I second the artwork idea, but I think if she's going for feminine, the glass and metal coffee table and the two side chairs with the little table in front of the window have to go. Those items aren't feminine at all...

Drapes or window treatments would be nice too...

A bit of greenery would soften the look, especially plants with large rounded leaves as opposed to anything spiky.

And some flowy curtains would be great when the balcony door/windows are open in the warmer months :o)

The black couch is very masculine. Perhaps get a lighter couch, or maybe slipcover the black one? Or just add brighter pillows. Dark cool colors tend to be masculine. Try using lighter, warm colors and patterns, which are more feminine.

There's a lot of dark colors here, so I would liven the room up with some color (pillows, art, accessories, paint, etc.)

I think we have the same coffee table! I think one reason why it may look to masculine in this context is that the colors of your furniture are too similar. I have a white sofa, so there is some contrast. You need to look around and find one or two bright colors that appeal to you. Maybe yellow and/or pink? If you layer in some patterns and color, it should be fine.

A couple (ok, alot) of ideas: reupholster the wooden side chairs in a light-colored silk or a satin; it will help soften them and make them dressier and more feminine.

The sofa is a little overwhelming and slightly masculine in color, so an option instead of slip-covering or reupholstering or just getting a new one is to find a *nice* throw you like in the colors you're aiming for (I'm guessing, from the throw pillows, you like blue?) and drape that across the back and the seat. The black will still show, but it will soften the strong color. I do this seasonally on my cream-colored sofa, and it can seriously change the whole look of the room.

I would also look at a rug incorporating the colors you like/have (black and blue) but with a more scrolled pattern, like this one http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Rugs/By-Color/Blue-Rugs/Dorian-Rug/p/9179?path=1%2C2%2C1466%2C1518%2C1620&iProductID=9179

The pattern is kind of traditional, but the pattern's scale and color palette make it more modern and softer.

I would also consider placing an arrangement of succulents on the coffee table - nothing big - to provide some greenery but it's low-maintenance.

And artwork: put something big behind your armchair to bring some color to that big white wall!

Definitely curtains -- something flowy and gauzy. Artwork on the walls. A colorful rug with accent throw pillows that coordinate. A table runner on the coffee table to soften its hard lines. Fresh flowers.

I like your sofa and chair - they have a good, feminine shape. I think the problem is that ALL of your furniture is black! You should mix in (which means replace some of what you already have) some pieces that are white or natural wood. Especially the coffee table. I'd recommend buying a good quality rug that is black and white, with a floral or scroll or some other feminine pattern. That way you can change out your accessories with whatever color suits your mood at any time, and never have to worry if they match the rug. Also, if you can't paint at least get some window treatments to soften up that side of the room and add some color.

I think adding a light textured rug like a sheepskin or flokati would be a good start. Tall long floor to ceiling drapery would be dramatic and feminine. Just placing a beautiful low vase with flowers on that table will help feminize it. Art is key. On the empty wall without your TV you can hang as mentioned a large scale piece if you are going modern. For your mounted TV, try finding a large cool frame to place around it, gilded and maybe painted a cool color. Then you can place other framed pieces around it. I think the small table by the window is fine, but the chairs could be something with a cushion and a little more feminine. It could really be beautiful! I like some of your pieces alot!

Black can be very feminine! LBD anyone? If you're not looking to replace your new furniture, work with it.

Start with a sumptuous, cream coloured carpet (much larger than the one you have now), add black and white damask or thick striped drapes, wall to wall, from ceiling to puddling on the floor, replace the two small chairs with softer pillow style ottomans in pink and red fabric, add a giant, pink flower print to the largest wall and replace both of your lampshades with glittery chandelier style shades.

A few sparkly accessories (glass paper weight collection, silver candlesticks, sequined red pillows) and your room is dressed!

No need to paint or replace expensive furniture. The best part? When you're tired of pink and red, switch to lime green and fuchsia accessories or whatever your feminine heart desires!

