Living room...just can't get it to work

9 years ago

OK i've recently renovated my house, this is my living room so far (please ignore the face I don't have window sills or radiator covers yet!) I've opened up the original 100 year old stone walls so wanted the room to have a country house/cottage feel but I dont know...its just not working, some bits I love (log burner!) but other bits I don't...it feels a bit dull.. Im convinced its because of the brown sofas! But maybe its just me!! I've rearranged the room endless times. The only things that are fixed is the tv and pc have to stay where they are due to plug/aerial points.
HELP!

Featured Answer

felixgrantham

9 years ago

Your stone walls are fabulous!

I recommend that you replace the rug with something with color in it. Be sure to get one that is large enough - too small is a very common mistake.

You need to remove everything from the couch and chair and get some bright throw pillows in a big pattern, or even solids that coordinate with main colors in your new rug.

You need a properly sized coffee table & the white table next to the chair looks like a bedside table - remove it & replace with a floor lamp..

IMO - an accent wall would be a big mistake. They are very hard to pull off.

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Comments (47)

PRO
Warner Decor
9 years ago
I think that your room is looking great! I think that there is too much symmetry on the mantel. Here are a few things that I think would look nice:

http://deciture.com/tweet-bottles-set-of-3/

http://deciture.com/pillar-holders-set-of-2/

http://deciture.com/classy-styled-wood-glass-metal-candle-holder/

Hope this helps you!
Lauren Cooper thanked Warner Decor
mfwolfe
9 years ago
In the second picture there is a wooden chest that looks very nice with the stone walls. BTW the stone walls are wonderful. But the white wooden pieces don't seem to work as well. Maybe there are too many pieces the same. Could you remove a few and see how it feels?
Lauren Cooper thanked mfwolfe
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Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
thanks guys...
yea i think im going to take out the sideboard on the back stone wall (that will get demoted to the spare room!) and maybe look for a wooden desk rather than white?
PRO
Rebecca Mitchell Interiors
9 years ago
What a find those stone walls are. Beautiful! I think you might have too many pieces of furniture in this space. Can you pare it down at all? The fireplace wall is also very bare - can you paint one accent wall and can you put a proper mantle around the fireplace? I think the brown leather furniture could work in this space (and I always like to work with what a client has if they can) - simply remove all the throw cushions, replace the rug and then get new cushions that pull it all together. Hope this helps. Good luck from Montreal!
Lauren Cooper thanked Rebecca Mitchell Interiors
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
ive been thinking about an accent wall.... in a darker neutral or green maybe?
humm yea the sofa were given to us when we moved in as we hadn't got anything so ive brought things to try and match them in but i think the problem is I realise I just don't like brown! Would much rather pick out the grey tones in the stone... suppose ill have to persuade my hubby to save up for new ones :p
Thanks rebecca! from south wales, uk!
PRO
Rebecca Mitchell Interiors
9 years ago
I would go with a mid-to-dark grey for the accent wall - and I like grey and dark brown together (until you can convince hubby to replace sofas). South Wales? Very cool!
decoenthusiaste
9 years ago
The money spent to move TV and computer connections to optimal locations, will be well worth it, because their placement can make or brake your space. Try removing the tall chest by the FP and adding lighting and glass shelves to that niche for a nice display area. Angle the brown chair in front of the window and remove the beige one entirely. Extend the curtain rods so the curtains clear the window sill and fall straight when drawn back. Consider painting the space a lovely gray inspired by the stone and FP surround. Brown and gray can be a striking and warm combo. I think warmth is what is missing here. I agree with others that the tables, desk and wood chair are all too much, too matched and appear to have all been bought on the same shopping trip at the same store. The country cottage look is better achieved with unique collected pieces rather than matched manufactured ones. You might try a crackle finish or a distressed milk paint on your sideboard so that it doesn't stick out against the wall. A warm amber to match those larger stone might be nice. Just the right shade of antique green could work as well. I would have that niche above it wired for a flat screen TV to hang on the wall, and use WIFI for the computer.
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Lauren Cooper thanked decoenthusiaste
groveraxle
9 years ago
I feel like I'm playing Where's Waldo. Where the heck is the TV?

The loveseat in front of the window is too deep and intrudes into the fireplace space. Consider switching it with the sideboard. Then put the chair to the right of it, angled toward the fireplace, move the sofa down on that wall, and put the TV on the wall to the left of the fireplace.

