SFGate

Kivi I think the couch is very cool. I like it. I can't say I really like the ikea chair though. It does not strike me as a good pairing.

kchair Super cool couch! It seems to me that fireplaces are being deemphasized these days, which means there are a lot more options for furniture placement. I would put the couch in front of the picture window - it looks low enough not to block too much of the view, and you can put a couple of chairs opposite. Then make another conversation area in the corner where the leather couches are, but with smaller furniture. Please tell me you don't have a hideously big tv...how awful! ;-)

dagnydots It's a great looking couch! I agree with Kari, though. How about a chair with curved lines, lower back, and coordinating color or pattern?
Butterfield Barrel Chair
Massoud - Gray Graphic Chair
Oliver Chair, Ikat Print
Anson Chair
As for layout, I can see there's a clear diagonal path from the front door to the rest of the house. Have you considered arranging your furniture away from the wall to create a new pathway, maybe an L shape along the back walls? I wouldn't put the couch under your window if you want it to be the focal point when you enter the room. Good luck!

Kivi I knew someone could come up with some good chair options for you. I think the options from dagnydots is a really good selection to choose from.

feeny Love the sofa. What a gem.
A few more midcentury modern inflected styles to go with it, picking up on the curves:

despinach I love that couch! I don't really like the IKEA you mention, but I think your couch would be fantastic with the Massoud-Gray Graphic Chair.

michigammemom I like the quirky oval cushions on the sofa. There are some great mid century pieces at Crate and Barrel. I like this houndstooth Tux chair and Bel Air coffee table.

halifaxmama Oh I do LOVE the chairs you suggested -- they are a little over my budget sadly. Also, I'm in a house with young kids and I want the chairs to be read-a-book cozy.

Is this better? Maybe in pink or orange or grey?
Gah! It's so much fun to pick but so hard!
Thank you all so much for your suggestions! They make me feel more confident!

http://m.urbanoutfitters.com/mobile/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20353710&pushId=APARTMENT

halifaxmama Oh and ps: I do have this chair (I used it in my bedroom) does this work?

http://m.urbanoutfitters.com/mobile/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20353710&pushId=APARTMENT

houssaon LOVE the sofa. Who makes it and do they make chairs and other pieces?

rossatg This is an Armen Living sofa, one of my favorite brands! http://www.homefurnitureshowroom.com/full-length-couches/armen-living-lc10973-draper-full-length-couch_g1111814.html?isku=8573363&linkloc=cataLogProductItemsImage

victorianbungalowranch I love the sofa, and so do you, so find another friend or inspiration designer who loves mid-century modern with a femine or quirky edge. Maybe some ot the Ray and Charles Eames stuff would work-have you ever seen their own house? It is a museum now and it is fun and quirky and cluttered and colorful--not the sleek Mad Man look at all really.

Don't like the IKEA chair --it may be a bit tall, and the color would clash (maybe the blue one would be better), but some of those IKEA tub-type chairs might work, and their rugs and curtains are mod and quite reasonable. The chairs you pictured could work, but it would be taking it to the somewhat frilly and Hollywood Regency side of things--which is fine if that's OK with the rest of fhe family. Pink might be a nice accent color. Perhaps you need something to balance it out.

Someone mentioned brown leather club chairs, and an ottoman, which would be comfy, kid friendly and cleanable. Just make sure the scale works together.

The room looks big in the picture--and I think you are using a wide-angle lens, which makes it look even larger.

Don't know where you live, but the mid-century modern rewind hasn't made it to my neck of the woods (rural Midwest) so you can look around and find some great Danish modern, table lamps and other stuff for a song if you have a creative eye. Lots of grandmas leaving this stuff behind in Estate sales and such now too.

I think it can be marvelous with some bold art choices, a great rug and perhaps a different color on the walls. Charcoal grey could be a possibility since the room is large and gets lots of light.. Bring a pillow to get the color harmonies right.

