SFGate

Sharyn Hard to tell by the pic, but are the bookcases the same style and height? If so, combine them and place on focus wall where the sofa table is, if you have 3 pieces that would be ideal. Place furniture in an "L" formation, with the Love seat's back open and put the sofa table behind the LS. Also, buy new pillows in the colors of the painting, blues& corals. Remove the wicker chair. I'm not a fan of furniture in front of windows. If the "L": formation wont work, remove the Love seat. I'm assuming there is a full wall behind the LS.

odinsdottir3 Definitely knew pillow cases had to go. :-) Bookcases are the same height, but only two, leaving lots of room on both sides if put in the center of that wall. The wall behind the loveseat where they are now is not a full wall, but open space, part of the front entry.

Eileen Foley bring the curtains up higher to emphasize the height of the room

Alexei Rebrov Art yes, I agree that you may want to bring curtains up

JAMEITE Hand-painted Silk Wallpaper Co., LTD We can customize the wallpaper.unification color .

jannnnn u need a bigger area carpet bring it to cover all the sofa- this will make it look bigger and less choppy-
i agree the curtains need raising and i would suggest a curtain thats more netural-

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. I don't mind the drapery colour - but I definitely agree that the height is an issue - and the weight of the drapery - go for something solid - like a polyester or a silk. Add some weight to it.

then for your artwork - go bigger ! bolder ! you can stick with red, or go neutral tone on tone - whatever you do go twice as big as you have in your photo!

Some suggestions for accessories in your home...good luck!

carolins Hi,
I think your 'problem' isn't so much the lack of colour scheme, but you have lots of things dotted around the place.

A bigger rug will definitely work as in it will 'bind' the sofas together.
Would it be possible to put the narrow bookcase between the two other ones, creating one library wall?
If you move the sofa that's now in front of the window to the wall with the painting to create an L-shape with the love seat...

I think the drapes aren't working for your windows. It looks like you're just trying to hide the windows behind a wall of curtains, which seems a shame. Is it a privacy issue? I see that you also have blinds that you can turn so that no one can see in, but you'll still have a window to look out of? So I'd suggest to pull the curtains to the sides. If you don't have nice blinds you could think about getting wooden ones or fabric ones. There are lots and lots of choices and possibilities in fabric shades. They are quite pricey though, but can be thé solution for all your window-issues ;-) But dark wooden blinds will also be nice I think, to link to your dark wood furniture.

Remove everything from the top of the bookcases. It draws your eyes up and you really want the focus to be on your seating area and the art. Try combining paintings and artwork and aligning them: either centres, tops or bottoms on one line. It has to feel good, so just try things out. You can lay them out on the floor to see what works or just let someone hold them up against the wall. You have some beautiful pieces, but because they are all kind of randomly thrown along the walls, filling up empty spaces, they don't get the attention they deserve I feel. It will also give your eyes a place to rest.

Perhaps you can put your plants together in front of the window (when the sofa is against the wall) in a little group, not spread out.

So... there's a start... :-)

Denice Shuty Hi odins...! Your living room and your issues are so similar to mine. If you want to check out my discussion to get some ideas feel free. I have also created an ideabook on how to decorate tall walls (sometimes called mineshaft walls or canyon walls) for this very reason. Not sure I know how to share that ideabook with you...

Kat Davis Hi! I would pull one of your favorite colors out of the painting you have (I like the yellow) and paint the wall that color. Then I would add some of that color on the coffee table with a candle or a nice low profile floral touch :) Have fun.

odinsdottir3 Thank you so much everyone. I think I always knew the curtains were too short, but I hadn't considered the weight of the fabric. I definitely see how that would make a difference. The one thing I never considered is the rug! A bigger rug that grounds the furniture and also unites them makes so much sense! I know that the picture doesn't show it well, but the wall color is almost identical to the yellow in the picture. I keep telling my husband that crown moulding would make a huge difference, but he's being frugal. ;-) I usually rearrange the furniture at least 3 times a year, so I thought that I had tried everything, until now! I will definitely try the L-shape and away from the curtains with the bookcases on the big wall. Any suggestions for rug color or drapery color? I don't know that the dark red is working for me anymore. Thanks again, everyone!

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backbonemountain Your room looks busy. Remove some of what is on the shelves and place your favorite pieces alone or separated. Put the weighty books on the lower shelves. What about putting the picture that is above your coat rack in the living room and switch places with the one in the living room now? Also, the plants that are sitting high don't look natural up there. How about a ceiling fan on an extension rod to bring the ceiling down?

carolins It's always difficult to judge colours from a computer screen and photos, so can't really tell the colour of your walls or sofas, but I'd keep the curtains neutral. You have already so much colour in your art. Neutral can be (off)white, grey, even dark brown perhaps? As long as it doesn't shout COLOUR!!! at you :-)

I'd love (faux) wood Venetian blinds (I know, I've said it before). Perhaps with off-white curtain panels either side to soften the look. Or something like Hunter Douglas Silhouette shades (expensive, but a clever solution). There are also cheaper solutions that have a similar effect as the silhouette shades (at least, in the Netherlands DIY stores have roller blinds with two layers of fabric that you can turn from 'partly see through' to closed. I'm sure there must be a similar product somewhere else to.).

Top-Down/Bottom-Up Silhouette with EasyRise
Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shades
Faux Wood Blinds

Same colour-problem with giving ideas for a rug. As long as it is big enough to have at least the front legs of your sofas on it.

By the way, you could also leave the sofa in front of the window and put the loveseat under the new painting. A wall of bookcases where the two bookcases already are. Chair in front of the bookcases, angled towards the sofas.

Sharyn After seeing your newly added photos I definitely think the 2 bookcases on the LS wall and the smaller bookcase in the corner can go on your main wall. Stack the med. size artwork that's now above the bookcases next to the bookcases on one side, and flank the other side with a plant closest to the window. Also, put your sofa table on the half wall going into your kitchen, and accessorize it with your items from the room. New curtains will make a huge dramatic change in the room - have fun shopping for those. You have great bones in this room, just needs a little tweeking.
Please post pics as you progress.

Victoria • Restoring our Victorian Move one loveseat to the wall in question? Then, bookcases on either side of loveseat? Hard to tell if that would fit, but might widen up the room a bit?

We’re trying to layout a strange addition that our previous owners tacked on to the kitchen… I know it will figure itself out eventually, but it’s making me crazy!!

Dar Eckert Good morning, some great ideas for you. Part of the problem in your room is a little too much furniture and stuff in the room. An L-shaped configuration would give you more open area and seem less cramped. The new painting adds to the confusion because it has too many small areas looks like a grouping of small prints. You already have too many small items. The painting on the bookcase would be better because it appears to be one large work.

I would opt for a larger graphic rug with your red color in it.

Here are some other things to consider 1. sheet rock over the opening by the dog bed and move the book cases to that wall.
2. paint the inside of the bookcases a lighter color so they don't darken the room as much.
3. move the wicker chair opposite the L of the sofa either in front of the windows or along the other edge of the rug. The chair might look puny and you may want to opt for a red chair or a print in black and white (make sure doesn't clash with rug).

Good luck!

.

carolins Just wanted to share this photo with you. I love this room:

odinsdottir3 Found these online. The color is very similar to my sofa and love seat. I actually have wooden white blinds behind the current curtains, but alone they make the room look bare (no frames around windows), plus windows face a rather busy street. Think the color and weight of the curtains in the picture would work?

rashjeh I would definitely say play up the red. A carpet /rug to unify the look, with accents, flowers, glass bottles, lamps, boxes in hues that complement the beige-red scheme. Maybe a red throw to break the large expanse of beige sofa. I am not a Photoshop whiz ... but the pic is just to communicate the general idea. I would probably ditch the beige walls or the beige sofa and go for a brighter white/ cream to counter the inherent dustiness of beige and freshen the look a bit.

nononanna Agree with those who say the problem is that the room is to busy. Once you've moved the bookcases on to one wall, try removing every piece of stuff - plants, planters, pillows - everything - and start adding it back in one by one. Take all the artwork in the house to choose from and add it last. You have a lot to work with before buying anything.

pattiegoode If you have rearranged many times, then you probably have had the sofa on the high, focal wall. What did you not like about that? You have nice things and are really close to being happy with your room! Even changing out the colored sheers for white will make a huge difference. Personally, I believe a sofa & love seat only work well when they are in an L-shape. I'd try the console table on the half-wall with the wicker chair in the corner, but I think you will be happier with a heavier upholstered chair more in line with the sofa set - or no chair at all. It's all about balance! Post more pix when you rearrange!

pattiegoode Try this (or tell me if you ever have):
Center the Sofa on the focal wall with the LS against the wall where it currently is (arms touching).
Rug should touch both pieces with no floor showing. Consider a new one with color.
Coffee table in front of sofa & end table between the two with the dark lamp.
Book shelves on either side of those amazing windows. I agree they look very dark & heavy in the pix, but you can lighten them with what is displayed (or paint them!). Have you seen the new trend to cover all your books in white paper? ;)
Console at the half-wall with plants, which you seem to like. I see this room with a kind of peaceful garden theme (yellow & green of your walls and artwork with earthy brown and a punch of the red you like showing up in florals).
Change out the drapery panels for some the same color as your walls (w/ white sheers).
Group your plants in front of the window with the wicker chair angled toward the sofa. Consider painting it white if you want to keep it. Consider a new chair or a print-covered ottoman.
You do have the perfect wall for accenting. Maybe with the green on the half-wall?
Please don't add a ceiling fan. There are all kinds of awesome light fixtures that would work well in that room! Just have fun and make sure you love everything in there! If you don't then decide why you have it and what could replace it to make you love it! lol

carolins I think those curtain panels will be perfect if the colour works with your sofa. Again... hard to decide from a computer screen. But yeah... I like them.

