apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

bringing in some lighter fabrics (both in color and material) could help a lot. A few light throw pillows and some sheer pannels on the windows. Maybe some kind of simple runner/charger on the side table also in a light color.

To lighten up the fireplace area you might consider making the insides of the bookshelves lighter too. If you dont want to ruin the beautiful woodwork you could easily put cheap thin cuts of wood painted your light wall color or wrapped in fabric in them.

I know this probably won't seem helpful, but I honestly think it looks lovely as-is!

I would paint the brick on the fireplace white
Take off the mini blinds and use white roman shades put a pretty curtain over them framing the window
You need less leather in your furniture and more soft fabrics

I'd say ditch the wood blinds- they rob you of a lot of light.

Also, move that card catalog thing, you're blocking 1/3 of a window

Throw some light colored throw pillows on the couch- right now it looks like a black hole that ABSORBS light.

I also might ditch the rug- again, it grounds the space, but I think something lighter will, er, lighten the space.

I would add a fun, bright pop of color to one of the walls--maybe a fun Tiffany blue?

Ashley
http://rainycitystyle.blogspot.com

You have a lovely space, however, you're right that there's too much wood going on. I also think you have a problem with the furniture arrangement -- the room feels a bit off-kilter. Here are some changes I'd recommend:

1. The fireplace paint is muddy. Paint it a fresh coat of glossy white. If the walls are indeed yellow, go with a gray or beige.

2. You need pops of color. You can get it with colorful, modern pillows on the couch and in art on the walls. I like the blue in the picture over the fireplace.

2. Get rid of the blinds, stat. Replace them with more modern shades, like solar screens, or don't replace the blinds and use curtains instead.

3. You need curtains to warm up the room. Hang the curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. This will add height to your room. Since you seem to like neutrals, linen curtains would be lovely.

4. The fireplace is the focal point, so the furniture should center on it. If you can, put the couch across from the fireplace with small side tables on either end. Center the rug on the fireplace. Put a chair on either side of the fireplace. (Love the chairs).

5. Get rid of that filing cabinet thing near the window, it's off-kilter.

You've got a great space to work with!

I have to agree with so many of the comments above such as painting the back panel of the bookshelves (or adding a new panel if you don't want to paint them). I'd suggest a blue similar to that in the stained glass or the art to the left of the window to tie them in and add some more color. I also think that adding sheers to the windows will help to soften the space and remove a little of the weight from all the wood (it is beautiful though).

I personally would start with some gauzy white floorlength window treatments, maybe even strategically positioned in front of the heavy wooden beams that divide the window panes. Long curtains would add some height to that side of the room, which might in turn help it feel more light and spacious. I would also think about repainting the strip of space that runs around the top of the room just below the crown moulding but above the windows to a color a shade lighter than the rest of the walls. Again, it would add height.

I'd also think about the small brick mantle above your fireplace. A piece of art with lots of white and bright colors would fit nicely there, and help lighten an area with a lot of heavy building materials in a small space.

Throw pillows in bright colors, and a afghan or throw in white or something close to it could go over the back of the couch. Consider moving the couch so it's not in front of the windows. I feel like right now it's blocking them, and that if it moved there might be a lot more light making its way into the center of the room, where now you're getting a lot of the shadow of the couch. Trade the rug for something brightly colored (I personally would go for a red or orange rug, with no busy patterns) to emphasize the center space as well.

Those chairs in front of the fireplace seem rigid and block your beautiful fireplace- and even the window above it. They look like they were plopped down there. I assume they're facing a TV? Either way, I'd move them so they face the couch. If not, at least angle them to face inward, rather than out or straight. Agree on the wood blinds- replace them with clean white roman shades. Get a brighter, warmer carpet. I'm distracted by the way it's only anchored by the legs of the chairs. It seems like it should be anchored by the weight of the sofa. Maybe it should be larger and square? Or circular and centered in the space.
I also agree that lightening the back of the bookshelves will open it up a lot, and painting the bricks a lighter color- maybe a soft cream or white. When you move the chairs out of the way you'll have some great places there to accessorize and play up the pretty architecture of that wall.
I also think hanging the frames on the wall, rather than leaving them resting on the mantle will lighten up the area visually and bring your eye up. I'd also bring color to those prints to accent the beautiful stained glass window.
I do love the light and vintag-y color in the room... maybe painting the area between the table rail and ceiling molding a lighter color will also bring your eye up and draw attention to the beautiful woodwork.
Good Luck!
overall its a beautiful room.