The room looks big enough for a game/homework table or a playtable, and maybe some low shelves next to the fireplace would look both period and be useful. Here's some IKEA stuff that might work:

halifaxmama rossatg: I got it off Overstock and they have it in two colors and they also have matching love seats and chairs. I had to buy it -- it reminds me so much of my grandma's cabin furniture!

halifaxmama by the way - the room IS big! It's 20x17... and they probably did use a wide angle - it's the realtor's pics from their listing. We don't move in for another 3 weeks!
Again, thank you all so very much for the suggestions. I love the idea of a game table but I am not really sure what that means, A big low coffee table or an additional table in another part of the room? Even once I work out the chairs to go with the table, I am still at a loss for layout. The vertical walking path confuses me...

victorianbungalowranch A game table can be a little higher than the usual coffee table (like a tea table--common height in Europe) or since you have so much room, a completely separate seating area with chairs or stools. The top can have a game board built in or not, or flip. One cool version I've seen has wedge shaped stools that fit under the table, and drawers for game pieces. It is a nice thing to have if you have space, and the one we had (a nice dinette I think, but perfect for games) got heavy use for many years in our den when I was a kid. Some storage nearby for games and crafts would be nice. too.

How about a seating area with a nice rug opposite the fireplace and bookcases and a game table in the corner between the front door and the seating area? Perhaps you have room for a coat area and a bit of separation if you don't have a front entry. You could even have a screen if it is messy most of the time.

halifaxmama victorian - you read my mind about the screen! I have been looking at some. I am also thinking of taking the door off the coat closet (it's fairly large) and maybe even a bit of wall and making it a mud-area with maybe a screen/foyer area.

I have been dreaming all night of a game area! Couldn't be a more perfect idea! We aren't really tv people so we will have a tv in the basement. This room is solely for entertainment - kids & adults!

Do you think generic white ikea cabinets would look good & brighten up the room? Esp if I combine them with a charcoal grey paint or something similar. I'll add a pic of that too... Or maybe a more mid century mod look with wood?

what about a white tulip table with simple mod chairs? too big?

Diamondflame Love the mod couch! But a wingback's classic style will clash strongly with the more mod/retro feel of the couch. I agree, style-wise an Eames-styled recliner would be a better fit. Alternatively just don't put them together. The room seems big enough to have 2 spaces - one for TV lounging with a flatscreen on the wall opp the window and pair of cosy chairs (wingbacks optional) in front of the fireplace, separated from the lounge area by a slim console.

Color-wise, the warm tones of the wood floor would be better paired with cool white walls which will make that mod couch pop and reflect more of the daylight from the windows into the big space. A bolder color like midnight could also work, but use it only on the wall behind the couch to anchor the space.

victorianbungalowranch I think IKEA basic bookcases would be fine, and they have a number of containers to choose from. We used to have the big square ones (Expedit?) and they worked well for us. Like the heaviness of them and thick dividers and cubes, but almost any style would work probably. We moved and they were too heavy to come with us, and wouldn't have fit anyway, but I miss them

. If they have a wood finish you like go ahead or get the plain. It would be a pain to paint them, although charcoal grey could be nice. They also have some inexpensive nice metal ones.

As for the screen I would get something more in the mod pattern, perhaps Can be pricey though. This website has a lot shoji type screens for less than $150. http://www.colemanfurniture.com/accent-occasional-furniture/room-dividers.htm

Or maybe some mod wallpaper on hollow core doors, or fabric with ovals to echo the sofa. Might make cool drapes too. Somethng translucent might be nice. This fabric is kind of fun and from IKEA., as is the furniture.

Tulip table might be OK, but I find those modern type plastic chairs slippery. Maybe a Bauer chair or something a little more comfy. I like wood too. Old school chairs have that sort of vibe, so maybe you can get something cheap. Even a round banquet table might be OK--some are quite nice and fold up.

Taking the door off sounds like a good idea but sometimes it is nice to close the door to the mess!

I think it is going to look nice..what fun to start with a clean slate.

Defined Design I'm a little late to the party, but love your sofa! Think you should get a large area rug to create a seating area with the sofa & two of the chairs you're looking at (love the pin one pictured from Urban Outfitters, an a nice soft grey) and use an oval coffe table. Then I'd place two chairs on either side of fire place - low armless chairs so it doesn't feel like you are closing of the doorway. The game table idea is great, and would look lovely in front of picture window, possibly with a chandelier - look at Degin Within Reach for Nelson chandeliers - also look at LampPlus.com for similar looks at probably a better price. On the wall next to fireplace put a long, lower console to hold games & accessories. Try looking in antique & consignment shops. Keep an open mind - many two -piece china closets llok great just using the bottom as a server/console. If you decide to place a tv in the room, this piece could also serve that purpose. As for colors, sofa looks very blue on my computer, so I'd go with a soft grey (try #1479 Alaskan Husky from Benjamin Moore) - I think that would pick up the colors in the stones of the fireplace. I would paint closet door the same color as the walls to make it disappear, then paint the baseboard, crown & front door in #1484 Ashwood Moss (Ben Moore) for a little drama & to accent the piping in that great sofa. Have fun! And btw, the idea of a screen is a great touch - if you have the game table in front of window, then a nice floor lamp in the corner created by screen & wall would be a great accent - something sleek.