I agree with no accent wall. Your fabulous rocks are your accent walls. Don't do anything to detract from them.
Lauren Cooper thanked groveraxle
melwishes
9 years ago
Agree with the other comments about no accent wall - your stone is really beautiful.

My take on the room is that there is so much going on that I don't really know what to look at and the walls get "lost" in it all.

Would you consider taking out some of the small pieces (mantle furnishings, items off the top of the fireplace, small lamp and the "&" sign and two of the three throw rugs) and replacing them with larger items or leaving them out althogether?
Lauren Cooper thanked melwishes
chrisinky
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm with you about the tv. I can't find it either!

Those walls are fabulous! Everything needs to make you want to look at them. I think the problems are that there's too much white (walls) & all of your color in the room is the same tone of neutrals. The tan wood & dark couch and chair are the only things standing out-in a good way.

Most of your things can stay in the room if you paint your walls a light to medium gray that blends with the gray stone. If the white furniture have gray walls behind them, they will look better. I think the gray of your fireplace tile would look nice painted on your white walls. I've attached a picture of a greenish gray with stone since you mentioned green. It looks nice too.

As pretty as they are, I don't think your curtains are helping the stone walls at all. I think for the cottage look you need something lighter and more flowing.

I like deco's idea for glass shelves in the niche by the window wall. What exactly is the small niche above the white sideboard? Is that a pass-through to the kitchen or is there a back to it?

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Lauren Cooper thanked chrisinky
chrisinky
9 years ago
I'm a more visual person. A picture can show a lot more than I can say, so here are several. I love the curtains in the first one. Others show wall colors, cool idea for niche, and pillow ideas. If you really don't like the brown couches, how do you feel about slip covers?

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User
9 years ago
It's not the brown leather furniture that bothers me but rather the white. That square coffee table, little white side table and the white piece against the wall just don't seem to fit in with the natural elements of stone fireplace and leather. Collect some bits of nature from outdoors and notice the colors and how they blend. The white is too stark of a contrast and needs to be changed to softer natural tones. Taupes and grays and tans would look better with some strong color accents.
groveraxle
9 years ago
What I would do:
Lauren Cooper thanked groveraxle
Leah Lah
9 years ago
I'm not a "Pro" but figured I could suggest a couple things just by looking at your photos. First of all I think you'd be amazed at what paint could do! That's the first thing I thought. The ceiling and walls are extremely similar in color. You could also paint the ceiling. I've done that in my own home and I was pleasantly surprised! Crown molding is another thought, if you're wanting to invest a little more into the project. Crown molding is like the bow on a present - It makes it look finished! Overall I was already impressed with you space. I think it's so cozy and I love the stone. Very unique! Good luck :)
Lauren Cooper thanked Leah Lah
chrisinky
9 years ago
I like where grover put the sideboard. It draws more attention to your window. Maybe the tan love seat would fit the space where the sideboard was?
Lauren Cooper thanked chrisinky
decoenthusiaste
9 years ago
I usually am satisfied with grover's illustrations, but this one seems to minimize the seating too much. I'd either leave the buffet on the stone wall or eliminate it, but I also think the beige sofa is a misfit.
Lauren Cooper thanked decoenthusiaste
marisa4014
9 years ago
Lovely space! I wanted to mention one item that can add much "bang for the buck" as they say here in the USA. Lighting! A larger and more stylish ceiling light fixture would help pull everything together. These days you do not need to be an electrician to put up new ceiling fixtures, and the style that you choose can really help to set the tone for the room. Have fun!
Lauren Cooper thanked marisa4014
pgteach
9 years ago
If it were my room,I would go for a large sisal rug, kilim pillows and layered kilim area rug, oper weave neutral drapes and natural woven blinds.I think you need pieces that have some heft and color to hold their own against the brown leather. Love GA TV stand.Try painting the bases of your pine pieces, and hit the second hand stores for a couple of big chunky lamps. It will be great,it just takes time.
Lauren Cooper thanked pgteach
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
wow thanks for all your suggestions guys!!

lol the tv is above the large sofa.. ive added another pic (thats where the aerial socket is) how could I move that without have to pull up floors to move cables??