I think you love colour and are going for an eclectic style. So... I put together a small moodboard for you, with the curtains you chose and a colourful rug, that you could layer on top of a bigger sisal one, chair, cushion... Not saying you should go out and buy these, but just to give you an idea :-)

edgedale Hanging Art work. As a textile artist I didn't know too much about this until I rented a studio space amoungst 2D artists and we all share 2 gallery spaces where we put on exhibits. This is when I learnt to hang everything with the center at 60". There are sites around the internet on how to measure, so I'll spare you that but I rehung all our art work on this principle and it feels and looks so much better. The tops nor bottoms have to be on the same level, harmony comes from the centers being unified. Check out your local art galleries & museums to see how well this works and how they group art work that is either similar or very different. While you're there buy some art!

odinsdottir3 I have the look I was going for in the image below (give or take the unicorn), but failed epically. :-)

nononanna You have that exact look just by moving a few things that you already have in the living room, and getting new drapes! Just pare down a little and move the sofas.

pattiegoode The way I see it is that you don't have a daisy chair, a print rug, a FP, or a wall between your windows.

You did not fail - Trust me! Work on balancing the furniture and then adding color that you like!

Shelly Garrity My two cents: How about painting the bookcases, the console and smaller shelf creamy white? Or at least the console? And the focus wall a deeper gold like the inspiration photo. Get a new cushion similar to the fabric on the chair in the photo for your wicker chair and new pillows. One thing I notice about your inspiration photo is that the rug is a very strong statement and then the pillows are coordinating variations. Something to think about when your rug shop if that is part of what you like about the photo. I was going to suggest painting the coffee table an emerald green and going with that as an accent, along with painting your small lamp another bold color, but then I saw your inspriration photo. That would probably be more mod than you're looking for. Also, I agree with taking everything off the shelves,etc. and starting from scratch. Editing is hard for me, but I find it easier if I start from with nothing.

odinsdottir3 I do like the idea of starting from scratch. I have next week off from work; perfect timing for Spring cleaning. The only thing that I cannot compromise on is the books. I'm a firm believer in bookcases being used for books. There is not a room in my house without them. I'd almost rather get rid of everything else, but them.

And while I do love the cottage look of painted furniture, almost every piece in this room is less than 8yrs. old and I feel like I would be "ruining" it if I did. I do like the idea of lightening up the back of the bookcases, only because I can accomplish that without the permanence of paint. I might even consider painting the wicker.

I am definitely far more traditional than mod and some of the more modern designs have a certain"sterile" quality to them.

I really go for the "mad Literature professor drowning in her study of arcane texts" look. But clean... and with a color scheme. Lol. ;-) (Except even the rooms below have better weight and balance than I've been able to create!)

Shelly Garrity Maybe you need some more art on your big wall :) I have a board on pinterest that has a lot of shelf styling ideas if you are interested. I agree with you that there should be plenty of books on bookshelves...
http://pinterest.com/shelly_garrity/decor8/

Shelly Garrity here's something funny--I just looked at my board and the photo on the right that you put up is on my board. :)

odinsdottir3 Shelly, you said the magic word- "pinterest"! I will definitely take a look.

pattiegoode You said, "I really go for the "mad Literature professor drowning in her study of arcane texts" look. But clean... and with a color scheme." And that statement helps a lot!!! Paint is your cheapest decorating tool. Paint your big focal wall a dark chocolate brown or a dark taupe (darker than your sofa). Buy a poster of a classic art piece you like. Stack coffee table books on the coffee table. Set up the console as a desk or get a desk with a lamp & books. Or go bold like this red room renovation:
http://www.hgtv.com/video/bold-red-living-room2-video/index.html

kah416 Cute room! If you move those nice bookshelves that are behind the couch over to the wall with the big painting, and either have them set next to eachother, or separate them to either side of that wall and hang the painting in the middle, or keep the shelves together like they are ans put the painting above the left couch that would make a nice focal point. :-) Unless that wont work for your space. Just a little idea :) Cozy room though! It looks like you shop at Pier 1 :)

Carolina Girl I think curtains to the ceiling and wall to wall would be a great look. Place the sofa table on the short wall to the right of the doorway. Maybe a good place for some of your green plants would be on that table. Definitely group all three bookshelves together and edit your shelving contents, possibly a light colored wallpaper or fabric on the back of the shelving to highlight contents. Please post pictures when you are done so we can see your decissions after completion.

elvasue I think your curtains are the real problem. Put the panels up higher, but don't use color for the sheers. Plantation shutters on the bottom only of that window would look great - in white. If you have to use sheers use white or off white.

elvasue A small faux mantle would look good on the wall with the art work. Now you can get an electric fireplace with a mantle in one. I like the way you have the furniure now and with the mantle it would be so cozy! You may have to take one of the bookcases out so the mantle will be the focal point. Then put your art over the mantle. Raise the panels and lose the sheers and...............................WOW!!!!

elvasue Oh, and a larger area rug. :-)

Carriage Lane Design-Build Inc. A frame college would look nice on that wall, you could even incorporate the large painting you previously own. I would also install some new drapery, maybe some sheers and side panels

elvasue How about a pretty Mirror - if it will reflect something pretty?

leelee Re-read Carolins comments. She's right on

carolins I may have to adopt leelee :-D Or at least give her a virtual hug here ()

Room Interiors Just a different idea- way to look at this. Starting with nothing in the room--I would suggest almost floor to ceiling drapery panels, one on each side of windows, that would cover a lot of the wall space, including the small upper window. A nice pleated style that would have a tan with a touch of reddish color that is in your artwork (tan that goes with your loveseats- but not same shade, must look good with yellow walls). Then I would suggest wood blinds - not faux woods- they are too heavy. The wood could be the color of your book cases to give a nice library feel. Also, they may have to be in two sets, an upper and a lower. That way you can close the bottom ones at night and still leave the upper ones open. (In cold or very warm days, you can close for energy efficiency). Then I would take the two love seats and place them in front of the fabric panels, coming out into the room. One would be almost against the far wall and the other almost against the wall with the cutout opening - mainly lined up with the panels and windows, wall spaces can be filled with a plant on a tall stand if need be. Then on wall opposite window, I would separate the two book shelves and put a taller, thinner book case in between. This could be an inexpensive, non-matching piece. Keep in mind not to cover light switch and keep spacing in corner about the same as by the light switch. Possibly fill with a tall plant stand or library floor lamp. The bookcase could be a second hand type of find that you may want to paint, possibly a lighter brown with reddish shelves. On the back far wall, I would try placing a primary art piece, like the one in your hallway above the coat hooks, right at eye level. Then begin to place other well liked pieces that do not take away from your main focal point. You could also get some floating shelves and put more books up, and not worry about photos to look good- your books will make the room all fit together. The last suggestion that I feel would give you the cozy library feel, is to paint the far wall in the reddish (brownish, reddish, almost a cross between a terra cotta and a salmon reddish) color. It should be the color that looks good with your pictures and can be picked up in your drapery selection and accent pillows. Not too bright, but not too dark to go with your yellow walls. Remember- alot of pictures or floating shelves and books will be used in front of this color- so it is a background and balances out with tall bookshelves and the tall windows. Good Luck!! (Have Fun!!)

Christine You have a lot of suggestions so sorry to add to you mental process. But you got alot going on in that house. You need to thin the herd out. Seriously. Then you need to think on which pieces you want to keep and which you will repurpose or show the exit to. Once you know that then decide on a color scheme. You seem to like deep colors and reds so pick 3 base colors and 2 accents.

Taupe, red, yellow with accents of blue and white etc. Then look to the flooring and the lighting. You can always accessorize the space with the things you have once you have cleared out, rethought and gotten the big items set.

