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I wouldn’t add, as the distance to couches looks tight and may feel too cramped/cluttered. To create interest and balance, hope below helps. Room will benefit by additional lighting and drapery will help fill in the other side.
I think your house looks better without them. i like your new trim very much.
I say no shutters. When I bought my home in late 2020 the longtime outdoor shutters were removed from the windows. Every one of my neighbors has those shutters but they are decor only as they could never cover a window if they were able to be closed, and they cannot. So when I had to make a decision I looked at my shutter-less house and then up and down the street. It took me less than a minute to realize how much cleaner and more beautiful my home looked without them. I made the right decision.
No shutters on your lovely home. Shutters are not decoration. Shutters are architectural and belong on a traditional style home. Shutters should not be vinyl, attached to the siding, and should have appropriate, authentic hardware. Your home, a raised ranch, was not meant to have shutters.
My one thought is the white of the garage doors:
Lyn Nielson’s suggestion is best. All those dark frames around all those windows are jarring, gives a ”chopped up” look. Simplify.
i'm with the folks saying tie the trim and windows together first. with urbane bronze on the roof, i'd keep stucco in a warm greige, one or two shades off the stone so it reads like one palette. trim a touch lighter than the stucco, not stark white. then do the front door in a deep color like oxblood or dark green to pop. get big samples on the actual wall and check them morning and evening before you commit.
I agree with Lyn and Boss Design Center — the biggest win here isn't picking a stucco color in isolation, it's getting rid of that rectangle-within-a-rectangle effect. Right now those dark frames are the first thing you see, and they make the house look busier than it is. Painting the trim and stucco the same warm greige, or within a shade or two of each other, will let the stone and the shape of the house do the talking.
Virtual Taupe and Intellectual Gray are both sensible places to start, since they sit well with Urbane Bronze, but don't judge them on a chip. Paint big test patches on the actual wall — one in full sun, one in shade — and check them morning and evening, because stucco shifts a lot in changing light. I'd stay warm rather than cool, so the color works with the tan windows and the stone instead of fighting them, and keep the trim just a touch lighter than the body rather than stark white. A deep front door — Urbane Bronze itself, or a dark green — would give you the contrast in one focused spot, and from a curb-appeal standpoint that kind of calm, unified exterior tends to photograph and show much better than a high-contrast one.
Is your ceiling tin? Haven’t you posted this dilemma before? For some reason I remember your kitchen.
I have a tin ceiling and changing my walls to white instead of blue really helped the room feel less cold. I also added lights on top of my cabinets to illuminate the dark shadowed areas above the cabinets. I still contemplate painting them white to look more like plaster which was why they were originally added to mimic but my family loves them tin.
It might not be warmer but I could see how playing up a french bistro theme subtly might improve the room. It looks like a newer room so I might play with decorating before a reno.
Here is no changes other than painting the tin ceiling white which was often how it would have been in the 20s.
Lots of good advice already
if it were me, I’d start with painting the ceiling (matte) and replacing the mini blind with a bamboo shade to warm it up (i’d want the door and window treatments to match, but that’s a me thing)
I like shower niches. My primary home doesn’t have any in all 3 baths, drives me crazy. Since I wash & condition my hair daily I’ve resorted to placing the bottles on a high window ledge, my second home has shower niches in all the baths, I much prefer that.
cgs, yes, it’s low. And blends into the tile. Thin marble piece. I love it and it doesn’t take up any space. Our corner shower caddy is in the front corner and stays dry. I wipe it down easily and can clean the tile behind it.
Check out nodrillingrequired.com for accessory baskets that hold bottles and soaps. As an added plus, the shelves easily unscrew and can be washed in the dishwasher and chrome is always in style in bathrooms. For an easy footrest for shaving, have your contractor cut grab bar ends at an angle and install at a comfortable height. We've lived with both of these for many years and highly recommend for a timeless, sleeker look.
"our builder has been helping us with the design process"
Since I dislike drapes take my comment with a grain ….. I prefer ( & have flat Roman shades on all my windows with the exception of a large, 18’ + wide, expanse of glass where I have solar shades) . FYI, I’ve never had a problem with the shades hanging level, it’s not difficult, lol. There are many styles & endless fabric choices for them….. I’ve had them in every home I’ve owned, but you should get what you like & are comfortable with.