Pick up a nice rug that has rich reds or greens (or both -- I have an 'oriental' style rug that I got at World Market that has both colors). Add a couple throw pillows of similar colors... maybe a new lampshade.

Center the rug with the couch -- make sure the couch touches the rug to ground the furniture. Maybe pull the couch a little closer to the fireplace area... move the card catalog somewhere else (perhaps across from the fireplace? Can't tell exactly how much room that would take up) and make that back area the play area for toys -- they can be 'stored' behind the couch.

You might even consider making a nice built-in window seat/storage bin for back there -- adds instant extra seating and storage!

i say move the couch and replace the couch with the two chairs. this will enable the sun to come in and reflect off of the floor and the surface of the chairs and that light will make the room brighter. i might paint the room white, but I wouldn't touch the wood or the fireplace. really i think that your rug is where you went wrong. it makes the room boring. if you find a rug that has the color of the stain glass window that would brighten things up, and then you need throw pillows that have the colors of the rug in them.

something like this
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=3066&f=28777

and then you could use some pillows that you find in the rug. you could also go with an oriental rug that has maroon, reddish as the base color. It would give you a scholarly take on this room that has so many classic traditional features.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1264&f=1004&q=rug&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1

It seems darker but the colors that are in the flowers are actually in that window so the pillows that you would use would really pop in that space.

Ditch the blinds!! Other than that, rearrange the furniture so that the fireplace is not blocked; add a little splash of color with a pillow or two. Gorgeous room.

I would start with choosing a color scheme you like. I always love green, white and brown together. Maybe with some pops of red or blue as an accent. If the walls are white, I'd leave them that way. I'd add some white sheer curtains and keep the shades up most of the time. I'd get some nice white and green pillows for the couch and chairs, maybe a couple of red graphic ones (if you were to go with that color scheme). Also, I'd get a new rug with some punch to it. I can't tell what's across from the two chairs, but if furniture can be moved there, I'd put the couch there and move the two chairs to where the couch currently is, maybe with a little table between them. Maybe fill the fireplace with lots of white candles. The card catalog thing does need to be moved. If it's going to block a window, it should at least be centered, maybe with a plant on it. The space is great so good luck with your improvements!

I think it looks great - sometimes it's nice to have dark and cozy den. Add some bright accent colors with pillows and accessories, but please don't ditch the wood blinds! I think they look wonderful combined with the wood trim.

Get another end table, a coffee table, add a few more lamps, and center the couch and chairs on the rug (without blocking the fireplace).

First, I LOVE your room. We, too, love the warmth of wood and the character of original woodwork.

I agree with the roman shades suggestion, as well as possibly moving the card catalog. It's a super cool piece, but currently seems to both block the windows and be hidden itself by the couch.

It's hard to tell what the other side of the room looks like, but maybe move those 2 cool chairs to face the couch to make it more cozy and conversational?

I think a different rug, incorporating some of the cooler blue and green tones from your stained glass, artwork, and accessories, maybe also with a small pop of a warm tone would look great. You could then find throw pillows for the couch in similar colors (etsy is so great!). Depending on your taste, I think either a more kilim type style or a more graphic contemporary one would both work.

Also, I love both your side table and lamp, but I would say change either one or the other. If you went for a more fun, colorful lamp (or even lampshade), then I think that the wood end table wouldn't be too much wood. But, if you keep the lamp, maybe switch the table for something more modern, either in a fun color or a lighter shape (like a little tulip table).

Have fun!

Beautiful brick mantel and builtins, please do not paint white.

I agree the blinds are weighing things down and take away that card case piece. The sofa is a bit large for the room not that you should get rid of it maybe a glass round side table instead of the wood one to lighten up and bring some circulation.

A rug with some pattern and color would be nice since everything is so solid- I would pull the colors from the stain glass window with some gold and honey tones from the wood into the rug and some cushions for the sofa.

The style of that lamp is not working, maybe you can use that in the bedroom or kitchen. A taller lamp with a smaller shade another chance to bring some color.. I do think greens, blues (Tiffany blue ^) yellow-golds would make nice accent colors.

Its a very nice room to work with.