I actually think that the sofa and chair could be great in this room. However, there is just too much black. I would switch out the rug with either a white (to make the room seem larger and create contrast) or another lighter color like pink. I think a large brilliant colored piece of art that you love could serve as a source for a color pallet for curtains, pillows and other accessories. I might also consider painting the matching chairs a bright color (or white) and switching out the fabric on them. And, I would love to see the black side table in a very bold shiny color. But, don't go over board with color, pick a few colors and find ways to add a punch here and there.

I'll be honest, and this is not meant in a mean way, but I thought this was a bachelor bad because of all the dark furniture. You don't need to get rid of it, just add color.

It's hard to make suggestions, because there are so many versions of "feminine". I would change your throw pillows- get lighter colors and some w/ patterns. Get rid of that lamp on the dark side table, it's too dark on top of the dark table. If you can find a way to safely paint it, that might be cheaper and it's a great shape.

Add some floor to ceiling curtains to your window. You could even do a double bar if you want- 1 with white sheers to let in light, and another with pattern and color (again light color, don't go with bold/dark colors) over them.

I would change the rug. Maybe try to find a light gray rug with a floral or lacy pattern. That way it's still neutral but girly. Or a shaggy white rug because the texture will soften the room.

How about reupholstering the two chairs in front of your window in a colorful fabric or painting the wood.

Definitely add some art to the walls.

lots of good suggestions here. I just wanted to add that you might want to consider tying in the stainless steel of the arc lamp and the metal legs of the side table by the windows. Maybe replace the black coffee table and side table with something with metal legs, or similar style?

not that i'm plugging CB2, but you can also check out how they decorated their loft space for the arc lamp:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=120&f=4657

I'd fill the space with as much icey blue, silver, chrome and white as possible!
like the new stuff at Z Gallerie!
http://www.zgallerie.com/
I think this CB2 coffee table would be awesome in that space or a rectangle one similar.
http://www.cb2.com/search.aspx?query=round coffee table

I tried to think of a few ideas that haven't already been mentioned, so here goes:

1. I don't see any candles ... You could get some beautiful hurricanes and create a 'candlescape' with decorative sand and river rocks from a craft store like Michaels.

2. I could see an ornately-framed mirror as artwork

3. Purple as an accent color? I really like eggplant, but that may be too dark against your black pieces ....

Your pieces are lovely, nice job!

Oh - I definitely agree with previous posters about long flowy drapes!!

I agree with Stephvixen. Icey blues & silver would look great! Find a modern but feminine wallpaper for the 1/2 wall with icey blues and a rug to match the same blues. For easy & affordable art on the large wall frame the same wallpaper design. I don't think you have to replace what you have you just need to add the feminine touch with color & accessories.

Tracy @
http://www.dailydecorator.com

I agree that all you need is color and accessories. Personally, I think you're off to a very good start. You need color to bring all to life, though. A nice Persian rug, with warm colors, (certainly some red or something in the red family) would bring the room to life like nothing else. If you search Craig's list for Persian rugs you will be pleasantly surprised to find many that are affordable out there.

P.S. to comments I just made. As others have said, plants will add a lot of wonderful atmosphere, too. It's the accents, pillows, curtains, rugs, artwork, objects, that will give the room its personality. You are lucky to have nice adaptable pieces of furniture in place already. I disagree with one commenter who thought the furniture was "masculine." It's the mix of colors and touches (or lack of them) in the room that suggest "masculine" in the photos.

I have the same sofa in brown and I love it! I'm so jealous of the matching chair.
I agree with above poster who suggested a persian rug. I recently switched from a dark brown cowhide to a light persian rug (ebay has the best prices) with hints of blue and it looks fabulous. It really allows the sofa to shine. The rug you have now is really cool, maybe you could find another room for it?
Some pattern would really make this room more feminine. I notice that my guy friends never use pattern. They probably don't read apartment therapy either...

