I am a self-confessed tinkerer in the home; I'm always moving furniture, changing pillows, hanging art, etc. I'm certain many readers share my predilection, my need to keep my space fluid. Though many of the changes I make to my spaces are small, sometimes they have a big impact on my enjoyment of a space. Here's a pictorial review of my evolving living room over the last few months.
Photo 1: This is my living room in May. Both TVs do not belong in this space; we were in the process of moving my husband's new (bigger) TV into the room. The white lamps, rug, coffee tables, glass door cabinet and media stand belong to us- the rest of the furniture comes with the house.
Photo 2: Here is my living room in late August. The white lamps are gone, moved into the master bedroom where they work much better. I have also switched out the lampshades on the four table lamps; I can't stand the shades that came with the lamps, and was lucky enough to find a store selling drum shades on clearance.
Photo 3: Same time frame but this photo is taken from the opposite side of the room. The wing chair recliner is my husband's favorite chair; the armchair and ottoman next to it are a light blue though the color is washed out by the afternoon sun in this photo.
Photo 4: Here is early September. I moved the furniture around, removing one couch and the blue chair and ottoman, and replacing them with two striped armchairs from another room in the house. I moved the loveseat under the window, and the couch that had been under the window to the opposite side of the room (replacing the couch I removed). I also switched out the rug, thinking the lighter colors of the Nain would be better than the red Afghan carpet that was there before.
Photo 5: Another view of that same afternoon showing the new couch up against the column that long years ago was a wall between the living and dining room in this house. After a morning of rearranging, I was happy with the new furniture placement but not with the rug.
Photo 6: Same day again. After weeks of visualizing this Nain carpet in the room, I was determined to make it work. Here I switched the orientation of the carpet, and though happier with the look than the one above, I knew it this carpet just wasn't working for me in this room with this furniture. Sigh...
Photo 7: Sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same. Here I am back to the original Afghan carpet, but I changed the orientation of the rug. Now that there is a small strip of light tile visible all around the edges, I no longer feel like the carpet and couches are too dark together.
Photo 8: Same change shown from a different angle. The striped chair is much better than the pale blue chair and ottoman (which you can still see behind because I hadn't yet moved it to the library). I was so happy with this final result that I was inspired to finally complete the gallery wall (as documented here).
Lots of pictures to document several small changes in an evolving space, small changes that have made a big difference to how my husband and I enjoy our living room. Though we have lost two seats, there are so many chairs in the room that we have yet to notice the loss. The room feels more open and balanced than it did before, an accomplishment given how many pieces have to co-exist in this space.
For now, I'm happy with the room. Except of course for the need to add some colorful throw pillows. And maybe a small side table for next to the one striped chair. And maybe a stand for the small wood trunk. And so it goes...
Images: Colleen Quinn
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Four-P...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I hate to say it, but I agree. Also too many pieces especially lamps and the extra coffee table.
Some editing might help; there seem to be too many furniture pieces floating around. And small appointed pops of color might help.
The writer did indicate that all that seating came with the house so the style isn't something she can change. Definitely agree on the pops of color- get working on those throw pillows!
I agree on editing. Coco Chanel said "Put on your jewelry and then remove one piece." Consider removing a piece of solid brown furniture.
Consider putting the big sofas back-to-back to create two seating areas. All the seating squished into one conversation area looks like a public space for meetings. I'd assumed from the photo this was an office or dorm lounge.
I agree with the posters above. Maybe some dramatic curtains and artwork could help with some balance and cohesion?
BROWN.
Wow - that's a lotta furniture! I can see why you are having trouble making it feel balanced. Would any of these pieces fit into other rooms? I mean three sofas is fine in a public space, but in a private home (plus numerous side chairs) it's just overwhelming.
I agree, some breaking up of the walls will help too. I applaud the art grouping effort, but would rethink some of the art placement. For instance, the map is the largest piece you have, but you have it atop one of your higher pieces of furniture. I would put the map maybe near the tv or some other expanse that needs something large, and then put a few small pieces where it once was. Simple curtains hung high around the windows will also help visually.