You can definitely bring in all your color in textiles.
Since you have plenty of windows, the cheapest fix will be to get printed sheer panels. Throw pillows and a rug to match, even the lamp shade. Your art is nice but try using colored frames instead of just white, or depending on what material the frames are you can paint them. Biggest expense will be the rug.

I have no suggestions, just wanted to say I love your chairs!

Agreed: the wooden blinds must go. How about some brilliant glazed tile over the bricks of the fireplace, which would fit with the Craftsman architecture. If you find some patterned tiles you love, then you can pick up on those colors for a lighter, brighter color scheme.

"- Why are the kid's toys and clutter in the living room?" Because that is how real people with real kids live.

"- Why is all of your seating leather and vinyl?"
Because the owner likes leather and vinyl.

"- Why is there only one lamp and table in the room?" Because we are only seeing half the room.

"- Why is all the artwork beige and white?" Because the owners likes beige and white. If they wanted color, they would have color. They said "brighten up" not drown in color.

I love arts & crafts houses. But the major mistake is painting walls WHITE! A buttery yellow/gold will brighten the room and make all your lovely wood trim look warm & appealing. The wood trim on white just looks cold & harsh.

A brighter colored rug in a contemporary pattern (Target has some great ones) & new throw pillows to add pops of color. You could probably get away with as little as $125 to make a massive difference with just a couple of gallons of paint and these few suggestions.

I think it's a lovely room, but agree that a few small improvements would make a huge difference. I'm definitely in the "paint the fireplace white" camp. The brick is kind of a blah colour. White would make it look bright and crisp and really pop against your woodwork.

I'd also suggest:

-moving the chairs so they don't block the firelplace
-moving the card catalogue so it's not in front of the window
-replacing the blinds with roman shades in natural linen

It's hard to see how your room is laid out but it would be nice if you could group the couch and chairs over the rug to make it more of a defined area.

Hey -

Where did you get those chairs?

1) Rearrange the furniture in the room. Turn the sofa 90' to the left (in the pic). Move the chairs there as well.

2) If you want to keep the wood trim, your walls should be a clean white. Same for the fireplace.

3) Hang the artwork. Leaning just does seem to work well in this room.

4) Replace the wooden blinds with white roller blinds or simple curtains. Unless you paint the wood trim there is just too much wood in the room already.

5) Remove the rug or get a smaller one. The floor reflects much more light than the rug.

6) Colours - everything is black/brown/white/beige, and that includes artwork and other accessories. Do you want it this way?

I think you need to add a plant or two to liven up the place.

This is a lovely room! However, the keyword here is Light. There are three kinds of room light: ambient, accent/task, and sparkle. During the day, sunlight provides good ambient light and some nice accents, but there's no sparkle. With kid(s), add some metal to the mix: a lamp, a tray or bowl, fireplace items, picture frames. Consider doing the feng shui thing and hanging a crystal in the window or putting a mirror somewhere (safe.)

The combination of your furniture and the wood trim looks too dated. Because couches are expensive, keep that, but get some fabric chairs to replace the 2 chairs near the fireplace. Choose something in a bright-ish favorite color. Also add some (2 max) throws to your couch in a fresh, modern pattern.
Paint the wood trim, add some plants (up high like on the mantle- I see you have kids) I like brick, but to brighten your room, whitewashing it could be nice. You could also paint the walls a light yellow or green (according to your fabric choices).
Also, invest in a new rug. Something that is pretty simple in patter and light.

merlin513 is right: Arts & Crafts houses look terrible with white walls. I know because I lived in one and the white sucked all the life out of every room. I only began to love my house when I started experimenting with color.

No matter what you do with the walls, I would for sure paint the fireplace an energetic color, like a bright green or blue from the stained glass. Use high-gloss paint. Then buy some colorful pillows for the couch and see what's still missing.

WAIT! SAVE THE BLINDS!!!: I'd like to put in a vote for keeping the blinds. I like them in this style house. I find the look of blinds very restful and vacationy. One great thing about them is how versatile they are. When the room needs more light, just pull them all up -- or consider leaving them up most of the time and only lowering them when needed. One reason that the owner may not being doing so is because the furniture is positioned in such a way that it seems a little difficult to get to the windows. Maybe some of the furniture rearrangement suggestions above would make the windows easier to access.

