I'm joining in my first blog party today!
I came across Amanda's party at Serenity Now a few weeks ago through one of the blogs I enjoy reading and decided I needed some ideas/suggestions/anything in getting this room in a happy place and figured I'd join in on the next round. That round just so happens to be today!
When we first moved in last year it was a bit of a chaotic time coupled with early pregnancy morning sickness mixed with a little bit of limbo for some of the stuff in this room. Now I'm no longer pregnant, we are much more settled in, and the things temporarily placed in this room are moving down to the basement now that we are getting our basement living space set up (pictures of that one soon to follow...but hopefully not in the "dilemma" department.)
Anyway, all this to say that the room is already feeling quite bare in places but it is soon to look even more bare-bones. So depending on how you look at it, its either a good thing or a bad thing.
By the way, can I just say that it is amazing what a picture of a room will reveal to you? I see this room every day, but looking at it through pictures I feel even more in need of help with it.
Problem:
Bare and empty space.
The swing, rug, and bookcases (can't see in this picture but next to the TV cabinet) will all be moving out of this room for one reason or another which will essentially add to some already bare spots in the room.
Before the swing was there we had a cute little dark espresso colored wicker chair in the corner near the window. It has since been moved to make room for the swing and found a new home where it's quite content staying (I think). So now I have two random pictures that are kinda floating a bit and a soon to be empty corner. Actually, aside from the two pictures and the TV cabinet, this will be a completely empty wall by the end of the week.
The bottom of the TV cabinet is currently filled with stereo equipment, DVD's, and such but will soon instead have all of the kiddo's toys. We have to pick them up and put them on the kitchen table EVERY time we leave the house to keep them safe from the dogs that really like stuffed toys.
This corner (above picture) will be completely empty in the next day or so. We have an antique "Lawyer's Bookcase" with glass panels that we're thinking about putting in this room and thought about maybe in this corner at an angle. What are your thoughts? (I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.)In terms of wall space...any suggestions on what I should do with the empty wall area that is not covered by furniture?
Pay no attention to the hurricane glasses on top of the TV cabinet. They landed there temporarily during a painting project. Speaking of on top of the TV cabinet...thoughts on putting things there? Anything? Leave it bare?
Alas, the opposite side of the room...with what I would say the opposite of problems. Really, I'd say this room is a little lopsided overall--especially after looking at it through a picture. The chair has an ottoman in front of it. We love having the seating so that it is easy to watch TV from both seating areas although we have debated on moving this chair in the corner where the swing currently is...but I'm just not so sure.
The wall shelves look sparse and not quite right on the wall. I'm hoping it is something as simple as just placing better accessories on them. Perhaps a few black framed prints? Something with verticle-ness? :)
Okay, so really, I should have stated that my decorating dilemma is really the entire room. The main dilemma that I'm focusing on at the moment is just figuring out the space/empty issue. After that I will be able to focus on the other things.
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Hi there!
ReplyDeleteLet's focus on the good stuff too. ;) I really like the color of your walls, and who doesn't love leather?
I'm not the best with furniture placement, but hopefully if you visit a few of the other partygoers, they'll know to come over here and check out your Dilemma too.
Have you considered turning your chair/ottoman at right angle to create more of a seating area instead of pointing it at the TV? That might warm the space up.
I love the idea of the espresso colored chair in the corner!
Do you have a collection of anything (creamware, dark colored baskets, cake platters, anything) that you could display on top of the armoire?
What about a coffee table with storage shelves under it? If you use small baskets, you could store baby toys (b/c believe me, they will multiply).
The lawyer's cabinet sounds great. I think maybe you need a grouping of similarly framed family photos or prints. You can get great black frames at The Dollar Tree. :)
I think you have a great start!! My problem is always that I have to go in baby steps so we don't spend too much $$ at once, but it is fun to get started.
Thanks for linking up. Have fun mingling, and I hope to see you at the next party. :)
I'm jealous that your problem is too much space! The first thing that jumps out at me is that all of you wall art is very small in scale. I would go ahead and fill up some of the space by the tv by adding large prints or creating groupings of frames. For above the couch, I would get a couple of large frames to add height to balance out the tv armoir. https://www.decorpad.com/photos/2008/03/07/cab2535c70f5.jpg
ReplyDeleteFor the empty corners- I would first move the chair over to the window space then add a floor lamp and side table. In the other space, I would add in a large potted plant.
Good luck!
What a great room!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about placing the large leather chair where the swing is? (It might be too big...) If it fits, I think it would look great there and help give the room more balance, add a floor lamp and a few baskets sitting near the fireplace to catch toys (you will have a ton!) and I think it would look even cozier when you walk into the room.
I love the idea of the lawyers bookcase :)
You might want a coffee table, but you might not, it really cuts down on the amount of space your child will have to play (we got of ours when my son started walking), another option is a wicker basket with a hinged lid to use as a coffee table and toy box (we do this).
I like your little shelves, I think the idea of bigger items on them is good - have you thought about painting them a darker color?
Thanks for your ideas over for my porch - I love having fresh eyes look at my space!
I wish I could help more with furniture placement, but I think I need help with that as well. I agree that your art needs to be bigger or more in a group. What about some of the vinyl that's so popular? Or you could fill embroidery hoops with fabric and group them. I did that recently. I do think you need to put something on top of the armoire. The case in the corner sounds great!
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