Oh no, can I persuade you to keep the fireplace? It's lovely!

I quite like the layout you came up with. Two good sized 2-seaters is a good idea. No one wants to sit in the middle on a 3-seater anyway. So I wouldn't get 2 of the same size.

Look at loads of different sofas. Test how comfy they are. And measure the ones you're considering buying. A good idea is to make a template out of paper and tape and lay that on the floor to see how much space a big piece of furniture will take up.

In the shop everything looks much smaller than it will do in your home.

You'll find some helpful tips here:

https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/87794902/list/sofa-buying-guide

I wouldn't go bigger on one of the sofas, it looks a bit odd when they're opposite each other imo and you end up trying to even it out with a side table or something. A sofa in a bay can look good, maybe exchange the plant for a side table and a floor lamp the other side? What Style and colours have you chosen for elsewhere and what way does the room face In terms of light? Will you have a tv? I must admit I would keep the fireplace! The surround is lovely and the tiles are a beautiful colour (and very on trend!). You could change the tiles if you don't like the colour?

Thanks so much for the tips! I'm so torn about that fireplace to be honest - I keep looking at it, trying to love it, but can't :/ If you've got any ideas on how to style it though, do shout!

To clarify - we're definitely keeping a fireplace, just maybe not THAT one. Those tiles are quite a distinctive shade of green and i'm not sure we can make it work. I'd love to be persuaded otherwise though!

@minnie:

1 - the room is north-east facing

2 - Yep, we'll have a telly (over the fireplace we think - I know, but we need one!)

3 - We're toying with dark, inspo pics I've saved are below. I know it's been done to death but we'd quite like to give it a go. Fave is the first one, I love like the contrast and the wood tones.

The fireplace is beautiful, please keep it. You don’t have to embrace green, one or two accent pieces would work. Two large two seater sofas opposite each other. TV on unit or wall opposite fire. Art above fireplace. Definitely go for alcove shelving, I’d suggest cabinets at low level with shelving above.

Layout options, notice the TV placement.

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I agree with Carolina (and everyone else here...) you'll regret deleting the fireplace.

It has such a unique character with the fabulous vibrant green tiles. I feel it would suit a subtly industrially styled interior, but certainly not exclusively.

I'm not sure if its green works with Hague Blue. But hey, it's easier and cheaper to change the wall colour than taking out a fireplace (and replacing it)...

Whatever you do, take your time! :)

I definitely agree with the other's, please keep that fireplace! At the very least, don't commit to changing it until you've figured out what other elements are going in/colour scheme. You would be surprised at what keeping an original element like this will do for your space...it creates instant warmth and character.

Other than that, I think your layout is good. I too agree, keep the sofa's the same size.

I don't like TV's over fireplaces...who really wants the TV as a focal point?! Plus, it usually ends up way too high for comfortable viewing. The TV set into one of the alcoves on an arm would be better aesthetically and for viewing.

Good luck and have fun!

I agree with everyone re tv. I really like your 2nd inspiration pic, the linen curtains look fab against the walls and there's lot of texture in the room. You could add more warmth with a brass side table, mirror etc. I really like the first room too but Personally would go for off white/pale neutral woodwork, those walls would also look fab in a grasscloth/silk effect etc wallpaper although it would add a lot of expense! Maybe detail what you like about each room and people can help more with shopping suggestions?

And another person agreeing...DO keep the fireplace. People in the future will be grateful. It's the natural focal point, and the tiling looks original. What a gift! I love your ideas about dark colours, and the teal sofa suggestion is genius - teal references and tones with green but also subdues the effect.

Two sofas is a great idea; its an elegant and efficient way to seat 4 and no-one ever wants to sit in the middle of a larger one - it makes conversation impossible. One tip is to place them NOT right against a wall if possible. Pull them into the room even if only a little way, making sure you have enough circulation space between them and a coffee table Paradoxically, space behind a sofa implies a larger room. Alternatively, and I know this works, you don't have to have a coffee table between them, but can use side tables.

I also agree that a TV above a fireplace is a very bad idea. It looks unsophisticated, it's harder to change when you want a new, or no, TV, and the angle of viewing is all wrong. A big black screen is not what should dominate your sitting room - which is going to be great.

How exciting to be planning your first home.

Thanks so much all, you’ve inspired me to look again at the green fireplace - although my partner is completely horrified! He’s not a fan of the green. I think we have our work cut out to find a scheme we both like with the fireplace included. On that note, we like dark but not wedded to the idea - love the grey and the moulding in that pic ForzaItalia.

Now I’m all turned about! Does anyone have any other ideas for colour schemes to work with the green? We like classical touches (i‘m installing panelling in the dining room), wood tones, cast iron, plants, tan leather (although I think I’d prefer fabric sofas for comfort). The room is north facing. For those who asked, the dimensions of the room are attached - in cm.

Also - noted about the telly!

Big thanks again to all of you xx

To be honest, I don't think I would keep that fireplace even though I like the green and gold, you could buy a lovely cast iron fireplace with tile inserts you actually like instead. I'd give it a lot of thought, because removing it is a messy job.

Hi Stephanie,

A mid-century style would look great, and it incorporates a lot of the colours you like - dark blues, that fantastic fireplace green, tan leather and darker wood tones. You could also try some monotone accessories if you (or your partner) want to tone down the green tiles! I'd also recommend lots of plants to brighten up the north facing light. It's a great way of making a room feel lively and fresh.

Have a look at some of these for inspiration:

Also, if you do feel hesitant about the room being too matchy-matchy, this little l'Oiseau would sit perfectly with the green tiling, if you wanted a small and subtle accent piece to complement the colour scheme.

Keep us posted with photos, looking forward to seeing this wonderful room as it changes!

Phoebe