PAINT AND ACCESSORIES: I love the idea of painting the fireplace bricks white, putting a coat of white or light blue on the walls, and then accessorizing with fun, light throw pillows, throws, and art work. A rug with an appealing pallet of colors would be ideal for beginning to bring things together.

FURNITURE: I do think the furniture could be arranged differently to make the room cozier, and to help it flow better. Others above seem to have good ideas on this.

CARD CATALOG: I LOVE IT! All those cute little drawers! All those little labels! I've wanted one for years. It seems sidelined where it is. Find a way to bring it out and use it in the room.

Great space -- good luck with your decorating. It seems like you don't have far to go, just a few changes that won't necessarily be that expensive or time consuming. Please post when you're done! :)

What a lovely room! You've got great bones, so a little mood lightening and brightening are easily achieved. Some thoughts to guide you:

---I love the blinds. They let in lots of light, give you great light control and privacy when needed, and they are well suited to the architecture of your home. I would not get rid of them.

---Don't paint your fireplace brick. The color is already nice, light and neutral. Since it is a non-working fireplace, I would love to see a statement plant in a rough-hewn pottery planter in front of the firebox. Maybe a large jade plant. (Something with a bit of architecture to it. Not floppy or lacy.)

---Painting the interior of your built-in bookshelves (flanking the fp) would be nice. But... keep in mind that this area will then become even more of a focal point. That means you'd need to improve the appearance of your books. It sort of looks like a random collection of paperbacks right now.

---Rearrange your furniture. When furniture blocks windows or other architectural features, things just feel wrong (heavy, overfilled, etc.). If possible, move the pair of chairs in front of your windows (where your sofa is now). This will open the room dramatically. You could put two of those acrylic nesting tables in between the chairs. Or, you could use them as a coffee table:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Acrylic-Nesting-End-Tables-Set-of-3/1995574/product.html

Moving the card catalog away from the windows will also open up the room. And move the wood MCM lamp table to another room. Also (I hate to say it), but containing the toy clutter will also lighten the room. If you must have toys in your living room, how about getting something like this (natural fiber = light) to stash them in:

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=950&f=31451

---Textiles and color will also help. You have lovely colors in the stained glass above the fireplace. Why not work those into the room via textiles? A few throw pillows will help lighten the heavy leather sofa. Keep them clean-lined and light in feel (no heavy tapestries, for example). And could you reupholster the pair of chairs? I'd keep the print solid and light. Maybe even a natural linen or if you need something sturdier, a hemp-type fabric. Natural textiles are great for "lightening" a space. And no room can feel heavy or somber with a flat-woven cotton rug. Dash and Albert make some fab rugs; here are just a few you could check out:

http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/nimes-ticking-cotton-woven-rug--RDA007

or

http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/aquinnah-cotton-woven-rug--RDA060

owner here... thanks everyone for the comments! yes, we have two boys, so toys are everywhere, so I apologize that the "pops of color" had to come via legos!

I suppose I should have mentioned that we rent, so the blinds have to stay. I LOVE the look of roman shades, but perhaps we can compromise with airy fabrics over the blinds? we've been pressing our landlord to allow us to paint but it's been over a year now.

the card catalog is in an awkward space, agreed. we keep all our hats/mittens/pocket junk in it.

the white chairs are carter bros. scoop chairs, an estate sale find. I guess we could move them to the opposite wall that they currently face; that would mean they're right next to the entry doorway. (our front door opens right into the livingroom). in terms of layout: I was thinking of moving th chairs so they face the couch, but that means they block the entryway to the dining room. Is that a no-no?

I'm planning on getting toss pillows in these textiles:
http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer fabrics for the home/shop fabrics by color/aqua and teal fabric/silhouette turquoise.do
http://www.inkandspindle.com.au/shop/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=221&osCsid=ded5964bf6c378275cd221be865e3c27

is that too boring? or clashy?

the rug is really our big albatross. we were thinking of getting a carpet remnant cut down to size in a neutral color.

i guess my design aesthetic is a little boring!

oops. here's the link to the first fabric http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer fabrics for the home/shop fabrics by color/aqua and teal fabric/silhouette turquoise.do

Yeah, I second the decision to keep the blinds. Replacing them is fairly expensive, and I'm not sure it will make that big difference. From the pictures, they look like they match the trim really well, and I bet if you just roll them up in the afternoon, you don't even notice them.

