NY Good Questions: How Should We Finish Our Living Room?

6.3room.jpg Dear AT,

We have just wrapped up a big renovation of our apartment, the bulk of which centered on enlarging and opening up our kitchen.

During this process, we've also refreshed the paint and fixtures throughout.

We've replaced a couple of pieces of furniture (went from a sofa / loveseat combo to just one sofa), and have finally been able to get our furniture in place...

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6.3room1.jpg

With our new layout, we feel that we now actually have a lot more open space, and while we don't have the need to fill every corner, it seems a bit too open; particularly in the space between the dining table and sofa, and the area behind the two arm chairs.

There are a few additional elements we are looking to work into the space - a lamp of some sort, additional shelving or credenza, and perhaps a side table.

With the exception of the current coffee table, we want to stick with the furniture we have (as some of it is new, and the rest we like).

Would love to get some ideas from the AT community.

Thanks! Alanna

Comments (10)

rug and window treatments, side tables and plants. you need softness.

posted by Lady J on June 3rd 2008 at 10:28am
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got any more pics of your space?

posted by little flower on June 3rd 2008 at 10:29am
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My biggest suggestion would be more lighting. It looks very dark :-\

Other than that, a nice rug, some art, and lots of plants.

posted by Melissa82 on June 3rd 2008 at 10:33am
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It's hard to tell with these pictures, but I also vote for some curtains. Isn't it hard to see the television with the glare from the windows?

posted by Anokha on June 3rd 2008 at 10:38am
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Thanks for the comments thus far. Now that I look at them again, these are pretty terrible photos, from a lighting perspective... because we get lots of light (just did not compensate properly for al lth elight coming in the windows). That said - an accent lamp of some sort would definitely be a good idea. Also, we have since installed some window treatments (helps with the TV watching).

One thing to point out, as it was edited out of the original question - but that is not the permanent home for the TV - It will be hung on the left wall on a Muro TV stand (now leaning against the wall)

posted by lalaklass on June 3rd 2008 at 10:48am
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Perhaps some "pop" of color -
* red/orange cushions or vases
* tall palm / other greenery

Agree with rug, curtains/sheers/drapes

Might be my eyes, but sofa looks awfully close to the window area.

posted by AT4H on June 3rd 2008 at 10:57am
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I think you need something tall between the dining table and the sofa - everything seems to be on the same horizon line...
and I agree that a rug or window treatments would soften the room.

posted by blackbird on June 3rd 2008 at 12:29pm
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maybe a bookcase (tall one) between the dining and living areas?

posted by f.in.eur on June 4th 2008 at 12:13am
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I think a credenza or bookcase between the sofa and dining are is the way to go. You might not want to go to tall if the only windows are those over by the sofa though.
Also some floor lamps would be a good way to add some vertical elements to the room.

posted by jennifer in sf on June 4th 2008 at 11:30am
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Thanks for all of the comments, some great ideas, which we will be adding to th elist of fun stuff to buy as out decor evolves.

I especially appreciate the comments about varying the heights of decor elements, that is something I had not thought of.

posted by lalaklass on June 5th 2008 at 11:14am
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