I find that couch and chair very feminine, actually...and I agree totally with Stephvixen - pale blues with the black: sumptuous.
I like the pale-blue version of this rug:
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Hand-tufted-Hiroshi-Wool-Rug-79-x-106/3196597/product.html

I think everything is great for what it sounds like you want - "modern but feminine and pretty" - all you need to do is paint.

If you painted the walls a really soft blue it might scratch your "feminine and pretty" itch. The furniture is put together nicely and creates the clean "modern" look. I think painting will wrap it all up nicely.

A print rug from anthropologie would femme up your sofa and pillows (which are lovely, by the way).

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-RUGS-RECTANGULAR&id=983441&catId=HOME-RUGS&pushId=HOME-RUGS&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=55&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=014&colorName=NEUTRAL&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-RUGS-RECTANGULAR&id=980043&catId=HOME-RUGS&pushId=HOME-RUGS&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=55&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=095&colorName=MULTI&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

Probably the cheapest way is with patterned fabric. Put a throw on the sofa, definitely. I like the pillows you already have. I think blue / dull turquoise would be nice here. And large-scale artwork would be great, but if you can't afford that, a large panel of pretty fabric would work fine. I like the idea of curtains, but I also really like the way your windows look bare, so... ? And put some fresh flowers in there! Seriously, it makes a huge difference. I like your natural rug, but it's too dark. Maybe something the color of your lampshade and a shade lighter than your wood floors with some jute-y texture? And something near the ceiling-- curtains, artwork, whatever-- would really help bring the eye upward. Sometimes that can be the difference between a bunch of stuff you just bought and a *room*.

I agree with the others.

-Add more of the colour in the cushions (perhaps paint the walls that colour)

-Get a large mirror framed in either silver or a mirrorerd frame

-Flotaki rug

-Add some draperies

-candles

-fresh flowers

-the stop, and take some time to collect, rather than "decorate"

Floor to ceiling draperies - in something other than black and white - perhaps in a chinoiserie motif such as Chiang Mai Dragon by Schumaker? Use the same fabric for throw pillows and upholstered seats in those two chairs.
Large Oriental/Persian carpet.
Replace the coffee table w/ one that's brass and glass in a faux-bamboo motif.
Color & texture on the walls: Paint, wallpaper, artwork in ornate gilded frames, Plates, Mirrors...
Replace the plain black media cabinet w/ an ornate credenza/dresser - Look at those on Horchow.com for inspiration/resources
And of course, more table lamps. (That arc lamp isn't doing anything for your room - get rid of it.)

The current furniture placement is making the room feel smaller and far less inviting than it should. Move the sofa from the center of the room to a wall on the side:
Place the two armchairs closer to the bar and replace the wee table between them with a nice round wooden pedestal table @ 36"-42" across that could be used as an informal dining area.

I really like all the furniture you have - except the rug is a little too dark - I 2nd the Flotaki rug - the color will contrast the furniture.
What about pillows in some kind of damask pattern?
I also agree that painting the walls a light greyish blue would do wonders for the room.
Never underestimate a vase of fresh tulips on the coffee table.

The large windows are fantastic because of the light and view (I hope). If the couch were placed against the wall where the TV is now, whatever accent colors you choose for the couch pillows, the rug, and the coffee table accessories (minimal) would be seen immediately upon entering the room and light reflecting off those elements would make the colors pop. The room would be more inviting if the recliner and ottoman were moved to the position the couch is in presently. The beautiful floor lamp would brighten and soften the room corner if placed between the relocated furniture. Consider adding full length draperies on either side of the window, even if a fixed width and without rods, to soften the transition (day or night) from the window to the interior space. A more substantial home entertainment center on the entry door wall would balance visually the weight of the larger elements already in the room (window and dark furniture). Kitchen elements (art, containers, rug) could coordinate and accent the colors in the living room so that the spaces are visually compatible. Thanks for providing the opportunity to offer suggestions!