Christine -The only things that should stay in that room are the 2 sofas.
-get a much larger area rug with a dynamic pattern.
-get rid of the red drapes. you already have blinds on the windows so I suggest you get panels that are the height of the windows. OR. Take out the blinds and the red drapes and go with full height curtains and sheers.
-Take everything off the walls. You have too many differing art placements and you are actually making the height of the ceilings MORE obvious not less.
-Where do you watch TV? Invest in a low console to go on that wall to the left of the windows and put your TV there. If you don't use that room for TV then buy a console and decorate it with 2 tall buffet lamps and put a large mirror above it or create a feature wall with say 9 images in oversized frames evenly spaced that will go up the wall.
-Back one sofa up to the wall where the bookcases currently stand.
-get 2 side tables and add 2 more lamps. Oversized with some bulk to help bring the height down.
-buy a small console table for that short wall at the foot of the stairs. Place a small basket on it for keys and such.
-move the dog bed to a less obvious spot. It should not be the first thing folks see.
-If you want to go hog wild, rip up that runner on your stairs and put in something else with a pattern.

Eclipse Designs Inc. By Celina Basagoitia In order to give some unity to the room I will paint the main wall (where you have the painting) not in a flat finish but in a Faux Finish probably a Glaze finish which have different tones of the color and I will use one of the reds that you have in the accent pillows or drapes that will tie the room together. Also as it was suggested in another comment I will bring the window treatment all the way above the window the way it is now, it shortens the space. Even the painting will become more the focal point of the room in a red background, now even though it has a lot of color it gets lost in the space.

merngirl First thing for me is the color of the walls with the upholstery color. Its hard to tell if they are working well together from the computer screen. But this is your first decision to make. Do these two stay and everything else must work with this foundation. Personally, I would neutralize the wall color to a more stone or oatmeal color that compliments the upholstery. Next, I would combine all bookcases to create the library wall effect that most have already commented on. I think the couches should stay where they are, but now the loveseat moves against the wall and moves in so the edge is not visible from the hallway. The console should be placed under the halfwall and the wicker chair angled next to that and available to be pulled up if needed. I don't think you have space for a larger upholstered chair. I think it would just feel more cramped. The couches should face each other with the coffee table between them and this makes for an inviting conversation space where if you were entertaining, wine and appetizers would be great in this cozy space. My suggestion for the window is to buy the woven roller blinds that you can get cheap through online stores like oriental furniture. com. They're like $20 each and are no-brainers to put up. Fabric panels and a simple valance with one inverted pleat in the middle all get stapled to a board, making sure the bottom of the valance comes down just enough to cover the top of the window where the hardware is for the blinds. All stationary and let the roller blinds help control the amount of natural light. The fabric panels should be a natural fiber like cotton with no sheen, and the color should be very close to the color of the walls. If you want more of a statement, a large color block print might work, but the background color should still be very close to wall color. Please do not paint the big wall an accent color. That's my personal opinion. Create a library mood with large collector's books stacked on the coffee table, or maybe on the floor under the coffee table. The area rug should be a flat weave with a middle eastern design. Be careful with placement of books on shelves, mixing in some interesting items and stack them in varying ways. Plants can fill in and soften angles. Ivy can drape down the bookcase. I think you could get inspiration from british libraries and I could see some paisley printed pillows. Do put one interesting pillow in the wicker chair. Be careful with artwork. Less is more sometimes. The new painting should go on wall opposite of window over loveseat. Have fun with your project! Love to see the outcome!

Kathleen Coleman I would do away with all the asessories in that space.

clevor1 We had the EXACT same problem. I hated that room until I decided to work with it instead of fight it. Before there was one large painting on the wall with a few nondescript pieces. Pulled back window treatments with sheers. Instead of hiding the large focal wall, enhance it. NOW there's a reused bathroom mirror hung on its side; framed with molding; with fun accessories around it. Fabric on the windows is the same but straight panels elongate the windows even more. I hope our struggles and our solutions help you with your space!

elvasue There is my Mirror idea! Like it - it opens the space!

leelee Strongly agree with merngirl, an accent wall with a strong color will dominate the room- not in a good way. She's also right about the wall color--the pale yellow doesn't play well off your taupe couches. Be careful of bookcases and shelves--they call for things to be placed on them, then clutter happens. A mirror can have the same cluttering effect unless you're able to reflect something less busy. You want to draw the eye down into the living area not up, so place art and plants at eye level. Try the idea from Room Interiors--move the sofas so they're perpendicular to the windows. Good luck.

kvanlee Wow. You sure got a lot of very detailed ideas. When looking at your first photo my first thought was that your picture on the wall needs to be larger and needs to contribute to the unity of the space. I feel that the picture that is there gives a "choppy" feel because it's a lot of little rectangles. That's ok, but not front and center on this wall. A larger landscape would be a visual relief. Then, like someone mentioned, you could take one of the colors from picture and paint the wall with it. The eye needs places to rest awhile in your busy room. A floor to ceiling window treatment would also go a long way in helping to build unity and give the eye a place to rest.

odinsdottir3 Ok, did some moving, rearranging, and swapping. Got rid on the sheers and replaced them with solid panels. They are not ideal, but they will have to do until the much longer "brown clay" curtains arrive. They will then cover upper windows and go down to the floor. The color looked slightly richer than the sofa/ love seat, but I'm hoping it works. Got rid of the small rug. Unfortunately, after purchasing curtains, a more substantial rug will have to wait. While much less busy, now it feels a lot less cozy.

backbonemountain Cozy will come when you add the rug, pillows, throw and finish the touches of color and personality! It's getting there.

carolins Yep, agree with backbonemountain, once you add the rug, cushions, throw and perhaps more art to the wall with your painting it will look much cosier again. I like the bookcases arranged this way. You've done lots and lots of work here, wow!
See if it then 'grows on you'. I'm sure you'll make it yours again and it feels much more cohesive now.
I really like it!

odinsdottir3 I'm going to try the bookcases on the wall with the big painting. Someone suggested that and since I've never had it like that, I'm going to give it a whirl.

carolins Oh poor you. You're having a good work out, building up you muscles :-) Where will you put the sofas when you're moving the bookcases to the other wall? Opposite each other again? Would that feel better for you? I'm just asking, because I'd hate to see you do all the work and then still not being happy. I feel that the bookcases nicely balance out the huge windows.
If you shuffle the sofas around (opposite each other or one in front of the bookcases and the other against the wall with the painting) and try how that makes the room feel before you move the bookcases?

odinsdottir3 Oh, I don't mind the moving. I'm quite used to it as I tend to move things about at least twice a year. :-) It's just difficult because the high ceiling and windows make the room appear much bigger than it actually is, so while many of the suggestions here are great, like sofa table actually behind the sofa, there just isn't enough floor space for it (the room is about 14x14). I actually have a twin rug to the brown one on the floor now. As I write, I'm trying them out on the floor as one, just to see how a bigger rug would be. Lots of shuffling, but I don't mind. It's a rainy/slushy Sunday anyway. ;-)

carolins Haha... I know what you mean about moving the furniture around every so often. Haven't done that for a while now, I've found an arrangement that keeps feeling good. But before that... usually at about 10 p.m. I'd say to my husband: 'honey, shall we move the sofa to the other side of the room? The chairs over there and then the sideboard....' You know. And then the next day I'd ask him: 'what do you think of this new arrangement?' And he'd say: 'I really like it', hoping that I wouldn't want to move everything around again. Which of course I did lol
Ah well...
I'm curious to see the results of your hard work :-)

odinsdottir3 Two rugs combined did make me see what I need to do. (Don't mind the fierce dog, Maximus. He sees a camera and becomes a diva.)I think that any rug I buy will have to extend to more of the open floor, so around 9-10ft. One thing that I'm also realizing is that the yellow in the big painting over the sofa is much too bright for the walls. I'd hate to loose is but it just sticks out like a sore thumb (plus I begged my hubby to get it and he'd flip!). Someone wrote the all the art is disjointed and I see that it's true. Unfortunately, I have this horrible habit of finding things that I like and not thinking about "design". Wish there was a way to just tie them all in. :-/

Room Interiors How tall are your ceilings? It's nice to see different angles of your room with the new photos. Could you post any photos of when you walk in from your main entrance- like as if a guest was walking into your house? And also include the wall with the opening? Was just wondering- I think only part of the space is actually seen in the photos and may make a difference from different angle and what would look good with adjoining rooms. Also, if you like a library feel- maybe that should be your style focus, unless you like more contemporary? I feel like the lower area of the room is being focused on, but not the whole room- including up to the ceiling and the ceiling. The windows are tall and bookcases are almost there to balance them out- but could use something tall and airy on top of them. The end wall needs to be balanced out with the other tall walls- color would help and/or items on that wall to balance out the windows and the bookcases. I think when those things get balanced, then add your furniture. Also a colorful rug to add more life into it and bring it all together- but must go with curtains and wall colors, etc. It's nice if the rug would be one on the first things because its harder to find one that you like and easier to add the curtain panels and functional type of coverings. Hope this helps on how to look at things.

Bargain Backer You need wall decor!
Stop by and have a look.
http://www.bargainbacker.com/Wall-Decor_c_13.html

Room Interiors Oops! Re-looked at the photos- I guess they do show where the entrance is. Is there a light fixture in the ceiling- sometimes having a hanging fixture could help create an ending point for the ceiling (bring it down to a cozier level. Also, with the white wood blinds, maybe try an accent in room of white painted branches (on top of book cases or taller ones in corner against end wall?) This could give an airy feel, add height to the items you already have, and help accent the white accents on your book shelves. They do not have to be white-white, they can be (spray) painted to look similar to your other accents. Have fun!

