apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Maybe take that storage unit that's currently in the corner (the one that's holding your albums) and move it to that spot? And maybe hang some art or a small mirror above it? Then move that grayish chair back a little to occupy the space the storage unit left behind.

Otherwise, maybe a potted tree of some sort?

I feel the need to anchor that little table somehow. Can you move it a few inches to the right and then perhaps centre a large memo centre on the wall above it? I'm thinking either a cork board, or a fabric-covered board with criss-crossed ribbon strips to hold lists and reminders. Maybe 2 or 3 hooks along the bottom for hats, keys, whatever? Or a simple, unfussy mirror and a short shelf of cubby holes. And a large basket on the bottom shelf, or attractive stacked boxes, just for visual weight, even if you have nothing to put in them right now.

i totally agree with something TALL. if you don't really need the storage, then maybe a tall leaning mirror would be cool. if you DO need the storage, i'd totally go with the coat tree.

I would say floating shelf to function as your landing strip, and a plant below, an organic shape to balance out the media center.

What a sad little table.

Just because the cable outlet is there on that wall doesn't mean the TV has to be there too - There are these things called "Cable Cords" that are sold by the foot in places like Circuit City and Radio Shack, and they allow you to put the TV anywhere in the room you'd like. Get one.

I'd place the TV where your chair is - just get a small dhurrie flat-weave area rug to cover the cable cord. Get rid of that poor little table - instead, run a series of long low modular bookcases all along the entry wall from the front door to the corner of the room - perhaps some with doors and some without - also replacing the lonely little bookcase you have in the corner by the dining area. Use the top of these low bookcases as a display surface for artwork, mirrors, lighting, etc. Place your chairs on either end of the sofa - one in front of the bookcases with a nice end table and a reading lamp, the other with its back to the dining area (which you've moved back against the window-wall)

If you're able to paint, I'd paint at least the wall behind where your new long low bookcases are a nice bright accent color - something not Brown/Taupe/Beige. Balance this by painting the opposite wall in the dining area the same color. Get throw pillows in similar/complimentary colors as your accent walls and spread liberally.

bepsf has some great ideas and I think the low bookcase thing is fabulous. If you're convinced by the tv's location, though, I'd get rid of the table and do something wall based. I don't know that I'd go floating shelf like, but perhaps a series of three 'box' shelves (you know, like the ones those 3D pictures come in?) They could hold keys, etc quite well...

i think the problem is that the table is empty, maybe add a cute table lamp and a mirror above, with a dish to drop keys etc (that is exactly what i have in my entry -a low bookshelf filled, a large round mirror- the grundtal from ikea, and a lamp, and dish) it works quite well, i have a place to drop off my keys, and i can look in the mirror to make sure i don't look too crazy when i leave the house.

or a tall coat rack would be cool, i like the ones at urban outfitters

Original question-asker here. Thank you all. I'll try to comment a bit on some suggestions.

Bepsf, a few things. The cable outlet isn't on that wall. I know what cable cords are, but the wall that the TV is currently on makes the most sense because it doesn't make it the first thing that one sees when entering the apartment. I had it there for a while and it just didn't work. I like the media stand that I just bought, and I already have bookcases (not pictured), so there's not much need for those. I also didn't include a picture of the actual dining area (my fault), but it extends farther into the apartment. However, the idea of painting an accent wall is intriguing.

Wc_canuck, I like the notion of box rather than floating shelves. Any suggestions for specific models, finishes, etc?

Kdkaboom, hadn't thought about doing a mirror, but that's definitely something I'd consider, as I don't have any mirrors, other than the one in the bathroom, anywhere in the house.

One more thing to clarify: all the gray furniture in the second pic is actually stuff I was painting in the living room, so the only thing that's ever actually in that space is the chair (and accompanying ottoman). I am planning to put down an area rug in the living room, just haven't found the right one yet.

In the future, send in a photo when the room is in the state that you want readers to comment on. This would lead to more helpful suggestions and less confusion.

Paint a huge rectangle behind the tv to distinguish that area from the entry area. Consider hanging a narrow curtain in between your landing strip and your media center. You could use either a tension wire or one of those curtain rods that mount only on one side and can swing 180 degrees (i have one that you can 'lock' into the angle you want). Getting a small entry rug would also help define the space.

I think I understand your floorplan after staring at the pictures for a while :) I'm wondering if the dark brown sofa wouldn't be better parallel to the tv? You could back the dining table right up against it which would help designate "livng" and "dining" areas. Please get some curtains to soften that window too!

You have a great space - you just need a little color and organization and it'll rock :) good luck! Send in after pictures!!

I think the table would work if it was being used--a pretty tray for keys, a little lamp, etc.
The suggestion for some height is all you need--a mirror, shelves, or hooks, whatever strikes your fancy.
I like where the tv is, because you have a conversation area that is not tv focused. Some art on the walls would help though.
You're well on your way!

Meg, kudos for deciphering the floor plan. Again, all that gray furniture isn't actually part of the living room. What you don't see is around the corner, where the actual dining area/office space is. I am coming around to the idea of putting down a smaller rug in the entry way. About the curtain, I'm not sure that I follow. Are you saying put up a curtain so that you'd have to pull it aside to get to the living area after entering through the door? Hmm, interesting...

ValHall, thank you for your encouraging comments. Art on the walls is definitely on the 'to do' list for the apartment.

I've got a small space in the entry way as well - but I wanted something to put mail, keys. Unfortunately, there's not enough room in my space to even put a coat rack - and I dont think that one would work in your space with the TV so close.

I found this at the container store:
http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=15731377&itemIndex=7&CATID=69019&PRODID=10022138

I would also think that a low bench would work too, something to sit/set things on that's not so tall as a table. (I dont like wasted space, and the bottom portion would totally annoy me!)

Good luck!

If you dont need storage, what about a tall houseplant? or a floating shelf with some dried flowers in a vase and a place for your keys?