apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

what's missing? personality.

For what it's worth:

Paint the walls white to add energy and help the furniture stand out. The wall color is deadly and too simialr to the carpeting.

Get an area rug with some color and pattern.

Angle the chairs at opposite sides of the coffee table--looks like a dentist's waiting room now. Furniture needs to have a dialogue.

Add an interesting side table next to one of the chairs.

Don't plan on placing books on a table as a decorative element--that's creepy!

I would say plants. A beautiful fluffly ruffle fern to the right of the sofa on a pedestal, or maybe a palm. They do not require much light. I have a north facing room and these plants are doing quite well. Or you could have another side table there and go for symmetry. The mat in the 2nd rendering looks much better that in the first for the landscape painting.

Also a printed rug might bring some color into the room.

Just my 2 cents!! :)

Swap the sofa and the cabinet. The visual weight of the cabinet makes the corner past it look closed in and forbidding.

After that, I'd probably move the print to a different wall, and put a vintage starburst mirror above the sofa.

I think an inexpensive way to inject personality is to add a soft layer with patterns. A cozy throw draped over the couch and some small rugs layered over each other.

Ok, here goes:
1. Color (it is hella drab in there)
2. Balance (that big old china hutch dwarfs that little old love seat)
3. Flow (It's oppressively boxed in with a boxy formation in a boxy room. Try rearranging the furniture so the chairs or sofa are at an angle or something)
4. Personality - have to agree with the above post
5. Art - 2 generic looking prints do not good art make
6. Yes, something living - plants would be good
7. A better focal point. That china hutch is dominating the view and the space.

And, I have to ask. What is up with the lamp? It looks like someone drank too many strawberry margaritas one night and nicked it from the local TGIFs.

FYI, I own the exact same coffee table. I love it.

The picture needs to be reframed in something larger, probably a wider frame, maybe more ornate, and DEFINITELY ditch the white mat. Dual mats are more expensive, but they always look amazing, and I think they're well worth it.

I think crown molding, too, would make the space seem a little less sparse. You can by fairly inexpensive stuff that is made out of lightweight plastic and just tacks up with a bit of glue (my mom is using the 3M removable pull tabs to test hers and see if she likes it).

I agree that the wall color needs to change, and there should be something different on the coffee table.

I agree with MSN. The first thing that I noticed was the lack of life, which, while the room has some pop elements, it borderlines rigidity. Otherwise, great job!

Pizazz. It needs some style. It's looking a little too like a mix between business hotel suite and mass furniture store showroom.

I think your two heaviest pieces (sofa and display cabinet) are weighing the room down on one side... I think the issue is furniture placement plan. I also think the sofa is small relative to the room and the display case... if you can't go bigger with the sofa, add another side table, fairly dense and dark to ad visual weight to the sofa. Or in the very least, use the existing table on the opposite side of the sofa.

Furniture also seems to be wall-bound... any chance the side chairs, for example, can float with their backs to the camera? Hard to tell if that would work in your space though.

And, this is just personal opinion, but your lighting seems a bit fussy to me, given the other items in the room.

My suggestions include hang some colorful art salon style on the wall above the couch, add some pattern in the pillows or by recovering the chairs, possibly add a color more modern shaped shade to the lamp, add a circular tray with some accents on the coffee table and get some colorful accessories in the display case. Changing the floor to a more contrasting material under the rug would also help.

where is that coffee table from? i need one!

It's missing not those lamps.

for starters, the artwork is quite static both in content & in form (the way it's framed and centrally placed over the sofa). I suggest changing it out with a more vibrant dynamic piece or adding other pieces around it to create visual interest, rhythm, & movement.

TV. It's missing a TV.

It needs some sort of focal point, and the placement of the chairs makes absolutely no sense. Imagine your guests sitting there, making conversation with your glassware.

I agree with patrick-- the furniture is too wall bound. It's a very stilted setting. Try what djs suggested and create a conversation area by moving your chairs on either side of the coffee table or across the coffee table facing the sofa. Move those pieces closer together. Consider placing the sofa on a diagonal. Counterbalance the conversation area with the cabinet (which I LOVE-- very jealous; I've been eying that piece in Room and Board for YEARS!).