I agree with the furniture arrangement ideas, and I wish we could see the other side of the room. The arrangement seems kind of odd, but I expect there are things going on in the rest of the room that make it feel more "right". If you can fix the flow of the room by rearranging it--and maybe move the rug somewhere else-- I doubt you'll have to even worry about the paint/blinds/injections of color very much. The room has great bones to work with already.

I would NOT paint the fireplace or the trim or even the backs of the bookcases. Those are original details in beautiful shape that add to the value of your home. Your home will weather trends better (as it has so far, no doubt), if you leave those beautiful features intact.

I agree about painting the walls a warm gold, and adding a more colorful rugs and toss pillows, and perhaps a more vibrant lampshade.

It's a beautiful room, and I don't think it will take much to brighten it up.

Mirrors! You could mirror the inside niche and back of the fireplace and/or place mirrors in the bookshelves. If you used double sided sticky tape it wouldn't damage the bookcases.

Maybe you could even find a craftsman styled stained glass mirror piece for the niche.

Maybe try white wood blinds? Painting the trim if it is still in good shape seems like a crime.

I agree with Heather C. MIRRORS! A little sparkle in there will really help lighten it up.

bounce some indirect lighting off the ceiling

Well, I like your couch but I think a brown leather couch can really weigh things down. If that were changed to a cream linen cloth couch, you would see a miraculous change in the room without touching anything else.

At least keep the blinds open or store them and put them back when you move (as long as you leave with fixtures and fittings intact....).

I'd steer away from white too; Craftsman/Prairie interiors were meant to be warm and cozy, and even a bit dark, but not dull. Rich colors, greens, browns, bronzes and vermilions would be good choices as accents and wall colors.

I think you need something in the center of the room that can be moved easily to accommodate toys and play, yet can quickly look tidy and "adult" for company. And some lush plants, both for looks and health.

And maybe move the couch, as others have said, so you can access the bay more easily, since that's one of the features of the room - originally they wouldn't have had a couch, or might have had a piano and davenport against a wall somewhere (aka a sleeper bed type thing for a child or the parents). Maybe put the chairs there to highlight them.

I agree with the yellow wall idea, because I find the white harsh, but I LOVE the blinds (and have that same kind myself), and I LOVE the sofa (and have a similar one myself), and although I don't love those chairs in that space, I do love them, and think they need to not have their backs to the fireplace.

If it's a rental, then I think that painting wood white is out of the question, but seriously, even if you buy it from the owner, you should keep the wood, even though it's kind of dark, because it's very warm and homey.

More color could happen in a rug, and definitely plants. Big Plants, and if the kids are able to be taught to water them and appreciate them, then get real ones. I have no kids, but I, myself, am hopeless with living plants and always therefore go for fake. But they're a nice presence.

I have a condo that was similarly warm in color/feel (though without the lovely wood trim). Sometimes, by just cooling off the warm wood and flooding sun, your room may actually seem brighter. Cooling it off might mean adding some bright neutrals like white or some really subtle pastels like gray/blue or gray/purple. It may seem counterintuitive to add cool colors to brighten a space, but "white" light feels brighter than "yellow" light.

Check out some color comparisons from this room: http://mochihome.com/?p=117

Good Luck!

Use the teal and blue from the stained glass window over the fire place. Use these colors in a lighter tint on the walls, darker tint on a new area rug and pillows. Since you have kids you might consider flor carpet tiles and create a checkered pattern using cream and blue tiles.

and add some plants!

oh and your fireplace wall is the stuff dreams are made of, the shelves, the window, gush gush ... just lovely

The Craftsman style is not known for being "light" in any way; it is cozy, with a very distinct palette that does not include white. You could paint things white, but you would be fighting against the style of your house. I suspect that things feel very dark and heavy to you because right now things are rather monotone, and the colours do not marry well -- there is no sparkle; they do not bring out the best of your house or furniture.

All this to say, I have to agree with those saying that painting everything white will not work (and I am a huge fan of painting everything white!).