The niche above the sideboard is actually a window (originally would have been the outside wall) but it now goes through into the kitchen/diner

The reason I have white furniture is because in my last house we had an all white and blue room..so thats why im kinda stuck with it.

Ive also added a picture of what the room looked like when we brought the place... and during the work...attractive eh?
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
oh and I just went with an off white because I was worried about the room becoming dark...but I do like the ideas of going with a grey. I quite like the colours in this pic...

were all pretty much agreed the 2seater doesn't go! Maybe another armchair instead? hummm

grover axle i don't know how you did that pic but its cool! I like the sideboard there...

argh I don't know!
groveraxle
9 years ago
So you watch TV with the eyes in the backs of your heads? LOL

The TV absolutely doesn't go on that wall. If you have a basement or crawl space, moving the cable connection would be a piece of cake. If not though, I would even consider running the cable under the sofa and the rug to the other side to keep all your focal points in one place.

Another possibility might be to move the TV so it's directly opposite the fireplace, and then turning the sofa to face the windows (if it fits).

Kudos to you for exposing all that beautiful stone, BTW. Those walls absolutely rock!
Lauren Cooper thanked groveraxle
qam999
9 years ago
If everything is white, beige, grey, or brown, it is hard to avoid dullness. The white furniture is doing nothing for you, but it's really easy to paint with just a few precautions. The stone is powerful and needs stronger colors in the furniture to stand up to it. Overall the room wants more color and power, and less tweeness IMO. I recommend you choose a fairly bold and ambitious color scheme.
Lauren Cooper thanked qam999
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
haha now eyes in the back of the head would be useful...
I really am going to look into moving it, apparently you can get things to plug into the aerial socket to send signal anywhere wirelessly.
Unfortunately theres a door opposite the fireplace, if the fireplace was in the middle of the room it would have been easier! but thats 110 year old welsh valley houses for you!

Thanks soberg Im definitely going to be revamping the colour scheme after this and moving some furniture round :D
moonroxx
9 years ago
i think the white parts are just TOO white; i'd think about softer versions of what you find in the stonework without going too dark for the white furniture & walls & maybe a medium or half-tone for the ceiling which would help soften that spare chandelier. (pity that an unobtrusive ceiling fan is probaby too much.) i'm also thinking that the bare wood slab mantle above the small grey-tiled fireplace would look better if it were painted or greatly "distressed" with dark grey to blend a bit more with the tiling & hearth. and that niche next to the fireplace is intriguing and troublesome at the same time; maybe a recessed ceiling light & corner shelves (triangle shelves) that don't interfere with or don't touch the beautidul stone wall adjoining the windows and window treatment that reaches the sill not the floor. and paint the door and window sill to match the wood mantle. pleasepost more photos of your changes. BTW, if you leave the sideboard on the stone wall, please paint it to compliment the gorgeous niche above it.
Lauren Cooper thanked moonroxx
chrisinky
9 years ago
If you want to keep the olive green color like your pillow & throw, here are some ideas.

