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Stanton Designs-online design services Your fireplace wall has too many focal points. Make the fireplace the eye catcher and remove the painting. Also those chairs under the painting should be moved to join the sofa more. To many separate areas in one space.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Stanton nailed the problem. The beautiful large painting to the right of the fireplace needs to move to an area where it can be the star. Meanwhile, the two gorgeous French chairs need to be placed opposite the sofa, with a table between them. Place the ottoman elsewhere.

That's a sensational window! That alone should sell the house!

cjohnston You could try moving the matching chairs and round table in front of the window, and move the sofa on the other side of the coffee table, facing the window. Could you post another picture facing the fireplace wall?

Laurie Roots Yes, there is a lot going on?? It as bothered me. Perhaps the painting would be better off in the master. So many windows and not walls. Pic of fireplace wall.

Laurie Roots Taken from entry...

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Maybe the leather chair and otto need to go away. The tufted ottoman could perhaps go by the fireplace for extra seating, if there is space. Will that leave the entry looking too bare?

Laurie Roots What do you think of this here? I have my work cut out for me!
Thanks!

Tres McKinney Design Since you are planning on selling the house my recommendations are based on using as much of your existing furniture as possible. Your current furniture arrangement is not conducive to conversation. Try moving the sofa and coffee table to face the fireplace. Then place the French chairs on each side of the fireplace with the round ottoman in front of the fireplace. The round table can go to one side of the sofa. Add small cocktail tables next to each French chair. Move the cabinet and mirror to where the small black chest is and hang the mirror a bit higher over the chest. Without seeing the opposite side of the room it is hard to tell if there is room for the tufted chair and ottoman. If room permits you might create a secondary seating area. If room permits try moving the painting further down the wall and place a large scaled chest, console or library table under it so it is not competing so much with the fireplace which is a bit under scaled for the room. Is there a wall opposite the picture window that the painting could be hung on with a large table below? I would also consider replacing the wall to wall carpet with the same hardwood as the dining room if budget permits. Then add a large area rug of bound hemp rug to anchor the living room furniture group. There may be enough room to add a long upholstered bench or another smaller sofa in front of the window (with the round table between the two).

Keitha Love your artwork!

Laurie Roots Posting pic taken in front of window. Facing entry which is very bare. Might have to move furniture a little later as dinner soon. Thanks! Great ideas!!!

Laurie Roots Keitha- thank you! My hubby and I kind of go a bit crazy! Now downsizing uh oh!

JWinteriors I agree with Tres...the couch should face fireplace with chair on diagonal on either side of fireplace. Place your leather chair and ottoman elsewhere in the house. You can put an 8x10 area rug under seating area for color/texture. The view walking into the room looks spacious with a good conversation layout and a perfect/unhindered view out those beautiful windows!

JWinteriors Add larger accessories on your cocktail table..good luck!

Laurie Roots I am accessory phobic! Suggestions, please!

Tres McKinney Design A beautiful large tray. A stack of large books. A large bowl of nuts or fruit. A single hurricane lamp.
Have fun!

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Note that on the two coffee tables shown below, there is a mixture of shapes. You have only rectangular shapes on your table. I would leave one stack of books. Then add a large round object such as the vase of bowl below, plus another interesting object that is not a stack of books. Try for an odd number of items, preferably just three, i.e., a stack of books, a bowl and something else.
Space the items around the table, not all lined up. You can place something on top of your stack of books if you want. Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

shortped It also looks like the coffee table has damage on the top...a nice vignette can help cover that. I personally wish the mantle was wider because that larger pic would be the perfect focal point...very nice

Laurie Roots Good morning and back to work. Woke up to some great ideas. I will try furniture in the two configurations and post. I'm excited. As a treat once that is done I will look for pretty things for table top! Thanks Tres and Carolyn. Shortped- :) The table is made from old Italian parquet flooring. Crazy buy but I liked the history. Here is better photo of it. Thanks all!

Laurie Roots Oh my! Deleted pics I took...rearranging again. Will tweak and move cabinet when decided. 1 and 3 from entry. 2 and 4 near window. Time for some tea! Thanks :)

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I prefer the sofa in its original location, with the French chairs opposite it. But I'm eager to see what others think.

cjohnston I LOVE the layout in pic #1 -- so inviting!!

Laurie Roots Carolyn, do you mean when it was in front of window? I switched to the app so I seem to be missing photos. BTW loved your coffee table ideas.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Yes, I preferred it when sofa was in front of window. Glad you liked coffee table ideas!

Kelly Remember you are selling the home, not your stuff. So delete anything personal. You want home buyers to come in and say 'the fireplace is gorgeous, look at the view, i love that window' etc. The sofa in front of the window makes your eye go to the view. A clear path to the fireplace is best. You do not want buyers to have to walk around a sofa to get to the room. You want them to picture their furniture in there. If you do not use the TV often, I recommend taking it down. As a buyer, my thoughts would go to I don't like the TV there, where will ours go? I think the art work is hung too high...it should be at eye level for an average height person which is 5' 7". I think your home is lovely and you will have no problem selling it. Good luck!

Laurie Roots While tallying responses to furniture arrangement anyone care to comment on entry? My feelings will not be hurt. We have moved quite a bit so I have a lot of things that have just moved with me throughout time.

shortped I think if it is the right scale, that the piece and mirror to the left of the fireplace would be nice instead of the pieces you have there now

inabunker I wish I could have your house. It's beautiful. You will sell fast.

milivojac Beautiful home.
Now, some gigantic killer plants is all that is needed here. Big flat leaves. Glazed ceramic pots.
Since everything is so earthy toned, add some bright/open colored details throughout.

Laurie Roots Shortped- yeah, I think I should try that.
Inabunker-thank you!

Laurie Roots Milojovac-like your idea. Like greenery. What did you mean by open color? I think when I was choosing colors I was trying to be safe and match the nature here but I could use some excitement! Thx :)

Laurie Roots Any better? Trying to keep my leather chair in here.

Laurie Roots Thinking answered my own question :(

shortped How about sofa facing the opposite and put the two chairs where sofa is...put piece in entry, then put the one from the entry behind the sofa...then see if leather chair can go where that wood piece is now???

Laurie Roots Thought I would like that arrangement but it blocks the entry in to the room too much physically and visually. Thx!

milivojac by open, I mean vivid,..., I dont know, any color thats not tamed or pastel...
ive been trying to find a couple of photos on google just to show you what i had in mind when i said about big plants...
those big windows really call for some big plants. I think they would give some luxurious feel to it all, you wouldnt have to change anything else...
also, maybe you could swap anything etno with some tribal statues or masks...
excuse my english...

