SFGate

Dezign Studio Inc Can you stain the panelling dark like espresso, walnut. Then either stain or replace the T V unit dark .If the mirror does not come off, cover it with a large piece of art.Adding drapes or at least shears, will bring softness and warmth to the space.The rug can have pops of colors of the couch with coffee as the base color. A coffee table with glass top , round or square would add to the contemporary /eclectic look.

libradesigneye Mid-Century modern is contemporary. So, with just a few adjustments, you should be very happy with this room. It's not like you are a victorian fan. He will see that you can add style with your work, and relax for the rest of the house. Here, his sofa and chair get to star. But you can show him how to add gray and layer the neutrals to make them shine. Spray the brass insert for the fireplace black with high heat spray paint (pull it out, paint it, put it back). Lose the shelf in the corner to a breakfast space. The mirror is not mid-century modern, but early 70's (i was there) so it definitely should go. Painted brick is mid-century, so leave the panelling, and talk him into - paint the fireplace and mantle out in a dark gray glossy paint (or threaten to find a veneer in slate with a mid-century profile).

Bring in a bigger rug that lightens the color story from brown http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Moroccan-Dhurrie-Grey-Ivory-Wool-Rug-8-x-10/6830795/product.html I like the way this will bring some cool tones in and let the brown floor be a border to echo the accent wall of panelling.

These fabrics work with the dove gray rug - a mid-century inspired print would make cool curtain panels flanking the blinds DIY - again, adding color and pattern helps the eye and here tells the neutral color story to blend gray and brown and linen http://beautifulfabric.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&page=1&categoryID=84&productID=7589&pStart=0&recNum=122 (the background of the fabric would make a good wall color)
one additional print for couch pillows that layers dark and terracotta. This print has some great tones you can play off in art http://beautifulfabric.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&page=1&categoryID=50&productID=7873&pStart=0&recNum=155
&/or (repeats the oatmeal tone I recommend for walls)

Finally, lose all the little frames to another room, and put a piece of abstract art over the mantle (modernists in Canada's group of seven? or this abstract with all the neutrals plus the color pop in a Klee abstract print http://www.art.com/products/p12479509641-sa-i6342148/paul-klee-still-life-with-gladioli-gladiolen-still-leben.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=1822&dimvals=1822-23944-207248&ui=f3ac334908734467b3178c0815b16e4a&PODConfigID=8880731

These choices should give you some idea about how to layer prints to bring what you've got forward, and when you bring in some textiles and repeat tones, you will actually advance his mid-century desires and pull the room all together. Show him a mood board about how it works and he will help you paint the fireplace and trust your choices going forward.

Hilary Colloff Great ideas thanks!

I will look into staining the paneling for sure, love it! He is going to sell the credenza, it's too big for the room. I was thinking of doing drapes floor to ceiling to help make the room look taller. Thoughts on color? I happen to already have a Crate and Barrel minimal glass and metal coffee table and side tables, thanks for reminding me! Getting a new rug for sure.

Any color ideas for the walls?

(that mirror is going to be the death of me)

Dezign Studio Inc Go neutral with drapes and walls , as rug, and the panelled wall will be dark. A large piece of art to cover the mirror. You will have to work with shades of off white ,to complement the dark wood .Glad to hear the credenza is going .

Hilary Colloff Wow! Thank you Libradesigneye! That was very helpful and thank you for including links!

Yarbro Home Improvement LLC This is the third " I'm moving into my BF's house and I want to make changes" thread I've read this week. What's up with you ladies? For better or for...worse ;)

Hilary Colloff Compromise :-)

Andrea Prasch Check out www.zgallerie.com its mid century meets contemporary. I think you will find things you both like :)

Andrea Prasch A couple things I thought would look amazing in the space

Andrea Prasch Another rug option he may like

Hilary Colloff Fabulous! I will show him! I had no idea Z Gallerie wa still around!

Andrea Prasch Yes they are and I love them! Luckily for you MCM is all the rage right now and easy to mix with contemporary!