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Lauren Cooper thanked chrisinky
Nuri Iko
9 years ago
I think you can build wall shelving and study desk beside the fireplace near the window. Then you can rearrage the furnishing. If you still want the side table you can place the single sofa at the brick wall n place the side table on both side(Did you hv 2?)
Lauren Cooper thanked Nuri Iko
choppy39
9 years ago
Firstly I would put the picture of the fireplace higher, there is so much going on the floor that the low hanging height brings the ceilings down as well.
I would swap the sideboard in the alcove for a couple of timber shelves, less things on the floor.
Add some warmth with a spice or purple (F&B Brassica is gorgeous) paint the sideboard or alcoves add a lamp to the sideboard/sidetable in the same colour.
Brighten up the colour of the angle lamp?
The surface of the coffee table looks a little orange pine colour in the picture,(it might not be) if so sand the top and Danish oil it.
I don't think you would have to much at all to give the room a more complete look.
Reposition tv or have cables chased into the wall if possible
Lauren Cooper thanked choppy39
paddygarvey
9 years ago
Paint the rock wall a colour. Maybe a neutral colour it will create different textures in the room. The furniture are brilliant they just need to have more cushions. Go for yellow cushions maybe like a mustard yellow have to cushions on either side both the same. Make one cushion bigger than the other or two different shape cushions e.g one square and one circular. Paint all your wooden furniture the same cushion.
Lauren Cooper thanked paddygarvey
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
Unfortunately not much has changed since the last pictures lol...
But ive added a mirror and a few pictures and swapped the sideboard. Eventually I will put a stain on the pine to tone it down so its more like the floor.
Thinking about adding some burnt orange or red in?? (like the colours in the picture above the desk)
claire Hamill
9 years ago
I would paint the fireplace wall a burnt umber to match the chest in the alcove and buy a new round coffee table in a dark wood colour,Why can't the tv hang over the fireplace will it get too hot? the seating is fine where it is,you need to be near the fire.oh yes the curtains need doing! ha ha sorry...all this work we're making for you...sweet little place though...
Lauren Cooper thanked claire Hamill
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes tv would get hot on that wall plus it would mean pulling up all the floor to re-route the wires.
I like the idea of painting that wall darker...
The curtains look a funny length because they are supposed to sit on top of a radiator cover which will be arriving soon...So im hoping they will fit in better then!
Thanks :D
em2020
9 years ago
To my mind quick updates would be some orange/rust accents. May be find some curtains that have orange and some other colours and then pick those colours out. So that you have several colours to add interest. Mix and match a few cushions to those tones. Keep the tone of the colours the same. I'd probably add ornaments that were grey/black so overall your room has neutral and earth tones. That way you don't lose the sofas which to me look a lovely caramel colour. Agree the fireplace is over done.
Lauren Cooper thanked em2020
Jane Bateman
9 years ago
Lovely room just needs tweaking!
Some strong colour is needed. Your orange/red idea is fantastic. Curtains, rug and throw would transform the look.
I'd also go for a heavier looking light fitting.
Lauren Cooper thanked Jane Bateman
PRO
Just The Chair
9 years ago
Hi Maybe we could help
Please check out our idea books/ website and let us know if we can help you in anyway
Martine
9 years ago
Maybe add a fire surround instead of just the shelf and a bigger picture or large mirror above it. I'd also put something on the wall to the left of it to balance it seeing as your cure is not centred. Maybe matching fabric sofa and chairs would pull the room together? Good luck.
Nuri Iko
9 years ago
In Singapore we reroute wires following the bottom wall just above the flooring. Usually hidden by plastic track thingy.
Nuri Iko
9 years ago
In Singapore we reroute wires following the bottom wall just above the flooring. Usually hidden by plastic track thingy.
Jonathan
9 years ago
Hi Lauren,

Reading this I think you don't love it yet because there is too much contracts between the dark sofa and the light wall.
Paint the wall, don't worry about light- that is a massive window.
Don't worry about it feeling smaller - it won't
I also agreed that the curtains need to be on a wider pole or the window should be dressed with an additional something (wood slatted blind?)
Lauren Cooper thanked Jonathan
debparker9
8 years ago
Its nearly there but to many little tables dotted around. With small rooms bigger and less its better.
Lauren Cooper thanked debparker9
taniaglen
8 years ago
Hi, I think you should loose the fabric sofa, move the leather one to under the window, move a sideboard under the tv . Add some artwork to the wall next to the fireplace and further along too, perhaps a large floor mirror and place the desk area under the old window on the brick wall.
Lauren Cooper thanked taniaglen
taniaglen
8 years ago
Lastly, this room needs a plant in it, perhaps a large one on the floor .
Lauren Cooper thanked taniaglen
Clare Mee
8 years ago
Good work with the wall! Why not try adding more of a pop of warm colour tones? You
Could simply change the throws and cushions to completely alter the room. Go autumnal with plums and soft green and then come spring change this out for duck egg and pinks. Pull the cushions in to corners of the settee so it doesn't all look so symmetrical.
Lauren Cooper thanked Clare Mee
Clare Mee
8 years ago
Or add a big mirror over the fireplace with a vintage frame; that will help bounce the light around the room some more.
Lauren Cooper thanked Clare Mee
groveraxle
8 years ago
DEAD THREAD.
Lauren Cooper
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
not dead lol thanks!

Thanks everyone for your ideas... after switching around numerous times over the last year Ive ended up switching my rooms completely and now have the dining table in there! ill post more pictures when ive finished painting (and tidying!) :)
groveraxle
8 years ago
Oops, sorry, Lauren, but you hadn't posted in a white, so I assumed you were finished. Looking forward to new photos.
Lauren Cooper thanked groveraxle