I'm being lazy but how about something under this heading?:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/good-questions/beautiful-chaise-on-a-budget-good-questions-109213

I would suggest lots of soft textures - get a shag rug in a soft ivory, some throw pillows with light metallics and a bold color on the walls with a light pattern. Everything else will come together with simple changes.

I love your sofa and matching chair! I think the furniture you have is great and agree that all you need are some color and pattern pops in your accessories as well as some curtains and/or artwork to finish it up.

These dwell studio pillows would look great with either side showing if you go with the blue/gray color story.
http://tinyurl.com/yergex5

This rug would also look great.
http://tinyurl.com/y8mr7ue

And these curtains would soften the space (in sterling):
http://tinyurl.com/yas3o38

It wouldn't take too much to add a light-hearted touch here.

A hint -- folkloric can go with -- or have a basis in -- black as background, say, for jewel-bright colors with black and white accents.

Ikea specializes in black used this way. Have a look at their online catalog.

I agree about changing the rug -- to a flokati or something more like:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50168285

i actually really like this room--you've done a terrific job giving yourself a foundation! agree with others who suggest you just need the right accessories--disagree completely with those who say you need to ditch this or that.

that said...this room is screaming for color! a deep wine colored rug, perhaps in an old-fashioned pattern would help, as would some "clutter" in the form of artwork or even just books and things that make nice vignettes. i'd suggest some reflective surfaces to pick up on the light from those massive windows, maybe in some warm tones--burnished gold is hot right now and might warm up the "ice" vibe you've got with the blue? we have a similar situation in our ice blue BR with a dark steel bedframe & brown leather mirror frame, and so i slapped yellow & gold everywhere i could to soften the edges.

i'm also a fan of mixing up styles to create a comfortable feel, and so i'd slap some flea-market style items in there. i have these:

http://www.westelm.com/products/w367/

and they allow you to stack things up, layer them, change them constantly, etc., without knocking holes in the wall.

there are also some terrific draperies available from west elm, ikea & others that are light but have embroidery/beadwork that will add texture and warmth without sacrificing your light.

good luck!

I love the repetition of the fluid shapes in your black side table/lamp combo, and I would use that as some inspiration to draw throughout the room, just changing the scale and color. I would get a similar flow-y pattern rug, and maybe draperies too, and recover those two wooden armchairs in a smaller scale patterned fabric. And I too love the idea of silvery blues, white and chrome.

bepsf had some good ideas for rearranging - the couch should be on the wall where the armchair/ottoman is, across from the tv, so you can have friends over to watch a movie, and the armchair should be pointed towards the window, so you can look out over your view when you're reading a book. If you then move those two chairs to where the couch used to be, you could possibly get a little round dining table in there, making your whole apartment more multifunctional.

What kind of feminine do you want? traditional? modern? baroque? sexy? Any style can be interpreted as «feminine».

Let's start with what you already have. The black velvet couch looks very Hollywood. I like it. Enhance it's glamour with shiny objects like glass and/or silver things like candlesticks or a large bowl on the kitchen counter, add a couple of modern shiny stools at the bar, some animal print somewhere, a plushy fur cushion, a mirror, art on the long wall facing the coffee table.

A soft cream throw on the sofa would be very «feminine».

The blue flowers could sit on top of the books on the coffee table and the remotes could be stored in a basket of some kind.

If you wish to match those nice blue cushions, the long wall, door included, could be painted in a very pale muted turquoise. Framed photos of loved ones on that wall would balance the scheme with a warm, welcoming touch.

Hope this helps.

Is that the R&B Loring sofa? I have it in gray, and I think it's a very elegant and feminine base to work with. As others have said, your room right now is just too dark. I'd add one major feminine bright accent color--a pink, fuschia, turquoise, maybe even yellow. Then tiny bits of other colors. Replace your sofa cushions (or add more) in a scrolly pattern with your chosen accent.

Definitely do floor-to-ceiling drapes framing your window. Try for silk or silk-look. (Bed Bath & Beyond has this type of thing.)