If your living room is really as small as it seems, you might want to remove the coffee table and use a smaller one (perhaps even the side table). You can create a cozier conversation pit that way.

Agree strongly with the suggestion for plants. Test the room with terra cotta or similar color on the walls.

The walls, there is to much going on on the bottom half and nothing on the top, try and even out the space some, bring things higher in the room and bring in more color, less neutral. I can't help but keep wondering what a bright fire engine red circle rug would look like under the coffee table, probably would draw to much attention though.

aw, commenters are so harsh. This is somebody's front room, not a room in a magazine, people. And the owner is probably reading this.

I think ptoo and dtremit are right that the furniture could be rearranged to good effect. The hutch is so visually big, relative to the rest of the furniture, that the sofa looks less inviting than it could be. What would happen if you switched them? Also, if you could pull the chairs away from the wall/window, preferably at an angle or asymmetrical, they would feel more a part of the room. It would be great if the sofa and chairs were closer to each other and more "conversational".

It might just be my monitor, but it looks like the colors in the photo are different than the ones in the mockup - the mockup's walls are lighter and the chairs are gold-er, and the chairs are darker than the walls. Is it just the picture? If not, maybe consider painting the walls a lighter color in the same family. It would make the other colors look richer.

I like the posh, gilded, old-school style you're going for. I would add some accents in a jewel tone - I like the teal idea - or more gold.

kitschy 1970's ash tray.

I think the agree that the room could be rearranged so the sofa and the hutch trade places. The art above the sofa needs to be bigger or part of a collage of several pieces. What this room is missing most is pattern. Everything you have is lovely, but so subtle. Maybe you could line the back of the hutch with a fabric in a pattern or Switch out the pillows for something more patterned. I like the rug and try some smaller changes before you change something that could be pricey. Accessorize a bit more with unexpected things.

Sorry about the beginning of my comment, I guess I started that sentence a couple times and didn't proofread!

What do you use the room for now, Kim? What do you want to use it for?

If it's a typical front sitting room (i.e., the visiting priest room) the seating needs to relate to each other more. Is the view out the window any good? If so, I'd try to face at least some of the seating to take advantage of it. Angles, too, I'd want to see something at an angle (other than 90 degrees, natch) to achieve some excitement in the room.

Oh, and I'd love to see bigger, "statement" art on the walls.

Kim wrote:

and not even well hung, for that matter

*coughcoughcoughcough*

I simply cannot believe the smutty turn AT has taken. No sir, I cannot believe it. But we likes it, sir, yes we does.

The art looks lonely and random. It basically looks like a waiting room or a vignette in a department store, not conversational. It's too spread out, like you would sit down with family or guests and awkward silence.

I think the contents of the hutch should be more visually apparent than crystal. A collection of things not related to a dining room, which it's not in, perhaps, if you're all set for china. Maybe it looks more sparkly in person, but it just looks like a big brown block in the room here. Pull it together. Maybe make room for another place to sit.

I'm not sure what look or effect you're going for, but it looks like you are strictly holding off the clutter with so bare an assortment of accessories. It's not really minimal, so use more accessories. I think wall paper or paint would look nice. I can't recommend any colors, but I think a vertical stripe in something monochrome. That tan color it is now is not helping out. I think a good way to try out colors is to temporarily put something in the room, like an article of clothing or something else from somewhere in the house, and imagine it as paint or pattern.

I think the arrangement and the wall color are your two biggest shortages in the room. Right now it is a box of things you like, but you can make it a real room within a few more steps.

Simple (inexpensive and maybe even readily available) additions to add some more color:

A big green plant on top of the hutch

A small side table (in a pretty color?) between the chairs (with a plant on it?)

Colorful drapes

Something colorful peaking out from within the hutch

Maybe a colorful platter on that open shelf at the bottom of the hutch

Another side table (or ottoman that could be pulled out?) on the other side of the couch (to add symmetry)

A couple of smaller pieces of art on either side of the large one above the couch (maybe some fun etsy finds?)

