apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I agree about the area rug 100%...finding something that incorporates the colors in your existing art and accessories would be an easy way to help the living room feel more pulled-together. Are you allowed to paint? Perhaps adding an accent wall or highlighting the shelved niche in the dining room would be another way to add some more color.

Paint the sofa wall a darker contrasting color - a nice Farrow and Ball blue might work with the gold/red/green, but I'll leave that up to you.

i had an L shaped apartment a few months ago and there really wasnt any room to shift or change anything. although everyone thought it looked great, i felt it was just not managable. plain and simple. and it wasnt. one place for the couche, one for the chair, or chairs the kitchen counter came ran across that area so it was dressed with stool for dual purpose.. however the wall space as well had such limitations due to color and less space. i found moving was my choice, now had i not had that choice, would have dressed it in color. the couch would be a lipstick red, the zebra or mustard yellow. the walls another color, splashes of brightly colored pillows, the painting would be pic and exaggerated. abstract or black and white. a chandler would have hung .. depending on ceiling height. although mine was very tall.
hope that helps and oh yes the coffee table would be something very unique and special. cant wait to see what u do.

set in some brightly colored embordery on a bench along side the sliding glass door that you dont have to open....

Re: the TV. I'd place the TV in a tall shallow cabinet, maybe with open shelves towards the top. You could hide the TV, add visual interest to that wall and add some storage. On the open shelves I'd add something with punch. Maybe earthenware bowls in those colors you like.

Paint the niche and entryway a different color (either contrasting or darker). The niche should be lit with better directed access lighting. Benjamin Moore's website has several pictures showing these concepts. I would also experiment with different lampshades. Lastly, your furniture is all one texture, which contributes to the blahness as much as the beige. See if you can't introduce different textures into your scheme. Oh, and flowers or a plant. Vegetation always helps.

I think if anything, the room might need a little pulling apart, rather than together. It all matches just a little too much. I second the suggestions of a rug (with a pattern, rather than a solid color) and an accent wall (in something other than a neutral color).

Also, this might sound like blasphemy, but could you replace the tv stand or console table with another table from another room? They match so perfectly it's disconcerting, I feel a little like I'm looking at a furniture catalog - but maybe that's just me.

Love the sofa though, where's that from?

You need to paint. A lovely safe -not too bright mustard for the kitchen, and a greenish blue, (not teal-too bright) on the living room wall. Have a friend with wall color choice experience or choose a color similiar this wall:

http://www.nateberkus.com/portfolio.php?id=134

or http://www.nateberkus.com/portfolio.php?id=109]

Make sure your contrasting paints have the same hue saturation and they will coordinate beautifully. Now add more artwork and a small hall table for a landing strip (perhaps you have one in another room already.) Get rid of that dark wood lamp on your buffet and replace with a metallic version for a pop of color. As for the television, throw it out and wall mount an lcd (the tv and stand are too low for that wall. It makes your space look squat.) and put some lovely higher focal point groupings on your former tv stand such as vases w/flowers, books, accessories that mean something to you. Give your home some LOVE...

I'd go with shelves above the tv if you can hang them. Something 3d instead of flat.

The windows look pretty bare - some curtains would help. Perhaps in the turquoise color. Especially if painting a wall might not be an option.

I like the big flower by the mirror, but maybe more plants. Big tall green ones. :-)

Otherwise it's all very nice - just not quite finished yet.

Painting an accent wall will break up the beige, and the area rug suggestion is a good one. Go for something bold and attention-getting.

You're a fan of Candace Olsen—she is a layering queen. Layers of fabrics, accessories, lighting. You could really improve the room with rich draperies instead of blinds. Or over the blinds if you cannot remove them. A tall, unexpected piece in a corner would give the room some height and interest. Can't tell you what it should be... you just have to find it! That's how interesting rooms are created.

Breaking up the symmetry of your sofa/tables arrangement could also add interest. Swap out one lamp for something different, and move the frames to one side, together. You have a good base, now throw caution to the wind and inject your personality. Good luck!

I definitely agree with a colorful area rug to bring all the colors together. I also think that accessories or vases in the teal color would complement the heavy dark wood.

I like LauraE's idea of a taller TV cabinet. However, since your TV stand looks like it is in great condition, how about adding a wall shelf above the TV and displaying the matted prints you have leaning against the wall in the second to last photo?

I am also in agreement that a great rug (or two) will add a lot of interest. Rugs can be expensive, but I think they are worth it... especially if you can't paint.

If you're allowed to hang a curtain rod, adding one in the dining room with some colored curtains will add height and some drama and make the dining room a bit more formal. Plus, you can take it all with you when you move.

