I am a terrible decorator. Any help is welcome!!

No expert but I think the fireplace hold surround doesn’t look great. And your space needs color. Needs dimension. Maybe different art over fireplace and sofa. And the chair in the corner seems like it’s in time out. Can it be pulled forward without crowding the walk space to sliders?

Thanks!!! I appreciate it!!

Eliminate the chimney surround. Add larger interesting (and colourful) art. Use larger lamps: the ones you have too spindly and rather short. Is there space to have the back of the sofa face us? That would allow chairs to have front feet on the rug and become part of the room.

If the fireplace surround isn't real brass, I would consider painting or replacing it in black. Can we see the other end of the room?

You are not a terrible decorator. With the furniture you have, I think you've found the right placement for the sectional and TV. Pull the chair out of the corner, onto the corner of the rug, and use the small side table (that you currently have behind the sectional) next to it. You want the side tables to be accessible from the seating. Add a floor lamp to the back of the sectional to get some more lighting. I like the brass on the fireplace. I would either use more colorful artwork or paint the walls.

Might be helpful to start an ideabook to see what styles speak to you.

Thanks Elizabeth! I will do that!

HI. You are not a terrible decorator. You have done a good job with a challenging space.

There are some things that do not look good, which I will recommend you change. A large tv never looks good in a corner (unless in a custom stand).

The sectional is very large for the space.

So, here is what I recommend you do as far as a floor plan (first step)

1) Remove the ottoman from the sectional

2) Move the sectional toward the fireplace, as far down as you can.

3) Place the tv straight on the sliding door wall (tv can be placed on articulating arm, so that all can see it well, if you want).

4) Remove chair rail and hang tv.

5) Get a wider tv console

You are not a terrible decorator ...you just need to play with what you've got . I like the idea that you can look out the window , can watch tv and have the fireplace in view ... Perhaps you can get a table in front of the sofa and put the ottoman further into the room so that one can sit around the sofa . I too would paint or take off the gold surround and replace it with something white ..and even paint the brick all white .... You don't need to do much more ..perhaps a different painting in the future . .... Or bookshelves a large lamp ...in the corner ..it takes time to make a room into a cozy home ...take it easy ...it's all pretty good so far ...!

You're not a terrible decorator! This is a challenging space. The first thing I notice is that all the furniture is pushed up against a wall and not in a good place for conversation or comfortable tv viewing. Play with furniture arrangements. I might start by pulling the sofa away from the wall and facing it towards the fire place. Then put the chair on the other side of the fire place from the TV. Don't be afraid to try different configurations, or put the TV on different walls and just see how things work for you.

If you're willing to swap pieces out I'd probably get more of a statement piece for the TV stand and swap out the sofa for something a little less bulky. And add book shelves.

Just be sure to take measurements of the space before making any big purchases so you know things will fit. Don't be afraid of color! Find a painting you like or a colorful rug you like and use that to pull colors from for accessories and wall color choices. Don't be afraid to make the space look lived in either. It's ok to have tables, throw blankets, pillows etc. It's your home. Let it feel like home.

Have you tried the sectional facing the fp?

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I am going to try it!!! Thanks!!!

You could measure first before trying to move that heavy couch :)

Just eyeballing, the sectional looked too wide to me to face the fireplace. I could be wrong. Too bad the chaise is not on the other side.

Good eye CDR design. It is too wide. I did pull the chair up like someone else suggested and looks better. Thanks for your help!

Are you willing to move the sectional toward the fireplace, remove the ottoman and square the tv?

Do you use the fireplace and could we see a photo of the other end of the room?

Yes I will try those things! And I will get a pic tomorrow and post. Thanks so much!