Defined Design Just a p.s. to previous post - you can get hanging chain with a ceiling mount track (roller ball type chain) that would also be a great room divider. Also the curtain panel track from Ikea would be a nice touch instead of the screen - maybe just two panels with a small space between them so you don't make the door feel too tight. There doesn't seem to be much space bewtwwn window & entry door.

judyg Everybody loves the couch. Great choice! Lots and lots of wonderful suggestions coming your way. Here is mine.

Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design Do like your couch, the game table idea is fab also, as well as creating the pathway to the kitchen in an L-shape behind your setting and not through it. Like your white chair and ideas for close with screen - look forward to post when you move in and begin process - perhaps then a photo post will help during the actual arranging - However, it has been fun to see the posts from some great creative minds!

victorianbungalowranch Love the shape of the West Elm chair!

Leif Color is close a good neutral like SW cardboard would make the couch pop

brilyn I thought you might get a kick out of this vintage house: http://gotogaddis.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/escapee-from-the-remodelers-un-improvement/

Don't use the wing chars. They don't relate at all. The sofa you bought is cool, but you have your work cut out for you finding the right mix to make it work. I think is is good for the house though. Try look at some very old, like 1956 house and garden type magazines. Also, pick all the furniture and then do the color last.

halifaxmama Hi! First off, thank you SO much for all of your input! While it is totally exciting to be starting from scratch -- it wasn't by choice. We were forced to abruptly move out of our rented home and throw out all of our upholstered furniture which was quite an emotional overload on myself & my family. We ended up buying our first home! Which is what you see pictured here.
Your input is so greatly appreciated!!
Secondly I want you to know that I was really scattered (& filled with doubt after having my chosen couch criticized) and you all have given me great direction and confidence!
I made a couple of idea boards. I know these photos won't help you see anything in detail but I wanted to show you that you have inspired me!!
I am meeting on Sunday with a different interior designer friend at the new house to take measurements and go over my ideas! I will certainly be back here to update you all! Wow. Thank you! This was, by the way, my first time using Houzz. I have certainly found the right place! - Jill

halifaxmama ps: regarding my "idea boards" -- I call one the "Frou Frou/Regency" board with or without pink and the other is the "masculine" board. The masculine board still has that darn Ikea chair on it (most likely not getting it but used it in case I decide to do a separate little "relax" area in front of the fireplace with a console behind it.) I also was drawn to a few modern day beds which I think the kids would love. I think, though my favorite is that R&B Anson chair. If only it was about a third the price! I realize they have more furniture than what I will need but I figured it'd be good to have options! Each board actually has another page with other chair/furniture options too...The Frou Frou board has that CB2 chair in both oatmeal & atomic orange (which I know will be shot down but I think it would be really cool!) I do love color! If you can see them at all, I, of course, welcome all input!!

victorianbungalowranch So sorry to hear you had to throw away your furntiture--was it water damage? I hope you didn't lose family pictures or anything irreplacable.

Off to a great start--at least you have something to sit on until you finish the rest!

BTW, this is an incrediable web site for all things 50-60s retro and mod. I'm not into some of the stuff, but it is fun to look at. Lots of info for historic exterior paint colors and such too! The hipsters were not afraid of color, that's for sure!

http://retrorenovation.com/

catclawrose Instead of a screen, why not use an open book case as a "screen ? It can be moved around, to change the room up, and the wood could add warmth to the room. I think the Ikea chair takes away from the great sofa, personally. The game table is a good idea. Don't get in a hurry, or you'll do a "rush buy", and not get exactly what you're looking for. So the room's a little "empty" for a bit ? Not a bad thing, if you wait for the just-right pieces to fall into place !

jerryalan Don't feel any pressure because the designer you consulted doesn' t care for the couch. That is merely her choice. I like it, but I would chose a more rounded chair to go with it. Also, you can let the room evolve; it doesn't have to look like a magazine the day after you move in. I read some great suggestions in the comments above.

paulaisit Go look at Biedermeier furniture pictures for ideas......this lovely 3 seater is a wonderful way to accent in an antique style....also lends itself to Scandinavian style....lovely!
Of all the chairs pictured the only one fitting is the Otis swival....it replicates....

sheilabou Love the couch. I'm sure you'll work it out. Take a real good look at the colours in your fireplace brick. If you can pull from there, your room will be fabulous. I know cause I had a fireplace once with blue grey brick and tangerine, I lived there eight years before I worked with those colours which I hadn't really even seen. A decorator came over and she picked it out right away. What a difference!