This is what chat gpt designed https://chatgpt.com/s/m_6af06f8022888191ad416591bacf96d1
The pic is quite fuzzy so hard to help with the color or fabric . It is even hard to see the crown molding so maybe post a much clearer picture.ChatGPT shows IMO a lot of window covering for a small space
Thank you Maureen; yes after posting, i did read a lamp between 24-27 inches would be suitable. one lamp is 24 and other is 27 😬 not sure which way to go; I guess I may get both and see which looks best in person. Thank you for the lamp/ art suggestions. All very pretty! I had thought about a blue lamp , but paused as in the event she / we want to change wall/ decor colors down the line - its one less thing to have to change. Havent written it off, but seeing how glass lamps may work first. Will keep looking for some blue lamps to consider.
Yes, I will be adding art above the dresser. Love that piece you suggested . May look into that suggestion for an accent piece for a different wall , as I think a vertical piece may work better over the dresser (?) Haven’t gotten there yet- LOL
Patricia Colwell Consulting… are you questioning why I am asking this question and not my daughter? i dont understand what you’re comment has to offer
Thanks la_la Girl ! I love how the paint looks. Its BM Lily White- a soft, muted light blue- gray. Dreamy color and so serene! i love it . The dresser is 21 deep .
Are curtains necessary? This is such a gorgeous view I'm not sure about covering any of it up.
I like the wall covering, the bedding not so much.
Thank you everyone. i have decided to keep bed for now and change paper to lighter more neutral sand color. and change beddinng. will post pics when done
I’d actually keep the wallpaper. To me, the alternative looks similar enough that changing it wouldn’t make much difference. What feels unfinished is the decorating around it. Some colour and wall decor could balance the yellow tone, and your blue pillows already make a lovely combination with it.
I’d consider painting the recessed squares in the ceiling above the bed a shade of blue, perhaps a lighter blue that ties in with the pillows and bedding, while keeping the beams white. Then I’d hang a painting above the bed. There doesn’t seem to be room on the right, but a narrow decorative wall piece on the left could help finish the space.
For more bedroom ideas, here’s our video showing one bedroom redesigned in three different styles, with different combinations of colour, lighting and decor: https://youtu.be/nEcPGozCbFY
Having a birdcage or not having a birdcage is not going to sell the house. It looks like a beautiful home, so if it's priced right it will sell.
Location is everything. A ”1960’s ranch style house” most likely would be torn down in my neighborhood ( unfortunately ).
@Alex Greene, I worked in mortgages as a loan officer for 5 years. In order to get a mortgage in the U.S., you need to be a permanent resident alien or citizen. This can take anywhere from 8 months to 10 years. Renting makes sense. Lenders also require 2 years of tax returns and employment at the same job before you can be considered for a mortgage.
Renting first sounds like a really sensible call, especially for a first move to a new city. Living in an area for a few months tells you so much you can't get from listings — commute, noise, how the neighborhood feels in different seasons, and which streets you'd actually want to be on long term. With a 1960s ranch, I'd also want to live in it before deciding on big work. Kitchens and baths usually matter most, but condition, layout, and things like plumbing and electrical can change the priorities fast, and those are hard to judge from abroad. Waiting until you're on the ground to pick a contractor and walk the house together should make the whole process a lot less stressful.
I went through the same thing with our sectional and ended up with a rectangular rug and a round coffee table. The round table was the best part, honestly, because nobody bangs a shin on a corner when they walk around it, and it softens all those straight lines. I did the same sheet test on our floor before ordering, and it is what kept me from buying one that was too small.
They look like the floors in my previous home. Mine changed color too,it didn’t bother me. Since my current home is at least 75% glass I had the west, south & east facing glass treated with a clear UV protectant, also have solar shades which I rarely close. Mine were tinted to protect art.
Start with Bona NaturalSeal or NordicSeal which has a very minimum amount of white pigment. Sand to remove water raised grain. 2-3 coats water based two part clear poly in matte or ultra matte finish. Bona Traffic HD has UV stabilizers to resist future finish yellowing. Loba 2K is another made to maintain a raw just sanded look. Avoid oil modified water based products. Go 100% acrylic/urethane. Ciranova Woodlook Plus as the sealer has a minimum white tinge. Fortico 2C topcoats in ultra matte provide commercial grade scratch resistance and UV stabilizers.
