Need suggestions to finish family room

7 years ago

Having trouble deciding on a lamp style for the corner table, accent pillows for the two chairs and what to put on the back wall as a focal point. Thought maybe the lamp with the clear base. The table top is a grey similar to the ottoman color.

Featured Answer

ebspublic
Original Author

7 years ago

Hi again,
Back home trying out the options. I attached a picture showing view of opening to kitchen. I moved the couch closer to the kitchen so that the end of the chaise end of couch is even with the end of the big window. There was now plenty of room for both chairs at far wall. Thinks this looks much better! See new pictures. I left the small end table next to couch for now.

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Comments (70)

ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you freedomplace1 and linlac- great ideas! I have gotten several comments that I need a tall piece on the back wall- a cabinet or bookcase. I originally had a big cabinet there but it was too big. What would you all think of me putting the pachinko machine (see picture) in a frame with legs so that it would stand eyeball height on the back wall in the dead space beyond the couch. It would only project out about 9 inches. Then have an art grouping over the chair to the right? I could paint the frame an accent color. Would that help with the height issue or look too juvenile?
User
7 years ago
Could you center the sofa under the window and move the tv to the wall where the chairs are, maybe on a longer console. Then move the chairs to the tv wall.
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Hi eclipse 66 I'm sorry to hear about your break in. This is quite tricky to picture as I wasn't certain which walls related to which, but I will give this a go. I wonder if your ceilings are around the 2.4mtr mark, as your doors suggest. Although you have many windows that are probably floor to ceiling, each room is sectioned off by this central corridor, so no real natural light gets down there, is that right? The little natural light that might filter through would be absorbed by the walls, and the colour you have on these walls would not be easily seen. Without. Sounding too mainstream here, I would absolutely paint an offwhite wall the entire corridor and each adjoining living area off that, with exception to your kitchen. All ceilings purest ceiling white along with the window frames and all internal doors. The walls in a satin finish to help the light reflect a little, and move around the wall without being too shiny. You haven't mentioned your floor? Try to keep it consistent in all the living areas including your hallway, and only carpet the bedrooms as these doors would be closed often. With the door filled hallway being a white gloss finish, and a white ceiling in a flat white, the walls will feel a little warmer in comparison, although still a white, perhaps something like a hog bristle 1/4 strength by dulux. In your main living room, and kitchen, paint the hog bristle in full strength, so it feels warmer, as these spaces flow onto each other, feeling larger as a whole. With your doors being so tall, (or the ceiling being comparably low), hang your window rods if any right at ceiling level, use a sheer curtain that even when partly closed let's light filter through, they dress the window but won't block light, for that install roller blinds that will roll right up exposing as much daylight as possible, and if privacy is a factor, the sheer will provide a buffer and still seem light filled. Even if these are never used, framing the window will place an emphasis on the window frame, and more importantly the light they provide, swell as an illusion of vertical space even without it. Aother suggestion for that hall is to use this principle to heighten the ceiling, visually, is to use lining boards vertically, or a wallpaper with a strip or vertical print. Drawing you eye upward toward the end, with a wallpaper, I'm thinking of one I've seen many times over, it's a white or cream background, with an image of birch trunks, the base or top of the trees arent revealed in the picture so it doesn't make the space feel from a low or high perspective. This would provide a creative distraction to the corridor, evoke a feeling as you have walking through a beautiful place, and is graphic but still very neutral. You can even paper you doors so when they're closed, the hallway won't feel so busy. I would remove carpet in the hall if you have any, because a warm closed in space without proper airflow, or light feels stuffy, and carpet absorbs sound and lint, where floorboards or hard surface atleasts has a sound walking down it, which amplifies noise and feels bigger again by comparison. Against this neutral, cohesive space, your furniture andpersonality pieces can really stand out, particularly the red. I would also use this in the kitchen somewhere, maybe a gingham check fabric on the kitchen window or just your accessories. The less is more theory also extends to colour, particularly in smaller busy spaces, minimize these elements, like the repeat of doors and architraves on your walls, by tying them in with single colour, and keep your decorations either in a theme or single colour hue. Scatter your colour around so visually you have somewhere your eye is drawn to around the space. If you get pictures I will know if I'm way off track, but if any of them resonate with you, then great. Good luck. Ml design
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jeannethebeanie
7 years ago
I'm agreeing with SandyC. You need to get the furniture arranged differently and THEN do the accent colors. The furniture you have us beautiful, but looks awkward the way it is set up now.
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User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Yes, yes, yes to the lamp you've picked out --it would look great in that room! I also, like your throw pillows. I would maybe add a faux fur throw pillow to add some texture. Also, anchor the space with a large rug --something light with a subtle geometric line pattern. For the back wall, I'd do a large sunburst mirror or something similar. I think you also need a few plants. Other than that the space looks great. You have a good eye for matching patterns and coordinating it with solids.