Carolina Girl Possibly you could hang the large floral picture in your dining room or on an angle at the right as you go up the stairs; it looks like a fairly large wall there. I just think you might pull the room together much easier if you used the print elsewhere in your home. Keep posting your new changes, it's getting better.

odinsdottir3 First pic is the entry. Second pic is the view if sitting on the big wall with sofa and huge painting. Yup, we like color. Not an inch of white in the entire house (excluding base boards).

Room Interiors Is the wall behind your stove and the bump-out area (pantry?) wall a darker shade than the rest of kitchen? A darker green?

odinsdottir3 Backsplash is a dark green Venetian plaster. My husband is a plasterer, so I take advantage. :-) It seemed like a good idea, but not conducive to splashes as I don't like a high gloss. We are adding a tiled backsplash over the summer. The wall that sticks out is a very small pantry (white, bi-fold door) with a darker shade of green.

odinsdottir3 Here is the view from the kitchen. I know... lots of different wood colors. Actually planning to refinish kitchen table and lighter chairs over the summer. My husband won't budge on the white counter top, so I'm stuck. I keep thinking about moving some green into the living room, but I'm not sure where.

Room Interiors If it's a darker green, and you really like that color- I'm going to suggest something else to consider. I would say paint the whole room the darker green. The color looks great with deep wood tones of your book cases and would look great with the reddish accents. This will NOT make your room feel smaller, it WOULD be great to create a library feel. The tan-ish panels will still look great, and also your sofas. Your windows are so large, do not worry about it getting too dark. I've done many rooms like this in darker shades, including greens, and they are stunning. Make sure you get a good quality paint, like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore, eggshell or flat matte finish- not with a shine, but some durability. Once you add in the furniture you'd be amazed at how great it looks! When you look into the room- I would add a chair (wicker?) in the corner to the right of the window, angled to look like someone should sit in it. Something behind it with height would be great (tall. thin, plant on stand or light or something to balance out height of window with chair) I would also send you on a fun assignment of finding pictures with wood frames to fill a wall - like the photos that you liked. The green is a great background for all the wood frames. Pictures could have some plants in them to. The green walls will enhance them. All sizes and all different types (even black frames etc.) You should have fun with creating your library room. Go to estate sales, garage sales, antique shops, etc. You may find frames with out pictures and can get old books to cut out pages with pictures. Also, you may need to paint or stain some of the frames. Min-wax has a great Express Color wiping-gel stain in a tube that works great and is easy. Hope this isn't too far off track for you. (the green needs to be a rich deep green, dark green and to look good with wood tones)

odinsdottir3 My only concern is that then most of the space would be green. And while I do love it and your idea, I wonder if it would not be too much of a single color, especially a dark one.

Room Interiors Did you have book cases on focal wall (not wall opposite windows)? Almost think they would look good there along with just a couple of tall thin pieces and maybe a simple larger hanging picture over them, and then the other pictures on wall opposite the windows. The sun coming in thru the windows affect your prints, so keep that in mind. May not want to have expensive photos or artwork on that wall. (depends on your windows also). Hope this is helping you out and not getting confusing. I've always told people, when changing the color of rooms dramatically, to give it 3 days. The first is still a shock, the second is getting to like it, the third is "wow"' it really makes me love coming into this room'. Hope you would find that feeling in your room. Good Luck

odinsdottir3 I've never had the bookcases on the large wall, but someone did make that suggestion earlier. Today's a good sitting at home and moving stuff around kind of day, so I may just try it. Did a little playing around with a Sherwin Williams paint app with your suggestion about the green walls and I can't say that I hate it. Might even have enough of the kitchen green left to at least try it on the big wall.

Room Interiors Your walls would be green, but your adding the tan panels, your tan sofas, and than your bright fun accent color (reddish) that gives the pop to the room. Also color with the area rug. The green is really more of a neutral color- background color. Unless you feel you would be tired of it. I still like the idea of a brownish reddish color also. I really quickly looked at Sherwin Williams Color Concepts fan deck and found SW7586 or SW7582 as 2 examples. These are the type of reddish color I was thinking. If you really like color, you could do your whole room in one of these shades. (or something similar that looks good with your existing art, wood work, and kitchen things)

backbonemountain Makes your picture look better! and the book shelves look good with the green color.

Shannon Pavey I didn't read through all the posts so hopefully this isn't repetitive.. First of all, you have a great room with lots of color. I really think moving the panels up high will fix the tall ceiling, bare looking walls issue. The current artwork might work after moving the panels up. I agree with others on the bookcases. Let the height be emphasized by panels or artwork. It's less busy and more appealing to the eye than a bookcase with stuff on it. I would fix some of the space planning, height issues before buying more stuff. You might be able to fix it with very few new purchases. Happy houzzing!

Shannon Pavey Just to clarify... to move the panels up would obviously require purchasing new panels. Realized I didn't word that well. Good luck!

pattiegoode Do the green wall! You can always paint the remainder later or change the color. Go green!

odinsdottir3 This is one of the colors that Room Interiors suggested (salute). But I'm not going to lie, I'm loving the green!

odinsdottir3 And then I did this... Can I just say, I thought about crying!

Room Interiors Add the green to this picture. And on other walls if you can.

Room Interiors Just don't want you to cry. (Not a good thing)

odinsdottir3 Crying in a good way! Lol. As is the sky opened up, sun began to shine, and angelic voices sang Hallelujah! The one arrangement I've never tried and I simply love it! Here it is in green. Now to figure out where to put the rest of the stuff.

carolins I'm absolutely loving the green on all walls idea! Also, what could be a good idea is to add a picture rail to the walls, at the height of where your curtains are hanging from now. Between the top and lower windows. It will provide a visual barrier and you can hang your paintings from it too.
And I'm so happy that you love the bookcases on that wall. Could you put one sofa opposite the window and the other one facing the bookcase? Or would that be impractical because of the entry to the room and the kitchen?

odinsdottir3 Thank goodness for rainy Sundays. I think that the last arrangement works the best. Corner to corner, whether sofa or love seat opposite the bookcase, part of the entry into the kitchen is blocked.

Room Interiors I am sooo glad! I could see you taking the larger print you had on top of the bookshelf in the first photos and putting it on the top - left side on the bookshelves. Then on the right side, take a tall skinny table lamp that you have and put it on the right side, so it turns on with the light switch, if possible. I could also see have the larger bust that is in your book shelf- put on top to the left of the lamp,on top of a stack of 3 books. A lower plant could be added in front of the larger print. The two other prints that go with the first print could possible be on the wall to the right of the book shelves- one would be high on the wall, top about 1/3 the way down from the top of the large print, and the other below it without too much spacing, maybe around 6 inches (hard to tell from pictures on the measurements). Hopefully this would look good with the height of the windows. A tall plant could be in the corner left of the book shelf. If you could find something that would go about 6 inches above the top of the book shelves and airy feeling, this would help with the height of the windows and fill in the corner with interest.

odinsdottir3 Just so I understand you properly... Do you mean putting the painting on top of the bookcase or in the empty space between left bookcase and wall?

Room Interiors Sitting on top of the book case. and the lower plant in front of it- maybe to be partially on the center book shelf. Then the bust on top of books and the tall lamp somewhat behind that. (right side of book shelves)

leelee You don't need anything on the top of your bookcases. You need to keep the eye on where you are not way up high. I do like either option #1 or #4 for the furniture arrangement better balance. Leave the painting over the small table and add some live plants. I think a rug that fits just under the coffee table and between the two couches would be a better scale. Find something with some interesting pattern or color maybe a kilim?

odinsdottir3 Agreed. I tried the pictures on the bookcases, but they look too busy. I really like this arrangement best. Can't wait for the curtains to come in and the wall to get painted. Ok, done rearranging for today! Thanks everyone!

Sharyn I love Love LOVE the bookcases on the main wall !!! I can't decide which furniture arrangement I prefer, but #2 (Upper right) makes the room look larger and balanced. Not sure if the LS is in the walkway though. As I stated prior, I'm not a fan of large furniture in front of a window unless there are no other options. Can you swap the console table with the sofa from picture #2?? You must be exhausted, but your efforts are coming together nicely. Congrats!!

odinsdottir3 I see what you mean, Sharon, but unfortunately, I'd be blocking half of the entry into the kitchen. But most importantly, I would actually close off entry into the living room. There would not be much room between the sofa and the kitchen half wall and I would have to walk all the way around either sofa or love seat in order to sit on them.

thedarlingsbecca I had bookshelves that appeared too dark. I finally added mirrored tiles (very inexpensive). They reflected light and it made a big difference. Another idea I had were lining them with wallpaper (putting on with removal tape or something similar) either patterned or more plain or even a neutral textured look. Also could go to a scrapbook store and buy 12" x 12" pieces of paper or card stock to line the bookshelf backs. There are a zillion paper choices and easy on the wallet!

leelee I think you don't need anything else to draw attention to or add to the clutter factor of the bookcase. It looks great the way you've arranged it so stop--less is more. Walls will look wonderful with the green paint. Don't forget the plants, they'll add so much.

