apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I don't remember whether I commented the first time around, but looking at the above pictures I have to say that to me, what makes the room feel most cluttered is the rug. I think it's partly because the floors are a pretty dark wood already, and then you throw something over them that is even darker, but just in spots. I don't know. I think that if all you did was swap out that rug with either no rug, or something more muted then the room would instantly look bigger and brighter. If you really like the look of a more amoebic shaped rug (does that make sense? I just mean a non-square/rectangle) maybe you could go with one of those sort of puddle shaped shag pieces - but at least it would all be one color.

i actually have no problem with the rug- i think the biggest hurdle you have to overcome with your room is you organization system that you have against the wall. i think it's be a good idea to get a new shelving system (bookcase, ect) that better matches with the decor in a darker wood, or something more similar to the end tables that you have on the other side of the couch.

Heh - I actually like the arrangement of the art on the wall in the BEFORE picture better. (Except they were hung too high).

I would move all the pictures to the wall behind the sofa - and clear the wall with the window - maybe leaving just the deerhead.

The lamp in the corner should stand alone. No art leaning against it.

Regarding the bookcases...nothing on top of them. Maybe the odds and ends (that aren't books) should be in nice looking boxes that fit inside the shelving area. Move magazines on sidetable into the bookcases. Leaving just one out.

My gut reaction, FWIW.

The green line near the ceiling is killing me. It looks like painter's tape and it's uneven. I also think the room would look better without the hide rug (I actually think the stripy one was much better suited). I think the various shades of green on the walls also contribute to the busy-ness, but just getting rid of the top line would make a huge difference.

i agree with lisbethjean. i think the area that you have to work on now is the window bookshelves side of the wall. Maybe you can find a bookshelves with doors or cover. Or try to group the books by colors. The lampshade, is that a shopping bag next to it or part of the lamp? It clashes with the big frame on top of the couch and the frame on the wall by the window.

Yeah, i have to say, i like the original photo array above the couch. just having one portrait-oriented print...it looks lost. and i have to agree about the trim near the ceiling. it's very uneven. Maybe switch the placement of the stuff on the deer head wall (including the deer head) with the print above the couch.

I actually think a few more things hung up on the wall above the sofa would look fine (and possibly let you breathe a little more). Maybe tighter groupings to prevent the prints/paintings from taking over the whole wall?

What stands out to me the most, though, is your sad little poof trying to be a coffee table (?) I think the rug can stay, but with a real table on top to fill in that empty space. I also like the idea of darker bookcases on the wall with the windows, but I think what's more important is perhaps getting bookcases with doors. Close the doors, and the space will look immediately neater.

Overall, my impression is that you have a sort of earthy style, so I would suggest darker, more saturated tones (plus they'll contrast better with the walls instead of sort of muddling together). Dark brown or red pillows on the sofa...?

I would like to chime in with something positive - I love your nesting end tables, and am looking for something similar. Where did you find them?

I agree that it's the paint. I think the three tone paint is too distracting. I like the pale green color, and think the room would look a lot less "busy" if the whole room was painted that color.

I like your funky style, though, and I love all the color.

Can't wait to see the next phase....

Do you mind sharing where your couch is from? Thanks.

I think the green paint is a little clinical looking. The cowhide and the deerhead could be a "nature" theme, but the clinical green next to the animal skins calls to mind something altogether more gruesome, I'm afraid, at least for me. I really think you might consider repainting in a single earthy tone like a taupe or brown. Then your bursts of color (the books, the pouf, the pillows, the blinds, maybe even the electric blue chairs) won't seem so jarring. And I agree- I'd put all the art back over the sofa, which is where you like it, and not have any art on the window wall (maybe just the deer head, if that's your thing). You should not feel anxious or overwhelmed or claustrophobic in your own home-- if you can't breathe, that's no good. I think the room needs to be calmed down, and the bright green walls are pretty exhausting to look at, at least for me. Besides, maybe a nice paint job will minimize those wall imperfections you mentioned. Nothing like a fresh coat of soothing paint...