Hope this helps!
PRO
Roon & Rahn
7 years ago
I would recommend a big painting with a bright color. That would bring contrast to your room:) We did the same thing in our room with a big painting and a turquoise sofa.
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linlac
7 years ago
Would you be willing to try the furniture in a different arrangement? You could always put it back. At a minimum I would move the end table and slide the sofa down. That would give the chairs more room to be positioned correctly.
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Alvitra Hand Blown Glass Lighting
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michelleh114
7 years ago
@linlac This room is amazing!
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi All,
Yes, I am willing to consider a different layout but here is the dilemma- the couch has to be positioned so my Hubble sees the tv. If the tv goes on the far wall it would be the focal point from the kitchen. The tv can't go next to the small window because there is not enough space. There is an opening to the music room on the tv wall. The sofa is one piece- doesn't come apart. I can slide it further down the wall it is on -but wouldn't that crowd the chairs? I am trying to keep both chairs in the room if possible to provide enough seating.
linlac
7 years ago
Not toward the chairs but the other way. You would have to move the end table. In place of the end table you could use a c table or a tray on the ottoman. Is the couch too wide to face toward the large blank wall with room for a pass through? If so you could put the tv on the large wall flanked by the two chairs. Add a sofa table so you're not looking at the back of the sofa.
User
7 years ago
Move the sofa down so it's centered with the window, put the round table that's between the chairs on the end. Get a large arc lamp for over the sofa at that end. Move one chair on other side of sofa and small round table to the left of the other chair. The chair arrangement looks awkward to me anyways. Thoughts?
User
7 years ago
I believe the sofa is too wide to put on back wall or face back wall correct? What's on other side of the room?
linlac
7 years ago
If she moves the sofa toward the chairs it will be to far from the tv. The room is open to the kitchen? My thoughts if the sofa is too wide to face the wall is to move it the other way. The sofa will be more centered with the tv and the chairs will have room on the large wall. It would look nice centered on the window but I think you would be turning sideways to see the tv.
User
7 years ago
Can we see the other side of the room?
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes, the sofa is too wide to face the back wall. The kitchen flows directly into the family room with a step down. It is almost entirely open. I can try both ideas (centering under the window verses moving it closer to the kitchen) this evening. Then can put pictures up.
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
I can also post a picture facing toward the kitchen tonight.
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
Can you separate the chaise portion from the sofa? If so, then put the two seat sofa on the back wall, angle the chaise between the window and the doorway to the other room and that end of the room becomes your conversation area. Don't worry about any unsightly connectors, they can be hidden with tables, throws and other tricks. Angle the two chairs in front of the TV and place the bench perpendicular to the side walls. Use it to serve as a cross linking piece between the two sitting areas; one for conversation and one for TV watching. Then it will be time to shop for tables, lamps, art and accessories.
havingfun
7 years ago
waiting with bated breath deco...