Carolina Girl I noticed that lowering your large floral print closer to eye level helps tie in with the book jackets on the shelving. Once you arrange the shelving and figure out the best arrangement for your seating, paint your walls green and hang your new curtains, you'll be surprized how great this room looks. I also love the green walls they really make the floral art work look great.

davidburkhard I think you did a splendid job with your room! I love the shelves and that you styled them with treasures as well as with books. Would you mind just a wee tad more tweaking advice? That end table nestled between the shelves and sofa? I think you ought to try the room without it. It crowds the space and I think it would open the eye to not have it at all. If you need the light, try a floor lamp. What do you think?

Room Interiors Once you paint the walls green, and have the window panels to the top of the windows, you may then see why I mentioned the things on top of the book shelves. Was also thinking the bookshelves would be mainly books, not too many objects in between. I was also thinking the wall opposite the window would have lots of added pictures, like the photos of rooms that you loved. Also could still add floating shelves to show off other busts that a currently within the book shelves. They would look fantastic against the deep green walls. The added pictures should be at eye level, but also higher to balance out window and lower to fill the wall. (Some pictures a little larger.) Your ceilings are high, so it can't be hidden by ignoring the height. So make use of the fact and work with it to be impressive. The left corner, again, if it had something airy and thin (vertical height) would help with the rooms balance. (a little higher than the book shelf). Many people work horizontally around a room, but there is a vertical element to keep in mind here. (I always keep in mind the ceiling- also) Have fun!

odinsdottir3 Room Interiors, I think you're right about the height once the panels are up. With the short panels, the eye stops at the top of the bookcases; however, once the longer panels go up, I can imagine a need for balance. I'll be honest though, I don't know that those paintings worked well, because they really made the wall look busy. I was actually thinking about something altogether different- see below. (Just don't laugh, we have strange collections at my house. Medieval swords are just one of man.) :-)

Room Interiors WOW love the different things. I think if the wall will be green, then hold the different things up and see what just pops. These medieval things still work with the busts- I feel they do (not an expert if the exact time periods works, but the feel of them certainly does). They also have a distinct collective quality about them that fits the library feel. Your room will really feel like a new room when you're done!

Room Interiors (By the way, I edited my previous comment- before your added picture-, so not sure if you read before I edited it- but changed it a little.)

odinsdottir3 Sorry, did not read before edit. I will wait until it's painted to see. I do still love the idea of an art wall opposite the windows. I have several large/ small goodwill wood frames that I bought for some prints I picked up in Mexico. I was able to hang these on an odd wall. I have a few more, but have not been able to find frames big enough yet.

Sharyn I like the swords and shields. Do you have more swords? If you stack the shields together on one side of the bookcases and a collage of assorted swords hung in various heights on the other side, might look really interesting. Once again, you just gotta play with it.

leelee I'm not sure the swords/sheilds are going to be good in this room....maybe a man-cave?

elvasue I still like the way you had the sofas facing each other originally and with a beautiful mirror above the little chest to open the space and give the area depth (or change to a small mantle with a mirror or picture above). Just change the curtains and get a larger rug. I don't like those bookcases all together there - claustrophobic! You must be half crazy by now with all the dufferent suggestions, but those bookcases overpower that area like that. Better the wau you had them. I think you almost had it right in the beginning.

odinsdottir3 Not feeling crazy at all. I'm actually quite touched that so many people have taken the time to help me! Its been wonderful experimenting with this space. :-)

The seating is actually exactly as when I started. I'll be honest, I love the bookcases here. You're right; they are overpowering, but I think that's why I like them so much. My problem with this room has always really been the fact that nothing seemed to go together. The suggestions made see thaI had too many small patterns and no focus. I think the bookcases bring that focus. I actually find myself just wanting to sit there, where before I would almost avoid sitting there.

To that end, to creating that "mad professor's library" look, I'm wondering if I can cluster art on either side of the bookcases. I could move the lamp and table as someone suggested earlier. But yes, I'm afraid when the curtains come I'm going to need to do something about the height.

leelee The bookcases are not overpowering. They were all too small as stand-alone units but together they work. Just because you have tall ceilings and a large window doesn't mean you have to go high with everything in the room. Your focus should be in the area you live in--get that right then I don't think you'll feel the need to look up and think something's missing.

Sharyn What type of curtains did you buy? If they are too short you can lengthen them easily with a coordinating fabric that you like. Perhaps get extra fabric for a couple pillows to tie it in??

odinsdottir3 Length on the curtains should be a perfect 120in. :-)

carolins Totally agree with leelee. And I agree with you that you could hang art on either side of the bookcases. Just remember that you hang it at eye level. Not too high. I think the 'rule' is that the centre of a piece should be about 60" from the floor.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-hang-you-6174
If you're aiming for the 'mad professor' look I think that more in this case is definitely more. But keep thinking about arrangements and what will go well together. That will help to make it looking interesting in stead of feeling cluttered.

Carolina Girl I think when you get your new curtains and the wall painted you will be able to make the rest of your design decissions. In the meantime frame up the prints you have that speak to you and place them on walls in cluster and even some on the floor on easel stands. Look for a library style ladder to place at one end of the bookshelves for effect and a few other objects that say library ie. globe, map, inkwell with quill etc. You have a great start so don't quit now. Make sure you have an easy chair with reading lamp in one corner near the sofa table like a reading area.

thedarlingsbecca I like the two couches facing each other with the the three bookcases together on the wall you can see from the kitchen. The patchwork picture looks like it needs a frame to distinguish it from the wall, make it a little larger and bring sone of the daker color from the bookcases to above the couch opposite the window. Frame the picture, no glass or mat, and hang it over the. Couch opposite the window. I am not a designer, ljek things more formal, had a hard time finding picture big and tall enough for over my couch. Ended up with a stretched canvas, it looked unfinished. See it framed below.

pattiegoode I think thedarlingsbecca accidentally made an acute observation: your large wall art is a "patchwork" design - it adds to the cluttered feeling you are trying to get a way from. Look at the difference in her piece - one large design. Yours is a lot of small designs. I also think she is right that a dark framed piece will do well with the bookcases. The sword & shields could go in the room, but would need to be displayed differently - a much tighter grouping, so they are seen as one unit visually instead of 3 objects that the eye has to travel around. Hope that makes sense to you! Looking forward to following the thread & seeing your final pix!

odinsdottir3 Ok, the drapes came in and in a hurry, I haphazardly put them just to see what they would look like. First, if this is the color of "earth", then I'm a monkey's uncle; looks far more like a burnt umber. Second, the material is so thin that the white lining bleeds through. Last, I'm not going to lie, but compared to this, I really preferred the upper windows open with no dressing. It provided a nice light, but with the curtains on the bottom, I had the option of more privacy. I'm pretty disappointed with the look. :-/ I've attached some pics, but keep in mind that this was a quick hang, so I didn't even iron them.

backbonemountain I have been liking the way your room has been coming together, but I'm not caring for these curtains. Like you, I think they are too sheer. I do like light coming in the room. What about white sheers in the middle? Also, the rod looks like it needs support. What are the white things on both sides of the window? They look like mirrors or speakers. Overall, you have made a lot of headway!!!

odinsdottir3 We're thinking alike. These definitely have to go, but I'm seriously considering the sheets and curtains idea. Yeah, the rods I used a very, very flimsy, but, like I said, I just wanted to do a quick check since I wasn't sure about the color. And yes, those are mirrors on the sides. They were there from the previous owners and we just never took them down. I've attached a pic of the curtains at night. Well, at least then they have color. Still not quite right, especially since I think we're going to go ahead and paint the big wall green. I'm thinking the curtains will have to be much more neutral.

backbonemountain I did like the green wall! And the color of the curtains looks much better at night! You have really stuck to working on this room. Great job!

carolins I do like the height of the new curtains! Much better than the halfway ones. Not keen on the colour and the sheerness. You do have wooden blinds behind them don't you? Why don't you pull the curtains to the sides during the day and regulate the blinds so that you get the light, but people can't see in?
But this height is much better! And I do like them in the 'evening picture'. I'm even thinking that the 'evening look' will go with green walls. But it's hard to say when we can only judge colours from photos on a computer screen. Deep sigh... :-)

odinsdottir3 Ok, going to try these.

carolins I like, really really like those!!!!

leelee When I saw the first curtains above I thought those were the ones you were keeping! They looked like an imposing mountain. I think the cream will serve you much better. Can't wait to see.