Replace your coffee table with a mirrored one. (Target used to have small mirrored end tables that would have been perfect for this, but I don't see them on the site any longer, but there is a lot of cheap mirrored furniture out there today.) I think the coffee table is the single element most contributing to the bachelor-pad vibe.

Replace your two wood chairs with one ultra-feminine chair like a bergere in a light color or a pattern with your main accent color. Move the black side table over by this and use the chrome side table by your black chair.

Get a new shade for your black lamp, something with a pattern (or recover your shade with a scarf).

Ideally, for the wall behind your chair, you'd get a feminine wallpaper with a little metallic shine, or a huge piece of colorful art, or a Venetian-type mirror.

I love the idea of putting an ornate frame around the TV. Add another pretty vase (a tall one in your accent color) to the two on the credenza. Or put an orchid there.

Get some other plants--flowering ones like orchids are good; also begonias--and put them in mercury-glass cachepots near the window.

Despite the length of this post, I agree with everyone who says you are on the right track and just need to brighten and soften things up.

Yeah, a think aweekinparis is right that the arc lamp is jarring. Would it work sitting higher on a table or bench, or would it be too unstable?

Great apartment! You have the foundation for a very lux place. Black velvet (which is what I think is on your couch/chair) is a great start.

You absolutely need some color (yellow, olive, plum, pink, or icy blue are all great options to contrast with your black). Choose one - two if you're brave - and begin looking for accessories in these colors (pillows, art, etc.)

A colorful rug is totally necessary, and some floor-to-ceiling curtains across that entire back wall will add glamour like nobody's business.

Paint if you can; if not, hang some really big art on that blank wall or add a large floor mirror.

Some cool geometric patterns wouldn't hurt.

And I think a new clear coffee table would be super-chic.

Good luck!

Well, you're off to an ok start. Your furniture matches!

Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters are both great sources for colorful and feminine rugs and curtains. You should definitely at least put up some sheers on the windows; the black edges really don't help to ease the masculine look. I think if you bring in a few floral-type patterns it will really pull the room together.

I'd ditch your current pillows and other pale blue stuff for something with a bolder color (the blue and black looks a little somber) — although I'd stay away from the red and black combo, as that can be pretty off-putting. I also agree that you should re-upholster your two smaller chairs with a fun print. If you're handy with a staplegun, that should be easy!

You definitely need something on the walls. Apartment Therapy has done some features on DIY hand-painted quotation artwork.

Also, new lampshades! The white is boring, and this simple switch can make a huge difference.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your lamp!! Can you please tell me where you got it?

NEVER NEVER buy things you don't love just to make do. Make do without instead. If you buy things you don't love, you'll be tempted to pass on things you do love be cause you already have something that fills the purpose.

Okay...off my soap box. Artwork can make a huge difference in making your rooms look feminine. You can keep even the most feminine looking artwork modern with a modern frame.

Another way to bring a feminine feel to the room is to add more pillows and perhaps a throw.

When a client tells me she wants a more "feminine look" I think white lacquers, mirrored pieces, glass and crystal (or lucites if more modern), paler or floral-inspired colors... and textiles for overall softness. I think of silk dupionis and other fabrics with sheen. I'm not a huge fan of pattern, but if so, a brocade, perhaps in one of today's larger scale, more modern takes.

But you seem to want a lighter look but seem also to be drawn to dark wood finishes, which makes this assignment a bit of a challenge.

But since you *do* like dark tones, I'd fill in the remaining colors with deep jewel tones... plums, peacock blues, garnets or emerald.

To soften up your space, I'd reconsider the two dark wood-framed chairs and replace with something upholstered.

I *would* have steered you away from purchasing the matching chair to the sofa, but regrets are not allowed once a purchase is made, so the rest of the room should be the focus.

But I would also take cues from that sofa... curvy and fairly fresh-traditional.

I'd work to soften up that window wall... two side panels of a colored silk dupioni, and a wall of sheers in between.

