OK. Since your taste is classic traditional, that's what you'll naturally be drawn to. Then as long as your art is the right size & shape and has a few hits of the neutrals in your upholstery, it should work well. Then you can proceed to pick a rug & ottoman to coordinate. For example, if you go with art that has colors & images you love plus some black in it with a black or espresso (brown/black) frame, then your carpet would do well to have a dark border and a few hits of black in design of the rug. Then the accessories will be more easily chosen out of the colors in the art plus a few hits of black. Does that sound reasonable and doable?
Oh, one more thing... absolutely, take your cushion or preferably just the cushion cover along (less bulk) to make sure you're on the right track with color. Check with the stores on their return policy and then bring home more than 1 piece of art, try them out and live with them for several days or a week. Some will grow on you and others will fade in appeal over time. By all means, take pictures of each piece of art over your couch and post them here. (Lean the art on a sofa table behind the couch or rig up a temporary shelf behind the couch for a trial run with the art. Don't put a bunch of nail holes in the wall. Then stand back and analyze, try another one, etc.)
Thats a lot of wall to try and fill with art just to fill it... Rather than have the German freestanding piece tucked away off to the left, why not move it against the big wall and put that on display? Place your sofa where the cabinet once stood. The wall space above here wouldn't need much art all. Even if you did the sconce idea, they would look great if everything were symmetrical against that narrower wall.
Another consideration with art over where the sofa currently sits is that you would have natural light washing across the art which is advised against. When illuminating art, lighting should be balanced from the front / overhead position.
What if the seating were all rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise around the coffee table? Perhaps the sofa has its back to the cabinet with a nice narrow side table placed behind it, and the two chairs sat angled with their backs to the corners of the space facing in to the table similar to how they are now. Now you've created a space within a space and you place an art piece on the wall aligned with the coffee table which wouldn't need to be huge following everyone else's comments?
I'm always a fan of moving furniture to see how a space might transform (sometimes for better, sometimes for worse). Overall, I am almost always finding better arrangements to excite and then accentuate from there. That and if you get a rug, get it size appropriate. Try out new furniture arrangements for a few weeks bc a rug bought now might now work if you decide it needs to change later.
Like everyone, I concur with the rug idea. Ottoman sounds nice too. Perhaps accent pillows... or a throw blanket casually laid out or naturally draped over one of the arms.
Flowers, sculpture, or some sort of center piece on the table and side ables can bring in color and feeling as well.
Keep us posted :)
I know they have some in Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. - check on line to find out if there is one near YOU?
Whom we have NOT heard from is Mrs. Goodlife? How do you feel about all of this?
EMGguitaris: I am thinking the large German piece would then be the predominent thing in the room. And we do not know what it's depth is? I think moving this to the center wall would overhwhelm the space? This looks like a litte entrance parlor to me - and perhaps not that large? And she is going to fill this with her pretties - which will make it the show piece of the room. Everything else will get lost?
Just a thought here.
I am very familiar with the “DUMP” but never been there. My sister lives in Virginia Beach and she talks about this place all the time which is located in Norfolk, VA. In regards to the large German piece, I measured from the back to the front of the center piece and it is 18” and I allowed for the slight curve (if that’s what it is) and I added about 4” for a total of 22” in depth. My concern is where would I put the chairs and ottoman? I could put the chairs at an angle to each other in front of the bay window. I agree moving that large piece there could overwhelm the space. The room is not going to be used for anything and it’s not that large.
I checked Pottery Barn and saw nothing I liked. I get really overwhelm with all those patterns and afraid I will choose the wrong one. I just want it to be right and not purchase something because I need to right away. You can always tell when it’s right….the item speaks to you…TAKE ME WITH YOU :-)
I have now :-) and you are correct that is a lot of wall to try and fill up with art. A lot of sun does come into that room and for some reason does focus on that wall. Gonna get my husband to help me rearrange this weekend and see what it looks like.
The rugs, I have been speaking about are called "WASHED or ANTIQUED" oriental rugs - VERY soft colors, all look aged. Just fabulous - although I have to say, I don't know many folks right now, on ths site purchasing $18,000.00 area carpets. - THUS - my further suggestion about the "DUMP" where they DO sell, high end- quality rugs at huge discounts. We have one in Atlanta. Soft golds, blues, beiges - whatever you think you might like - in these WASHED orientals - are just beautiful.
I could certainly see one of these in your lovely room. SO, IF you DO make it to the Dump, or another carpet and rug place - ask to see their Washed or Antiqued Oriental style rugs.
Perhaps moving one of the chairs to a position facing the German piece, then a nice sized custom ottoman, in the center? And a floor lamp, or you could pull the small table with the lamp closer to the single chair located somewhat in front of the windows, facing the cabinet? This might break up the cluster look and the chairs would be more singled out, and stand out better since they are so stunning?
I also thought about this: I mentioned Rejuvenation Hardware previously - they have fabulous high-end light fixtures, grouped in period and style. Have you considered adding wall sconces above your sofa? Please just look at this site for some ideas? I like the wall sconces as they are these days, so unexpected in a home - and add so much to a space with an architectural element. You can mix and match the hand blown shades, or globes, or whatever? OR just use it for some ideas?
This will still you leave you a space to add a beautiful painting over the sofa.
I don't know what you like to do in spare time - one thing I have always enjoyed are gallery openings? Gallery walks - in neat towns - where you go gallery to gallery - wine, friends, etc.
You can usually find listings for these things in local papers - or even in Southern Living Magazine (since you mentioned VA. Beach) - get some ideas of what YOU like in paintings and purchase one - it will always be special as you recall finding this piece and purchasing it just for your home.
Please let us know what you decide. Hey - its only stuff - and it should be FUN!
And see Arlen Warda's room photo posted above. See how it has neutrals but has the black accents to punch it up? And you have the heavy piece on the wall that needs balance to the furniture side of the room. And Arlene's photo also shows the photo grouping arrangement that you could aim towards.
To quote more of NexTrend: "Luv, I'd like to see more drama to wake up your space, not just neutrals throughout. You've got plenty of "YIN" (feminine curves) in your seating already, so I'd opt for some "YANG" (masculine) straight or geometric lines in an area rug to balance it all out, plus some black. Arlene's photo shows the square/rectangular rug with more smaller squares in the design, which illustrates my point. "
You do have A LOT of yin. I'd almost feel like I'd need to change my outfit to something prim and wash my hands to sit in the room as it looks now. With the animal print and dark accents I could feel comfortable sitting in there in any current fashion (but I'd still make sure to have clean hands :-) The animal print will update the space and give it a bit of punch.
http://shawfloors.com/area-rug/Rectangle/10_And_Higher/8%27_X_10%27_(approx.)
http://shawfloors.com/area-rugDetails/Chamelon_3P185-Multi
Hasta for a few days
Hasta luego, Luv, off to the spa
Before you actually buy rugs, immediately start looking for art & take along photos of the 2 rugs. One way to begin your first art shopping trip is to just start snapping photos of art you like, no buying yet. Then come home & try to narrow down your choices to the top 3-5. Giving yourself some time to decide can help clarify your direction. Feel free to post photos here if you want more input. Happy shopping!
Great idea on photographing the art you see out there and bringing it back.