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Sarah Bernardy Design Open floor plans definately pose problems when you want more color in your life but don't want it everywhere. While you have provided some nice photos it's still not the easiest way to give you the best suggestions. From what I see, you could paint the walls below the stair rail another color continuing this on the fireplace wall and up the stair wall. The walls in the loft area that have the doors could be this same color or an accent. The wall in the loft that continues into the lower dining room should remain the dining room color. I do think you'll get the most out of your time and energy by hiring a local Interior Designer to do an in-home paint consultation as they could give you not only the starting and stopping points but the colors that will coordinate and flow with your existing decor. I do this all the time for clients and it relieves allot of questions and worries before the paint goes on the walls.

lefty47 HI -- Usually with vaulted ceilings and angled walls and open floor plans like yours , it is best to have one color for the whole space. And with the 18 ft. wall , only concern yourself with the wall area that is at the 8 or 9 ft level, not above .You add your features with the art work and so on. You could add interest and texture with frames of molding applied to the walls or a textured wallpaper. For decor items have fewer big items and less small items , well chosen and well placed. The small wall on the stairs has a picture that is too big for the width of that section of wall. Not every wall surface or ledge has to have something on it . You need places for the eye to rest .

Grapevine Realty What is the name of the golden yellow color? It is gorgeous. I agree about the artwork on that small wall. Doesn't look right. The colors are gorgeous. Wouldn't change a thing. I am curious about the main body color though. Could you share that with me?

Dezign Studio Inc You could have the whole angled wall as an accent wall- in a bright color, or wallpaper as shown on the ceiling . Or you could just have some texture on the angled wall behind the T.v with an accent color.

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Hi Writely Yours Marketing + Public Relations
Marie here - I am an expert at paint, and how to stop and start paint is really very simple. Take a step back and take a look at how the walls are constructed. I've never been a big fan of painting one flat wall an accent colour, nothing in our world is one-dimensional, so why would we paint our walls on one-side?

As you choose your accent colour - define the wall you want to paint that colour, then continue painting that same colour as it wraps around and into hallways, and into other rooms - NEVER stop the paint on a soft curved corner, or what I call an "outside corner". Always end your paint on an inside corner - always when its a 90 degree angle.

If your accent colour is painting too much area - then rethink your wall that gets this colour. There is nothing more exciting that walking into and from rooms in your home seeing in anticipation the accent colour from one side, and it flows to and from that room through paint.

My basement currently has 8 paint colours in it - I've zoned it with paint.

Naomi Frash For me, I would use a luxurious patterned wallpaper on the stairwell walls, the wall the TV is against and the lower half of the wall where the door is. Wallpaper (like the one in the picture) with the elongated vertical branches will help with all the discerning angles.

Susan Mills Design Another thought about where and when to stop or start a colour, is what is your objective? If the room is quite contemporary and the architecture is quite important, it's nice to show that with your paint choices. For example, a stairwell like yours has walls that could be painted in different ways to hi lite the three walls, but in your case I would not. The railings and spindles have enough detail, different paint colours here would look busy on the walls. A stairwell that had simpler lines would look good with perhaps three different walls or two, with the one between different from the two others.

Your dining area looks quite nice as it is, the colour is lovely, if you painted the walls in different colours, it would take away from the overall effect. IMO.

Susanna You mentioned that you would like to do more with the walls...Do you have something specific in mind?

Denice Shuty Grapevine - thank you for complimenting the Dijon-gold color. Eight years ago when I painted these rooms I could not find the right gold anywhere - BM, P&L, Behr, Valspar, Glidden, Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, etc., so I custom-mixed my own shade in a 5-gallon bucket using 3 different paint colors. But now I won't be able to duplicate it exactly because one of the paints I used was from an obscure manufacturer that went out of business.

Denice Shuty Susan and Susanna - thanks for your questions.