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design This is one of my favorite big plants. It's a ficus lyrata, also called a fiddle leafed fig.

smidgen New to the discussion so fresh eye. Liked two chairs flanking window best. You don't need something in every corner. Take standing lamp and chest out. Lets people walk through and around the seating easily. You can even leave the leather chair at the entry but throw a lap blanket over the stool to soften it and incorporate it with the other pieces. Remove all of the little side tables. Nice for you but too busy when staging to sell.

Laurie Roots Love the idea of the big plants. Ficus is beautiful! What color
pots? Don't let me decide or they will be tan!!! If I have the plants I could move chest to entry wall.

shortped These are small but lovely...your home is Tuscan-ish, so something like these....to add glam, mercury glass vases

bevballew I say sofa facing fp, two chairs by window and the beautiful leather chair and ottomon near the fp but a bit closer to create the seating group and the standing lamp behind,it. If,space blank there, perhaps a plant that has same pots as in foyer. Two potted plants in foyer with the colors above.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design The only picture I've seen of the two chairs with window in background is of them with their backs to the entry, and that reminded me that we needed to discuss that also.

So perhaps with your bare entry, and it does seem like a large one, you could use a round table in the middle, if you happen to have a 36 to 48" round table handy. Do you have one? If not, I see a couple of quite large clay pots by entry doors. If you have three of them, the pots themselves, placed in center of rug, could act as a centerpiece for the entry.

bevballew I like the table idea and two large pots one on each side of the door. I am a symmetry person. Great idea Carolyn....always love your ideas.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Thanks, bevballew. I like your idea, too, of the table in the middle of the rug with the pots on each side of the door. My pots in the middle was a bit farfetched!

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design But I see that my idea was "liked" by Holly. Was it the farfetched part of my idea that you liked, Holly, or the table in the middle?

decoenthusiaste I would rather see the ornate mirror and chest in place of the metal console and square mirror. Center the rug with the doors. Like the flanking pots idea and the table too. Do you have a great looking chandy that can hang above the table? I think your French chairs are just a little too lived in and "slouchy" to be the right touch for your space. Are they going with you or are you replacing them? For staging I'd eliminate them and rely on the leather chair and large coffee table, with great accessories, to speak to the prospects. Would prefer a larger, horizontal painting at the FP. Centers of free hanging art (not associated with furniture) should be 60" above the floor.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design My preference for pots is to hide them inside a basket, and I like Pottery Barn's big plant baskets. Crate & Barrel has nice ones also.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I love your French chairs but see Deco's point about them looking a bit slouchy. So if you want to keep them, and I certainly would, you could reupholster them in a solid fabric, making sure that the cushions get restuffed.

Valvorie Dunn The chairs are probably down. Just fluff them up before showing the house.

Laurie Roots Plumped cushions, looking better. Perhaps colorful bolsters?
Rearranged again-pardon the rug. Will straighten and turn if using but that table is heavy! Ignore cabinet. Once I figure arrangement will work on fp wall. Thanks!

bevballew My being picky, look at the two chairs in front of the window and center them according to the window, unless it conflicts with the wall. Also bring in the coffee table a bit closer to the sofa. I like this arrangement the best! Cool house!

decoenthusiaste You have several little tables that might look better than the round one with the see-through bottom. Try them with the chairs. I think maybe your foyer rug can be removed and the largest rug you have should come into the living area. If that is the dining rug, I'd just eliminate the dining room one. Show of the floors - they are selling, not the rugs. If you moved the chest and mirror to the foyer, and had another large painting of similar scale to the lady reading, you could put one on the opposite wall instead of the mirror/chest.

bevballew Do you think you should move the chest and I believe mirror that is near the window somewhere like behind the sofa against the wall where that little chest is? Move the little chest maybe by the leather chair and ottomon?

jccbaker Less is more. You want people to think the room is huge. You want them to have no trouble visualizing their furniture and not getting caught up in your decorating. (Although you decorate beautifully.)

bevballew Or perhaps remove a few pieces since you would want the room to look larger. I just think that little chest looks out of place where it is.

Laurie Roots Jcc-thanks for the nice compliment.
Bev-thanks too for your suggestions.
Deco-thanks for putting me to work!
I have moved black chest out but might try next to leather chair. Chest /mirror I will try in foyer. It was suggested two large plants either side of winow, thoughts?
Carolyn- you mentioned a round table in foyer in front of door. I think that is a pretty look but will it be too much if I put chest/mirror out there?

wannadiferntlook Okay, so I'm new to this conversation, but read through suggestions and looked at pics. Hubs says I haven't been on my game lately as far as decorating is concerned, but then again, neither has he... :^)

Anyway, I'd like to chime in, generally speaking...FWIW: Much prefer the couch facing the fireplace; table pulled in a touch closer as you 'want to be able to reach it'... love the two chairs 'balanced' in front of the window. Have always held it odd to have the backs of furniture greeting you when you enter a room. Nice touch with the rug under the couch to tie in to the table.

May consider (I know this is probably taboo, but...) painting the switch and outlet covers the same as the wall color - the white, for my eye comfort, is too much of a contrast. Maybe switch to an almond shade if you prefer not to paint them, or go with a wood-grain type to coordinate with the rest of the woodwork. Raw wood stained to match baseboards would be amazing!

The ornate mirror and accompanying chest (left of FP) might need to come into the foyer where the iron table and large mirror are in the earlier picture; the iron table might go to left of the fireplace but since all the wallspace below in that corner is visible, consider running any cords in that corner down the back of a table leg so they are not so obvious. The pedestal lamps on the chest currently there compete with the candles on the mantle visually - kind of doesn't work. The wall art to the right of the fireplace is nice, but too ornate for that spot, based on the frame. Hang the mirror from the foyer there, but 'turn' it 90 degrees and hang it horizontally, rather than vertically. Let the reflections be the picture for that spot.

The 'mystery corner' around the corner from the foyer pauses me a little - the side table that is available is too small for that spot, and whatever does end up there furniture-wise, needs to be on the diagonal, but not jut out into the traffic pattern. Not crazy about the scroll side table for this collective space - somehow doesn't tie in. Maybe there's a place for it in the foyer as a plant stand near the base of the stairs.

Yes to a tall, broadleaf plant (live, please, and a ceramic planter, sized to fit room scale) to the left of the window. Can also balance that with one in the mystery corner around from the foyer.

Love, love, LOVE the dining room! Beautiful! The color palette is lovely - warm, inviting, comfortable, as is the living room.

Please always keep in mind that you have a gorgeous home here and anyone would be lucky to have it... am interested to know of any thoughts.

Laurie Roots Wanna-huge thanks. Tell hubby you got your grove back!
I love that entry mirror and will try where painting is. Yes, that fp wall has been an issue to others here on Houzz. I too couldn't pinpoint why it bothered me. Thinking painting might be nice in our master. Haves large formal sleighbed. Get to that room eventually :) "mystery corner" is where I stuck table as I wasn't sure if I wanted it. Probably plant idea is agood one as that is the powder room there. I will get to work shortly and post more pics. Thanks again for your help!

