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Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Ceiling mounted Duette shades on window and door. They'll stack up very close to the ceiling and come down at night to give you privacy.

A rug with the colors of your pillows in it, probably 8 x 10'. For a coffee table, I've favor a glass one like the one below from Crate & Barrel.

For the recessed lights, do you mean the wall to the right of the windows? If so, I would place 2 recessed lights there, making them directional to point at wall where I would hang artwork.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

backbonemountain How about a folding screen or two instead of window coverings?

m4ttchu Thanks Carolyn - I really like your idea of the duette shades? Should I get them in white or off white (to match the couch)?

As for the lights, they will goes across that lower ceiling (even in front the balcony door window, wall to wall). 3? 4? 5?

I like your idea with the picture on the wall to cover the gas switch...black and white canvas picture do you suggest?

Can you send me a link of the table you suggested?

As for the area rug, that size is perfect! do you think matching the pillows would be overkill? I was thinking of a sand-like color for the rug ad using the reds just to accent the place.

Looking forward to hearing your ideas!

bevballew I like the idea of sheer white drapes with the duettes. I think the sheers just to soften the room and accent with the sofa. You have red pillows. If you like that color then a rug with red in it. I like what Carolyn chose. She always has great ideas so I defer to her.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design To me your pillows appeared last night to be red and teal, and not liking that combination, I suggested the rug hoping you'd change to orange and turquoise. Perhaps your pillows are red and gray, a combination I DO like. For your rug you can use a solid color or a multicolored rug that has your pillow colors in it. I do not see a tan rug with your gray walls but would instead be looking at gray rugs or red and gray rugs.

The Era coffee table is from Crate & Barrel and can found on their website. For your recessed lighting, I would place a 4" recessed light about every 4' to 5' in the area you mentioned. I would order the Duettes in white because your trim is white.

judith1922 is there an exterior window in this room? is the patio door exterior? if yes, please upload a pic taken in the daytime.

m4ttchu Hi Carolyn - yes it is red and grey! Ok I'll go with the red and/or grey rug 8x10 and thanks for the coffee table suggestion
Last question - what color duette shades should I get?

m4ttchu Judith, it's a balcony door, here's a pic, let me know what you think

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Duettes should be white to match your trim.

m4ttchu Carolyn - you're the best! Thank you!

leelee I like the Ikat rug pictured above. You may not need a huge rug but one that would fill in the space formed by the L in the sectional then you would have a clear walk way to your balcony plus you would leave a border of wood floor around the rug next to the sofa. A coffee table with a glass top and a larger end table that's as high as the arm of the sofa. Add a colored ceramic lamp on the end table and some pillows that echo colors from the rug. A soft throw draped over the sectional would add interest. I would definitely do a live plant to soften the corner where the balcony and the TV wall meet. Can't tell if the sectional is pushed all the way next to the balcony wall but it might look more balanced in the room if it were moved away 18" or so to allow room for a floor lamp--maybe one that extends over the sofa in a gentle arc or is that arch?

m4ttchu Leelee - all great suggestions that I actually thought about as well today, great minds think alike!
Still tossing and turning on a rug to choose....so many choices and I can't decide if a pattern is too much or if I should go plain

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I think you could look in your closet to help you decide on a solid rug or a pattern. If all your clothing is in solid colors, then you should select a solid rug. But if you have some patterns in the closet, then you could at least consider a patterned rug. Do any of these appeal to you?

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. You definitely need softening - and, you need to decide if you want a colour - and what colour - I'd find your area rug - fall in love with the tone on tone texture or by adding a hit of colour or a lot of colour.

Please make sure that your area rug is large enough to make the space feel rich and luxurious - don't get a small rug, it always cheapens the look.