What I'd like to focus on first is the ginormous living room wall, the fireplace walls and its weird wedding-cake like mantel (now covered in dark brown paper) and chimney. Also, the lower hallway wall has a lot of marks so it needs painting, but since this paint color doesn't exist anymore I will have to find a new color that starts in the foyer, carries down the hallway and goes across the angled wall with the TV, then end that color on the inside corner of the dining area. However as you can see in the first batch of photos I uploaded, I will have to paint that bulk-head part underneath the spindles and the wall in the stairwell with the black and white abstract painting because there is no stopping point on that contiguous area.

brody1313 I have a large very open house w/a tall open foyer painted in a similiar color (SW restrained gold)...I like the continuous color that unites the rooms, I then bring in different colors with accessories and furniture as suggested.......I have been thinking of possibly repainting and would go w/a lighter shade as the current trend now seems to be lighter rooms w/lots of white..( grays are most popular)..if you can't paint everything, I would just lighten up on your existing shade for a smooth flow....good luck

Denice Shuty Images of the ginormous living room wall - I am thinking about doing a large scale geometric pattern on this wall perhaps tone-on-tone to keep it subtle, but to pick up the geometric pattern of the Moroccon rug. But what about the chimney that separates the ginormous wall from the stairwell?

Denice Shuty Brody,
I'm not so concerned with trends. I am into strong colors and wanting to create an exotic-feeling space evoking the "silk road" experience - with Indonesian, Moroccon and French influences.

Susanna Writely, Although it is all currently one color, look what interesting thing has happened in the photographs. It looks as though the shadows in the stairwell have created a natural second coloration for you. The shadows illustrate a sort of natural break for the paint color. I like where it has delineated the place to stop/start. Do you see it? Look in the very first photo and also the bottom left photo in your next posting of four. interesting....

judyg Two impressions when I look at your photos:

Way too much going on…trim, spindles, contrast between your woodwork and your walls, etc.

I am definitely with lefty47 on her paint recommendation. I would find two lovely, neutral paint colors, possibly BM muslin for the walls, and BM linen white for your trim. Your ceilings a lightened (80%) woodwork color. That should help soften all the angles and lines.

Your corner fireplace could be made much more important. While keeping the walls/trim more of a background, I would put my effort into the fireplace. Do that in a Moroccan style, and tie that into your rug, keeping the focus there.

lefty47 HI -- Another way to have an added color is to do color blocking . This way you don't need a stop and start corner . Like that 18 ft. tall wall would look very dramatic with a big (4 or 5 ft.?) wide stripe of a feature color from ceiling to floor . This could be then be accented by having a painting on the striped area . This would be a nice backdrop and frame the art. Also having wallpaper panels framed in molding is an easy way to accent a wall . So instead of trying to do a whole wall , just do sections of color or wallpaper then you don't have to worry about corners etc.

olldbobbi I agree 100% with Lefty47. And here's proof: [houzz=Family Room]
[houzz=Frisco European]
[houzz=Huxford Bayside]

judyg Holy Cow, Marie! What are you thinking? This is not a contest! We are just here to share opinions. The poster isn't stupid and can sift through suggestions, and decide for herself.

Susanna K &D, are you the same person as Writely? You answered the fireplace tile question like it is yours by saying "I'm open to another treatment..." I'm confused now. LOL

I thought Writely said it was all one color she mixed in a five-gallon bucket. ???? I re-read everything and can't find the second color mentioned. I'm lost......

judyg Marie, come on. You can't comment and then hide by deleting. I, and the rest of us, cannot dismiss your insulting comment concerning lefty47's recommendation. You say you are an "expert" at paint? Become an "expert" on personal interaction. Not the first time…shame.

Susanna No Judyg, it is not the first time. Sadly, it happens frequently. I jumped into a thread to defend a woman named Pamela who mentioned green in a small bathroom. Then she attacked a woman calling her an "interior designer wannabe" and shouted down someone else with all caps.

I am tiring of defending people from the wrath of Marie but I must. To stand by silently without speaking out against this, does nothing to stop the bullying. I wear a Kevlar vest and hard hat so it rolls off me but my heart goes out to those who are hurt by the attack.

Marie, I hope you will apologize before you find yourself Persona non grata. A delete is not an apology.

olldbobbi Marie, I think it's safe to say many of us are getting pretty tired of your bullying.

judyg Well said. Rude remarks like that do smack of bullying and, as such, have no value.