Swap out the lamp shades for something with more color and/or a modern shape

something fun and unexpected. i like a large, over-arching 70s floor lamp to replace the current lamp.

paint, vibrant throw pillows, and a dimensional piece of art for above the couch.

The immediate thing that jumps at me is the size of the art above the couch - as mentioned, it's far too small for the couch and the wall space it needs to take up. I also agree that the rug is too pale and neutral. A splash of color on the wall would do amazing things - the blue or gold of the throw pillows seem like good places to start (not that I am an advocate of matching wall color to throw pillows, but in this case they seem like colors which are well coordinated to the rest of the room.)

Thanks to those who have provided constructive ideas. This room is particularly challenging because of the bay windows and because it's taller than it is wide. This is also essentially my front entry -- it's not a room that gets much use AND it's a huge waste of space. I've used the "shop at home" model as much as possible.

The original art (by prolific Mary Silverwood) was the inspiration for the room's palette. [http://www.joycerobins.com/artistIndex.php?artist_id=9&category_id=65&MARY%20SILVERWOOD]. Today I would choose a different piece (I chose this one 14 years ago], but in person it's vibrant and rich and beautiful. The other painting is also an original but the artist's name escapes me at the moment. Both need repositioning for sure.

1. I'll work towards an art collage on the wall -- I think that's really a great idea. And a mirror!

2. I'll consider a low-light fern and try a plant one more time. I killed a maidenhair fern last go-round.

3. I'll try moving those blue enamel bowls into the cabinet to help with color. The crystal collection *is* an oddity. It's gorgeous and sparkly, but subtle and a little out of place. But oh well. I'll work the color angle. I inherited a very fine collection of leaded Waterford, and I like it, but it could be tweaked.

4. The photo is unfortunate. The paint does look like pale, washed out doeskin. It's warm and rich in person and gets a lot of 'oohs and ahhs' from guests. I'll put paint on the back burner and work some of the other angles suggested first, and then consider paint options.

5. Ha! the lampshade *does* look a little TGI Friday's! that hadn't ocurred to me. I liked the funky fussy element, but maybe it's too funky.

6. Yeah... the rug. That was my big $$ mistake. I had a dark and busy tribal rug in there before and I think went too far in the opposite direction. I'll have to save up for an alternative.

thanks again!!

Scale, it's missing scale. While it is a small room, the loveseat is far too small in scale.

Oh, P.S. Yes, colorful drapes. Since I submitted this about a month or so ago, I've installed some great drapes. They helped enormously.

I think the chairs should face the couch in a way that makes conversation possible. You have a waiting-room set-up now, which is throwing the room off.

You might also want to think about more substantial curtains, to balance the heavy cabinet opposite the window.

But I think you have a good start.

flip flop the big cabinet (which I love!) and the sofa. Then, consider placing two upholstered chairs on either side of that cabinet- it would help bring some more "softness" to the space. Perhaps to add to the symmetry, a print above each of these chairs. Now your sofa and existing chairs create a more intimate conversation area.

I don't think it is necessary to repaint and I don't hate the rug. But more color, more interest is what we need (after the reorganization). Then, yes, I would consider a drapery treatment that adds some more lush fabric and anchors the window area. Could you switch out the pillows on the small chairs to have more cool colors? The warms are too much on the beautiful wood chairs and make the rug seem more out of place. Good luck, you've got a great start!

A lot of these comments are good.

I agree that the furniture placement is uncomfortable, the loveseat feels dwarfed and the hutch needs more interest (colour/texture).

I think your white mat is best on that picture. I honestly think coloured mats date art too much. Try a different frame, something with clean lines, but again add scale by choosing one with a big footprint. Maybe something in the same tone as your couch? And consider having a bit more matting on the bottom than the other three sides to weight the picture.

What is on the wall we can't see? All the dark pieces are clumped on one side of the room. (hutch, loveseat ( side table)

I would switch up the contents of the hutch with a few opaque or coloured pieces, and maybe add some baskets or fabric covered boxes on top?