Right now there is a lot of brown at the medium level, and a lot of white up high. I like the red rug in its final orientation, but adding ice blue chairs in with the warm red and brown is getting a little strange. Which then makes me wonder if the bluish rug might need to be brought into consideration... It's quite the puzzle! I'm thinking: blue rug back in, light bluish (simple pattern?) curtains, and remove one each: sofa, chair, coffee table, and trunk (if possible.)
I also love the kimono, but am wondering if - given the color scheme - it might do well in another room too.
And I forgot the easiest: pillow covers for the sofa.
I love that you are working with what you have. I could definitely enjoy hanging out there (pic 8). I think a warm neutral color on the walls would do wonders.
Good job on making small changes and then seeing how you like it before you proceed. :)
Way too much furniture and the groupings aren't helping it feel cohesive imo.
If you can't off load some of this furniture, I agree with Lisa about using the sofas to create two distinct areas in the room, one for tv watching and another for conversation/reading.
furniture party!
Maybe try layering some of those rugs or making more distinct areas. This would be great for a lot of company playing catchphrase but less practical for every day life. I like the furniture itself but think you could go much further with your accessories and colors. Maybe have someone impartial come in and give you a hand, or do a furniture/accessories swap with another friend looking to change things up if $ is an issue.
You are lucky to have such a spacious living room! If you wanted it, you could carve out a little desk area; a designated tv area and/or conversation areas.
Have fun:)
I agree with the idea mentioned to put the couches back to back to divide up the space. Ikea does it in their 2012 catalog, take a look!
There are some things wrong with the arrangement as you have it now, but there is potential. I suggest moving some seating OUT of the room and into another area of the house.
Working with what you have is not always easy. I sympathize.
Good execution so far. I agree that defining separate seating areas would bring structure to the space. Even a chair or two and a lamp to create a cozy reading or convo nook would do wonders. Beautiful room, btw! Good job on the gallery wall. It's lovely. I'd add some seating to that area & maybe a lamp for reading to make it a secondary focal point. Make that glorious huge window your main focal point. Maybe try replacing the sofa (or maybe it was a loveseat in your final pic) with a couple chairs & small table to let more light in. IF you can paint, pick an accent wall & try a shade or two lighter than your blue chair (monitor colors are relative at best).
You have some nice pieces. What's missing is pops of color as someone mentioned but mostly TEXTURE & PATTERN. Add these things and your beautiful space will come alive. Bring the blue chair back to the main seating area and by all means bring back that gorgeous patterned rug! Blues & browns work great together so you're off to an a great start. Move the furniture away from the walls & the smaller/patterned rug will work. Maybe try positioning the furniture at different/odd angles. Perhaps something with intrigue you and spark a new idea!
Your room is all warm colors so bring in some cool colors to create balance. (Hint: Buy several options that appeal to you, try them out in your space and return what doesn't work). Just add accent colors of your choice in different textures and patterns and don't be afraid to mix & match. Finally, be sure to come back & post *after* photos. I applaud your perseverance in working with what you have. Keep up the good work!
Smileydq, where does the writer say the furniture came with the house? Furthermore so what if it did? She doesn't have to keep all of it.
I agree that this looks like a waiting room in a retirement home. The thing that is glaring to me is how far away from each other all the seating is. This room, despite being mostly brown, is very cold. you need to cozy it up. Bring those couches closer to each other in the center of the room, maybe at a different angle, and only have one table. You need drapery! And, you could utilize some slipcovers to add some zip.
I'd try some of the furniture in a different arrangement (not what you wanted to hear, I'm sure). Everything is very square - furniture & placement - and static. Move the shorter couch where the 2 chairs & table are now. I know the back of a sofa to an opening isn't great for feng shui, but I think it might anchor that end of the room. Try 2 of the square end tables behind the sofa, like a console, or that piece of furniture way off in the corner near the door. Put 2 chairs (maybe that blue chair/wood trim that you were moving) w/ a square end table between in front of the window. Use the round end table between the ends of the 2 sofas. Lose a coffee table and the brown pillows on the sofas. Curtains on the windows. Try the tall cabinet in the corner where the art is and rethink the art placement - it looks lost.
Being unable to release my home's furnishings would be as frustrating as living in a Rubik's cube. Rental rules may be different in Saudi Arabia, but I don't see where it says she has to keep all the furnshings that came with the house. If she's paying rent for the space, then should that same space be used by the landlord as a storage site? Perhaps she could return the surplus to its owner to use in another property, lend it to a friend and retrieve it before moving out, or pay to have it stored off site. It currently doesn't feel like a one-family home, not that has to be her goal.