Andrea Prasch I know you may think this is weird but I love that Tv stand and think it should stay

Hilary Colloff a better view of the credenza for you :-)

Andrea Prasch Love it! I just saw an MCM home reno that looked fabulous. It's all about mixing the old with the new.

Andrea Prasch I found the Before and After I was talking about! I hope this helps you. I think the owners did an amazing job with updating and keeping with the time period of their home
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/378890/Novice-attempt-at-a-facelift-

Debra Gunstanson Way to dark I wold go and find off white travertine a little sanding and plaster they are a great face lift easy to work with u can do it yourself it will make a diff

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. I would bring in the terracotta colour in very subtle ways to make the sofa feel more neutral.
I'd stone clad out the entire fireplace wall with white cladding - it'll lighten and brighten this room up

Drapery I'd do a stainless steel grommet fully operable drape in a white and terracotta bold geometric pattern.

Because the terra cotta is staying - you need to find that "magic fabric" that has that colour in it and some other colours that you want to bring into the room with it,and in a pattern that you love!
No easy task, but it can be done - good luck with your hunting...

Debra Gunstanson You really won't they come in so many color add so girlish to it doesn't have to be white loose on overstock and amazon

Hilary Colloff I love cladding (never knew what is was called) That will be a bit of a challenge since he loves the brick but I am trying to put together a room, in PowerPoint because I don't have a design program, which will hopefully help him visualize the changes and how awesome the place could look.

mjlb As a long-married person, I'd say #1, your boyfriend has good taste. And #2, make this a win/win by adding what you like, rather than removing what you don't. That said, I'd remove the corner shelves/cabinet, and move his terra cotta chair there. Then I'd look for a chair that really appeals to you, to place to the right of his crednenza (which I think looks great, b-t-w). If his terra cotta is not your color, then you could consider re-upholstering, but I'd work around it. I'd relocate the kitty condo to another room and add cool kitty furniture, maybe like from http://www.moderncat.net/2012/12/02/moderncat-holiday-gift-guide-climbing-perching/. I'd look for a new rug that speaks to you both. And I'd probably leave the fireplace wall alone -- at least for awhile. I can't see the image very well, but it looks to be an interesting vintage grouping. After a bit, you could consider whether to darken the wood, etc. Best of luck!

Here's another kitty furntiure link:
http://www.hauspanther.com/2012/12/31/singapore-flat-has-cats-living-in-style/

Maybe a flokati rug?

sondramartina I don't like that mirror and rug,but I love credenza,sofa,chair and coffee table . Post above gave you good advice.

Debra Gunstanson I would move rug to center of that space I don't like the mirror this room needs lighter color

Susan Mills Design mjlb, thanks for the kitty link, I was going to comment on how awful cat climbers are and why didn't someone make great cat furniture. Love those!

Hilary Colloff UPDATE!!!: We went furniture shopping all weekend, didn't buy anything, yet (we were actually looking for bedroom furniture). We saw quite a bit of stuff including his same couch but in a light grey for a screaming price but we didn't pull the trigger since we may change the color scheme. Once we got home we re-arranged the living room and now my boyfriend wants to sell all the furniture! That was 100% his decision. I think once he saw what was out there along with how much furniture is in the room he realized it was too much. So, the dilemma now is where do I start now with the decorating of the living room? It was easier knowing at least a color to start with but now it's a clean slate.

He is steadfast on keeping the wood panels BUT he is totally open to staining the wood paneling which is actually real wood not fake panels.
He liked the idea of painting the brass fireplace insert black.
He would like to put up stone cladding over the brick on the fireplace.
We would like to put the TV above the fireplace to help save room.
The coffee table is mine, it's glass and dark grey metal from Crate and Barrel I think. I also have two side tables and a square 5-shelf thing as well but not in the picture.

Help!?!

Susan Mills Design Hilary, here's what I recommend to start you off. It will also save you lots of time discussing things between the two of you. It's very hard to discuss what is at this point intangible.