Sharyn I think curtains in general are to heavy for your room. Looks like a theater. Sorry :( I'd invest in roman shades or pleated. You get the privacy and light you need, without all the weight. A much cleaner, less cluttered look. You don't want your room to look busy. You can flank curtains on the sides for some texture or contrast but they would be purely decorative. Install inside window casing, don't hide the moldings.

elvasue I totally agree with Sharyn! This photo is so pretty.

Carolina Girl If you want privacy but would like to allow light into the room why not use dark wood blinds that rise from bottom to top. You could add a valance/cornice from ceiling to window top and have sofa pillows made to match. Something that would stand out with your green wall and add to your library room look.

elvasue Sharyn, Where do the "Valence Shades" or Roman Shades (don't know the right term) in your photo start? Are they hung right below the crown molding or attached under the window frame? DUH????

odinsdottir3 It is beautiful. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no molding either in ceiling or around windows. Trust me, I know how much a difference that would make, but hubby won't budge. :-(

Sharyn Elvasue: This isn't my picture, I googled it for an example to show Odinsdottir3.

Odin: Is privacy a huge issue? If your stuck with drapes, then keep them as minimal as possible, just flank the sides of the windows. Or if you need more privacy choose curtains that have grommets so you can open and close them easily....but please keep them open as much as possible.

odinsdottir3 Sharyn, yes, privacy is an issue because the windows open up to a busy street. I agree about the grommets. When I hung the curtains, I realized how much light was taken away by covering the upper windows. At that point I knew that I would need curtains that would be easy to open. The new set is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Keeping fingers crossed.

leelee I know they're very popular lately and probably for the ease of use but grommets seem so industrial to me. I didn't like the "pink" curtains you sent back - they were too gathered and bunched looking. The curtains that have a loop of their own fabric might be the best of both worlds.

thedarlingsbecca Elvasue - please start another discussion, repost photo of your dining room and tell us about the furniture - style, when made, how you got it, type of wood, what you like, don't like about it. I love it and just want to know more! Adore the china cabinet.

thedarlingsbecca Odinsdottir3, Have you posted a photo of the wall across from the windows ( with the couch or love seat you decided to put there)? Are the dark bookcases evenly placed between the two couches? Can't tell from the photos. Is there something behind the couch across from the windows that is throwing the bookcase vs. alignment of the couches off? Finally, can we see a photo of the wall opposite the bookcases, from inside the living room? If u already did this. ignore this! Liked the additional rug under the couches.

thedarlingsbecca Okay, found photo showing wall opposite bookcases( with lovely opening to kitchen). Is there space for a narrow, dark wood piece of furniture under opening, in living room? Would it align well with opposite dark bookcases?

I love bookcases together on wall. I would put some dark items over couch (perhaps dark frame of a picture?) and something dark opposite bookcases. Nothing too big. Don't want it crowded.

If not, then I think the darkness of the bookcases need to be lessened. See my earlier post about putting a color (green paint on pieces of wood or cardstock cut to fit openings [nothing permanent], or neutral like couches, whatever). It would not add clutter, it would lessen darkness and formality of the bookcases.

leelee Did you decide on the sage green paint for your room? I would like to see that carried into your kitchen area as well instead of the opposite which would be dark green throughout. Sharyn's picture of the panels above look really good. Do you think that would work for your situation? The self loop curtains I sent the picture of would also look a little lighter and less heavy because of the loops? I wasn't suggesting stark white just wanted you to see the style.

odinsdottir3 Yes, I think we will paint the wall green, but I was thinking darker than sage. The current walls are actually a soft, buttery yellow (i know, photos don't do them justice. They really are a great color.) A lighter green wouldnt provide any contrast; I've tried it before. Got the new curtains today. Much better. Still need new rods, but I think that I like these. The last picture is of the wall opposite the windows, behind love seat.

leelee The buttery yellow color was great color, just not with the taupe and pinky undertones of your sofas. The new curtains are good. Go with some colorful pillows on the sofa. I'd add a throw to the sofa back to emphasize the sofa and separate it from the curtain.

odinsdottir3 I do like the pillows above. I'm actually going to try moving a large rug I have in the basement to add some color tothis room. While i do like the new curtains, keeper makes a good point about needing to emphasize the sofa now. I wonder if patterned curtains would be better or just busy. Ill see what happens when I move the rug. I've added a day picture. This was the only angle that allowed for color. Its cloudy out so when I try to take a picture of windows straight on, everything looks dark.

odinsdottir3 I'm wondering if these curtains would work better if they were in the ivory color I initially posted and not the taupe that I apparently ordered.

carolins The trick of making a better photo of your windows is: point the camera at a medium toned part of your room that is not in direct sun and press the shutter halfway down. Your camera measures the available light and gets itself ready to take a photo. KEEP the shutter pressed halfway down, point towards the windows and take your photo. Your camera will still think it is taking a photo of the medium toned thing and your photo will come out much better.

Trust me, I'm a photographer :-)

On the curtains: I'm not keen on the idea of patterned ones. Too busy I think. I do love the idea of a patterned rug and/or patterned cushions though! And I like the new curtains. They look great!!! Especially when drawn to the sides. Luvly.

Since the issue is more privacy than light, have you ever thought of applying a decorative film to your bottom windows? They let in the light, but give you privacy too.
There are really nice flowery patterned ones available too.

carolins http://www.designyourwall.com/store/Tord-White-Floral-static-cling-window-film-218x0013-pr-2273.html

Although I suspect that you will really like these (and why not!)
http://www.designyourwall.com/store/Stained-Glass-Venetian-Garden-translucent-floral-window-adhesive-film-200x3006-pr-2022.html

odinsdottir3 I will definitely try that with my camera. Thanks! So I shouldn't try a lighter color on the curtains? As to the decorative film, we've talked about it, but have never really seen any we liked. I do love the second one! :-)

carolins Chuckling... I though you might :-)

Oh, look, if you're in doubt and really like the idea of the lighter ones, do please try the those ones (with the dark bottom?).
I thought you were talking about floral patterns (don't know why I thought that).
Vertical stripes might work?

(and then I started browsing to look for curtain inspiration for you and now I think I'm getting converted towards patterned curtains. Watch this space...)

Some ideas of how it might look:
Living room
KBK Interior Design Portfolio
Orinda Family Fun Room
Eclectic with Global Influence
Mediterranean Dining Room


http://www.curtainsmade4u.com/curtains-391-pinch-pleat.aspx?fabricname=MEDINA%20-%20IMAN%20HOME%20FABRICS%20TOURMALINE&fabricsku=000294693

odinsdottir3 I love the first picture with green drapes and green walls, and also the Eclectic Global room.

carolins Me too! I believe the first photo is striped drapes, but such nice and deep colours.

odinsdottir3 Also found this. The lighter bookcases make a big difference, but I'm going to try to wallpaper the back of mine to lighten them up. I think I'll wait until the room is paint to find a color that would work.

odinsdottir3 Added rug from downstairs. Meh. The panels are growing on me, though. I also found some wood-grained paper for book case backing, but it's too busy. Definitely need a solid if I want to do this.

leelee odinsdottir3, if you think your bookcases are too dark then paint them or have them painted or replace them but putting paper in the back of the shelves isn't going to change the dark wood. The back of your shelves is not a factor as I look at your room. How do you like the look of the rug? It looks quite nice and compliments everything else sofas and curtains. It's coming together.

elvasue I still like the way the bookcase wall is arranged in carolins photo: Orinda Family Fun Room -just two with space between (small mantle). Love your curtains and rug adds to everything.

thedarlingsbecca Thanks for trying the wallpaper behind the books. I agree would need to be neutral like couch, perhaps like the paint you will put on the wall or an accent color since you seem to like it to look lively. I, too, like the light wooden bookcases, but if you don't want paint, this is a simple way to lighten it up a bit. Love the rug. Drapes are growing on me, too!

carolins Loving the rug! Your room is coming together nicely. It looks more balanced than it first was doesn't it?

Carolina Girl I think it is time to try the shield and swords over the mirrors on either side of the window. Shield on right crossed swords on the left maybe?

leelee Just wanted to comment on why putting paper in the bookshelves only compounds the issue of the bookcase looking busy. The light colored paper will create a checkerboard effect like a tic-tac-toe board. You still have a dark frame but now the light, dark, light, dark is distracting and busy.

Room Interiors The rug looks good. Does it have any green in it that needs to be taken into consideration with the wall color? Looks like it would go really nice. Are you planning on painting only the end wall with the deep green or the whole room? If only the end wall, perhaps consider going with deep green drapery panels that go with the deep green wall. This will tie the living room wall in with the kitchen and help carry the deep green around the room. If going with a deep green on the window wall, than a light fabric would be shown off against that. Remember, the window panels are for two main reasons- 1. looks and softening (the wood blinds provide the privacy) 2. room sound control- helps to decrease echos and takes away the hollow sounds of a room with large windows.They look great as 4 panels. Keep in mind, if they are laying against the wall, an extension may be added to bring them out away from the windows and wall a bit. This lets them hang softer. ( the deep green curtains could have a texture and subtle print to help when trying to get it to look good with the green wall)

odinsdottir3 Yes, the rug has green, not as much as I would like, but it's there. I'm actually considering a lighter rug without all the red. Yes, we're still thinking about painting green. Right now my husband just wants to do the big wall, but I'm hoping once he sees it, he'll want to do the rest. ;-) If we do go we, you suggest green curtains then?