Pick your accent colour (or tone on tone), then I can help you more with your decisions.

leelee You have a blank slate--looks like no other patterns in the room so go for something that will add pattern and color. I still like the Leanne Ikat in the pic above. The colors look so fresh and new and to tell you the truth I'm tired of red (in my own home). What ever you decide don't settle for something ordinary--you've come too far. Your place has the wow factor.

judith1922 do you like looking into your neighbour's balcony?

if yes, i would still fill your balcony with potted evergreens ie. emerald cedars, and run vines up the balcony railing and all the way up to the balcony ceiling. this would make your patio doors green all year long. of course i don't know where you are. maybe you can grow a jungle out there!

if you want total privacy fit the glass doors with wooden frames 1"x1" (a la shoji screens) and then fill the inside with some amazing handmade paper, or japanese rice papers, or fiberglass sheets which mimic rice papers.

and then keep the room simple. it's not that big of a room. let the colour come from the art, books, flat screens, people, etc. otherwise you'll lock yourself into a 'decor' which you will quickly tire of.

judith...(under 6' of snow)

m4ttchu thanks judith! hope the snow will melt away soon (unless you live in alaska or something)
those are great suggestions, unfortunately the condo association won't let me change out any of the doors and i don't mind looking at my neighbors (they're all nice people) plus they'd think i'm weird being "that guy" with the garden in his balcony.
i agree with you on keeping the living room simple... the way i envision it (with the help of other houzz member suggestions) is this... i'll get an 8 x 6 area rug as to not kill the beauty of the brazilian cherry wood floors but just to fill in in the space the couch makes... i'll put a glass coffee table with a red centerpiece, i'll throw a red throw blanket over the chaise and will get a bigger glass end table with a lamp on it... install recessed lighting on the lowered ceiling that's attached to the wall with the balcony doors and put up some pictures next to and behind the couch (probably black and white pictures)... the small red colors should accent the living room... what do you think?

leelee m4ttchu, your Brazilian cherry floors are beautiful BUT I really think red will fight with the orangy tones in the floor. Also, is your sofa actually white or is it ivory? If you're planning to use black and white in your art then the couch might end up looking yellowed next to stark white. At the very least, if you're intent on using red make it just part of a pattern not big splashes of solid red. Not sure what your budget is--some original art would be fabulous--it needs to be quite large or you could Google "vintage posters" and look under foood/drink/travel for some fun, inexpensive larger pieces that can be grouped for a dramatic impact. Someday you might want to consider a TV cabinet to give the space a sleeker, more polished look. Good luck and show us pics when you're done.

m4ttchu thanks leelee, its ivory/off-white, and you make a good point about the black and white making the couch look yellow. I looked at vintage posters, thats perfect! a TV cabinet would be nice, for sure but i want to put those black-brown wooden plank shelves on the TV wall to give it a more modern look, what do you think?

leelee Shelves hung in an interesing, off-set pattern could be cool and would definitely be a modern look. Glad you liked the posters--they're fun and have great colors.

m4ttchu yeah exactly! you're thinking what im thinking

Nova Look Window Fashions The perfect solution for that sliding glass door is a woven sliding shade, those are my favorite! Easy to manage and they look amazing. Any pattern will look great with those white sofas, I love them. Take a look at my portfolio for more pictures and ideas.
Hope that helps!

Nova Look Window Fashions Oops..Forgot to upload a picture.

kah416 Nice space! I would say drapes instead of blinds, if that's what you prefer...here's some pretty ones from west elm...not sure if they match your style exactly. :)
http://www.westelm.com/products/cotton-canvas-printed-window-panel-ikat-chevron-w791/?pkey=cpatterned-curtains%7C4294963737%3A4294963735&cm_src=patterned-curtains||FN-Color|Color-_-FN-White|Gray-_--_-

shariatf2 Maybe a glass table

m4ttchu thanks guys
Nova, i like that idea, but isn't it too transparent? What solutions do you have if i want to makes sure none of my neighbors can see into my place?
Kah416, are drapes "modern"?
Shariatf2, totally agree on the glass table. I'm trying to find a glass table that is low profile to match the low profile of my couch but that also is convertible so i can unfold it into a table... any suggestions?

m4ttchu Carolyn - i like the solid grey rugs you suggested... just don't know if a shag rug would be too much
Marie - my accent colors are red because my walls are painted gray but i'm having trouble trying to pick a rug that will be too busy...im going for a simple/modern but warm/cozy environment

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design You could probably take home a gray rug from a rug store on approval for a couple of days and see what you think. But consider changing your accent color to coral which is "today's red".