Each of you should start an idea book, you are not allowed to have access to each others until they have at least ten pictures. At that point, sit and view them together with these questions:

What do you like or love about that picture? Colour? Style?
What do you not like about that picture?
How do you each want to use the room? Study? Read? Entertain? If so how many usually?

Try to see what you both have in common, colours? Furniture ideas? Art? Room use?

Once you get a common ground, and determine how you want to use the room together, we can steer you in the right direction.

Hilary Colloff Thank you Susan. Great idea, I know what he would pick since we looked at a ton of stuff, and every place he went for the traditional mid-century all wood look every place we went. I like contemporary which I know is similar but I tend to like a little more rustic (I like to see the grain) with a bit of modern contemporary mixed in. I will ask him to pick some rooms he likes and go from there.

As far as color, we haven't gotten that far so that would be a great thing for him to think about. But I am totally clueless as to how to decorate with color when i have a medium brown wood wall, light wood floors, and cream painted walls.

Thank you soooo much, everyone, for helping me. I really appreciate all the suggestions :-) I had no idea it was going to be so overwhelming.

Susan Mills Design I saw a great article just after posting, but couldn't figure out how to link it. Will try to find it again, it's all about merging styles. Don't worry, come up with the colours you both like individually and we can help achieve something you will BOTH love.

Susan Mills Design Saw this one.

libradesigneye Hillary, there are some amazing stain colors in a wash that would give you a taupe tone with lots of grain coming through on that wood paneled wall. When you paint the rest of the room in one shade deeper, colors picked from a new stacked stone veneer - wowsa!

Susan Mills Design And this one.

Susan Mills Design And this.

Hilary Colloff Susan, love the rooms, going to pass them on to him for input. Thanks!

So you think we should go darker with the wood wall?

Susan Mills Design Lets get more info before making decisions!

pattiegoode When I lived in a house with one solid wood wall my DH wouldn't let me paint, I painted the rest of the walls a copper tint color picked up from the wood grain. The FP looks centered on the wall and the window looks centered on its wall. Don't take that for granted, please! This kind of room works well with symmetry, like two chairs on either side of the FP. Center the rug (maybe a new one?) with the window & FP then select furniture in sizes that work with the size of the room. Don't fight it! And people will tell you not to hang the tv over the FP, but you have to do what works for the two of you. I hope your BF gets really good prices for his collected furniture so you'll both be happy! He does have good taste, you know! ;)

feeny Mid-century modern is having a huge comeback at the moment, so while most of us are cringing at the thought of your boyfriend selling his beautiful collection, at least he should get some decent prices for it. Let me just say he must be a really nice guy. I would not be nearly so accommodating.

Sandy Rubinfeld I suggest you reread the advice from mjlb
"As a long-married person, I'd say #1, your boyfriend has good taste. And #2, make this a win/win by adding what you like, rather than removing what you don't..." etc.

Like everyone else here, I really like your boyfriend's sofa, chair, credenza and coffee table. They all have fine bones, and great shapes. Your Crate & Barrel coffee table, btw, does not go at all with the rest of the furnishings, and it is altogether the wrong proportions and is too boxy. I think your boyfriend's oval coffee table looks exquisite, so keep it and move your table somewhere else.

That being said, the decor could use some pizzazz (it's a little 'flat' and dull) and that's where you can come in and add some style to pull the look together, using much less $$$ and time than you would starting new and buying all new furniture.

I really like the rearrangement of furniture in your 2nd photo, with the sofa and chair not placed along the same wall, and the sofa facing the fireplace, which could (with some work) be a focal point. The credenza, which looks quite beautiful, could be put on the wall facing the window, as before. Do pull that corner cupboard out of the room. Please do not put the TV over the fireplace: 1) You and your boyfriend will get neck & back pain from straining to watch the TV at such a height -- it will be terribly uncomfortable. 2) When not watching TV, it will become a black hole over an already dark panelled wood wall. Big mistake! Instead, hang the TV on the wall facing the window at a good viewing height. It would be way better to have it hang on the wall, than to simply sit atop the credenza and thus make the credenza look cluttered.