The area between the two moldings on your walls was commonly decorated with wallpaper friezes; you have a unique opportunity to introduce colour and pattern into your room -- here are some samples from Bradbury & Bradbury:

http://www.bradbury.com/ac2.html

Here are more:

http://www.bradbury.com/thatch_prairie.html

http://www.bradbury.com/crf_925_sienna.html

These can be scaled to your requirements:
http://www.trustworth.com/borders.shtml

http://www.trustworth.com/wallpaper.shtml

http://www.arts-crafts.com/market/mktwalls.shtml

I encourage you to explore the Craftsman style through books and online, and embrace it.

For the walls, I encourage you to look into full-spectrum paints. As everyone on AT probably knows by now, I am a huge fan of Donald Kaufman paints; he has colours which are part of the Craftsman aesthetic; I encourage you to buy his sample cards, and check out some sample pots of colour on your walls. What is so great about full-spectrum paints is that they do not go grey and dull in low-light situations, but instead, go through subtle changes in colour. The right colour tends to glow in certain lighting conditions. You could easily coordinate the colours of a chosen frieze with Donald Kaufman paints -- a frieze with perhaps greens, yellows and a touch of blue, and walls that are in the yellow or cream family, or even ivory (the latter is not that authentic, but could look good with the right frieze).

In order to make your space "brighter", you will need to up the contrast between the elements. The easiest way I've seen done in a craftsman is with strong red persian rugs on the floor with black leather Corbusier seating as a counterpoint -- the LC2 or LC3. A very strong look (love seat with 2 arm chairs). In case you are ever interested, here is some info on the Grand Confort series: http://jetsetrnv8r.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/vintage-furniture-corbusiers-lc-series-–-real-or-fake/

Given that you want to keep your brown leather sofa, you will need to get an appropriately sized rug ( it should cover everything but for a wood border of 18" to 24" around the perimeter of the room) that will provide a good contrast. It can be either traditional, in keeping with craftsman style, but perhaps in lighter colours; or it can be an arts and crafts style rug; or finally, it can be a contemporary rug coordinated with your chosen colours.

Here are some ideas for all 3:

First modern (the ICE rugs can be completely customized):

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_18975.html?type=Designers

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_18897.html?type=Designers

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_34796.html? type=Designers

Traditional:
http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_16178.html?type=Zieglers

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_18729.html?type=Traditional

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_18743.html?type=Traditional

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_18741.html?type=Traditional

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_23961.html?type=Traditional

http://www.jaxrugs.com/

I agree that you have to rearrange the furniture; the window area looks like a natural place to have two chairs sitting companionably on either side of a table. Your table, table lamp and card catalogue have all got to go; and I am not completely convinced your chairs will "fit", even though I personally think they are cool. In any case, they should not be blocking the fireplace! Your sofa should probably be on the opposite side to which it is now; if not, try facing the sofa (which you had provided more pictures to show what is there).

This is one instance when a Noguchi kidney-shaped coffee table would actually work.

Brass and bronze (as well as copper) were key parts of the Craftsman style, and I encourage you to bring them into your room. Try to find modern interpretations -- for example, the work of Martha Sturdy. Her brass lamps would be perfect in your room -- especially the 64" floor lamp:

http://www.marthasturdy.com/accessories/brass_lamps.html

She also has great accessories to dress up your fireplace --

brass boxes, candlestick holders, and platters (maybe for your dining area):

http://www.marthasturdy.com/accessories/brass_boxes.html
http://www.marthasturdy.com/accessories/brass_platters.html
http://www.marthasturdy.com/accessories/brass_candleholders.html
http://www.marthasturdy.com/accessories/brass_lanterns.html

As for the fireplace -- it is not the original Craftsman fireplace the house was built with. You may wish to explore putting in something more historically appropriate (the arch is wrong, as are the bricks). I think it is ugly, so paint away -- perhaps a sage colour to coordinate with your frieze and rug.

You should make more of a display area in the bookcase -- remove the ugly paperbacks, and show off your Everyman, Modern Library, and Bloomsbury editions. They were an important part of the social and cultural fabric of the period (and they look good too!).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h__0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bloomsbury poetry classics&sprefix=bloomsbury poetry

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bloomsbury classics&x=0&y=0

http://www.amazon.com/Everymans-Library-100-Titles-Set/dp/0307385256/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238023729&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Everymans-Library-Contemporary-Classics-Set/dp/0307383954/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238023778&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b_0_23?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=modern library classics hardcover&sprefix=modern library classics

Good luck!

"Ruin" the wood and paint. Any color you like. Unless you adore Craftsman and want to live in a time capsule.