@dan1888 Thank you so much for your suggestions!
I assume those are the listing photos? If so, the only thing I would do immediately, if they’re not already gone, would be to remove the word ”art” in the nook. For the rest, I would live with it , as is , for awhile, your wants/needs might change drastically. Mine did for my previous home. I was so glad that I waited.
I want to warm it up. Replace backsplash and paint island and cabinets and replace hardware just
Love all the suggestions here. Also would like to replace kitchen table, chairs and table in sitting area and portrait
Are you considering “real” 🪵 vs ”faux”? I like the look of wood accents also, however, I’ve noticed that it can look pretty bad rather quickly even in our mild climate if not maintained on a regular basis.
I’m with TruLog Siding. Since you like vertical siding, board and batten is worth considering. I’d keep the warm wood tones concentrated at the garage door and entry rather than repeat them across every dormer and soffit. A creamy white body could tie those accents together. Before choosing the white, compare large samples beside the garage door outdoors in morning and afternoon light.
Lisa, since the siding is still a year or two out, I'd resist locking in a color from small chips now. Get the exact finish name for the garage door and keep a piece of it, then re-check your finalists in the season you'll actually install — winter light in Wisconsin reads very differently from summer light.
I'd also carry that wood tone to the front door — a solid door in a similar undertone, not another paneled one — so the garage door doesn't feel like the only wood on the house. Keep the trim, fascia and gutters quiet and all one color, and plan on simple black hardware and sconces to echo the door's lines. Faux was a smart call up there; just check the fade and warping warranty for any darker color, especially on a south- or west-facing wall, and ask how they handle expansion with vertical siding in freeze-thaw. The vertical direction you're leaning toward suits the house — it will help that heavy roof feel a little lighter.
Since it will only be seen from the side yard what difference does it make? Paint it any color you would like, it can always be repainted later if you tire of it or change your mind.
Thank you, all of garage and front two garage doors will be SW alabaster- a warm white. The single side door can be that too, but was wondering if a coastal color may be more interesting and break up all the warm white.
I like the roof you chose. Stick with the Alavaster
I have never considered a saucer magnolia (if you are talking about Magnolia × soulangeana) to be a shrub, but rather a tree. If that is the one you are referencing, I would not top it. Is there a spot you could move it to, to let it grow to its full height?
@ Jennifer Hogan …. funny story. I am somewhat of a minimalist, hate clutter ( but Jan reminded me to clear my bedside table, done ) , however, I break glassware often. I even ordered some ”lifetime guaranteed unbreakable” wine glasses from a wine catalog, guess what? broke them, I didn’t bother to take them up on the warranty since I knew I would end up breaking those too. I’m donating the Waterford & Lalique to a worthwhile charity.
Great explanation, Jennifer.
^ agree, Love that jennifer - instead of minimlism or not, it seems more like being purposeful about we own/bring in to the home. FWIW I like my space a bit on the sparser side but still have a wonky collection of McCoy pottery all over my mantle that makes me happy :)
If ”warm and cozy” is your goal I would start by painting the walls a warmer color. I could be wrong but they appear to be a bluish gray? Maybe slightly green? whatever, it looks cool toned. colors in photos can be misleading however.
Okay, got it. You can warm up gray using warmer colors, like your sofa, textured things, pillows, baskets, ), live plants, wood toned furniture. what is your budget?
Art available online everywhere at many different price points ….I’d start browsing & see what catches your eye.
I think this layout would work better; if you’re looking to purchase an art wall, you might want to check out AUSJOJO Art Wall.
Because painting is off the table, lighting can do much of the work of warming the cool gray. I would build three layers rather than rely on one bright source: soft ambient light, a shaded floor or table lamp near the seating area, and a focused light for art or another architectural detail. Choose warm-color-temperature lamps and diffused or shaded sources to reduce glare; pools of light at different heights will feel cozier and give the room more depth after dark.
For the MCM/Frank Lloyd Wright direction, look for lighting with a clear geometric composition and enough sculptural presence to function almost like suspended art. A broad pendant can establish a strong horizontal element, but it should leave comfortable head clearance and remain proportionate to the seating zone.