Sandy Rubinfeld Here are my design suggestions, Part 1:
1) The fireplace and panelled wall, especially, needs work to make the room look fresh & modern, and the mirror is too distracting because of its strong shape. I would NOT stain the wood panelling, because it is a good medium tone that looks great with your boyfriend's furnishings, and why darken the space further? However, you can make it look far less prominent.

Blacken the brass, to give the fireplace a larger opening. Take off all the clutter from the mantle. Create a new, modern mantle by using a wood-veneered Ikea 'Lack' shelf, which is chunky and modern. In fact, my suggestion is to extend the mantle to one side of the room (you will have to cut the Lack shelf to size, to make it look built-in). Reface the fireplace with that modern white stone cladding, as someone else suggested. In fact, extend the width of the fireplace by cladding beyond it to the width of the current mantle. This will give the fireplace better proportions.

I suggest that on one side of the fireplace, you can use the glossy white Lack shelves from Ikea, cut to size, with the bottom shelf 6" to 9" from the floor, to make it look like a built-in unit. You would only need 2, or at the most 3 Lack shelves to form the unit. I would consider measuring to size and spray-painting a piece of bristol board a glossy white, to create the 'back' of this "built-in" shelf. So already, the lower half of one side of the fireplace will now be white.

On the other side of the fireplace (this would be the side where the mantle has not been extended), consider building (or having a carpenter build) a low seating ledge @ 12" off the ground and maybe 15" deep extended right up to the fireplace opening. Clad this ledge in that same stone cladding on its front side, and paint the top of this ledge a cement colour or a white colour. I suggest putting new charcoal-coloured tiles on top of the brick-coloured hearth, and extending it to the end of the seating ledge. The hearth is a little puny now. Also, the charcoal black colour will look fresh and modern against the white stone cladding.
Here's a black seating ledge and an extended mantle, similar to what I am trying to describe. Note how the large painting is just leaning against the wall:

To cover the mirror, find a huge modern art print or reproduction. Modern art tends to have a minimal frame, so the artwork is prominent rather than a fancy frame. In fact, consider getting it 'block-mounted', which is without glass or frame and adhered to a backing. This artwork will bring in lots of colour to the room and a modern vibe.
Here's another example of an extended mantle and seating ledge. Note the minimal items on the mantle. The green chair is a mid-century modern icon, Arne Jacobsen's "egg chair".

Carefully edit what goes on the mantle, to create little vignettes. Right now, there are little 'tchotchkes' that are distracting. I would put the photos elsewhere, maybe on the 'shelving unit'. I would consider getting a grouping of, say, white stoneware of different sizes, with a few pieces in your accent colour. Ikea has some nice, inexpensive home decor pieces. Play with different heights. The shapes should not fight each other, but look good together. Also, make sure some areas of your mantle are clear. Less is more!
See how nice these white ceramic vases look against the wood?

Sandy Rubinfeld Design, con't
2) Figure out what your accent colour will be, and then inject that accent colour with fun and funky differently patterned pillows for the sofa and chair, and a throw with some of that colour, in the drapes and in the decor accessories. EQ3, Urban Barn and other stores have some funky patterned pillows and throws. A bold colour such as turquoise or peacock blue will look great with the terracotta. Citron might also work. These accessories will be fun to choose together, and much less stressful than buying furniture!
This is the shades of blues I mean:


3) The drapes should be a crisp linen-weave. Heavy velvets or flowing, light-weight material or sheers would not work. The drapes might have an off-white base colour, with some terra cotta and some of the accent colour in their, to bring out the colours.

4) I love the idea of the white Flokati rug. It will add texture, look great under the oval coffee table, and make the space brighter. Some other possibilities: a mostly white cowhide rug will add playfulness and look hip. A kilim rug, with the background shade being a white or off-white colour, could also work. Or just a bold patterned rug, like this:

Susan Mills Design Sandy, not everybody likes it. I don't. Neither does she. When two people move in together, both of them should be happy with the home. It is now one home for two people. Whatever their reasons are for choosing his home over hers is personal and should be respected. She did initially ask for help to merge and now he is open to bigger changes. Lets find out what they both like and are open to doing before we assist and certainly not to judge.