For me, what makes this room look sloppy is:
The paint on the walls: The lines and colors are too busy, and I really think that the colors are too bright for the clashing, more natural color scheme your furniture seems to follow.

The book case: I think that the lack of interesting breaks in the rows of books cause the shelves to appear cluttered. I'd get rid of some books and maybe use the extra space to display interesting things or chic book ends.

The pictures on the walls: I think you should stick to some kind of focus instead of spreading them out over both walls. I think you can do without the deer head (I get what you're going for but I just don't think its working for you...) and I'd frame and mat the large colorful print (the same as you have with the others.)

My suggestion to make this room look as good as it can in MY vision, with limited changes would be to paint the walls a neutral color (think white or off white), lose the sofa pillows (or replace them with crisper ones, the existing ones look sloppy), mat the artwork and pick one wall to group it on (losing the deers head), minimize the number of books in the book shelf and chose a different shade or curtain for the window. Unlike many others, I actually really like hide carpets, but I think they look much nicer in more modern minimalist rooms with clean lines. I think just getting rid of some things would vastly improve this space.

Please get that carcass off of your floor.

I say DITCH that green color altogether. It doesn't seem to go with your couch, and now that you've added a rug with some neutral/earthy colors as well, it just seems off to me.

I say look at lighter, more subtle colors for the wall and make sure it works well with the couch tone. Or get a new couch if you love the green.

I also agree that the art arrangement above couch was better in the before, but should be lowered. There's something too vertical about the arrangement now, doesn't work with the long couch.

But you've got great stuff to work with. Kudos to you for throwing some colors out there. I'm still in the planning stages of my new place, and it has no color. : (

I like the George Jones/Tammy Wynette poster. Bring that back.

It's the dark green stripes that stop me in my tracks.

Oh honey. "I hurt inside and I cannot breathe." I know exactly what you are saying, I've been there.

I remember the initial post - but don't think I commented. Here's your problem. You need nothing less than a clean sweep. This is obviously not your style any longer.

Take everything. And I mean everything out of the room. Everything. Leave it empty for as long as you can and contemplate the pure potentiality of the space. Think about what colors and textures make you happy. I would like to see this room become much softer.

Then. Paint. Paint in a color that will make you happy, and do not use borders. Don't use anything severe - shades are quite severe. Can these be replaced with softer, more flowy curtains? The combination of borders and shades is very confining. Borders around a ceiling make a room look shorter. Why would we want to do that? Aren't higher ceilings more pleasing to the eye? Borders should never be used if we are feeling sad.

Also death. Do not use dead objects in your home if you are feeling sad. Get rid of that rug and that deer.

After you have painted and the room feels clean and shiny, then bring furniture and objects back in SLOWLY. Nothing comes into this room unless it is very beautiful to you.

You seem to have a good eye for art. Go slow - but bigger. Get out of the notion of a bunch of little things. Instead of groupings a bunch of little things, go with fewer, larger pieces. Honestly, I've never known anyone who was happy living in a cluttered place. I'm sure I will incur the rath of the AT readers for this one - but clutter does not make people happy. I am a lover of objects and books, but too much is too much and you cannot be at peace with too much. And you have too much, it's heavy and that's why you can't breathe.

Now, once you've started bringing things into the room, remember your plan. I spot a cute ottoman. Maybe that's the direction you want to go in. Romantic, soft and peaceful. Look for inspiration from Moroccan and Asian design which is really happening right now.

There are only a few things I would buy: a large painting for over the sofa, a couple of new lamps in a geometric form. Perhaps a few very simple, organic vases on your bookcase. Is there an office area where your books can be moved to? There is too much activity in this room and I get the sense that you need a place where you can rest. Are you even sure you want those shelves in there? A nice sideboard or credenza with your new vases and lamp might work better.

I think this comment is getting too long, but please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or need further support. Home is supposed to be a fun place to relax! Clear the air so you can breathe.