Nova Look Window Fashions @m4ttchu, there're some blackout patterns available as well. I just uploaded that picture so that you can see what it looks like but my clients love them because they are modern but warm like you said. If you live in Arizona I can help you with your project, if not, I'm sure you can find a local company that carries something similar. They'll look great!
Drapes are actually coming back this year, so if you decide to install drapes just pick a conservative style (maybe off white, light gray, with silver modern looking hardware).

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I'm not understanding your comment about a folding glass table. I understand low profile, but you confounded me with folding glass...no doubt I misunderstood. Here's a glass table from cb2 that is only 12" off the floor, not a height I usually want because I consider it too low for most sofas. http://www.cb2.com/smart-glass-top-coffee-table/f3439

m4ttchu thanks guys - whats the rule of thumb on the height of a coffee table?
yeah i wanted coral but i couldn't find coral pillows haha

m4ttchu something like this http://www.digsdigs.com/photos/Glass-top-adjustable-low-table-Magic-by-Ozzio-3.jpg

leelee Coral may work better with your Brazilian cherry floors too. The height of a coffee table needs to be at least the height of the sofa seat if not a bit higher.

leelee Think the adjustable height table might be a clever idea but that one in the pic reminds me of an ironing board, sorry. Are you wanting the coffe table double as a dining table?

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I like coffee tables to be the same height as the sofa seats or slightly lower, almost what leelee likes. Check out what the measurement is on your sofa seat height and let us know please.

I like draperies on sliding glass doors, mounted on a ceiling track. They'd probably be more expensive than Duettes, but something for you to ask about. You can't just go to a store to buy panels because it needs to be probably one large panel stacking to one side or the other. "Stacking" means where the panels end up when they are fully open.

leelee m4ttchu, Carolyn has a great suggestion for your drapes. Hang from a ceiling track, yes.

aloha42 I saw between-the-glass blinds you can install yourself. They might work in combination with the woven sliding shades. Don't even think about vertical blinds - does anybody still think about verticle blinds? I hope not!

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I think only dark and deadly thoughts about vertical blinds! They're loathed by every designer I know!

m4ttchu that's funny because i bought vertical blinds a week ago and returned them because of your helpful comments... for the vertical track on the ceiling... im now confused... do i go with the duette shades or the drapes or the sliding shades? the goal is to make it look awesome (of course) but to also make sure my neighbors cant see through it when i close it

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I think you should price both the Duette and custom draperies with a ceiling track. I would prefer the draperies but suggested the Duette first because I think they'll be significantly less expensive. If you measure wall to wall and ceiling to floor, you should be able to get quotes on both items.

JC Penney has a drapery department that can give you a quote. Whichever route you take, someone should come to your condo to take their own measurements so that they will be responsible for what is made. I would select a slightly off white linen look, but not real linen because it wrinkles badly.

The Duette can give you privacy and will mostly disappear when pulled up. Visit a Hunter-Douglas showroom to take a look. The drapery will also offer privacy and will be attractive, though I wouldn't call is awesome. Not everything can be awesome.

heather782 Curious about the floor plan...idk, but I'd kinda like to see the sectional and entertainment switch places. The long end of the sectional would separate the space and make the room more defined.

Do you own or are you renting the space? That might make a difference in the window treatment. Ikea has some very cost effective sliding window panels (modern), but I don't think they provide total privacy.

m4ttchu thanks carolyn, i'll go with the drapes since i read they are easier to clean. I'm starting to lean towards a red & gray rug .. it growing on me

heather, floorplan will stay as is. the place looks big, but its not THAT big. I own it, so i can do what i want.

m4ttchu any thoughts about this for my area rug? http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/New-Waves-Grey-Geometric-Rug/7578911/product.html

bevballew Rug is really cool. I think it will look great! Fun rug!

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Too strong a vibe. Cool it down to something more subtle, please!

leelee I agree it should be more subtle and more soothing. You can go stronger with accents but that rug will take over the room. You'll be living with this for a long time. I think you're limiting yourself with these colors. Think out of the box and look for something that hasn't been done before.

m4ttchu This is so hard haha if anyone has the perfect grey/red rug that would fit, feel free to post it. Id like to get an idea for what is good taste or not because clearly I don't have it

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Tomorrow!