Sandy Rubinfeld Design, Final (whew, at last! ;)
5) Once you've settled in with these changes, say 1/2 year or a year down the road, consider either reupholstering the smaller chair in the 2nd photo with a bolder, larger pattern; or perhaps replacing it with a modern, funky chair such as EQ3's 'James rocker' or 'Matt rocker'. btw, EQ3 has some wonderful fabrics, many with a retro feel. Also, consider a good floor lamp for behind the sofa.


funky fabrics:


Finally, show your boyfriend some appreciation of his good taste: If he has a birthday coming up, or maybe just to celebrate moving in together, consider buying him a subscription to Atomic Ranch magazine, or buy one of their two exquisite coffee table books. Their coffee table book would look gorgeous on top of the coffee table (naturally)... and will also give you tons of ideas on how to pull the look together in new and creative and modern ways.

Lily Gahagan I say paint the room a steely blue (maybe this one:
) to counteract all the warm tones. It will help balance the colors of the furniture and the paneled wall.

Mitchell Parker Two things:

A lighter rug — white or green, perhaps — rug would help brighten the space up.

Read this about The Art of Compromising when designing as a couple:

Debra Gunstanson Comprise ok lighter rug yes what is he in love with and can't give up?

Hilary Colloff Hi!

Wow, what a myriad of responses! I can't tell everyone how much I appreciate the inspiration and ideas. I'm not appreciating the the comments about my perceived relationship with my boyfriend. It seems as though others are having a harder time with it than me! LOL My boyfriend is amazing, kind, and yes, good taste, a great eye, and he has a backbone. He wants this to be "our" house. I have never told him to get rid of anything, it's not worth my time and isn't healthy. Relationships, whether romantic or platonic are about compromise and working on things together. We have a whole house ahead of us and this has been a wonderful experience for both of us so far. I appreciate concern but I am here for help, guidance, inspiration, and ideas. I have a therapist if I need relationship help :-)

Now, moving on :-)

The challenges:
1. There is a lot of furniture for the space so we both feel something needs to go to open it up a bit. The one piece that is going bye-bye for sure is that corner shelf thingy. It won't fit anywhere else in the house and he isn't in love with it. The glass coffee and side tables are mine and I have no problem selling the set.
2. He doesn't like white walls, it's too stark. The walls right now are a medium cream which is versatile and he is totally open to painting the walls as well.
3. We have two dogs and two cats so I don't want to go too light on the rug since it will get dirty, fast.

To answer your question debrakaygun, the only thing he will not give up is the wood wall. We can keep whatever we want and sell whatever we don't. I don't hate anything, except the mirror, and he agrees it should go so we can either put a TV or picture there.

Mounting the tv on the wall is a great idea but the couch will be facing the fireplace, not the wall. Not totally sold on putting the TV above the fireplace but I feel it would really save a lot of space and work well with now the room is not set-up. We can always change it of course but being so rectangular I feel like our layout options are limited.

I like the feel of the room below, but not a fan of the black, especially in our small-ish space, so I would with grey instead.
Eclectic Living Room by Vancouver Interior Designer Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants
[houzz=Our Island Retreat]

I also like this color scheme but it isn't warm enough but I think the wood wall will warm it up.
Contemporary Living Room by Ottawa Interior Designer Leclair Decor
(can't find the picture)

I love the grey, white, salmon/yellow/turqoise, combos. I love the decorative curtains suggestion. We bought some at Ikea that we like, they just don't go all the way across all the windows.

My boyfriend and I both LOVE this chain rug. I looked high and low for it but it is no longer available :-(
Contemporary Family Room by Toronto Home Staging Terry Koks
[houzz=Familyroom]

I also like this room, especially the couch and colorful picture.
Contemporary Living Room by Cambridge Architect LDa Architecture & Interiors
[houzz=Courtyard Residence Living Room]


Cheers!

Hilary Colloff found it! Like it but needs warmth.