Laurie Roots Oops! Oh yes, will address switch plates. Was talked in to painting black didn't like and then was switching back to white. I need some touch ups so can have them painted then.

wannadiferntlook Just a thought - if you do end up painting the covers with wall paint, be sure to spray them with a durable polyurethane of some sort in the same finish as the wall - satin, eggshell, etc. so that hand grime doesn't spoil the paint.

Laurie Roots Thanks! Will do... Started moving things. Excuse clutter and odd bits! And switch plates... :) plant will be where lamp is and perhaps other side.

wannadiferntlook ...then the angels sang!! Look at how that cabinet has just fallen in love with that wood floor!!!

Once the tree/plant is in where the lamp is, and the second one in the mystery corner (if you do that), balance the iron table with a beautiful tablescape, scaled to fit with the whole picture. Step back into the foyer, or even on the bottom few stairs, look away for a few seconds, to cleanse your field of vision, then just casually bring your eyes back to the LR and let yourself feel the room - sense how tall a tablescape needs to be, what color, what textures are needed there. May even be able to incorporate something small on the wall to pull that corner together. Try this same technique when moving from the dining room down the steps into the living room... I am sensing a nice, tall dried arrangement in a vase of some sort...or - wait for it - if you have a tall bookcase available in a comparable wood group, you could easily pull that off in that spot...not too wide and not cluttered full. A few books on each shelf, offset, some stacked, some standing up; and a few knickiknacks here and there...

The frame on the mirror will play off the metal fireplace grate, and still hopefully allow you to enjoy a reflection of the artwork in the dining room, when standing/sitting in just the right place.

Doin' a li'l happy dance for you right now...

Valvorie Dunn The chest & mirror look much better in the entry. Notice the mirror is resting right now...it will need to be a little higher. Love that chest by the way. Do you have 1 lamp that is a little beefier. You might try that with accessories instead of the 2 thinner lamps. Just not digging the iron table. Maybe a tall plant. The other thing that has never felt right to me is your fireplace. I know that has bothered others as well. Do you have something large that you could put over the firebox that would take up most of the room inside the molding? Take the candles down & use someplace else. I believe it would give the fireplace more presence. Then put a plant in the firebox, like a beautiful full, live fern. Maybe even some pottery on the sides. Then look again to make sure it's not too much for staging purposes.

Inside Out Staging and Design What a great sport you are! I am normally not a fan of looking at the back of the couch but it seems the room is large enough to handle it and still not block the entryway or fireplace. As a stager, my emphasis in your house would be those awesome windows! Do they look out to something incredible? If so definitley put something like a plant there (live if possible :), to draw your attention out. The large picture on the side of the fp was mentioned in the beginning of the thread and I agree with the original poster who said it is too large and distracting. Is there a "ledge" that the picture sits on at the mantle? Hard to tell from pic. Maybe 2 smaller candle holders on either side of mantle without picture? Would need to see mantle closer. You need balance on each side of fireplace. Maybe 2 smaller pictures or one medium picture where large is now and plant in other corner? I would also get rid of small black table and picture near DR entrance. Every wall and space does not need something and giving your eyes a place to rest is great!
I consider furniture placement one of the MOST important aspects of my job. You never want people to be concerned that their furnishings will not fit so keep in mind what "most" people have and what you are trying to focus on.
Foyer, along with front door area, is #1 in selling. Make it special with a beautiful vase of flowers (agree wholeheartedly with bureau and mirror there) which will reflect in the mirror and create an immediate wow factor to your beautiful house! I would lose the lights and let the flowers, mirror and bureau speak for themselves. Good luck!

wannadiferntlook HUGE "IF" here... but, 'if' the vibe seems a little off entering the LR from the DR, either walking in or just visually while seated at the table, of seeing the back of the couch full on, you might be able to nudge it more toward the FP and sneak in a very narrow, coordinating hall table. I'd say no more than 18-24" deep, yet 2/3's the length and about 6-8" below the height of the couch. Dress lightly...runner optional.

Valvorie Dunn What would the iron table look like behind the sofa?

Laurie Roots From dining room. Doesn't bother me although from here it looks like sofa is not centered on fp but it is. The mirror does not have a hanger for horizontal so placed there for now???

Laurie Roots To get an idea. Things for hanging with me :)

Laurie Roots Have these too.. Personal favorites! Time for tea!

Laurie Roots Pretend flower arrangement! What about one light, but different? Or one in living room otherwise I have to use chandelier or canned lighting all night.

Laurie Roots Oops

wannadiferntlook gotta head off to work, but I don't think the iron table would work behind the sofa...too small...? Have fun and enjoy your tea!

Laurie Roots Thanks wanna!
Hi Val- if I put table behind sofa and move nearer fp then the chairs will be off center the window. This room is Difficult!

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Hi Laurie.This home should sell itself. LOVELY! Remember, you are selling space, character, appointments and view. Maximize all of them. MANY have weighed in, but consider this:
A: Sofa facing window with sofa table behind it, set far enough back from fireplace to allow for B.
B:Leather chair and ottoman to the right of the fireplace and left of the sofa, as you face it, (don't be afraid to really cozy it up to the fireplace) with the wood lamp table between the two. Space may not allow the ottoman. We will get to that. Read on.
C:French chairs in front of window, but NOT against the window. Pull them forward to create a cozy conversational grouping with the sofa and other chair, allowing space behind them. This will create warmth AND maximize space impression. Use the round glass top lamp table between them, and the round ottoman.
D:Keep the bowfront cabinet to the left of the fireplace.

Now, you need a few things: don;t worry, they will go with you when you move so money won't be wasted.

An area rug that will ground and define the conversation area you have just created.
Reference C for the benefit here.

A bench for the foyer instead of a table. If the leather ottoman did not fit, instead get a table that will allow you to tuck the leather ottoman beneath it. A seating element in a foyer is very inviting.

Add a small console or cabinet to the left of the dining room entrance - something approximately the width of the bowfront cabinet but shallower. A demilune would be ideal to avoid corners, as this is a traffic area.

If you add a plant it should have high foliage, meaning an open trunk with the volume of foliage high. I prefer taller palm varieties. You have very high ceilings, a selling point. This will draw attention to that. It should be at least 7' tall. It should go to the right of the entrance to the room as viewed from the foyer, sort of behind the lamp table that is between the sofa and leather chair.

I hope you have a new place in mind before this goes on the market, because you won't have long once it does. ;-) Good Luck. Have fun.

Valvorie Dunn I think you should try Daniel's idea but if you leave the chest in the entry nix the other lamp. Use just a large floral. Yes, it is a hard room but beautiful!

Laurie Roots Daniel thanks. Love what you are saying. The problem with the sofa facing window is it blocks most of opening to the room as it is very long. What ya think?