Denice Shuty I was signed into a client's account - K&D Landscape, when I typed my reply posts above - sorry to confuse everyone. Susanna - the Dijon gold downstairs is the color I mixed. The bronze in the stairwell and upstairs is by P&L.

Judy G - The fireplace tile is finished - bronze glass mosaic tile with travertine border. But I'm open to a different treatment on the wedding-cake tiers...

I hope that clears things up. I do like the color blocking idea for the walls. Keep more ideas coming!

heather4477 could you paint the Mosaic patterns on the under sides of the balcony and up the walls that resemble pillars. Maybe no mosaic that could get too busy but texture or a lighter color so you think of a column. It is really a unique space. I like the idea of maybe just painting the ceiling. or painting and dry the recedes or jumps out a different color. I think a blue would be beautiful to compliment the gold. It is really a cool space.

heather4477 oh and maybe painting the window trim a bright contrasting color.

Denice Shuty Thanks, Heather, painting the mosaic on the columns as you describe is a pretty big endeavor, but I'll consider. Painting the ceiling is not something I'm going to tackle at this time. The more I look at the images of my fireplace and read everyone's suggestions the more I think I have to start there. The tile stays but everything else could be changed.

lefty47 HI -- Writely Yours -- Lets talk about this fireplace now. I don't like the way it is shoved into the corner by the stairs . Seems like an odd spot to me and the wedding cake style top , was that there or did you add that ? Is it a wood burning or gas ? Looks to me like it is a gas . So would it be worth it to you if it could be moved . If it's gas or faux (electric) , then it could be moved to the center of that wall , where you have the bench now. Then that corner would be a better space for the chair . If you centered the fireplace on the wall you could have a bookcase on each side if you wanted . Then the fireplace could be a big feature on that wall . It could have tile or stone go full height up that wall or it could just be a normal height , having a beautiful moorish style cast concrete mantel surround with a big round or moorich star mirror above . Moving the fireplace would balance the room and make furniture placement easier. Now back to the paint color , do you have any of your self mix paint left over or have something that has that color on it . Then you could have that computer color matched at the paint store . It might not be exact but would be close enough if you need to repaint an area and want to keep with the same color. There is a paint color that is called "Cinnabar " not sure what paint brand , it would be perfect with your gold paint for an accent. I'm still looking for it and will let you know . I think I can see it in your carpet . Benjamin moore "Cinnabar 1165 " or Pittsburgh Paints " Cinnabar 330-6 "

JAN MOYER Have to say I am with judyg on this one. There are sooooo many turns, jogs, doorways, and angles that one color or two tones very closely related will yield a far smoother result. A lot of high ceiling with minimal trim to set off wall paint would lead me to beware of too saturated a tone as well. Perhaps save that for art and accessories, and rugs.: )

Denice Shuty Everyone, thank you so much for your helpful comments. I am going to end this discussion here because the topic got so off-point about a user's behavior. It turned this discussion into such a downer.

I am going to follow BrokerIntel's suggestion to remove the faux leather paper on the fireplace wedding-cake tiers and to remove the topmost tier itself, that should simplify things. Once that's done then I will be looking for more suggestions.

Best!
Denice

olldbobbi Writely Yours, I'm so sorry that happened in your discussion. Please don't let that discourage you from posting again :))

Denice Shuty Thanks olldbobbi, I am saving the images you provided into an ideabook - very nice.

brigidb Since you like color I am not so sure it is the paint that seems to "not stop". I too love color and in turn I learned that I loved colorful thing thus I tended to clutter my surroundings. I would suggest taking everything down and then looking at each item and asking yourself, "does this really express who I am or is it just something I like?". Select the things that say who you are and begin repositioning them. Use the lines of the house as features. The TV area could be cleaner with a simple item that hides the cords and boxes.

Live with it scaled down and then see if you really need to change the color.

Denice Shuty brigidb, the tv is temporarily sitting on a chest. I am going to bring the drywalll up higher on that pass-through to bar height, then mount the tv directly on the wall. All the paraphernalia will go away.