Finally, large floor vases with tall dried botanicals could make a big impact (and repeat the effect of your vase on the mirror table). Even a cluster of 3 to the left of the couch would add some height to the room. CB2's selection

I think the bones of your room are good. Safe, yes... but it's a great start!

I would place a nice, big floor plant in that corner to the left of the sofa (and by the light from the sliding doors, I would guess).

You've chosen some nice art and accessories, but a bit more personalization would be nice. Maybe some photos of family and friends on the wall above the tv in coordinating, but not identical, black frames.

I love another commenter's suggestion that you paint the entry area another color to set it apart. I can't tell what's opposite the door, but you may want to put a coat rack and/or umbrella stand over there. Maybe a mirror like this:

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Mirrors/Large-Mirrors/Leith-Hall-Mirror/p/4848?path=1%2C2%2C1468%2C1541%2C1605&iProductID=4848

would provide light reflection, a primping station, and some hooks for organizing things. Good luck!

Looks nice, but everything is a bit beige and a little too symmetrical and matchy. Maybe paint the walls a color, like a blue, add a patterned rug like the others have said. Maybe try different pillows on the sofa that don't match the prints above it so exactly. Maybe shake things up on the side tables by the couch so that they don't have exactly the same thing in the same position on each side. Maybe both frames on one side and some flowers and/or books on the other. Maybe even replace one of the side tables with a tall swing lamp.

I agree with a colorful rug that has some pattern to it. Everything is very "solid" now and needs a little something to break it up. Nice place.

Definitely take off the blinds and get curtains.

And I don't know if this was said, but how about a pendant light or something hanging over that dining set of yours? That would add some drama.

Every piece of wood is straight-lined and dark brown...

Consider introducing something round or metal and glass... and it will start to get you a collected, layered look. Part of Candace's success lies in using a huge range of textures.

Would be happy to help if you are in the NYC area.

http://www.athomewith.com/community/patrick/portfolio.esi

creativeneurosis is right---it does need a little "pulling apart." It's very nice, but it needs some color. If a big plunge is more than you can bear, add color with flowers and potted plants in coloful pots.

You need something to draw the eyes around the room, seeking the next interesting and colorful thing. Break up the wall art over the sofa and move those little paintings off the end tables. Unmatched but similar items are pleasing to the eye.

It is all so symmetrical, and that's rarely a good thing in decorating. Your things have great bones, it just needs to be fleshed out with more pattern and color.

If you want Candice Olsen style, you need to look at your space and ask yourself, "What would Candace do here?"

First thing she's rip out are those blinds and the wall-to-wall: She'd have the guys install rich, polished wood floors and hang fabulous silk floor-ceiling draperies on massive wooden rods - She'd probably paint the walls a nice soft pastel too.

Secondly, she'd replace that TV with a flatscreen in cabinet with doors and lots of storage for media.

She'd swap out some of the matchy-matchy furniture for pieces with pattern and texture - the armless chair for a cozy armchair in a beautifully patterned fabric, and at least two of those dining room chairs for some upholstered dining chairs, and put some fabric seat cushions on the remaining wood dining chairs.

Lighting is a big issue with her: She'd replace that lonely recessed light fixture above the dining table with a fabulous sparkly chandelier - Perhaps using a fixture with little shades over the lightbulbs. She'd also replace those reedy-looking table lamps with pieces that are larger in scale and have shiny finishes.

She'd lay huge colorful wool rugs on the floors, put mirrors up on the walls that are framed in something besides plain black frames, place shiny silk pillows and soft knitted throws on the sofas and chairs, and accessorize with artwork and pieces that reflect your interests and personality - whether it's travel, horses, alarm clocks, Buddhism, glass paperweights, Spanish food, underwater basketweaving or whatever.

I think the room is pretty and put together but it lacks soul. I don't connect with it in a visceral way because it is just so darn safe as if a checklist were used: 4 solid color couch pillows (check), matching end tables, console table, cocktail table (check)... Overall, the room lacks personality.

I don't even know where to start in terms of suggestions. I would replace some of the matchy/matchy wood tables and replace it with stuff that is interesting and that you LOVE and will keep for years and years. I'd replace the artwork above the couch and in the dining room with something original -- again, art that speaks to you and that you LOVE. Personalize this space and make it your own. It's just so darn safe and predictable. I'd change out 80% of it and start over. Open yourself up to possibilities and be true to who you are -- a multi dimensional individual with personal history, memories, interests, passions and quirks. None of that is represented here. Lamps are boring. Art is boring. Accessories are boring. Are you boring? If so, then you nailed it. I doubt that you are boring though. I think you probably rock. Make your home rock, too.

sunny blue and creativeneurosis..amen.