Also, I agree that you could make a pathway behind the seating from the front door to the other room. With children, it would be a good idea. You might even be able to have a bench with storage or shelving to put some things in like backpacks, shoes, etc. There seems to be a jaunt in the wall that might make something like that possible.

Have fun.

Mel Kesterson Another great lighting lighting choice to add with your room is on Ruby Lane's website. Hope it's in your price range because it's a real find! http://www.rubylane.com/item/797475-42/Mid-Century-Modern-Geologic-Hand

victorianbungalowranch WorldMarket.com has lots of kind of retro low slung seating options (and tons of other stuff) that are reasonably priced and free shipping for over $150.

Most of the chairs are around $250 on sale now, and the 4th picture is a low-slung leather recliner for about $450 to "man" it up a bit. The nesting tables with the ovals is about $100.

Dixie Landers Two things struck me about this great sofa: 1) the ovals remind me of eggs or pods, so I would go with some funky chairs that are 'pod' or cocoon inspired, which could be good for reading even if they plastic and not apholstered; and 2) the legs are such a contrast to the oval back, and I would love to see matching legs on other pieces like table and side chairs. Definitely get your seating area intoa cozy, drawn 'in' area in front of fp and away from the walls. Use the walls for art, desks, bookcases for those readers, and that way get more use out of your room. It really looks like even the fp lends to the pod or cocoon them, so may you have a hidden motive of making your living room a serene place away from the harshness and definitive lines of culture. Go for it--home should be a haven, cocoon, pod, whatever YOU want to call it. Safe and sound!

al1234 I do not like the couch, bad design is bad design. Hire a good designer.

Sheila Edmond I think you should add mirrored tables. Leaning toward what's referred to as Hollywood regency will brighten your space and bring it forward into current retro trends and be less costly to achieve since there is more available to choose from in both retro pieces and reproductions.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/mirrored-tables

I also think it's time to get rid of that tv and replace it with a wall mounted flat screen.

kroze With buying a new home and all the necessary expenses involved, you probably aren't looking to spend a lot of money on furnishings. If you pursue the game table idea you might want to consider being creative. Look for a barrel, ceramic pot or other low cost item to use as a pedestal and then put a thick piece of glass or plexiglass on top. It could be round or square. Then get some colorful stools that can be slid under the table. The pedestal is where you can be very creative and express your own personal taste. Take your time looking for just the right thing.

Dana Veach Your idea boards show that you have good instincts, I think. Trust them and take your time with selecting pieces to flesh out this room. Getting advice and suggestions is always wise, but ultimately, you and your family are the ones who have to live in and feel comfortable and nurtured in this space for years to come.

judybath I like the frou frou idea board and I imagine it mirrors your personality. Furniture in my world is always temporary as I buy and sell at consignment stores. Not sure where you live but with kids I would go consignment all the way. No big commitment and I always seem to find something close enough to my idea to make it work. Besides when I am sick of the furniture I go find more and replace it. My other favorite is Craigslist and a good upholsterer. Custom dining chair upholstery and ottomans can pull the room together. The sofa may not be a long term commitment so have fun with it.
I agree with the other posts about the entry being right into the living room. If you run the entry path along the wall opposite the fireplace with a console behind the sofa or against the wall you can define your living room space. Not to complicate your choices too much but I would be selecting a rug first to help with the other decisions and to define the space in front of the fireplace which I would paint out before you move in.
Also that Ikea chair might work in the darker blue color but not the gray.

mariefreiberger Love the sofa, try a very faint grey wall with maybe some white chair rail type effect. Use Wedge Wood blue as an accent color. You have a fabulous eye, trust your instincts!