Daniel Dionne Designs llc As long as the sofa table goes behind it, I think you are OK because you are still presented with that grand window and the view beyond (cha-ching) so the room will continue to feel large and spacious.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc ...and you won't just be walking into the back of a sofa, which is, of course, unappealing.

Laurie Roots Saw your work awesome! Here is view from fp towards dining. I'm worried... Oh but maybe...

Laurie Roots But then...

bevballew Why not put the beautiful picture on the mantel that was to the right of the fp looking at the fp? It is not good balance. You need something bigger in the middle on the mantel. If you can't it does not look good where it was. You need something on each side of the fp very is,liar in size.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc I see the concern Laurie. The depth of the lthr chair really makes this tight. So: Sofa to face Fireplace, BOTH French chairs where the sofa was, with the smallest lamp table between, and the round ottoman. Leather Chair and ottoman to the left of the Fireplace, but sort of away from the wall, floating a bit, with the smallest accent table you have. Position largest lamp table to left of sofa as you face it. See if that is better.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Leave the window wide open, again, pulling the Leather Chair into the grouping.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc btw, THANK YOU for your shout out on my work.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc and now that I see the left of the dining room entrance, I don't think you need anything there except maybe a pair of prints, stacked. Move that great little table to the RIGHT, between the DR and exterior door.

Laurie Roots What do you think of the backs of chairs? Nice conversation area though. First pic from entry and second from dining. I have large furnishings! Doesn't help fp so small. Thanks again!

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Laurie, I would love to see the chairs where you have them now but with the sofa with its back to the window in its original position! It really made the window a stunning focal point which it should be.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Daniel Dionne Designs llc The backs of the chairs do not bother me. They have a nice silhouette and they leave the visual access much more open. Do not put the sofa in front of the window. I believe it started there, correct?Look how open it makes the space, and again, the view. It would also put all three chairs essentially lined up around the remaining area of the room creating a very unbalanced result. I believe this is the solution. NOW: Sofa table to the right of the fireplace with the largest scaled artwork over it. Maybe pull the leather chair a bit further from the fireplace wall to get more visual credit for that beautiful bowfront. cabinet.

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Whatever you end up doing with your furniture - make the window and the fireplace equal focal points.
It is hard for us to judge based on still photos unless we can see the flow of the room with one big overview photo.

Your fireplace needs symmetry - in that whatever you put to the left, should be replicated on the right - that will make it feel more a part of the room - and, I liked what you originally had on the left of the fireplace - but didn't like the chair and large painting on the right.

I'd put dresser with mirror or small painting and lamp on either side of the fireplace - and remove the additional furnishings to focus around the fireplace sitting - the window becomes another great feature in the room - but not the focal point.

Your fireplace - being that you have a wood feature above it means you need to go with one big piece
on the wall and that's it - nothing else.

I'd try that large painting with gold frame on the fireplace mantle

I'd bring down those large candle holders and place them on your coffee table with a stack of books and a bouquet of fresh flowers and that's it.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc If you plan on purchasing pairs of new pieces for this space, Laurie, I think the formal symmetrical approach to the fireplace wall is certainly an option, but is by no means necessary. You are placing an asymmetrical grouping of upholstered pieces in an architecturally asymmetrical space, so formal symmetry seems counter intuitive, somehow. You posted a photo earlier that showed two of your favorite pieces of art leaning on the mantel, slightly offset. I really liked how relaxed that felt. If you go that route, carry it through and move them both a bit off center and balance with maybe one large candle stick or some other vertical element. A topiary, an urn, etc.

Laurie Roots Wow! You know with the dining room, I knew when it felt right. This is so tough. I liked the couch facing the window and the couch acing the entry. I feel I might need to lose the leather chair :( Also, perhaps the large painting the hubby loves but I think I can put in master, probably better subject matter anyway. Another photo this set up again ignore accessories etc! And you people are awesome, talented and patient! Cyber bouquets to you all.

Laurie Roots Sorry ran off heard coyotes! All ok...

bevballew Not bad actually! After everything you have done, this may work if you carefully put other pieces back and maybe not all of the same pieces.

decoenthusiaste Are we having fun yet??? I love it when someone is so willing to shove things around and try ideas. I just made a quick run back through all your photos and there is something I've not seen that I'd like you to try, if you're not worn out yet! You've never flanked the FP with the two French chairs. Staging requires simplicity and being able to create a sense of comfort and the feeling that prospects have found "home!" Cozy the chairs up to the FP and I think you'll see what I mean. Also, would you consider removing the paneling on the wall above the FP and beefing up the surround and mantel to give the FP more presence? This will allow you to hang one of your beautiful pieces of art above the FP.. Right now all of the really fab ones are too large for it. If you're not tied to your coffee table or are considering a new one for your next home, I'd suggest a round glass one to open the space some more and allow the rug to show through. You'll be able to cozy things closer to it as well. You're such a good sport; I know it will be perfect when we get through it. Got more ideas but that's enough for now.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Love the idea of a glass cocktail table! Visually light. You really shouldn't need to get rid of any of the upholstered pieces. The bergeres flanking the fireplace will work but really leave the leather chair and ottoman without a logical placement. As decoenthusiaste pointed out, you really are a sport, It will also help to forget the accesorization completely, until you are comfortable with the furniture placement. LOTS of thoughts swirling around... Form follows function.
Success sister!

Laurie Roots Good morning!
Deco- thanks you put a smile on my face. This forum is perfect as I will obsess about this stuff to no end. I even move the furniture myself that's why until I decide, rugs, paintings, etc are not done properly until final stage! I told my hubby if we were staying I would change the fp. Did in our other house and it was beautiful. May be worth it. I do have another painting that may work. I will move chairs and place there. I did have them there before but my pics weren't great. I can spend some money on the house but you haven't seen my kitchen counters yet :). Will take kid to school and then back at it!

Laurie Roots Hi Daniel! My hubby would probably wring my neck f I changed that table as I begged for it and swore to have forever. Won't fit in new place though! Bought a 1920's California bungalow. :). Perhaps in the meantime some glass or shiny objects? Jumping ahead! Bad girl..

decoenthusiaste I'll keep checking back today to see the progress. Your FP treatment is different and a little casual, possible due to the finish. A classic look might be more pleasing to prospective buyers. Your home seems to be a blend of Tuscan and English Country from what we're seeing. What does the outside of it say? The fountain I saw outside made me think Mediterranean. Whatever the house speaks outside should be reflected inside.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc tee hee. I SO understand what I call "domestic negotiation". I routinely put on my " counselor hat" with married clients as part of my job, to achieve solutions that both can live with. You could probably recoup some of your money by selling the other on ebay and since you know it won't work in your new place... Just sayin'. Follow the money - from the house sale. Space sells.