oh i wore myself out shopping, phew! spoonflower has dozens of cool peacock designs in fabric and wallpaper and others too!
pandora fabric - craftyscientists - Spoonflower · More Info
pandora's box
Drowsy Peahen wallpaper - eclectic_house - Spoonflower · More Info
just a couple example they have many peacocks
linlac
7 years ago
I like the idea of swapping chairs and sofa. You said hubby sits on the sofa to watch tv. I'm guessing that's non negotiable.
JustDoIt
7 years ago
That is some good looking furniture you chose.
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
Maybe hubby sits on the sofa to watch TV because that's the only seating in front of it. Try the arrangement I suggested and see how he likes sitting in a chair to watch. You might want to get a small footstool for him, if he thinks a chair will work for watching TV. Maybe if you sit there with him it will go down easier! Then we'll find a great table and a lamp for the chairs so it can be a nice reading spot as well. How would you feel about some area rugs?
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Options of moving one chair down to kitchen end of couch with couch pushed down towards back wall and having the chairs for tv viewing were not well received lol.
Hope you all like the arrangement with the chairs on back wall!
I know it's practically screaming for an area rug in couch area but my kitty is old so I have to be practical. She destroyed my last one.
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
So, I guess the chaise can't be removed from the basic two-seater?!?
User
7 years ago
Is the sectional new? Any way it can be exchanged for a sofa, or could it be repurposed in a den or basement? Too bad it is not a good fit for the long, narrow room. The back wall is a problem as the chaise sticks out there, leaving a dead zone.
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Oy Sandy and Deco,
I guess I made a mistake in getting the sectional but I am going to have to make the best with what I have. Yes, I can take chaise off two seater, but the family loves to sprawl on couch and watch tv. The dead space at the side of the chaise is actually very functional- I have a low trunk there where I can stow everyone's electronics, books, magazines etc quickly and it is totally invisible from the kitchen -so less cluttered. And there is room to add tall greenery beyond the trunk in that back left corner.
What If I painted the back wall a darker color would that help make the room look less "bowling alley?" Or maybe I do get a reasonably priced area rug (so when kitty pukes I wouldn't be as anxious)?
jeannethebeanie
7 years ago
I like the idea of a tall plant in that corner!
freedomplace1
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
You're welcome, Ebspublic. I'm glad the ideas are helpful.

I see you have rearranged the furniture. With this arrangement, I think the sofa may be positioned more comfortably for tv viewing - and some of the sofa is now clear from windows - which is good. Your chair arrangement was fine before. I like the way you had the chairs arranged - and it created another conversation area that was also connected to the sofa. Aesthetically, it was fine. Now, you have more room to spread the chairs out - and chairs are fine on back wall, as well. Either chair arrangement works. Whatever works best for you. When I look at a space, in terms of placement - I use my sense of aesthetics, my intuitive sense of energy flow - and I am also familiar with Feng Shui principles - so I can draw upon that. But the main consideration - is that one feels comfortable in their space. This is your home. Do what feels right to 'you'.

I think with some décor on the back wall, some plants, perhaps - the space will be balanced. I think one large piece would do it - and I would opt for something that has a reflective quality. I think that would work well in the space.

I have to say you have a lovely home. You have made fine choices in furnishings, etc. Beautiful space.

And I don't think you need a rug, btw. The floor looks good without one - and the style works in your space.
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you freedomplace for the confidence booster!
I think I have a good idea for moving forward now from everyone helping. Time to stop thinking and start shopping!
linlac
7 years ago
I think it's going to be beautiful when you're finished. A plant in the corner is a great choice. Then you can add a piece of art above the two chairs. Hope you keep posting so we can see the outcome.
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Will do!
PRO
HMH Development Inc
7 years ago
I really like your sectional and think it is a great fit for not only the long narrow room but for your family. If everyone climbs on the sofa and the chairs are not needed for tv watching, I would suggest sliding the sofa down even more towards the kitchen. A floor lamp and small stool, wood would be preferred, will still give you light and a place for your drink on the left. The sofa will be nearly centered to the tv. This also gives you more room in back for a more intimate seating arrangement. I like the chairs in there new position. A large piece of art would look great back there along with a tree.
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
If you decide to get a rug, try an indoor/outdoor one that can be taken out and hosed off if kitty has an accident.
PRO
User
7 years ago
Roon & Rahn your style is killer!!
linlac
7 years ago
I just switched out a wool rug for an indoor/outdoor rug. Day one my dog and cat both had accidents. I couldn't believe it wiped right up with no staining.
For your chairs I would do small lumbar pillows with down fill. You won't have to move them when people sit down. You could use some of the green from the curtains or a combination of navy and green.
havingfun
7 years ago
excuse me. i need to change out the peacock pillow from above. i know i saw it a couple weeks ago, but it is no longer there. so i went shopping and found new ones, nearly identical, much cheaper! oh if we are into cats now, i will give you some of those, i love cat pillows - i lie, i love most animal pillows!
Amazon.com: Generic Custom Pillow With Filler Vintage Blue Elegant Colorful Peac · More Info
$3.99!
Amazon.com: Homecube 18 "X18 " Decorative Peacock Pillowcase Cotton Linen Square · More Info
$20 for 2!
Amazon.com - Nunubee Cotton Linen Cushion Cover Home Decor Square Printed Throw · More Info
a real uniter, now you can use any color!