I am starting to take things down from the fireplace. Please go to my new post entitled "Need help with wedding-cake fireplace" and tell me what you think.

lefty47 HI -- So sorry Writely that your question turned into a bit of a downer ,-- perhaps if I had just set myself on ignore and not answered back , then it would have gone away . Please stay with us on Houzz , thankfully this does not happen all the time and we do all have fun giving advice and joking around once in a while . Sincerely Lynda - aka Lefty47

Linda Anthony do you have a LINK to your new question "Need help with wedding-cake fireplace"?????

Do you use the 'pass-through'? If not, I would recommend closing it off completely as I can see door into kitchen just to the right. Then the TV will balance the space much better. Because of the layout, it's just another thing which distracts from the 'important' walls and your kitchen will gain a new wall as well!

I also like the cohesiveness of all the connected walls being painted the same color - I see on your second floor there is another color and It is complimenting the lower color. However, I believe the darker color should be on the ground floor to 'ground' everything, if you know what I mean. Darker colors are heavy looking and should be used on the bottom - kitchens included!

Linda Anthony Oh, I see something else... paint that little hallway ceiling (to the left of the TV) the same color as the walls - it will one less eye-stealing color. it will enhance the flow of everything there!

Denice Shuty Thanks for your message, Lynda. I empathize - maybe it needed saying, maybe not, I don't know. Misunderstandings are all too easy because these typed messages don't have any tone, and the people who mingle here don't really know each other. I think it would be helpful for all of us to give each other the benefit of the doubt and assume an off comment isn't necessarily being said with malice.
Cheers!
Denice

Denice Shuty Linda, that ceiling goes into the kitchen, there is no break or moulding separating the two so I used an off-white for the ceiling so that it works for the kitchen too. That's the problem here, no doorway frames, no window frames, its just contiguous drywall.

I don't use the pass-through as a physical pass-through, but it's the only way light from the living room windows gets into the kitchen. Plus when I'm standing at the sink (on the other side of the pass-through) I can see into my garden through that opening so I would never give that up.

See if this link to my other thread works: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/388011#747794

Thanks!

Linda Anthony thanks for sharing Writely, it makes perfect sense now. Is there another spot for the TV? Over the fireplace? Another thought for ceilings, when we paint them the usual 'white' it gives off a gray tone and they appear dingy after awhile. Now they suggest using your trim color, and adding 50% white to it. Am in the process of changing mine as I re-do each room. Another decorator suggested JUST adding some beige to the ceiling paint. Many neutral paints are now used on the walls and ceilings - no difference, and that looks nice too. It will all depend on your final color choice. Wish you well!

Denice Shuty Once I raise the height of the pass-through opening to bar height then the tv will fit perfectly on the wall and be at eye level from the sofa. I'll mount it to a swivel/articulating arm and lose the chest as well as all the other paraphernalia.

I hate tv's above a fireplace - too high, and the look of stacked black rectangles is not attractive.

None of my ceilings are ceiling white, they are all a bright cream just for that very reason you mention.

KDG DESIGN WOW - forget paint! That is NOT your problem.
Drywall the railing part of that squished fireplace to elongate that wall. Then either take off the overly heavy wood mantle & stretch out the stone treatment over the wall to make the fireplace area read larger or make it all wood. Then PLEASE close up the wall with the tv OR better yet work w an architect to open up the kitchen to the family room and get rid of all those openings. This would also open up the tight dining area. Find a better place for the tv - perhaps the tall wall perpendicular to the windows & use your sofa as a divider from the dining room so it is facing the new tv wall. MOVE the comfy chair away from the fireplace - use it in the new family room furniture plan. Right now everything is too crowded & needs breathing room & better functionality. THEN you can decide on paint - which may just be fine as is! KDG DESIGN
PS or move the fireplace to that big wall and put the tv above framed out beautifully to free up that corner.

Linda Anthony KDG appears to agree with a couple of my suggestions. I like the idea of closing off the bottom of that railing which would expand that wall, thus you could expand the FP for balance by removing that huge mantle and finishing the right side of the FP to match the left.

So, if you close up that railing, balance the FP, remove one (or more) layers of the 'cake', remove the mantle, it will enlarge that wall.