Laurie Roots Exterior.. Prettier in spring. Other artwork. Yes, fp dull. One in family room better really!

bevballew I find it confusing suggesting new furniture when she is moving to a new place. Shouldn't she wait to see how her furniture looks in a new house. I thought people look at the bones of the house and not decorating. My house is for sale and I have gorgeous decorating by a professional designer. They look beyond that to the structure and set up of the house. I am having a hard time selling with many upgrades and great decor.

decoenthusiaste Yes, a good vibe on the outside - love the cat waterer! FP is really too small vs. the window. These massive things are typical Med/Tuscan. Stone or stucco is do-able. I like the first three pics. You can do one in that copies your massive columns at the entry to really tie things together and take your outside theme indoors. It is a big project though! Sell the current trim on CL or Ebay.

Laurie Roots First pic from dining room. 2nd from entry.

Laurie Roots Love 1 and 7.
Bev- yes would like to keep money for new house but I had pocket listing and two low ball offers. Thought I could do better by making the house nicer with some upgrades and staging. If I get a good return on investment I would be in. On flip side, someone may want to do upgrades themselves. One couple loved as is, other said do nothing and we will upgrade but my hubby sent them on their way with their offensive offer. My plan was to clean, de-clutter and make pretty. Then repair/upgrade what would be most logical. Whew... Thanks!
My cat is enjoying the upheaval, new play structure for him!

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Bev, I totally get what you are saying. However, Laurie has indicated that this table will not work in her new home, and it is undeniable that space sells. A less imposing table would definitely maximize space impression here. There wouldn't be a staging industry if most people could see the space for what it is, separate from the decor. Unquestionably, some can, but they are the exception, not the rule. This is why stagers recommend editing, configuring to maximize space impression and most of all, eliminating overtly personal references. Appropriate space planning that has wide appeal and broad relatability help the majority envision themselves in the space and how they might use it. The key here would be finding a transitional cocktail table that WILL work for Laurie's new home, while providing the openness in this current home that is statistically proven to bring top dollar for home sales. Money judiciously invested in these types of changes, comes back in selling price, especially considering the relatively minimal investment in the scheme of things.

Valvorie Dunn You have an incredibly beautiful home. Looks Italian to me. Italy...my favorite place in the world! And the kitty on the fountain sold it for me. Haha I applaud you for pushing & shoving all that furniture around. You won't have to go to the gym for a couple of weeks. Maybe you can stretch it out for several months. It sounds like you are moving back to the city. I grew up in a little bungalow that my mother also grew up in. By the time I came along they had modernized it & taken all the great woodwork out. Would love to see pics of your new place when you get in.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Laurie, the leather chair no longer relates to the room in your most recent pic2. If you opt to flank the fireplace with the bergeres, you definitely gain lots of openness, but you will almost certainly want to lose the Lthr Chair and Ottoman as you mentioned in an earlier comment. Is there a home for it in one of the bedrooms? I really do feel that you had it nailed with the chairs facing the window.

decoenthusiaste Yes, a round glass coffee is the ticket for both staging and your future home. I thought we'd already decided the leather would go for staging purposes. It would work well in a reading nook if you could create one somewhere, and that is one of those "we're home" impressions that will draw buyers to commit to a non-offensive offer! Could I interest you in setting the metal table in front of the window with a large bouquet on it? This will pull the eye even more than the view of the hedge. Something in Tuscan colors would be perfect. We still need to find bit of something to counter balance the FP behind the sofa on that narrow wall. It can't interfere with light switch operation either. Wish you had a grandfather clock there. Seems to be the perfect place for one.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc LOL, deco. (sincerely, no snark intended) I didn't realize any decisions had been reached. Love your idea of the table in front of the window, because it won't block the window or the view.

decoenthusiaste Just saw a post by Darkgirl77 regarding FP. Ancient Surfaces posted showing what they do - Old World FP Surrounds. You might contact him.

decoenthusiaste @Daniel Dionne - I though that came into the discussion a while back, but this is so flexible and has been running for a while!! LOL No offense taken. We are havin' fun, right?

Daniel Dionne Designs llc It did. And a million other ideas. Poor Laurie! I wonder if we aren't all confusing more than clarifying...but it really is fun and informative. You my friend, have really good ideas.

Laurie Roots OH my! Okay! Both my son and hubby would like leather chair. Since you are such good sports, here is one more room. This sofa is a mess but this room gets a lot of use. Lab and Terrier love it. We watch soccer with friends most weekends. Don't like people to see it, but here goes! Oh and windows and most everything else needs a good clean. While you are cracking up, I am going over past posts and making notes. Will check out fps. There is a local guy who did two for me in my last house as I had a two sided fp. While your at it, please check out kitchen counters.

decoenthusiaste Thanks, Daniel. It is my passion - probably yours as well! Wish we could set up some regional exchanges where Houzzers could barter or sell their decor to each other. I see so many instances of an item in one home that needs to go and another Houzzer for whom it would be perfect. Have you any ideas on that?

decoenthusiaste Ah, yes! That is the FP needed in the living room! Can you take a shot from the FP back toward the kitchen and also let us see the right side and sofa? I think the hutch area could be your reading nook for the leather chair, but some moving will have to be done to get it right. Could the two chairs or one of the sofas go? It will get too crowded for staging if some items are not eliminated. Consider renting a storage facility for the things you want but can't use during the sale. As for kitchen counters - I hate tile ones as they are a continual chore to keep clean. What are you thinking of doing? Have you seen the stainless steel wrap over counters that come in hundreds of colors and patterns - not just steel looking? They are highly sanitary and very good looking, but I only know of one source for them and have not found equivalent online yet. Will do more research, or maybe someone here knows of them.

Laurie Roots I wanted something other than granite. think it was quartz I liked. Haven't seen stainless. Yeah, this is hard to keep clean. Plus the stone edge chips as this kitchen gets a workout. Told that sofa was bad. Great fabric and comfy. Thanks for sticking this out with me!

Laurie Roots I mentioned a storage unit to hubby, could be a possibility!
We were thinking of putting on for 3 months and if it doesn't sell, waiting again til next spring. I waffle at times about how much I should do. I would like it to look nice for us as well. It was great when hubby loved the dining room.

decoenthusiaste I think your "to do" list should be based on your plans for a future home. Meanwhile, you can have a comfy and beautiful place. Storage will allow you to make changes, but keep the furnishings you want in the new home, yet not get rid of things and regret it later. Do you guys eat or entertain in the dining space or at the bar or in the other dining room? Will the baker's rack and dining set go with you? I ask, because that space might work as a combo reading nook and dining space with a banquette, narrow trestle table, smaller chairs with the other hutch, plus leather chair set. Is that a tall order for the square footage? May I ask why none of your beautiful art is here? You have a great FP area for a piece. I guess if you entertain soccer fans here the sectional is a must. Was hoping for two sofas so you could pare down by one. I might suggest an upgrade in lighting style, but let's see what others say about that. I'm thinking something with warmth and a more Mediterranean feeling. Hope we can develop another room you both love!