Here's a sculptural lighting design from our GREYGE.com collection, just as a visual reference. The design is CALLA, an Italian-produced pendant made with metal and a diffuser: https://www.greyge.com/product/modern-chandeliers-for-living-room/ Its sculptural composition illustrates how a ceiling light could add character without changing the wall color. It comes in 135 cm and 190 cm widths, so this is not a confirmed fit—the room dimensions and clearance would need to be checked first.
Does your rental permit replacing or adding a hardwired ceiling fixture?
Coordinating with tones in fireplace is different than matchy. An example of not having everything matchy they are talking about is not matching your end tables to your coffee table, or your dresser not matching every other piece you have in your bedroom
No rug. I like your floors. Two things stood out for me; the size of the clock & the size of your chandelier ( I realize it’s ”beachy” but does it look that large in person? ) Maybe that’s why you think the dining area looks ”lonely”? Idk
Can we see the family room (all angles) you're hiding, along with ALL of the kitchen? Thank you
Wait.......?
Stand at FIREPLACe and add please?
It's clear you're jumping around, without a plan? Adding threads for each area? Don't do that: )
Round …..not matching the other finishes.
Thanks for all your comments. I already own the coffee table and side table so will keep those.
I like your first rendition best. At my previous home, late 70’s beach So Cal, very similar in architecture, I painted all the trim the same color as the body of the house except for the eaves & facia ( Urbane Bronze on those ). Less ”choppy” IMO.
Sorry, no longer live there. I can’t remember the color, something like desert sagebrush neutral . I sampled several different colors. My roof was charcoal. Yes, I too wanted a simpler, less “chopped up”look? All of my neighbors had contrasting trim on their homes, similar vintage architecture, I didn’t care for it.
Thank you so much for the great advice. can uou recommend any warm creamy greige or putty colors that you have used and look good? i am leanimg toward DE pewter patter for siding and trim, charcoal sletch for facia and eves and stone craft for font door. I am leaning tward keeping all trim tonal with siding color.as well as garage door. the house has a lot going on with the wiod siding (back half is all stucco). i want to create a more calm feel. thank you!
A house on my street is SW Tony Taupe - its a bit warmer so doesnt go purple like a lot of griege houses (one on my morning walk is lilac till about 10am) - color is very personal, but for me it’s a nice natural linen color
I disagree with Lyn's statement - We have placed tv's above fireplaces that are above eye level and haven't had any complaints. I have done that in two of my own homes and it hasn't been a problem. There is no neck strain.
I sort of think TVs are often mounted higher because they are 'watched' as people live their lives, clean, cook etc. They are back ground noise. It also depends on the size of your room. Never ever have a sat as close to a TV as Lyn's graphic suggests one does. The farther from the TV the higher it can be hung for comfortable watching. The size of the TV plays a factor also. The smaller the TV the closer and eye level when sitting one might need. Ours is hung as our art is. At eye level when standing. Sitting across the room neck issues have never been a problem. Never a complaint. I've been saying it for many years here..that graphic needs to go away. It may have been helpful when TV was first invented but for today given the way TVs have grown, rooms have grown it's often just not relevant.
We have boucle sofas from Room & Board, we chose boucle because we like rhe look of the texture, however, if ordering again I would probably select a ”smoother” fabric for comfort. BTW, had RH furniture & light fixtures at our previous home, think that Room & Board’s quality is far superior, just based upon our experience.. We do have lots of RH bed linens, like those.
Choose another brand of furniture. RH is way overpriced (they have to pay for that huge catalog which is sent out to hundreds of thousands, unsolicited, I may add). The quality is meh. Large sectionals belong in a very, very large space.
How big is the sectional and how large is the room?
#1, definitely ( for me ).
The ”odd” numbered (3) shown looks the worst IMO. I think when designing it’s the positioning that’s important … rather than just the nimber of objects. I prefer asymmetrical designs though
Number 1 - as long as one palm is taller than the other.
#1, hands down. As long as, like shirl said, one palm is larger. That arrangement looks professional and polished.
Privacy from what, precisely? The structure and road/vehicle in the background are far enough away they would need a telescope to see into your property!
Zones are meaningless without a specific location. What grows well in Z8 Georgia is very different from Z8 Texas or Oregon. Where are you located?
Since you already have the smaller version & like it I would. It will save you the hassle of shopping for another ( since I hate shopping that would be a win for me ).
No problem, I have even used the same rug in 2 seating areas in a large LR