I would consider removing the coffee table as well, to make more space in that room and perhaps would make my idea of the TV and couch as previously mentioned work.

If I may take the liberty to suggest a couple more ideas, over and above your original question - as I review your pics, - in the DR, I would switch the beautiful room divider and the plant in the other corner - for better balance in the area. Fold up the divider and lean it against the wall to add height to that other wall, and will give you more space as well. Lean it against that wall w/o the window OR use it in another room...

In the pic of your FP, to the right going up the stairs, I noticed a lovely pic leaning up against another 'accent' shelf. I would remove that to improve the flow of the eye. There is SO much going on in your limited lower level with all the architectural changes. Less is more, in your case, thus those architectural elements can be appreciated.

Now, the wall with the room divider and plant, there is a HUGE bare wall above. I would turn that beautiful mirror vertical and hang it HIGHER OR get a larger vertical mirror or a HUGE star-burst mirror. Hang the top your mirror as high as the little 'shelf' over the wall with the windows. That will make that room appear much larger as well - taking the eye up to the 'barren' space. Would also suggest moving your valance up as high as possible OR add a second, complimenting valance over it, hanging it up to the little 'shelf'. Now, you've added volume and created depth on those bare areas. If I remember from your other post, there is another long, narrow window, where you added a valance. IF it matches, use over the other valance and then leave that area w/o any window treatment. The small valance there draws your eye up there and (in my humble opinion) adds nothing to that window. I would prefer it bare, again for eye relief.

Respectfully, Linda

Denice Shuty KDG - Thanks for your efforts, however if you read my previous comments you will find that a number of your suggestions have already been addressed with detailed explanations as to what I am doing, or conversely, why they don't make sense for this space.

I feel the furniture is perfect just how it is. The flow works for me. I am not a subscriber to the current trend of minimalism and clean lines. I like Morroccan design and extensive ornamentation.

Linda,
I could remove the painting on the ledge, but would want to hang it somewhere else, maybe the loft.

The valances on the bottom set of windows are the same size as the ones on the top set of windows - which are hung close to the ceiling already. If I made the top ones longer it would block too much of the window and the light. Because of the bamboo blinds hung inside the window I felt I needed a valance to cover where the mounting board meets the window frame. Without any trim work on these windows it looked unfinished not to have anything covering the top. The top windows are at eye level when I'm sitting in my loft (over the kitchen). The rods will stay, but I could make new valances if there is a clear advantage.

No long, narrow window here, they are all horizontal
A coffee table is a necessity. I need furniture to fulfill functional purposes, not just the eye.
The mirror is not symmetrical - can't hang it vertically.
Can't do ceiling-to-floor drapes - the windows don't line up vertically and every time I open the back door the drape would get in the way. There is only 18" between the window and the door.
The plant has to stay by the window-needs the bright light.
I like the mirror idea, but can't afford to scrap my mirror and buy another - it was quite pricey. Maybe in the future...
I could remove the screen altogether, but I love it so and enjoy looking at it. I have three more panels.

Any suggestion on using the six panels somewhere here (that doesn't block the light!)???

See attached images as to what I like

Linda Anthony Your mirror is gorgeous and it looks classy. Totally understand function over style - at times it is necessary for us all. My 1833 farmhouse challenges 'style' all the time! LOL We have seven doorways in our 'great' room, not including one filled in when Butler's Pantry put in a hall behind that one, and another outside door but sat a Hoosier cupboard in front.

How about if you fold it up and set it behind your plant - I know that's not what they were intended for, but try it out. You can then move your mirror to the left - (they don't always need to be centered on a wall) The negative space, called ‘ma’ becomes part of the image. I've seen them used as headboards or just to add a layer to a wall, as you've done but room is a factor here. My only other thought is to put it to the left of your entry door, to show it off and will add a little privacy to the LR.