Laurie Roots Thanks again! I had the art that is now in the dining area there. Then had my poker guy but was trying him in LR :)
For dining, for the most part it is at the bar as my daughter does homework at the same time. We do use dining room quite often as we have friends over or when boys home fortheweekend from school. Kitchen area rarely used but not much room as the door opens into it. In hindsight I would have liked a window seat/banquet table. I doubt that set will come with us. Lighting, yes! That is dull!!! Now I'm wondering for this spring just do a few things and if it doesn't sell then try more upgrades....thoughts?

bevballew Gotcha Daniel. I probably missed the desire to get rid of the table. Your points well taken and I agree. I strongly agree in staging. We did it with my moms home. The transition was amazing. Yes...this is fun...at least for me watching the transitions and suggestions. Thanks for your response!

decoenthusiaste People have been known to get such a "new" home when staging that they decide not to move! If you continue to get low-balled this spring, I'd say upgrades are in order. It is easy to play with furnishings and to rent a storage building without spending much. Since you have the formal dining room for use, it might be better to do something less predictable in the kitchen eating nook. We need to take the "dull" out of it. Do some measuring and photos and we'll see.

Laurie Roots Hello! I'm back at it...Dd reach some conclusions. I would like to use this existing furniture but don't mind losing small tables, sofa table or cabinet. Trying very hard to keep leather chair as we do use this room a lot and it s a fave. If I don't manage to sell this spring, then I will sell/store what is not working when putting back on market. Sound like a plan? I am open to moving artwork around/out as well. Hope I'm not tiring you all out! Current arrangement. Thank you, thank you!

Laurie Roots Okay, one more I ain't tried ( I think)!
:)

Valvorie Dunn I like this arrangement with the sofa & chairs. We'll hang with you!

Valvorie Dunn You got another pic in there quick! I vote for the chairs in front of the window.

Daniel Dionne Designs llc Hi Laurie. Your diligence is amazing and impressive. I am tired just thinking about the number of times you've slung that furniture around. My only concern with the chairs in front of the window is that (based on the pic) the left one is sort of semi-behind the sofa because of the sofa depth. I normally don't get too hung up on centering groupings on windows etc., but in this case I feel they need to center on the window. The only way to avoid the issue I see would be to either move the sofa back - not an option - or offset the chairs to the right which in this case would look awkwardly off center. (I believe) I still go back to chairs facing the window. It is the only solution that included all upholstery pieces, provided overall balance and didn't create some aspect that was a bit off. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. ;-) You might even feel better about it if you separated the bergeres and eliminated the table between them. Use a table between the sofa and the left one and an accent table cozied up to the left side of the other, thereby accessing the grouping straight up the middle and again, maximizing space and traffic. Give it a shot. See what you think.... Do you have a pending vacation on the horizon? You deserve one.

Kathleen Coleman I would replace the picture on the wall with something else more fitting with the decor. The livingroom furniture seems too large for your livingroom.

Laurie Roots Hello again! I gave myself a few hours off yesterday! If my family knew how many times I moved these things, they would commit me! I am a cancer so home is extremely important to me.
I loved the sofa in front of window as I like to nap and read and that gets beautiful warmth and light from the sun. So although it may not look perfect, it feels great. I have a question. If I go back to chairs with back to entry I will need to take out leather chair, right?
Your other option to split up chairs, where would the one on the right go? Yes, I've tweaked this current arrangement but can't get it perfect like you said. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Kathleen Coleman Mission style furniture for your mission style house would seem more suitable. Your house is lovely.

bevballew I like best the two chairs in front of the window with the sofa facing the fp. That way you keep the leather chair and ottomon in. Since you like the sofa in front of the window, I never saw the two chairs facing the fp. Would that work? If not, since you are planning to move I would sacrifice the couch in front of the window. If you choose the sofa in front of the windows I think the two chairs facing opposite the sofa looks best but then where does the leather chair go. Make sure you put a large piece of art on the mantel. Then add smaller prints on each side of fp or maybe some style of the popular sunburst mirrors or regular mirrors. A tall plant can fill in somewhere. Or a large mirror on the mantel and art on each side of the fp same size. Can't wait to hear others and see the final result! This has been fun and you are not crazy....I would be doing the same thing! We don't,procrastinate but get the job done!!

Laurie Roots Bev, hello! I think I tried it but didn't take photo. Thank goodness I am replacing carpet asit will be threadbare when done :)
Glad I am not alone in doing this!!! Soccer was cancelled so I get to work on this more. Once I figure out arrangement then I will beg for help with fp wall and plants, etc. I will try the way you just suggested, here goes. :)

bevballew Love your hutspuh! Can't wait to see!

Laurie Roots Thanks! Figured out why it didn't work, lol! Needed a square table!
Oh well, now I can move chairs other side again. :)

bevballew Got it! Makes sense. Solves that problem!

Laurie Roots Back to this now!

bevballew I like it! Now for the rest! Can't wait to hear from everybody!

decoenthusiaste Hate to complain, but now the monster coffee table even dwarfs the firebox and draws attention to it and to how small scale the FP is. I didn't see you try the table in front of the window. It would look great with this configuration too. You could add lamps or a floral to it. Round and round we go! Truly review all the pics and toss the ones you wouldn't want the realtor to use. That may get you somewhere!

bevballew Do you mean the coffee table in front of the window? What is between the sofa and chairs?

decoenthusiaste No, we had earlier discussed putting the metal legged table(moved from the foyer to the corner) in front of the window with a large Tuscan colored floral arrangement on it. The coffee table may be replaced with a glass one if Laurie decides and doesn't wear herself out.Guess my verbiage made assumptions and wasn't too clear on re-reading it.

bevballew I forgot too! Your suggestions sound very nice! Can't wait to see if the metal table is placed there!

Laurie Roots Deco-I'm sorry. I forgot about that! Looking backs can't remember which arrangement we were using with that. Yikes, I wonder how many times this furniture has beEn switched :)

bevballew I love your determination! What are we going to do when the room is completed?

Laurie Roots This! Cheers...

bevballew Amen! Can't wait till tomorrow to see what is next! Cheers!

decoenthusiaste It was an arrangement like the pic taken 10 hours ago. French chairs flanking FP and the window open. We talked about moving the curvy metal legged table there getting a floral arrangement with Tuscan colors in it. Since the light is great but the view is nothing special, this was a possibility that wouldn't hide the window but draw the eye to it. You can ship my bottle to....

Laurie Roots Good morning! Narrowed down to two arrangements! Plus, I can't move my arms anymore. Ibuprofen please kick in!
BTW deco-you do deserve that bottle... I say drinks all around!
Oh, I welcome any ideas on side tables and accessories.,
Love the table in front of window. Good call!

bevballew I agree. Like the table in front of the window!