Room Interiors If the window wall is deep green, than lighter curtains. A darker color on the window wall actually shows off the windows more, and brings the outside in more. If the window wall is kept creamy yellow, than deep green curtains help to show off the windows. It also ties in the kitchen. The wall opposite the window could be balanced out by darker picture frames. I wouldn't be too concerned about the book shelves at this time. Once the end wall is painted, than see how accent pieces help to bring light back to that end of the room. Even light colored books. Just a thought. It's looking good!

Sharyn CONGRATULATIONS!!! I think you're done! Love the curtain placement - please leave them open and let the blinds provide your privacy. Love the rug. Don't alter your furniture by painting it...if it was white people would tell you to paint black and vice versa. Your room looks warm and inviting. Can I move in?? Good job..you're a good sport for trying all our ideas. Now relax and enjoy.

carolins You could do lights on top of the bookcases that shine down on the books. Ikea has nice options for that:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70173931/

Carolina Girl I'm loving the way your room is coming together. The bookshelves look great and the arrangement of books and objects in the shelving is interesting. The rug makes the room warm and vibrant and the furniture arrangement is inviting. I like the new curtains and if you are happy with them that is what matters. Please post new pictures soon so we can see the rest of the room.

thedarlingsbecca Hesitate to say this, don't want to complicate things - in the photo where you can see from the kitchen through the arched opening, what makes the shape of the arch stand out is that the living room is a different color than the arch. If both rooms are same color, will that be lost? Would it help to paint the inside of the arch (all parts of it) another color? Perhaps color of drapes or ? I like how it is coming together!

thedarlingsbecca By "inside of arch" I meant just the inside of the opening, not a whole wall.

odinsdottir3 Ok, lighter curtains came in. During the day, they seem very sheer, but at night, they're not bad. Photos with and without flash to show color. The bottom stripe on the lighter curtains is almost identical to sofa color.

leelee I like the lighter curtains!

odinsdottir3 You don't think they blend too much with the wall color?

carolins I like the lighter curtains. They are the best I've seen so far I think. Are you still considering painting the walls a darker colour?

Room Interiors Really Nice!! Lighter ones!!

elvasue Lighter curtains! Makes the sofa stand out and wall more soothing.

Kathleen Coleman I like the drapes with the light colored border.

Kathleen Coleman I don't think I would keep the pillows there is already a lot going on in that room. It's beautiful if you keep it simple.

Carolina Girl Great job!! I agree keep the lighter curtains and if they allow for the privacy you want they are definite keepers. I think the pillows actually look better with the lighter curtains, maybe add one or two more in a solid color to go with your new wall color when you get it painted.

Sharyn I like the lighter panels. Good job! I would hold on to both for right now...things might change when you paint the walls. Most places offer 30-90 days on a return.

odinsdottir3 Well, that was a resounding 'yea' for the lighter ones! I think I agree. Even if we don't paint soon, they are more soothing. Yes, they do let light through, but allow for privacy. As a bonus, less expensive than the darker ones, and sold by the pair!

Carolina Girl So glad you are pulling the room together and feeling good about it. Still think you should try mounting the shield and swords on either side of the windows over the mirrors. Keep sending the pictures; I love to see how it comes together. Fun blog.

odinsdottir3 Ok, here are day pictures. I think that this is why I was a little skeptical; they seem too light. Or am I over-thinking it? Now I only ordered two panels, just to see how the color would work. So if I do decide on these, the added panels might give them a bit more "depth". I'm also a bit considered that now with the light curtains and dark bookcases, the room looks blah. The pillows have to go and ignore the Mona Lisa pic (that won't be there). What do you think?

edenszy I would suggest a feature wall of some kind, possibly add some wallpaper to the prominent wall in a neutral colour that will draw in the shade of the walls and furniture

Carolina Girl I love the light in the room with the new curtains but you need to pull them shut and go outside one night and see if you can see into your room when the lights are on inside. Have someone stay in the room and move about so you can tell what your privacy issues might be.

carolins You are definitely over-thinking it. I love the 'sheerness'. Nice!

Now, I don't think the pillows have to go (I know it was suggested). Are you still going towards the sort of 'mad professor-look'? Or are you now going for a minimalist look?
If 'mad-professor': add more pillows. Find a colour that you think works with the sofa and go mad on pillows. But make sure they all have a hint of the same colour in it.
I'll see if I can find you a mix that I could see 'working for you'.
And actually, I sort of like Mona up there. It's all about balance. You had to much of a good thing on top of the bookcases before, but just one or two nice things up there... I'm all for that.

carolins As long as you're not doing stripteases that you wouldn't like to be seen by passers by, I don't think you should be bothered by the relative sheerness of these curtains.

odinsdottir3 Carolins... No strip-teasing going on in this room anyway! Lol. I'm definitely still wanting the "mad professor" look. That's why I'm a bit concerned that this is too bland. I'm hoping the green walls help and the pillows will make a difference. I think the dark burgundy in the rug is bringing the room down a bit. I think if perhaps it was a more vibrant red, the room would liven up quite a bit. What do you think of this green? It was a color we purchased for the kitchen, but didn't use.

carolins Actually, just saw leelee's pillows again and that would be the style I was going for too. I'd love an eclectic, colourful collection of pillows on your sofas. Would go wonderfully well with the rug too.

carolins Oh right, hehe.. no striptease in that room. Good. Very well-behaved of you :-D
That's sort of a sage green. Goes nicely with the curtains don't you think? Have you tried it in the room (you know, on a piece of white (plaster)board, place it against the walls that you want to paint and judge the colour at different times of the day). If not, I do think you should do that. Just to make sure it works.
But I do like it! Will make the room darker, but there's nothing wrong with dark and you have the light curtains now to brighten it up again.
Exciting!

Carolina Girl If you decide the green paint you have is to dark just have the paint department lighten it up for you. I like the shade of green you showed us 3 weeks ago and it received 6 thumbs up. Just be sure you take a sample with you for them to match it. Be sure the shade you use looks good from your kitchen area and wait on the rug until you have painted the wall/walls it could change your mind about a floor covering.

leelee Carolins, ironically those pillows are from Grandin Road! Thanks for being so nice...I may have to go and get a life now and not sit at my computer all day. This is very addictive and I just gave up spider solitare only to replace it with Houzz.. I'm going to try to go cold turkey. You're very talented and have a "great eye" for decorating. Everyone should listen to your advice! Have fun.

carolins leelee, you're too nice (but I agree :-D). Really? Cold turkey? Good luck with that. We will miss you, I always like to read your advice, I think we often pretty much agree. Sorry to see you go :-(

leelee Yes, I'm going to try. It's going to be hard I know. Bye, at least for now.

odinsdottir3 Everyone has been so fantastic, and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to help me.

carolins As much as I like sage green, I do agree with Carolina Girl that the other green you showed us would create a more 'intimate' effect. This sage may be too pastelly. But since you have the paint, do test it and see what you think.

odinsdottir3 As much as I love the green wall idea, I'm starting to wonder if painting the living room green, in addition to the already green kitchen, would just be too much. :-/

Room Interiors I think the room is looking great. Once you have 4 panels, the window will feel more complete and will add to the softness of the room. I really would like to see the room with a darker green. The shade on your sample is too light to give it that "wow" factor. It's an in between shade that doesn't give you the contrast that will make a statement for your other things in the room. Also, the windows in the room let in so much light, that the room can definitely handle a rich, deep green. The shade you have will be green, but will overpower the room, because it will be the most predominant color in the room. A dark green will give you a backdrop, and 'show-off' your other things. I always feel - go for the "wow!" Perhaps maybe like Ben. Moore 2139-20 Dakota Woods, or around there- depending how much blue is in the green in your kitchen, or if it needs to be more brown.Or something similar to the darker color on the plaster wall in the kitchen. It's Really Looking Good!

odinsdottir3 I am concerned though. I was doing some searching and came upon this living room with tan sofa similar to mine. What do you think of the blue? The rug I found also has accents of similar blue color. Just throwing it out there.

carolins Let me throw something back: love the rug, how about the red from that rug (seems like a deep dark orangy red from where I'm seeing it) on the walls?

carolins

odinsdottir3 I did see this room while browsing yesterday. It is lovely, but I'll be honest, when we lived in our condo, we had a red focal wall and it was exhausting. Simply too much on the eyes. So you didn't like the blue?

carolins Chuckling.... I know that red can be too much of a visual stiumulation, but I do think that it depends on the particular red and if you paint more walls than one, the KAPOW!!!- effect will be lost. It will just be a warm, cozy space then.
You need to make a good quality photo of your room (lots of pixels) and upload it onto the Sherwin-Williams color visualizer thingy. You can play around with different colours. Really easy to use. Try different greens, blues, reds...