Gosh, every-time I go back and look at your pics I see something else. I didn't notice it was a 'corner' FP but would still remove as much of the 'cake' layers as you can, and the FP mantel, which looks too heavy for the space. I actually like the FP much better now that I've seen the 'side'. However, the pic on the floor between it and the chair/ottoman is distracting. Would set the chair and ottoman at an angle as everything appears a bit 'square' - an angle always attracts the eye too. Remove that little 'wall light' there, and then nestle that small table in there... Move your floor lamp as close to the FP as possible, and angle the base and the light into the room then you can move that small seating piece a bit to the right - it won't look so jammed on that wall. Take the small 'black' item out of that corner and perhaps set it on your FP when it is done - too small for that space and just looks like it was 'put' there because there was nowhere else to put it. would look good in the middle of the sofa table or on your coffee table.

All these things are 'little' but make a big difference in the overall picture. Would love to see something 'round-ish' in that room as most are square. How about an oblong coffee table in your future.

I like your taste and all you needed was another person's perspective, that's why you came here!

"Shop" your house and move things around - from one room to another and it's always fun to see 'unexpected' things in a room.

I know you said you didn't like a TV over a FP, BUT most of the new homes are now doing just that and think how it would take up unused space instead of 'precious' space. When you alter those 'cake' layers, you could build the TV in there at the same time.

Linda Anthony Here is a link for some ideas for using a folding screen. The first one happens to follow my suggestion - by the front door.

http://www.bhg.com/blogs/centsational-style/2013/03/03/functional-fabulous-folding-screens/

Linda Anthony let me try again... Please go to link above for additional ideas/pics!

Linda Anthony or, OR use it in your loft, in a corner with the railing and the wall, to create a private/reading area. Now here is one outside the box! Screens are purchased for a particular use, however, if they don't work for how they were designed, use it for art. It is a piece of art! HANG it on that big wall, in DR, ABOVE that mirror! Have two men, on ladders, hold it up there to see if you like it. It would be a focal point, a conversation piece, and an unexpected bang for the room! Some have hardware on the back for hanging! (pics to follow)

Friends, who live on a lake with a cathedral ceiling w/wall of windows,for view of the lake, not only from LR, but their loft, purchased a grouping of 'lake' type items (each fairly large in size) and hung them all high on that wall. What a difference it made for the entire room and loft! g

Denice Shuty Linda, You are so generous with your time, but I have tried most of those suggestions already.

Can't move the mirror, it is centered on the chandelier - which can't be moved. That is centered on the dining table, which can't be moved. The room is too tight. Even with the chairs pushed in there is barely space to walk around them. Centered is the only way with those pieces.

Can't put the screen between the window and the door for three reasons: that's where i access the blind cord - which I use daily; there is a switchplate on that wall that I need daily access to; and the floor vent is right next to the door.

I need the wall light next to the chair for reading. The small black box hold the fireplace key and lighter.

Function, Function, Function!!!

I know that many people are putting tv's over a fireplace and think that it will be recognized shortly for the mistake that it is.

If I didn't already have a gorgeous headboard I would use the screens for that.

Linda Anthony http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=folding+screens+hung+on+wall

Denice Shuty Linda, I will think about putting the screen higher up on the wall. Do you think it would also work on the big living room wall?

Linda Anthony sure! lots of interest there too! again, have a couple guys hold it - don't want it too high OR too low. Hang it where it 'feels' good.

Denice Shuty Do you think they need to align horizontally with either the top or bottom of the windows on the adjacent wall? Would you connect all six panels then mount them, or would you space them out in any way? The windows are wider (110") than they are tall (60"), but I think the 6 panels together may be a little taller than they are wide (84" x 72")

Thank you so much for staying with me on this. You obviously have great patience.

Linda Anthony without being there to personally 'view' them. First thought would be not as high as the highest curtain rod - measure the distance between the two curtain rods, and put them in between that vertical space. I would hang them three and three, and leave a space between them. Measure one of the panels and start with that distance between each set of three horizontally.

I would tape newspapers together or use a roll of packing paper and make 'fake' dividers. Measure each set and tape them to the wall and adjust according to that visual. With your space and your windows, it's hard for me to be any more exact...

Remove the pic from that wall until you get the spacing right. Don't want that pic to influence the decision - yet.

So, hang them three and three - exact space between will be a visual decision - center the 'group' on that wall. Now, up and down, put them in the middle of the measurement between those two curtain rods.