Amazon.com: Seville Stray Cats Pillow Throw Pillow: Home & Kitchen · More Info
my gosh what did you do?
Amazon.com: YOUR SMILE Elephant Cotton Linen Square Decorative Throw Pillow Case · More Info
vive la frances!
Amazon.com: YOUR SMILE Elephant Cotton Linen Square Decorative Throw Pillow Case · More Info
i see you!
Amazon.com: Lyn® Cotton Linen Square Throw Pillow Case Decorative Cushion Cover · More Info
note there are 8. it reminds me most of our cat caroline. a tiny thing who is now largest due to weight.
Decorative Pillows & Accent Pillows | Wayfair · More Info

Home | Living Room | Pillows | H&M US · More Info
why no polka dot cats?
Home | Living Room | Pillows | H&M US · More Info
cat as geometric pattern
havingfun
7 years ago
I know, let me know when you want me to take them down. i just love them so much. the second anyone says animal i am on it.
Home | Living Room | Pillows | H&M US · More Info
last one.
olsenla
7 years ago
Having fun: love, love, love the many cat pillows!
havingfun
7 years ago
thanks
jbtanyderi
7 years ago
Pick a lamp about 30" tall. Then get a generously sized rug to anchor everything.
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Omg! Just came home and found the awesome pillow festival in my email!
Havingfun, definitely you live up to your name. My husband asked why I had a goofy expression on my face- the kitty pillows had me in stitches. I can't believe the price on the peacock pillows- going to grab them for the adjoining music room.
Linlac, I love the idea of lumbar pillows for the chairs and really like the ones you found. I don't see where they are from-can you send me the source?
I am still deciding on which lamps-jbtanyderi, thank you for the height recommendation. I found a listing of large plants that would do well in that corner location with the indirect morning sun. That reminded me to water my garden tonight!
Thank you all!
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
Water gardens in the early morning to prevent mold and mildew.
linlac
7 years ago
Those are all from Etsy. Don't know if you are familiar with that site but you can custom order sizes, fabrics, and fill for reasonable prices.
havingfun
7 years ago
do you need anymore help? otherwise please let us see when you are done! and remember to have fun with it!
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes need help! Brought home a few lamps this week. First set had a great swirl base of color but were too skinny for the table. This one seems to be right size but I think it is blah. The two greenhouses I went to have low inventory now- so no plant either.
havingfun
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
19 Inch Turquoise Lamp - Table Lamps at Hayneedle · More Info
ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
The bottom one is similar to the one I picked earlier in the week. But when I put it on the round table,the base looked too small relatively. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture.
havingfun
7 years ago
sorry, did not see, i was thinking the darker shade would give it more height width look.

sticking to the theme
Signature Design by Ashley Saher L100254 Table Lamp - Table Lamps at Hayneedle · More Info

$10 - $100 Table Lamps | Lamps Plus · More Info
you seem to want airy yet it will appear definitely wider.

one of my favorites, what frightened it?
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ebspublic
Original Author
7 years ago
Leaning tower of lamp!
Bo Behrens
7 years ago
Leaning tower of lamp!