Hilary Colloff Can you see them now? (look above)

Hilary Colloff If you still aren't seeing them then I have no idea how to embed them in my post. Help!?!

Susan Mills Design Hilary, I can see them just fine:)

Can you do a floor-plan and show measurements such as room length, width, fireplace size, ceiling height, where doors and openings are. That would really help ideas flow.

Hilary Colloff yes, I will do that in the next few days. Thank you again!!

pattiegoode I see them! Your room will look fantastic. I can't wait to see the after pix! lol

pattiegoode Not exactly the same rug, but similar!

Susan Mills Design Nice work pattiegoode!

Hilary Colloff Thank you Pattiegoode! What website?

pattiegoode Sorry - it's from Horchow!

Hilary Colloff thank you!

nikitasmom Found a visual of dark wood fireplace/tv wall with light wood floors. I must admit I am tempted to suggest you get those cat shelves on your wall and use the cat as art.

Hilary Colloff Nikitasmom - LOVE IT!!!! thank you!

Hilary Colloff where did you find those pictures? I'd love the links

Sandy Rubinfeld Sorry, Hilary, for just getting back to you. Yes, I now can see the photos. Great, I like! btw, I have a lamp just like that pumpkin shaped one in your first photo! I bought it 2nd-hand from a store in Canada specializing in mid-century modern.

What do you think of this colour scheme?

libradesigneye Hillary - I think you are working through this together great. You've got some super help and ignore the new kibbitzers who don't take the time to read all. Love the idea of leaving wood wall and finding great wall color that works for you. You are on track and I'm loving the ringside seat. thanks for inviting us all.

Susan Mills Design Sandy, that room rocks!

Hilary Colloff I like the color scheme :-)

nikitasmom Hilary, They were from blogs but I did find the designer http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/contemporary/living-areas/2102/index.html

Sandy Rubinfeld The wall colour is 'Sea Pine' by Benjamin Moore, if you're interested.

Hilary, you mentioned that you have 2 cats & 2 dogs. The other day, I saw links to Houzz idea books on pet-friendly decor. I don't have the links, but you could try searching for it... there were at least two Houzz idea books on this, by Houzz contributors. On the page I was on, I was surprised to read that cowhide rugs naturally repel the fur of dogs and cats... Sometimes, one rejects an idea out of hand because one *assumes* it wouldn't work with pets around.

Hilary Colloff Thanks Sandy, I will look for it. That's so funny about the cowhide. My boyfriend pointed one out over the weekend that he liked. I like the look, just ethically have a hard time with it. I wonder if fake ones would work just as well as the real deal.

Hilary Colloff Update: we got sidetracked with bedroom furniture. We made our first big purchase together yesterday and got some beautiful pieces from the Lodo collection by Durham Furniture. VERY excited. Now we are looking for a headboard, I am thinking a tufted fabric, maybe a natural color?

We just bought a rug, the Tilton, for the dining room. We are planning to re-paint the dining room which is currently butter yellow but maybe this rug will change the feel a bit. He wants to do a dark accent wall which I think would look great, now we just need to figure out what color. We are also going to re-cover the chairs. I think a chandelier would look great in there, one that is rectangular.

Ok, back to the living room.

The fireplace and wood wall; We are going to put veneers on the fireplace, don't know what color yet. We are also going to pull the brass insert out and paint it black or see how it looks without the insert in, maybe leave "empty" and just get a screen. My boyfriend likes the idea of sanding and staining the wood wall which has now grown on me. Question is do we try and go lighter or darker, like mahogany? Don't know what color to paint the mantle either.

The couch and matching chair are staying. W are on the fence about the yellow chair. It's not bad, just a lot of furniture in the room, maybe get rid of the matching chair? (I love that one). I bought two awesome throw pillows for the couch, Union Jack was a must in the house. Now, I am waffling between bringing in turquoise or yellow.

Once I know what color we are going to go with on the wood wall, that will help in choosing a rug and artwork.