And I'd move the TV about two feet down on the wall.

I'm very curious about your eventual solutions. Please update us & let us know what you've decided to do, or have done, to give this place the character you want.

I'd love to see a nice oriental rug with golds and blues. I would add lots of plants or at least several vases of flowers around the space. I'd replace the 2 chairs by the window or at least reupholster with something more feminine/rustic, whether it be a big floral print or burlap. I'd take some cues from Anthropologie catalogs and add some vintage/rustic/worn in elements. Everything here is very slick and new, which is hard to make feel feminine unless you go very glam and Hollywood Regency, which is an option, but just one that I would be less inclined to.

You have great bones! I love the arms on your sofa and the arc lamp.

When I realized my place had become too masculine in my effort to be gender neutral, I lightened up the place with a few accents of paisley and other scrolled or curved patterns. Here are a few inexpensive suggestions:

*One great item - although guys probably won't like it - is Pier 1's "ruffles" pillow. It comes in a bunch of colors and it's currently on sale.

*I bought two square wood wall panels with a scroll pattern from Home Goods. They are like the Teak Lotus panel from Viva Terra only smaller (and much cheaper). I hung them side by side as a headboard but you could easily use them as wall art in the living room. (These may be a little too organic or natural looking with your arc lamp and coffee table but you don't mention if any of the items are going to be replaced. Thus, I throw this out for an option.)

*I also purchased artwork from Chariklia Zarris. You can get some preframed pieces from Crate and Barrel. I ordered from art.com and got frames from American Frame so I could get the geometrics and colors of my choice.

*Add a couple of plants!

Good luck and repost once you update the place.

This room might benefit from some of those modern black and white floral/botanical fabrics that are so popular at the moment, in things like cushions, wall decor and trays. They will add the required dose of femininity while maintaining a sophisticated black and white colour scheme. And yes, the rug is awful - replace it with something boasting a fine B&W pattern.

Add accents of rich cream to prevent the B&W from being too stark or cold. If it still looks a little chilly, add small amounts of very pale shades of aqua, pink, green etc.

fresh flowers!

i would put in colored glasses or crystal pieces on that low rectangular table near the window.

artwork on the walls.

i would change the throw pillows to something that has a floral or damask pattern. geometric prints would work too if it's in a feminine color (pink/purple)

I don't think you need any new furniture, but there are just a few simple things that could really help feminize and brighten up the place:

1. Big bold colorful throw pillows on couch and chair. Essential!

2. Throw/blanket tossed on couch - some kind of soft texture. Ikea has cheap throws (I have a teal boucle one from there that was $9.99.)

3. New rug. Other commenters have some great ideas here.

4. A few colorful accessories. Just random thrift store or Ikea doo-dads. Figurines, vases, vintage phone... just some interesting little things.

5. Wall art! Really just anything colorful up on that wall.

I think just pick about 3 accent colors that you like that go well together and just start collecting things that have those colors in them. Items don't have to have all the colors or be exclusively those colors, just a jumping off point. Also, if you have an obvious color palette, people will start bringing you things... Like my first apartment was all pops of red, orange, and pink and my friends started bringing me funky orange vases and red glass candy dishes and other random stuff. It was great! Now my place is all neutrals with pops of teal, mustard, and green and we just keep finding things that work.... Also I think we had one or two funky old salt and pepper shaker sets and suddenly our friends started bringing us new ones all the time. Needless to say we now have a salt and pepper shaker collection!

Good luck!

purple. you need purple on your walls, a nice plummy purple that has a little bit of warmth to it. then add white gauzy curtains to prevent the room from feeling too small and to balance with the kitchen cabinetry. throw in some other feminine touches like candles, a throw, fresh flowers, and a mirror with a silver frame to match the lamp and you're off to a good start!

It isn't too masculine at all. I love what you have so far. You need a white flokati rug and a starburst mirror. Paint a canvas a fushia color and hang it up to add instant color.