Leave them there for a few days before final decision, as they will be easy to adjust before being hung. Then, if you are not sure, move them down a little at a time, until they reach the height of the top of the current pic hanging there (no lower) and see what is most pleasing to the eye on the wall. You MAY want equal space between the ceiling and the floor! I can see that as well. Ask a friend who has a good decorating sense or eye for an opinion as well, if you would like. Don't worry about centering furniture 'under' it - everything will flow in the room. If you could post a pic of the 'paper' version, then I could assist.

Denice Shuty Wow, fantastic instructions, Linda!

Linda Anthony IF you think both sets are too much for the wall, hang the second set on that DR wall. I could see something hung ON them during the holidays. A wreath or swag for Christmas, fall, spring, etc.

Denice Shuty Linda, Following your screen-hung-on-wall suggestion I actually tried one of the screen panels on that tall chimney wall and I like it there. Of course I would center it and hang it directly on the wall, but took a pic of it just leaning against the wall to show you. Do you like?

If I did it there, should I still remove the top tier of the wedding cake, or does it make sense to have that tier as a "footer"?

Also, with the screen there I don't think I would want to hang the others on the wall - this one should be "special". What do you think?

Linda Anthony Well, it does look nice, but you still have 5 more, and you still have two huge/tall walls... hummm...

First thought is how beautiful the screen is on a wall! Second thought, it draws your eye to the 'wedding cake' which you want to change as it is not complimentary to your room. So, hanging it there wouldn't be the best fit - in my respectful, yet humble opinion. I would utilize them all, either all six on that one wall or 3 on each of your tall walls - LR & DR.

I can see the spacing is different on each end of the screen - I would put the smaller space at the top.

So, to clarify, I think this beautiful screen draws the eye to something with which you are not happy, whether you remove one or two layers of the 'cake' or not. The group on the big wall, would draw your eye away from the FP and actually make it's awkwardness less noticeable!

I love the way the paint on the wall shows off the 'open lattice work' on the screen! I still visualize them on your walls.

Doreen Zorek I have not read all the remarks, so in case it wasn't mentioned, please switch the TV and the bench placement.

Denice Shuty Linda, I did a quickie experiment using photoshop - very crude, but you get the idea. What do you think?

Linda Anthony Yes, I like them on the wall - if your spacing is in line with actual measurements. They could go up just a little bit more???? What do YOU think? Is that the way they would sit on the floor or do you have them upside down? OR, you could do three with more space in-between. It's up to you.

rosiegabby I have not read all the comments so I do not know what's going on but -IMO the wall color is really nice. I think I would tone down the stark white of the trim. I think the problem isn't color but a lack of architectural details to keep the space from looking like a large empty wall.

Denice Shuty Linda, I was thinking to do them that way because the smaller shape has a flat edge, not an arch at the "top" ,otherwise I would normally put the smaller shape at the top.

I did try to scale them properly, but yes, I would need to raise them a bit to fit over the top of my painting - if that stays in its current location. I will also try the layout with 3 panels - with more space in between.

Good ideas, Linda!

bevballew Love the color. A happy color. I agree with leftys early suggestions and design studio of doing something on one wall. Love the screen panels hung. I have not read all threads so I don't know what else has been suggested. I think you need to remove little things and empty all accessories and then reintroduce and play around. I just thought it was a bit busy but hard to tell from the pics.

Denice Shuty Bev, I'm in the midst of restyling the fireplace, right now things are in shambles as I strip off the faux leather wallpaper. Please look at my fireplace pics above and feel free to make suggestions for finishing touches (the tile and oak mantel are staying). Thanks!

bevballew Remove any pictures. I saw one in the top pic you posted. The balls are cool to use somehow in a grouping whether on fp or in a bowl somewhere. I would keep It very simple. Maybe the simplicity of smaller votive candles all in the same glass,container, all spaced evenly apart even all the same on each level. The top part looks like it is tiered one level on top of another? If that is so still just try simple glass candle holders that hold the small thick votive candles. i,would remove the greenery and the lantern that holds a candle. The mantle and tile are very nice!