The only other furniture purchase we need to make is a credenza. We are going to put the TV above the fireplace (FYI the ceilings are very low, so the TV will not be up high cranking our necks) OR on the big blank wall with the credenza under it. Only thing is if we put the tv on the wall then I feel we have to move the couch under the window again like the original configuration. I perfer the new configuration, makes the room feel more intimate and conversational.

Whew, ok, I am off to pack, I move on April 26th and haven't packed a thing yet, eeks!

Thanks again everyone for your ideas and suggestions, I keep re-reading this thread to remind myself of all the great things we can do. Decorating can be quite overwhelming for the "regular" person! Cheers!

pattiegoode Love the rug & the furniture (silence re: gray scale Union Jack) . lol These have a very Shaker look to them, which I always like. So glad you are having fun together!

calikym I like your furniture. It is totally retro! Don't change your furniture for sure. It can look very contemporary with many of the changes listed above me. If you do get rid of it, let me know!!!

Debra Gunstanson I have been out of the loop a while I agree with calikym like retro look also

Sandy Rubinfeld It's exciting to buy furniture and furnishings! If you can, please upload photos of the dining room rug you bought, and furniture: I would love to see what you have chosen.

I, too, prefer your 2nd configuration of furniture. I agree with you re: getting rid of the yellow chair. Have you kept the original oval Noguchi-inspired oval table? The proportions and lines go well with the sofa and chair. Hoping you didn't get rid of the gorgeous credenza: that was my favourite piece of all the furniture in your livingroom. The low, horizontal lines of it lend itself to both mid-century modern as well as contemporary decor. Of course, this is just my subjective view and it is up to you and your boyfriend.

Just for your consideration: there is nothing that says you MUST have the TV squarely in the middle on top of the fireplace. I saw a nice photo of a room that had a colourful, large artwork over the fireplace mantle, and had a large TV screen asymmetrically off to the side, and it looked great! This also allowed the TV to be mounted a little lower than the mantle. In your livingroom, it appears as if there is more side on the left of the fireplace, so if traffic flow allows, you might want to consider pushing the sofa to that same wall, and putting the chair on the opposite wall. Asymmetry also is a great way to make a room look more contemporary and less formal.

I just today came upon a site, Rugs USA, that had some rugs at really great prices, so thought you might like to consider it. They are a wee bit like the chain-link rugs you admire... but different:
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-trellis/grey/200SPRE9B-508.html
The first one, Nawra Trellis, looks so very different in different colours. There is a choice of @ 8 colours (shown here: ivory and sky):

I love this overdyed Moroccan trellis rug, shown here in navy.

Hilary Colloff We haven't gotten rid of anything yet, still figuring it out. It's not a big space and although the credenza is great we think it's a little big but maybe it won't feel so big once the TV is off it. We also toyed with putting it behind the sofa but it's too big.

If we keep the wood coffee table, and credenza, that would be a lot of wood and wood colors goin on, five to be exact. The blinds which you can't see in the picture are also wood (not real wood.) I would like to stick to three woods. Don't you think 5 is a bit much?

Love the rugs Sandy and thanks for the link.

I would love to hear what everyone thinks about staining the wood paneling. Would you go darker or lighter? Paint the mantle?

Cheers!

pattiegoode nikitasmom found a good inspiration pic for staining the paneled wall darker. I was thinking that maybe the light colored grout of the brick could be darkened, too, making those lines less obvious. Do you have the mirrored tile off yet? Bless your heart! I'd wait until I have those down or cover them to help me decide about the mantle. They are so distracting! lol Personally, I'd prefer that the mantel not overhang the FP the way it does. I think that alone will change the vibe. It's hard to tell but it looks like there are vertical wooden pieces on either side of the brick. Am I right? If they can be stained dark, they will blend in with the wall more. Is the tv still going over the FP? If it is, I would minimalize the mantel as much as I could.

Here's a thought: Could you shorten the horizontal mantel board and extend the vertical boards to the ceiling. Paint the "boards" to create a kind of Mondrian art piece of the entire wall. You could add other colored lines and colored floating shelves. Sounds weird & crazy even as I write it. lol