I agree about the taller tv stand - tall shelves there. And about the paint, and about the rugs and/or curtains. Nice furniture, now it just needs to look lived-in.

To add one more thing to farmhousemoderne.

Candace Olsen always has something with a little shine or pizazz for the wow factor. She usually does it through lighting, an interesting pendent chandelier, table lamp with glass or sconces. She also uses wallpaper or something to add pattern or texture. She says it's the "something unexpected", weather its a oversized damask stencil pattern on a feature wall or a dazzling small jeweled modern chrystal chandelier.

Since you mentioned Candace, I'll pass along one of her secrets - layering. Kick the accessories up a notch and add some bold strokes of contrast. And don't forget the sparkle!

ShellyinMSP-WOW you said it well.
I look at the room and have no idea who lives there. The living room could be a nice waiting room in a dentist's office.
Good furniture, no risk--but that's a great start! Now make it yours. "Candace" can point you in the right direction, but bring some of yourself to your home, too!

1. A couple of bold patterned items...pillows, a throw, a rug, lampshades...
2. some metallic accessories and/or organic stuff
3. Plants
4. Paint on the wall(s) that's not beige or tan

and i think right now, it's just far too symmetric. i love your furniture and art and color choices, but the setup does seem too boring, but i understand it's hard because the easiest and most comfortable way to arrange furniture is to make it symmetric.

i agree with anything taller than the art, vertical mirrors that hang taller than the art.

drape a throw over the chair, add a bookshelf with pictures and books.

Wow, bepsf..are you Candice Olsen?? :> That is totallt what she would do!! WWCD Ha ha!

Yeah, befpsf is right on... are you Candace? :)

"are you Candace?"

Haha - Thanks but no, I'm not as pretty...

Bepsf knows her stuff! :)

Alas, your place looks like a rental or a hotel. You need to ask yourself what *you* like. Except Candace Olsen, of course. You need to learn what kind of beautiful things attract you. What is your favorite color? What is your favorite flower? Maybe go visit an antique store for fun. Maxwell actually talks about this in his book - how to understand what your style is, what you like, and what your home needs (Apartment Therapy 8-step Home Cure). Your place is lacking personality - you need to put *you* into *your home*.

Get some fresh flowers for your dining room table. Daffodils are in season right now, and the yellow would be beautiful against your dark furniture and the art you chose to put above it.

The blinds look sad to me. I would go for drapes.

If I were you I would rip that gray (or is it beige?) carpet and install dark hardwood floors. Everything looks better on hardwood. I would also paint these walls, at least one of them, in a safe but interesting color - I'm a big fan of Ralph Lauren Urban Loft colors. And I would definitely get a rug. I think that red or reddish-toned oriental rugs - they add depth and interest to a neutral interior. You could also go with deep brown, unless you plan to install a hardwood floor.

Good luck!

My first thoughts were "model home". I'm assuming you don't have the means to "replace 85% of what you have" as some have suggested here. So, instead I think you should keep the bones and add unique touches.

These are some suggestions to add personality:

Pillows - http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=595&f=5046&viewall=1

Rug - http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1155444&navCount=3

TV armoire - http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod28080001&parentId=cat2540731&masterId=cat000010&index=20&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000010cat2540731

Curtains - http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod28080001&parentId=cat2540731&masterId=cat000010&index=20&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000010cat2540731

I would also paint the sofa wall for accent. Maybe a goldenrod yellow or pale blue.

And if you can afford it, definitely replace the carpeting with hardwood (or bamboo).

I meant these curtains: http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod54650004&parentId=cat1770732&masterId=cat1640731&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat1590731cat1640731cat1770732

The space screams "apartment". Yet this exact furniture and dropped it into a character house would look tasteful and elegant.

So upgrade the shell. Bigger baseboards, full moldings around the window and patio frames. Sheers and curtains instead of blinds. (Get expensive-looking chunky curtain rods... it makes a world of difference.)

And then for accessories, try some weird-looking stuff that doesn't match. A little bit of ugly can make everything else pretty.

*having a Lebowski-moment*

You are in definite need of a rug.

I think you need a radical beige-ectomy, stat!

Replacing the carpets and recovering the (very nice shaped) sofa might be expensive (although if you can afford it please do it!). But you could definitely paint the walls something strong (don't cop out and just do a feature wall, if you do you'll just end up doing something that goes with the still predominant beige, and you'll be back at square one). And you can put in rugs too. Even black-and-white patterns would bring a crispness that you'll never get with the self-perpetuating mushroom-putty-oatmeal-cream vortex.

As the lamps seem to still have tags on maybe you could exchange them for something with a stronger coloured (or even pure white) shade. And if you swap the cushions on the couch for something non-autumnul, and perhaps patterned, that will also have a de-blanding effect.