peggisue44 I absolutely love your sofa. Shame on the designer, for her comment. I see back piping. Maybe Black chairs instead of grey. Walls grey with a blue tint. Good luck.. Wish I was designing your room. :)

paulaisit I agree with peggisue44....shame on the person calling herself a designer!
Individuality is what makes the world go 'round. Have fun and take your time....one piece at a time!
I think black (unless it is leather....but black leather can appear heavy at times) is a hard color to work with...somber...be careful how much you use...and black fabric gets dirty too fast!
Go get a paint chip from hardware store the exact color of your sofa and use it to move forward with any additional things.

judyg

This might help for inspiration. Coming into your living room just leave a pathway. The only part that will need some decor is the fireplace. Your sofa would be against the wall with a large rectangular rug, another long rectangular piece (ottoman). You could put two matching chairs where the loveseat is in this picture. Now you have an anchored space. In the background there is a dining table. Here would be a great spot for a game table, but use four very comfortable swivel leather chairs on castors so that if you need extra seating you could roll them over. You could use a large Saarinen table as suggested by victorianbungalowranch for the game table with a great chandelier over.

I am so excited for you. Not many ranches in my neck of the woods, but they look like the perfect "age in place" house.

starag I Love your couch !

Robyn I moved across country and my movers recommended leaving my furniture behind. I bought a very atomic midcentury modern home and bought all my furniture from Craigslist and my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I got a Saarinen tulip coffee table from the Habitat ReStore for $20 along with a beautiful teak dining table with 2 leaves for $90. There are great deals out there, you just have to look for them!

kroze Excellent job Robyn.

gracieschaos I love the sofa, it also comes with the matching chair, which I too am interested in.
I always start with a stark white pallet to work with and add color as I go along. white walls, nice big art and some animal "like" rug add in some dark woods and your set. and I agree with Robyn, craiglist and Habitat for humanity restore is a great place to start.

gracieschaos I love the sofa, it also comes with the matching chair, which I too am interested in.
I always start with a stark white pallet to work with and add color as I go along. white walls, nice big art and some animal "like" rug add in some dark woods and your set. and I agree with Robyn, craiglist and Habitat for humanity restore is a great place to start.

Brenda Greer Love the sofa. Go for it girl and rid of the designer!

victorianbungalowranch I mentioned it earlier, but it is so outstanding that it is worth repeating--all you mid-century modern fans should check out http://www.retrorenovation.com. Here's a few pics from that site:

BTW, What does the rest of the house look like? Got a pink bathroom or a vintage kitchen by any chance?

Studio NOO Design LOOOVE the couch ! Go with a color, not grey for the chairs..a bold print woud be nice !

halifaxmama Hello wonderful design people who have helped me! I started a new thread http://www.houzz.com/discussions/231918/I-started-with-a-mid-mod-couch-and-now-I
because my designer friend said I needed to choose the Dining Room wallpaper before I could choose a rug or chairs....

oy vey! So overwhelming sometimes! this design business is so much fun but it is exponentially growing it seems!

I figured since it's a bit of a change in topic I should start a new thread....

Please come help me over there if you can!! Especially since you are well versed in my home!

halifaxmama And ps: Victorian Bungalow -- the house doesn't have a fun pink bathroom (oh my some of the houses we looked at had three bathrooms - all in diff colors! pink, turq & yellow!) but it does have a super cute "airplane" bathroom off the kitchen with the teeniest sink you have ever seen... I was thinking that would be fun to wallpaper!

And it has a hilarious mirrored built-in bar in the basement - original construction. I am definitely keeping that!!

victorianbungalowranch Sounds like retrorenovation.com is the place for you! I have a pink and beige and a yellow and white bathroom, and ballet slipper pink tile kitchen! My last rental had a turquoise and black bathroom. Rather pretty actually.

Perhaps grasssloth or something similar would be appropiate for the dining room (as long as it is separated from the kitchen so cleaning isn't an issue.) It is expensive--so one wall only maybe. Or how about some retro real wood paneling--you can get a historic look with just thin birch plywood edged in lath, either natural or stained finish--maybe something to pick up the tones in the living room. Or how about a wall of retro foil wallpaper? Or just paint?

Do you have a dining room set or one in mind? Maybe a nice Danish modern buffet? Sound like more pictures are needed!

thegriers Have you considered buying some of the matching pieces that come with your couch? Sometimes it works to stay with the same when your your using an unusual piece. Wall color diffidently needs to be changed. If it were me I'd use the piped trim color of the couch as a focal wall color. Is your fireplace going to tie into the blue color scheme? It looks very greenish? I could see it working if you brought in green in accents and in the rug design.