Manon Floreat Here a few rugs to consider. The first two are in a contemporary vein, but the classic Bokhara's geometric design works well in contemporary interiors as well. It might be a consideration if you're interested in an investment piece. I think anyone one of them would look sharp with the crisp white window coverings suggested above.

Many retailers and dealers have either an accommodating return and/or loan policy. You could try a few in your space to see how they look.

http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/nuloom-sema10-508-modella-oasis-red-rectangular-5-ft-x-8-ft-rug-671277.htm?partid=performics

http://www.rugstudio.com/matthebasicsinarigreyorangearearug.aspx

aloha42 I think the middle one would be easier to live with for a long period of time.

Manon Floreat The middle one is certainly the "quietest" of the trio.

mjmil I lke the one on the right. I think that would look wonderful in your room.

bevballew Well I take back about the cool rug after seeing the three above. It is amazing so many options out there. I like the middle one the best but that is my taste and then I like the one on the left second. Any three would look good I believe. Can't wait to see what you eventually choose.

leelee Am I worrying needlessly about the Brazilian cherry floors clashing with red (see opening picture)? I've seen many rooms where orange highlighted wood is paired with red, rose or pink and the outcome wasn't the desired effect.

Elizabeth Julian A deep coral is a lot easier than red and would accent your floors. I personally stay away from glass tables because they need almost daily cleaning. If you look at a color wheel and there are many on-line, go with colors in a triangle and stay away from color combinations that are opposite each other.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I'm fond of some of the rugs made by Loloi and have used the first one below. It's beautiful and subtle. The second rug shows an interesting design in soft neutral tones. http://www.rugstudio.com/loloi-viera-vr-04-grey-area-rug.aspx http://www.rugstudio.com/suryamodernclassicscan-1992arearug.aspx

m4ttchu great suggestions! i think im going to lean with a rug that is mostly grey because i agree that a red carpet on Brazilian Cherry wood would clash... although if I go with Carolyn's more neutral colors which are closer to the couch's offwhite/ivory color... do you think it will give my living room a warmer feel?

sorry for the delayed reply all, i was working on the staggering shelf idea this weekend that was suggested earlier

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design You could have a local rug company bring that Loloi Viera rug into town for you to try out. It actually has a LOT of gray in it. Anyway, take a look, either by ordering it direct or seeking it out locally. I think it's the right one for you!
Carolyn

aloha42 Just a suggestion. Whenever you post a picture, could you turn off the television? It puts a glare on the picture and at least for me it is difficult to see the space.

Design Within Reach Hi m4ttchu,

Great space! I think the best option for your balcony doors would be sheer curtains that you can easily open and close. This will also bring in a good amount of natural light that you may need for your dark walls.

I also think that a bold area rug would bring a lot of personality to your already wonderful space. A coffee table with a glass top would also contribute towards that sleek look I think you are going for.

I have included a 3D computer drawing of your space with these features included. Find it here - http://dwr.mydeco.com/3d-design/design-dilemma/4346482/

Good luck with your space, I’m excited to see how it turns out!

Best,
Jill@DWR

leelee m4ttchu, check out some of the rugs on this site http://www.dlh.me/french-accents-modern-flatweave-rugs.html# What do you think? See any you like?

m4ttchu thanks for the rug ideas!
Jill - wow! That's a great 3D model! Thank you for putting this together, it looks great!
definitely thinking about a bold red rug now.... brings some light into the room... as for the curtains... still bouncing back and forth between the duette horizontal shades (white) that Carolyn had suggested vs. the sheer curtains (white), you suggested...

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design The sheer curtains in Jill's beautiful rendering do not offer the privacy you want, but I'm sure that Jill could also supply draperies with the same look that would offer privacy. I love the rug in her rendering. It's a great splash of color and very tempting. However, a gray rug would allow you more latitude in changing accent colors in the future. Tough decisions!

m4ttchu i agree with you Carolyn, i definitely need the privacy. Are the duette shades the same as the Levelor honey comb shades that i saw at my local Home Depot on Sunday?
that's a good point about the red rug making it difficult to change the accent colors... although i don't plan on changing them anytime soon.. that being said, i assume you'd have me go with that vibrant red over a grey area rug, is that right?