Another thing about Candace Olson - she uses spot lights for instant elegantification and sexyness of any room!

Your place is so nice! This is in New York?!

I'm not sure I contribute much other than to agree with the area rug and paint suggestions.

If you are actually into the neutral theme, you can make it more intentional, or make your color pops more intense. There are some really nice rooms here: http://desiretoinspire.blogspot.com/2007/11/grey-my-favourite-neutral.html

Lastly, your condo would definitely be an excellent candidate for a virtual makeover! Check out the color options on this otherwise safe and simple living room: http://mochihome.com/?p=123

If you're staying with that color theme, then the art MUST go somewhere else. Being an artist, I just have to say that I hate seeing art that matches the couch... (Or in this case the pillows)...

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I should've specified a few other things in the original request. This is a rental unit, and I can not paint, so accent colors are out. I'm also likely going to be here for a year or so, so I don't want to buy big ticket items that will only work in this space (I'm hoping to buy a place of my own in 2 years and don't want to start again), so that's the main reason I'm making some safe choices for now, plus the fact that I don't have experience with decorating, which is why I need help! A few other questions....as I'm still learning how to pull everything together....

1. I'm not a big fan of wild patterns, very conservative, and I love abstract art and cityscapes, black and white. I actually love the art above the couch. How to incorporate the existing colors and pull them into throw pillows, art for the entry way and a rug? I stay safe because I don't know how to find a subtle pattern with color to enhance what I have...any specific suggestions would be great!

2. I love the idea of a rug, any specific suggestions where the rug isn't $1000? Again, pulling in the green/gold/red theme, I'm guessing? Other color suggestions to throw in?

3. I just got these lamps and got a good deal, but am not married to them. Suggestions on different ones to use and finishes/style?

4. Great suggestions with drapes and plants. Looking for a tall plant to go in the corner

5. I also plan to replace the beige chair (a gift) with a leather chair once I find one I like.

6. I'm planning to put up more family photos, finishing touches, but haven't finished unpacking these items yet. I figured these were my final pieces to go in once I get the rugs, plants, drapes up. Let me know if there's another way to be thinking through this.

newtodesign---you are a good sport to let us dissect your home.

Knowing that you can't paint your walls does help. You will have to add color and contrast with your accessories. Everything looks new, so it will help enormously when you can put out photos and tidbits that reflect your personality. Books add color and interest, so consider a small bookcase in another color of wood, or even painted, to replace the end table closest to the door (move it beside the chair). You can use it as a landing space too. An antique credenza would look good there, or an old record cabinet painted in a dark red (storage :)

You can replace one of the lampshades for one in a different color and shape. You could even paint or glaze the lamps so they are not black too. A metallic glaze would be easy and add some glitz.

Things that move and reflect light provide stimulation---we do this for babies; why not for ourselves? A vintage mobile would be fabulous and chic. What a great excuse to hit the antique stores or art galleries.

Good luck and Best Wishes.

Everything in the room seems crammed together. Spread out a bit. Fill up the space in the corners. Either get more artwork or break up the three pictures behind the sofa. The artwork seems hung (hanged?) a bit low to me, too. Just take up a bit more space and you'll be fine.

You are very brave to open up to suggestions!

This is said from a professional viewpoint. It looks very plain. Very pottery barn or restoration hardware. Both are great companies, but it's very one dimensional without pieces from a different company.

I think your apartment is in desperate need of color and personality.

A quality area rug would go far! A good looking Persian rug in deep reds and some older silverplate pieces to hold flowers or greenery would also add a touch of elegance. We sell a lot of vintage silverplate at the Round Top show and a lot of buyers admit that they plan on fibbing and saying it's a family heirloom. You need an heirloom piece to add some authenticity to your look. You need something that doesn't match anything else.

Find an antique chair or bench or table that has some 'flavor' to break out of the executive suites hotel look you have going on.

Everything is too low and too tight feeling. Hang the mirror up on the wall and art higher to draw the eye upward. I would suggest more personal art work but you mentioned how much you liked that art. Rug for sure with a pattern, no solids! Also maybe a couple barstools to add some more texture....use chocolate brown or a dark color since everything is so beige. Add some rich drapes with color and maybe a pattern to liven it up....room really needs some personality. Finally, PLEASE add some living things like green plants in a couple places. Doing all these things will deinitely change and improve your space and feel more warm inviting and not so much like any other space.
Candace is my favorite designer too and she never leaves an area untouched so don't be afraid of adding personality. Her rooms don't look amazing by playing it safe and beige. Mixing different styles is her trademark to great design. Something unexpected, personal and conversational pieces will make your room stand out against the next guy.
Have fun!