Valvorie Dunn Thumbs up on table in front of window. Where is your leather chair?

decoenthusiaste I see the cat likes it too!. Mine have to explore every minute change I make. With a large scale floral arrangement in Mediterranean colors, especially some orange/reds, it should really set the tone for the room. Glad it works. For a start with accessories, try your favorite Venetian pieces stacked right or left of the window, small one on top. BTW - I thought the other night about what was not feeling right regarding your art. It all has silver or grayish wood framing, and this is a warm golden Mediterranean house where golden tones and warm wood would work best. Also meant to ask if you'd try the girl reading on the sofa in the dining room. Thanks, sport! I'll be waiting for the champagne when you have a big, fat check in hand!

Laurie Roots Hi Val-leather chair is on its side in the entry! I can put in my sons room and make him happy or I can actually tuck in the corner of the room to the left of dining room entry. Bit busy looking but I would then slide down hall to sons room when showing the house. I will let hubby make that call.
Deco-I will try the art in there but will need help so will be tomorrow. I think it weighs 40 pounds or so! Did you see pic of it in family room? I like it in there. (Just propped up for now. )Probably because the colors are cooler which would make sense regarding your thoughts of the frames! Great observation. Will stack my Venetian watercolors, I'm mad for them! Thanks again wonderful you!

Laurie Roots Right height for first painting? Found vase just to try. Will get something more Tuscan.

Laurie Roots Decided on right side as I will out large plant on left. I now know not to dwarf that fp anymore than I have. :)

decoenthusiaste Try this "rule of thumb" for the paintings. Lay them on the floor and leave the width of the widest frame in between them. Now treat them as one picture. Measure how much space that arrangement takes. Divide that number in half to find the center point of the new "picture." Make a pencil mark in a hidden spot on both sides of whichever frame is the center of the "picture" That center or halfway spot should be 60" above the floor when you hang them. Don't use a clear vase, but consider a Med-looking urn a bit shorter and wider. You may find some arrangements already done at a florist or even an antique mall, consignment shop, that you could just tweak with a few extra flowers if it isn't perfect.

Valvorie Dunn Joss & Main $72.95 thought this might work on the iron table with flowers,

bevballew Gorgeous! Love it!

decoenthusiaste What is the decoration on the sides of the urn, Valvorie? If grapes, it is too predictable but the color is great. I'll check on the size and details. Laurie might have a spot for it elsewhere. I'm thinking maybe on the family room mantel - a pair. Only if she'd want them at her new place though. Hate to load her up with new stuff that may not make the transition. Good pick, though.

Valvorie Dunn Yes, they look like grapes.

Laurie Roots Thanks, Val! I love the color and shape. Shame about the grapes. I live in wine country so there are alot of decorations with grapes here :)
There is a local store that sometimes has nice arrangements that I will try to get to today.
I called our local nursery and once the frost is over he will get his indoor plants and will get me a 7' ficus fig! In entry, I plan two trees flanking door.
What to work on today? ( I have a dining set in my bedroom!)

decoenthusiaste Let's go!!! Did you take the dining set out of the family room/kitchen? Let's see!

Laurie Roots Teat

Laurie Roots Oops. That should say test.. My iPad is acting up!

Laurie Roots :)

Laurie Roots Sorry for the delay. Wrote a lengthy comment and then kept getting server error.
Deco-I'm enthusiastic but moving my kitchen set to my bedroom is a bit much for me!
The dining table is from when my bungalow was being used for vacation rental. Someone suggested I stick there to put my tv on haha. It's bad...but I'm pretty certain I have it sold.
I'm loving the living room. Put my water colors on the wall. So happy with them there as I never got to see much in entry.
Thanks! Oh, also any thoughts on what to put above fp? Also, if my house doesn't sell this spring, I will seriously consider new
Fp.
The kitchen set I think for now will stay but I will declutter the area and put pretty things on shelving.
Do you think it would be a good investment to change out the lighting. I sold my pool table and have some cash!

Kelly Smith Been skimming advice/pics...first, LOVE your house. It's gorgeous. Second, I like the chairs and small table by the window, it gives it the tuscan feel. Third, a few throw-pillows to add color would work very well--especially on the chairs. I would suggest jewel-tones to complement the existing gold and tans in the room. The color this year is Emerald green, which I think would look great in there as long as it's a deep rich green. Just my opinion, but I'm not a professional. :)

Laurie Roots Thanks, Kelly! Can you tell I love Italy?
I really am fond of green. What shape pillow do you think would look nice?

momof5x The house is gourgeous, and all the advice is just so wonderful- I just had to put my comment in here and say I am just absolutely exhausted from reading all about the moving around of your furniture haha - argghh .. I am packing too , ready for move into new home soon. I will post pics as promise as soon as I can. Very nice advice from everyone :)

Kelly Smith I think any shape would work, but what I imagined in my head was rectangular pillows on the chairs to keep with the shape of the square couch pillows. Then maybe a matching lampshade. Maybe not these EXACT items, but something along these lines:

Laurie Roots Mom-good luck on your move!
Folks on here are wonderful... Stuck with me the whole way and that's just the living room!
Look forward to seeing your photos.

Laurie Roots Oh I also need two small cocktail tables for next to chairs. Love the green pillows!

decoenthusiaste Pricey, but a nice pop of color to add. Might find cheaper knock-offs at Pier One or other. The second one may work better to take with you. As you can see, prices, style and quality vary, but do you have a style preference for the post-move home?

starzzzinhereyes A beautiful flower arrangement on the table in front of your gorgeous window would look amazing!

Laurie Roots :)
I had just thought about those campaign tables! They definitely would be able to come with me. Which finish appeals to you? My heart sped up when I saw those orange ones! I haven't figured out what to do in the bungalow. It was built 1920. It is all white inside with tall windows some original! The ceilings are tall. Rooms small. I thought about slipcovered furniture and very casual.

Laurie Roots Orange table no longer available :(

Laurie Roots This was in my bedroom with dining set... Only have one.
Note art on wall :)

decoenthusiaste That will work! Art is great! Starzz.... has the right colors going in those florals - just what we're thinking. I think one almost as tall as her pic with the 2 chairs would be good. The trick will be to keep it from looking like a fall display and instead of a Mediterannean one. Did you google to see if anyone else had a table similar to the orange octagon? Of the two campaign ones I prefer the brass but it is very pricey. Of course, if it will go with you it is a great piece!

decoenthusiaste https://www.google.com/search?q=leather+octagon+table&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=1Fn&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=VXE6UaeKD8KUywHDiYGQDA&ved=0CDUQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=764#imgrc=lwETsPhljTjw7M%3A%3BrweDdGejMa57fM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.streamlineworkspace.com%252Fcatload%252Faucphotos%252F18881%252F2377%252Fr_163.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.aumannauctions.com%252Findex.php%253Fsubp%253D1%2526sct%253D%2526itmpg%253D1%2526pid%253D18881%2526cid%253D2377%2526itm_id%253D237608%2526rand%253D1099414198%3B750%3B1000

decoenthusiaste The above should take you to a page of images for octagon tale. This one seems to be a vintage Henrydon piece and is very pretty, but haven't followed up on it. May already be sold.

decoenthusiaste Another leather table on Amazon - quite pretty.
http://www.amazon.com/Butler-Specialty-0583070-Duffel-Heritage/dp/B003LTQBQY/ref=sr_1_3?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1362785227&sr=1-3

decoenthusiaste That's all folks! Starting Sabbath rest, and I need it! Back tomorrow night!

bevballew Nice you are not afraid to say so!