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I suspect that the Levelor honeycomb shades are very similar to the Hunter Douglas Duettes. You need to inquire how much "stack space" they take at the ceiling or top of window when pulled up so that you know how much space will always be covered.

I'd far rather you go with coral than red, but when it comes down to the question of a coral rug or a gray rug, I face the same dilemma you do...it's very hard to decide. Will you get tired of the red sooner than the gray goes out of style? Gray is a neutral that you can mix with anything, but gray has been around now for a number of years and may be in its final 5 years of popularity. My crystal ball is cloudy today so I don't know exactly when gray will be exiting. Meanwhile, I have always loved reds of one shade or another and currently that shade is coral. I'd say you follow either your heart or your wallet. Find 2 or more rugs you love and try them out in your condo.

m4ttchu Thanks Carolyn. So I went to home depot yesterday and they were saying that I should get vertical blinds because of the functionality since my balcony door is a sliding door (in the middle) and it would be a hassle to pull up the shades....was wondering what your thoughts were on the practicality of the duette shades on this balcony door...I really like the idea of the duette shades, but they got me thinking when they mentioned functionality.
They also suggested to go with alabaster since white would be too bland...do you agree with that?

As for the rug, I was thinking of going with beige since it would make my living room look more rich, warmer, and visually bigger. I was also going to keep the pattern very simple, if not plain, to keep the modern style and not make it too busy. Thoughts on that?
Here's a picture of the latest...

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Yes, verticals are practical, but they are also cheap looking and I personally despise them for their unattractive look. Duettes or similar shades, or draperies are what I and others have recommended for you.

Beige is definitely not what I would recommend for a rug for you! Coral or red or gray, yes. Beige, no! It would look dirty next to your cream sofa.

Design By 101 Pisces INC I would go with panel curtains ,and a rug with texture and for a table i think something sleek . This are all available at Ikea and have a great selection .

Mary I have a rug that doesn't work for me, but to give you an idea, I think it works beautifully in your space. I bought it at a great price less that 300 at home goods. It is huge also at 9X10 very thick. I think that the style and design would give you great style. I am not a fan of curtains myself, but if you have to have them, I think a soft flowing natural white would be nice. Maybe a round coffee table also

m4ttchu ok thanks guys.. .going to go with a simple light gray to match the walls, a glass coffee table, and white duette shades (honeycomb)

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Wonderful! We'll want to see pictures, of course when you're done. Best of luck.

Distinguished Flooring LLC Floor looks very rich

m4ttchu thank you, will definitely post pictures soon!

travisinteriors Large shag area rug red. Black round coffee table. White panels only on slider with black iron rod. Make sure they go to floor. One on each side. Love your look very contemporary . Keep lines long and sleek. No clutter on walls use big art pieces, hung low.

travisinteriors You could use picture on wall by slider, 24x30 TJMax good pl for accent pieces.

travisinteriors Is there a wall behind sofa? If so a very large painting there no more than 4" above top of sofa back. Add a tall lamp in silver with red shade on end table

travisinteriors Recessed light or can lights are best 4 or 5 ,put dimmer on switch to control brightness.

travisinteriors Even if you put a pleated shade up, still put panels on each side more a finished look. You do get a lot of light.

travisinteriors Go solid on area rug. You have so many nive colors in wood floor. Don't work against them. Also white on pleated blinds,

travisinteriors Shag is very in. And looks contemporary which is look you have.

travisinteriors If you have Z galleries ck for tables ect. West elm is good too.i use bamboo plants a lot might try on your deck, to hide from view. Good in house also to fill space looks contemporary go silk. In nice pots. Ikea also for plants, pots, panels lamps. Great price.

travisinteriors Buy a rug you can return. I will bring maybe 3 choices with me. See what works in yr home.

m4ttchu travis! great suggestions! i'll post more pictures up as i tackle the blinds, the rug, and the coffee/end tables, and the recessed lighting. I will return!