Mix up the pillows so both chairs don't have the same pillow. And mix textures, you have a lot of satin/sheen going on.

A few books and a blanket or two would make the room feel more lived in. Maybe an oversized basket, antique wooden crate or small trunk with a few blankets tucked in? This could fit in the unused spot on the other side of the loveseat.

Lastly, I would re-home the beaded lamp. It doesn't seem to relate to anything else in the space.

Good luck!!

Most issues have been covered off -- the scale of the sofa and artwork are too small (the idea of an art collage wall is great!), and the pendant lamp is... well, just wrong.

I think what would liven up your room, and really bring it to life, would be to do a (feature) wall (or maybe 2 walls) of wallpaper, with other walls painted a lovely creamy white. Since your room lacks pattern, and replacing your rug for a patterned one would be expensive, I think wallpaper would be brilliant. AT has many examples of gorgeous wallpaper, the possibilities are almost infinite, but here are some of my suggestions:


Laurence Llewellyn Bowes has a number of fabulous patterns that I think could work in your space. This is my top pick:

http://www.grahambrown.com/us/store/viewProduct.do?id=2629293

Others include Cotswold Pearl, Olive or Ivory; Jaisamand celadon (or chocolate?); or Navonna pale gold.

http://www.grahambrown.com/us/store/viewCategory.do?id=105&page=1&resultsPerPage=500

Cole & Son Alpana might be lovely too:
http://www.cole-and-son.com/search_results_name.asp?productname=alpana&form=4&image=submit

A more dramatic choice would be "Early Bird":
http://www.kleurmijninterieur.nl/webwinkel/index.php?c=245&p=7275&num=&view=on&nm=pip_early_bird

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/thumbnails.php?manufacturer=Brewers&subsection=brewers&mcollection=Advert&showall=1


But for me, the elephant in the room, the item that kills the conviviality of the space, is the china cabinet. It is too dark, too big, adds nothing in the way of visual interest, and is the wrong proportion. It dominates your conversation area. Plus, it is not a very effective way to store or showcase your crystal as there is much empty space between shelves, and your collection looks rather "lost" in all that wood.

Your crystal collection should properly be kept in the dining area; it feels odd and uncomfortable in the living area, and ungenerous since it is not accompanied by such welcoming accessories as liquor and drink accoutrements encouraging guests to help themselves.

The ideal solution would be a vintage stripped steel dentist's cabinet for your crystal collection: it is smaller, not as bulky, all the glass makes it appear lighter, and with the shelves closer together, your collection will appear more abundant. The perfect example can be found on page 136 in the December '08 issue of UK Elle Deco. Here is an example of a similar cabinet:

http://furniture-love.com/itemviewer.php?id=99

Another option - have you thought about keeping the bulk of the collection in a kitchen cupboard or pantry, and just exhibiting a small selection of the collection in something like the floating illuminated and glass-covered shelves that Alex has over his bed (in your case, wood might be more appropriate)?:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/before-and-after-alexs-projected-chalkboard-paint-project-075384

As for a light to replace your pendant, your coppery pillows lead me to tom Dixon, either an arrangement of 3 or more of his "Beat" lights (hand-beaten brass)

http://www.tomdixon.net/en/products.html?Pid=48&Pic=3

or a few Mirror Balls or Copper balls:
http://www.nest.co.uk/browse/manufacturer/tom_dixon/lighting/tom_dixon_mirror_ball_pendant_li/

http://www.nest.co.uk/browse/manufacturer/tom_dixon/lighting/tom_dixon_copper_shade_light/

The shade of the pillows in the first and last of these images would work well with what you already have:
http://www.kirstenhecktermann.com/pages/currentstock.html

You are just a few "tweaks" away from a truly chic space!
(AWESOME coffee table btw!)

OK I'm going to be a pill and say:

Gregory, your advice is good stuff, but it's complement, not "compliment", and complementary, not "complimentary".

AT, I'm sure there are many copy editors out there who could use some work!