No, the blue doesn't say mad professor to me. It's too soft and again I think that it is too pastelly. If you'd choose a much punchier blue, but then again, not sure how it will go with the green from the kitchen.

Carolina Girl If you decide to go blue why not choose a shade of teal; it puts blue and green together and would really make the colors you have in the room pop as well as create the mad professor look.

Room Interiors If I was working with a client, I would recommend at this stage to take a step back (or sideways) and start to zoom in on an area rug selection. There is not much of anything in the way to hinder it's style or color except keep in mind the green of your kitchen and the tan of your sofas/ window panels. Keep an open mind and just 'see' what you really gravitate to and really 'like' . Sometimes you may be really surprised at what is always 'catching your eye'. If you can go out and about your community or shopping area that has a large variety of area rugs, and, without any predetermined exact style, see what you Really Like. You may be surprised. After that, the room will come together for choosing the wall color(s). Your investment of time and money should be focused on the area rug. This is harder to find. The wall color and shade will depend on the area rug. So keep an open mind and see what you really love. Have Fun - It may surprise you!

odinsdottir3 Room Interiors, I've gotten so excited about this project that I think I wanted to do too much too quickly. What you propose makes perfect sense and I'm starting to see that, in many ways, I'm working backwards. Waiting to paint until I have a rug makes perfect sense; otherwise, I see that I'd be making the same mistake I made before.

Carolina Girl Have you gotten any further with your room? Would love to see more pictures if you have found floor covering, paint color, different decor.

odinsdottir3 I've pretty much stopped here. I'm going to wait to decide on wall color until I find the right rug. That's been a bit of a struggle- don't want to spend a fortune, but have a big area to fill. I decided to keep the lighter curtains and I'm pretty happy with that. I took out the rug that was there. It was very dark and I thought the design continued to add to the busy-ness I was hoping to avoid. I haven't done anything on the wall opposite the windows yet, but I'm hoping to group some of the art that I have in some solid wood frames that I found at Goodwill. I wish I was done, but this rug shopping is harder than I thought!

carolins Ohh, but it looks really nice. You've added pillows. Beautiful! You'll find a rug. Be Zen about it. When you stop searching it will come to you. Or not ;-)

leelee I can't believe the difference...good job! You were so right to remove the rug. I really don't know if you need one but can't tell without seeing what you pick. You must be so pleased!

leelee One idea that I would offer...instead of a large rug, what if...there was just a small rug that just went under the coffee table and between the two sofas? That might be an option but again you'd have to give it a try and see what you thought. This might be too different?

odinsdottir3 Leelee, I actually had a small rug just under the coffee table in the original picture. I think the problem was that this was a dark chocolate color and added to the darkness of the room. I was actually looking at rugs like the one you suggested. The only problem is that I think I'm stuck between wanting clean lines/airy feel and the eclectic library look. Wish I could find something in between that I could manage without ridiculous cost, you know. :-)

Sharyn Browse Overstock.com for rugs. I just bought one (finally!!) from home depot and found it after the fact on Overstock for $50 less....ugh!! Wayfair also has some great choices at great prices.

odinsdottir3 I actually bought my curtains from Wayfair, and you're right, prices are amazing. I've been checking them regularly, just no luck yet. I've been on Overstock, but not in a while. Thanks for the suggestions!

leelee More rug ideas

leelee And one more...

odinsdottir3 Where did you find these? I live the yellow one.

leelee Safavieh web site but many on-line rug dealers like rugs.com, etc. have that brand. Or you could look for a store that carries that brand and see if you can find the one you like nearby.

odinsdottir3 I found this on Wayfair. What do you think?

odinsdottir3 This one is my dream rug. Too bad it's out of my budget. I do like the one above, however.

rosebud3 Love the three pieces together in front of green wall. You could get green wallpaper to line the back of the shelves so it's not permanent like paint would be. I'd try maybe some tall pieces on top of the two end bookcases - vases with flowers, pottery, pretty wicker basket. I'd leave the top of the narrow center one empty. Something easy to experiment with.

carolins Hmm... I think the yellow/green is too light. Can't see it working in your room. Personal opinion of course. If you really, really like it, go for it. Otherwise, save your money for a rug you love.

odinsdottir3 Ok, this is the wall opposite the big windows, just finished the grouping. I know there is still a great deal of room, but I've used all the art pieces with wooden frames, so this will definitely be a work in progress.

odinsdottir3 With the pictures in the grouping, not sure which colors to go for in the rug.

travisinteriors Add bookcases behind sofa to wall with chest pl one on either side. Remove case in corner. Do not place anything on top. Put art work on top now on wall where bookcases were. Replace area rug for brighter color maybe red print. Remove curtains on window replace with white panels only. Don't feel you have to have art on every wall. Remove some. Place looks over crowded, to much clutter opening up windows will help.

travisinteriors Remove all object on window wall.

travisinteriors Yes remove wicker chair room is to busy.

travisinteriors Also take half of thing off bookcase. Just a few items mix it up. Books with pots frames.

odinsdottir3 Travisinteriors, are you referring to the very first pictures? I was confused then saw the wicker chair comment and realized you may be referring to the first pics. If so, I've since changed a great deal. The most current pics are the ones just above the red rug before your first post.

mamao1956 You have come a really long way; nice job! The room looks a lot bigger. Anxious to see what you decide on a rug.

carolins Really like the art wall. Looks fab! I'll be looking for a rug for you too later today. What about the kilim that leelee posted. From the 4 pictures the bottom left.

carolins Okay, so... how about these options (I put in the green/yellow one that you chose too, and I have to say that it looks too wishywashy to me)

http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-starburst/gold/200ACR12GLD-2608.html
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-bliss/chocolate/200ACR45-609.html
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Balcony_Rug/310/

odinsdottir3 I see what you mean about my rug looking washed out. Interestingly enough, I like the three options you posted, each giving the room a different feel, but working well.

carolins At first I thought that you'd need a dark rug, to bring the bookcases and the frames back, but having tried one or two options... not all of them worked. But I have come to the conclusion yellow will be difficult.
If you like me to put some other options in a collage, just say so. It's a good way to see if the rug could work for your room.
The kilim I thought that could work? Didn't look good in the collage.

carolins Some different options:
http://www.homedecorators.com/detail.php?parentid=29214&search=29214&suggest=11&sItem=27553
http://www.homedecorators.com/detail.php?parentid=01114&search=01114&suggest=11&sItem=05428
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Lyrical_Area_Rug/340/

rosebud3 I don't like the yellow with the beige sofa. I'm personally ALWAYS drawn to blue, so of course I like the blue and beige flowered rug.

Room Interiors Things are coming together nice!. I think the first collage that carolins posted in regards to the rugs looks nice. The upper left rug that has a lighter background with the touch of blue in it, along with the other colors, seems to fit your taste on colors. Then you have the option of blue in the room, whether pillows or paint, like the one blue room picture you had really liked. Also, other colors seem to all fit your taste. The only thing I may suggest as far as the pictures and books, perhaps have the left bookshelf filled with just books or mainly books and 1 or 3 objects within the books. I think too many objects fight the pictures on the sofa wall. The room has too many objects at once to focus on and becomes too confusing for the eye. I would recommend mainly books for the right side too. Can add or group lighter colored books together to get lighter areas within the book shelf. Just a thought. It may look different in person. Looking Good! Have Fun!

Room Interiors Re-looking at the rugs, I do also like the blue and beige flowered rug. It is more solid and less busy. rosebud3 also makes a good point about the yellow and beige together. They need to be the right shades to work. Perhaps a small sample rug of each decision could be ordered and looked at to see what looks good and to help with your final decision.

odinsdottir3 I definitely see what you mean by the colors. I'll make sure to arrange the shelves with books only. While I like the colors suggested, I think I find myself gravitating to a more traditional rug style. Can I ask how you are able to take my room picture and add the rug pics around it? It helps to visualize the rug in the room, but I'm not sure how to do it. :-)

vacox I just found your discussion and finished reading all through it. The room looks great! Isn't Houzz wonderful! Just wanted to post to receive followups and say "good job!" I am also a person who likes books and picking up interesting items, and have gotten great help here on Houzz myself!

odinsdottir3 Thanks, vacox. I have to agree. Everyone here has been absolutely incredible. I never imagined that I would get so much feedback and help. I've been so stuck with this room and trying to define my "style" that getting multiple perspectives has been invaluable.

carolins I use Photoshop Elements to make these collages.

It's good to know that you'd like a more traditional rug.

Carolina Girl Found some really reasonable posibilities at http://esalerugs.com/budget-rugs
Look at the Kilim Dhurrie Rug 5'6" x 8' for $116 Would look great with your colors and wall art.

odinsdottir3 I really like that. Only problem is that I need something around 8 x 10. You're right though; the colors work. Thanks for the suggestion. It helps me get some direction.