We're facing a similar dilemma with the house we're buying. It isn't a "proper" Craftsman house, but has an abundance of woodwork that makes a small room even smaller. We love the shapes created by the molding, but not the dark skeleton that is the ultimate result. So, we will commit blasphemy and paint the woodwork white (or cream) with grey walls and enjoy the tonal variations that result. We hope.

You've already got a lot of good suggestions, I think, but here's my 2 cents:

Move your seating around. It's difficult to tell, but it looks as if all your furniture is pushed against your windows and fireplace. Play with furniture arrangements that will allow you to view (what I'm guessing are) the two best features of the room instead of sitting with your back to them. If you don't use the fireplace, use it to showcase some interesting objects or add some candles.

Ditch the wood blinds. You need to get more light into that room and those blinds will never be good at that. I'd hang sheers over the windows and have roman shades behind if you want more privacy at night.

Replace the rug. Get something big enough to span your sofa and choose a lighter color.

And of course...

Paint. You really don't have much color in that room--it's a lot of creams, browns and greys. You do have some muted blues scattered around, so I'd say experiment with taking one of those and putting it up on the wall--maybe even only painting below the picture rail or painting a lighter tint above. The cooler color could really open up that room. Just make sure to test some swatches so you can find one that will complement the tone of your wood trim.

Good luck!

Selena: I like your living room and your furniture. Here are my ideas: (thanks for asking)

4 panels of soft drapes (e.g. a lightweight velvet) framing the 4 large windows with the hardware hung high almost to the ceiling. Soft green, maybe even apple green. No puddling.

Hang the artwork tastefully above the mantel instead of leaning. Exchange the white vases for different pottery--maybe something from the period. No white in this room including frames and even mats. The wood yearns for warmth and white doesn't make that connection. That niche in the fireplace above the hearth would be a good location to place art and add color to that swath of neutral.

Rethink the bookshelves and their use as solely paperback storage. I think you could store the paperbacks elsewhere. The backs of the shelves are interesting; don't cover them with fabric. Let the wainscotting peak through. The texture is interesting. Use the bookshelves as display for art and objects you love. Personalize those shelves and make those spaces authentic and representative of you. Do you have a special collection or have a hobby/vocation? Express it here on those shelves. (keep collections together minimally in groups of 3 vs displaying disparately)

Add a throw to the leather couch to soften it as well as comfortable and colorful pillows. A soft teal and soft green would be nice against the chocolate leather. Find pillows with texture to contrast with the smothness of the leather. Make it interesting vs. predictable. Position the sofa in front of the fireplace. The pair of chairs rock. Add a lumbar pillow to both in the Craftsman vernacular (texture, fabric, color, or pattern) to link the chairs to the architecture of the house. Move them to the side. I like the idea of keeping them together; they are harmonious together and I think that balance resonates with Craftsman.

The rug doesn't work. It's milktoast in that room. It would rock in another environ but not in this space. Perhaps a shag style or longer weave to add texture. Gray is the wrong color. Something in the red family would be nice. Turn the couch to face the fireplace and put a tapestry ottoman or wood and steel cocktail table in front of it on top of a textured/shag rug. You need one more chair to ground the space: couch in front; pair of leather chairs to right; another more substantial chair to the left angled to face the fireplace. I like the idea of a table and chairs in front of the window. I like the card catalog and think it could be used as a side table if the height of the arm of the chair were proportionate to the height of the cart catalog. It's whimsical. Find a way to use it. Can you create a fake "foyer" by anchoring it near the front door, add a lamp, basket for keys and other accessories to suggest "foyer"? I can't tell by the photographs where the front door is exactly, but you could hang a narrow fabric panel from floor to ceiling to create a space between the front door and the living room and then position the card catalog in front of the panel to make a fake foyer. Sounds like the function of the card catalog and locating it in a foyer are compatible.

You'll need lighting: a floor lamp next to the couch (or a pair on both sides) and an occasional table with a table lamp next to the single chair. In this space, no white lamp shades.

Buy some big textured baskets or chests to store the toys in and teach your children to put their items into the baskets when they are done playing. That will be their first lesson in design: form follows function.

I could envision an old wooden radio sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace (to the left of the hearth) to help soften all that brick and add the complement of wood to that swath of neutral. Or a stack of shaker boxes. Or a large, wooden cheese box.