Laurie Roots Thanks deco! Sorry I needed to run off. Appreciate the links. I googled too and as of now, the orange table is unavailable but will contact company to see if they will get more. Liking the amazon one as well but don't know about it for next house. Thanks for all your work! Oh, I like the arrangement you liked as well. Good point about the fall colors!
Would you do matching tables?

kgarrison1 Love the final positioning of the furniture, and wondering if a big plant by the fireplace and some of your beautiful art hung "salon" style wouldnt beef up the fireplace wall? I would then place something with a strong color on the mantle... Tall vase, urn, etc. to ground the clustered artwork. looking great...

mendeze1230 What is the color of your wall n manufacturer? Please advise

JAMEITE Hand-painted Silk Wallpaper Co., LTD Beautiful wallpaper

Laurie Roots Mendeze-the paint is Benjamin Moore but I don't remember the colors. The painters painted a solid cream color and then used a colored glaze over. I think like a amber color. I will be having paint touched up shortly and will post color then. The glazing was very simple.

Laurie Roots Found great drink tables at Ballard design... Olivia side table. Don't know how to post link. Very affordable! Shall I get two?

cmcole1121 I love those Olivia mirrored side tables - really wanted to get but they won't work in my space. I say go for it ;-).

decoenthusiaste I like the Olivias. Here's how to decide. Get some stiff poster board or cardboard and cut out two circles. One 17" dia the other 28 3/8". Lay them on top of your ceramic piece you're trying as a table and see which one feels better. I'm tending to think the larger one would have more presence, hold more on top (a lamp if needed) and would be more flexible than the two small ones. It might even serve as a coffee table with the right sofa or chairs.

decoenthusiaste @bevballew - are you "anusim?" Your comment made me think of the "hidden ones." Ifyou don't know what I'm talking about, never mind. Shalom!

Laurie Roots Wow, thanks for teaching me tricks and "rule of thumb"...
Now to learn to post links :)
Ta da...small Olivia to left, large to right.
Kind of tall but nice height for lamp. The wall to right slightly longer.
Shorter one same diameter.

Distinctive Mantle Designs, Inc Can those 2 matching chairs come around and face the sofa? Then put the leather chair where they were. Look up Cote de Texas latest blog...she shows a Houston house with a faux painted wood mantel. Something like that would jazz up what you have. Too much stuff lined up on that wall...the picture is way too high up.........anywhere else to put it? That window is spectacular..... the room could sizzle with a little de-cluttering on that right wall

decoenthusiaste Sounds like a plan! They'll look great! What's next on our agenda?

Laurie Roots Hi Dis-much has changed! Work in progress so pleas don't mind the odds and ends., the "side tables" are for size!

Laurie Roots Ooops... Pics..
Will check out blog. At one pointing thought of painting hunter green or aubergine!
Deco- I forgot about mantle!
You are so great!
I posted my bedroom on a link earlier but should probably complete this!

decoenthusiaste DIstinctive - Yes, the wall has a lot of stuff lined up as it is mid-project. Wait until the art and acessories go up in advance of the real estate agent's tour! Laurie has worked really hard but she's not finished yet with this staging project. If the mantel prevents getting a nice offer, she may do one similar to the family room. Haven't looked at the faux treatment - does it lean to Mediterannean? That is the home's style. Def will look at that.

Laurie Roots Re: the blog- mantle is pretty amazing! Those furnishings too are what I had in mind for the new place. White slipcovered couch...pine and nice baskets. The Olivia tables will be nice in there too don't you think?

decoenthusiaste Oh, yeah! That's a great looking piece. Wish yours was that scale! Olivias are becoming classics and will look good anywhere. I'll check out the bedroom. What we need to do now is find the right lamps and hang the art and get the bouquet. Then I think we can move on unless you want to try and find a round, glass coffee table. WIll the large Olivia work in the new digs as a coffee?

Kathleen Coleman I would get rid of the stools and the room will look great.. Add one or two when you need to use them.

Laurie Roots Hello again deco-I'm getting ahead of my self. Say, "focus!"
Before I order Olivia's do you think it will look ok having the same thing in 2 sizes? I think I could use them in a lot of different spots in the next place!

Didn't shop for florals yet but have a good idea on what would work.

decoenthusiaste I really think the small one is very small - 17" is not much. Do you want to risk getting the larger one and waiting to see if you find something else before getting the second one? Did you get moving help today?

Laurie Roots Finally back!
I found these prints. I sure have a lot of things!
Like the idea of ordering the large table. Will be great in next house as couches will be small. Worst case, a great night stand!
The leather chair (not moved) will be too large I think unless tucked in corner.
Hope you had a great weekend

decoenthusiaste Love the blues! What a WOW Mediterranean bedroom you can have with them!!! Let' get playing!

Laurie Roots Ready! Thanks!

Laurie Roots My Internet doesn't reach upstairs so will get a workout!!!

decoenthusiaste I'm going to look at the bedroom pics, but if they're not already upstairs, take the blue pics up. Do you want to call me and we can talk through this on the cell phone?

Laurie Roots Yes, please!

Laurie Roots My email loroots@msn.com

Laurie Roots Does this vase look okay (don't mind the flowers)?

decoenthusiaste Too tall for here but filled with sunflowers it will look great on the master mantel or on the sofa table in front of the square iron mirror. I think this table needs a piece that is low and as wide as one mullioned section of window behind it. Measure the window and the break in the table's scroll pattern to get some idea of the width that would balance. Once the arrangement is put together it should be no taller than the one window pane behind it, but can branch out to right and left. So, I am thinking a squatty wide vase, maybe even a tureen with handles on the sides.

Laurie Roots Thanks! Loved the shape but somehow i didn't feel that aha moment. Will probably keep though as it is a great vase for heavy sunflowers and they gave me 20 % off as it had a minor flaw that I thought added character. Picked up throw and pillow for bed, not loving them though. Thanks again :)

decoenthusiaste Keep tweaking - might take the photo of the blue bedroom pics with you when shopping.