I agree that there's too much furniture in the room, too. Even if you can't get rid of it, could you move some of it to another room? We have a matching set that includes a couch, loveseat, ottoman, and oversized chair, and I recently put a slipcover on the chair and relocated it to the master bedroom. It made such a difference for both rooms.
I feel as if, as many people have stated, there is too much going on in this room.
I'd start by removing at least 1/3 of the seating. The long couch (dark brown) should stay, and maybe one of the chairs or something. How many people live here? That should be how you determine the amount of seating you need. You can always pick up some alternative options for seating when additional people are at your house.
I'd also put the 2 coffee table next to each other to make one long table.
Pull the rug so it's centered under the long couch. Move the television to where the other couch is.
Although I'm not sure that you were necessarily looking for help, I think it would do your space wonders if you at least tried it!
Another vote creating more than one furniture grouping in the room. You need some distinct areas.
That, and a couple of large, colourful pieces of art and recovering your brown throw pillows would do wonders.
Oh, and curtains!
Start by getting a MUCH BIGGER RUG.
pam h
howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com
I don't recall anyone asking for advice, and the poster actually commented that they were happy with the space. In true AT fashion, a bunch of armchair designers chime in.
I appreciate the fact they this person is trying but I have a few comments: Needs a better light fixture, get rid of those blinds and add drapes, get rid of the extra coffee table, need color on the walls and some throw pillows.
None of these groupings really make any sense to me because the chairs & couches are all so far away from each other that you would have to shout at the other person across the canyon of coffee tables. In all cases, I would drop the idea of the two parallel coffee tables & smoosh that furniture closer together. Also--too much stuff. I look at this room & I say to myself couch couch couch chair couch chair table table table table chair chair. Looks like an Ashley's furniture showroom.
Re. 2kidsandus' "armchair designers"--isn't that the point of this site? If I had posted 8+ photos of my living room on an internationally recognized design website, I would expect to receive feedback.
I agree with the suggestion of creating two separate seating areas. I think what's bothering you is a large amount of open space int the middle of the room, and the easiest fix would be put to put the couches back to back in the middle of the room. I don't see a sofa table, but you could always rig something since it will be hidden; and put the pair of lamps on it. I would make one area for media, oriented toward the TV, and one geared toward conversation and games. Use one rug to anchor each area, and repeat its colors in throws and pillows, and this has the potential to be a jaw-dropper. I don't think the pieces that come with the space are bad, and mix nicely with your own. I would also spread the art out a little bit. If possible, I think making the wall with duct/soffet a wall of drapes would add a lot of richness to the space.
Good luck and happy tinkering.
The room looks a little "spin cycle", with all the seating pretty much stuck to the perimeter. I think folks here have the right idea - create a couple of more intimate seating areas instead, and get the furniture off the walls as much as possible.
Ideally folks shouldn't have to raise their voices to have a conversation between two sofas.
Great post. I make small changes as well. Tinkering is fun!
fun to tinker! how about some plants and greenery?
Designer Carole Talbott recommends emptying a room completely the better to see its potential, then adding back just the best suited furnishings, layer by layer. That first seems unnecessary work but, thanks to her detailed instructions, actually can yield pleasing results with less frustration than incremental rearrangement. I read and again recommend her book, Decorating for Good: A Step-by-Step Guide to Rearranging What You Already Own.
@CityChik, the description of Photo 1 says "The white lamps, rug, coffee tables, glass door cabinet and media stand belong to us- the rest of the furniture comes with the house." I would assume this means the owner of the property won't let them get rid of it. They probably don't want to pay to store it elsewhere so they are trying to arrange everything the best way possible.
I think doing small changes like this and comparing the photos helps narrow down what works and what doesn't without all the effort of completely moving out and starting over. Just keep swimming! :)
majority of the pieces are dark and heavy. the balance is off. no plants?
OMG, too much of a mental challenge. I hope someone can help though.
@2kidsandus - this whole WEBSITE is armchair designing, what do you expect? You can't post that picture on here and not expect some suggestions on how to pretty it up.