I think you have a real opportunity to link your modern furniture aesthetic with the Craftsman vernacular by introducing fabrics/textiles to this space by way of accessorizing the windows, the furniture, the floor etc. The fabrics could be Craftsman colors/fabrics/patterns/textures and help link your more modern pieces to the architecture of the home. If you sew, you could make these kinds of changes with your own hand.

Once you update, please post pics. I'd be interested to learn which amendments you decided on.

For the love of God, please do not paint the brick fireplace. I haven't seen one yet that looks good after.

Nice sheers on the windows, sofa facing the fireplace with enough room behind it to walk behind it, put one chair on each end of the couch, add some light fabric throw pillows, if you must paint the woodwork white and then the walls a cream or something very light, a nice white or light colored rug that matches the throw pillows, etc.

I figure you have a child going by the pictures - maybe a nice storage ottoman underneath the windows that could work as extra seating. Try to keep three or four lamps in the room if possible. Hang the paintings and maybe flank the window over the fireplace with two mirrors.

Selena - Sorry just got a chance to read over this thread again to see your comment. I think in this situation, I think the chairs across from the couch would look best - I'd rather be slightly blocking the entryway to the kitchen then block off that nice fireplace.

If you can't paint, try to do all you can with fabrics. Since you can't take down the blinds, why not pull them up all the way and try to pretend they aren't there? That would probably be the best choice - then just hang some nice light curtains over.

The card catalog is a great idea for storage of those things, but is there anywhere else it can be? It's blocking off all the nice window space.

Here are some ideas for your fireplace wall --

An assortment of arts-and-crafts style ceramics would be gorgeous, and would be an opportunity to introduce small amounts of historic colours in your more subtle colourway.

Here are some great ones:

http://www.doorpottery.com/v_TranquilLines.asp

http://www.doorpottery.com/v_FlorenceDragonfly.asp

http://www.doorpottery.com/np_main.asp

http://www.jemerickartpottery.com/portal.html

(click on "showroom", and then check out "petals" and "more")

These should be on the top of the mantle. They would be stunning if counterpointed by a Tizio lamp -- the black rectilinear metal contrasting with the organic forms, colours and material of the vases.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/11/euwcm/ho_1988.236.10.htm

Here are a couple of suggestions for side tables:

A small simple resin table from Martha Sturdy in one of her metallic resigns -- marmalade, honey, new gold, copper or antique bronze:

http://www.marthasturdy.com/colours.html

Or a copper table from Ethan Allen:

http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=608

Or these nesting plant stands (these would be nice in the window area, loaded with nice pots of plants).

http://www.gidesigns.net/garden-decor/customer/product.php?productid=1206

I love the idea of the first rug suggestion, Angel

http://www.rugs.nl/en_US/detail_Tapijten_18975.html?type=Designers

With a creamy wool background, but the branches and leaves in a gold or bronze silk. Combined with a frieze with a tiny touch of gold, and a few brass or bronze pieces around the room, the room will have a glow and sparkle. Subtle and elegant.

If you move the sofa opposite the fireplace (centred, of course), there may be room for an armchair to the right of the fireplace (not photographed, so just a guess). If your are ever so lucky as to come across some pieces by Vladimir Kagan, something like one of these (in an off-white wool bouclé or pale suede) --

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eHcd9jci4_I/Ra6sJHVKhOI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/h2K-7Xm8pa4/s400/toddantiques3.jpg

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=126433

http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/attachments/041257/Kagan.jpg

-- well, they'd be perfect.

As for the toys... we ban big plastic toys from the living room (they go into the basement, or bedroom), and try to have wood or nicely designed toys in the living room, the sorts of things that even adults can appreciate looking at. for example, wheelie moo and wheelie bug; Plan Toys City or Airport or modern dollhouse; toys by Vilac, Sam (Swedish company) or Pintoy (great red fire truck). Most things go into 2 very big handsome baskets.

Your living room is on the verge of being extraordinary.

thanks again, everyone, for the gentle nudges and suggestions. I especially appreciate the education on arts & crafts/craftsman style, and definitely have a better appreciation for our space as a result!

we're planning on playing around with the layout soon, as well as adding textiles and art, and hope to post update pics soon.

this is a RENTAL, I doubt she is allowed to paint the trim