I can feel your stress coming through my monitor.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and I don't have the energy to write a thousand words right now, so hopefully this photoshopped pic will give you the courage to go on.

You can do it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16399967@N07/2006885972/

It's the green. It's like death by color in there with that dark green stripe!!! The room has tons of potential, and honestly, I liked it better with more art work...but not the stripe.

I think putting a skirt over the bookcases would give the eye a nice rest. Use a simple nuetral fabric and then maybe grosgrain ribbon accent to pick up on the wall color. (You can construct the curtains using iron on tape if you don't know how to sew). I'd consider painting the shelves the same color as the material but that's a big project.

Take most of the things off of the top of the shelves and just put a few select accent pieces. Scoot the shelves out of that corner (about a foot and a half) to create a little more breathing room. Also that light on the right is far too heavy to be nestled in the corner next to the window. I would try moving that to the other end of the shelves or eliminating it all together and replacing it with a thin floor lamp to be placed between the sofa and shelves.

I agree with most people that the paint is too busy. Green is great with the artwork that you have but maybe not so limey. I'd paint wall with the window a dark color and the other wall a medium color from the same swatch.

Delete both the deer and the rug.

Get a simple nuetral rug (5x8?)

Something like this to act as a coffee table (2 of them): http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=3840

Good luck!

I think Angie's photoshop version proves that it is the walls. I think if you paint your walls, the bookshelf and get rid of some of the book/magazine clutter you may be happier.

1. I have to recommend a book called Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. I know Feng Shui is trendy and all but it has its practical uses. For instance, does looking at your living room make you feel tired, drained, or overwhelmed? Then that space is needin some Feng Shui help! It's a good book, trust me.

2. Color is a big problem in this living room for me. Pretend you're planning a wedding and get your color scheme going, then edit and paint.

3. Next is style, it's like Ralph Laurens hunting lodge is doing battle w/a futuristic minimalist theme. Meanwhile folk and collage artists are trying to take advantage of the situation. It's all too much together (it would take a magician to balance it I think). Don't try to please everyone or everything, some of its got to go into some kind of storage. It looks like if you had a larger place you could have rooms w/different themes, but I know how it is in NY.

I agree with what many people have said. Here are my two cents:

I would paint over the dark green stripes, leaving just the two lighter colors.

I prefer the array of artwork you had in the original photo. I would go with only the pieces in frames though (i.e. not the one that hangs from the rod), so it looks neater.

Since the artwork brings in so much pattern, I would cover up all the clutter in the bookcases by either using bookshelves with doors or a plain fabric skirt.

I would remove everything from the surface of the bookshelves, including the lamp, and get a simple floor lamp to put in that corner if you need more light.

I would de-clutter the wall with windows by keeping only one larger piece of art on the wall. For example, just the deer head in the middle.

A rug that is more plain would work better since the art work is pretty busy.

Wow- Angie really nailed it- the green stripes are the cause of the anxious feelings- it was my first impression but i know what a pain it is to paint-yet, with all the truly interesting art work you have the walls need to stop talking so much- let the art speak- you've chosen it so well....i think all you're stuff is really lovely and inviting- I hope you can enjoy it! P.S.- not so hard to tone down the book cases- you can use a dark coat of minwax polyshades- just clean and sand the surfaces first- but really- with mellower walls it might not be needed- good luck and take it easy- mellow is as mellow does.

i like the rug girl, it just needs a coffee table. deep breaths, youhave great style now you are just overthinking and missing your art. paint those walls and hang it back up, it'll look great.

I second every one else, paint out those stripes, have your art simarlarly laid out to the first time but hung lower down, and put the stripy rug back, declutter a little, but not too much.

I totally agree with Angie in Montreal.

I like how she actually gave you help instead of pushing her own and trying to change your style. If you wanted white walls why would you have gone to the trouble of choosing three different colors?

Looking at her Photoshop picture you can see that the changes can be simple (and affordable) instead of choosing a whole new paint color, a new sofa, getting rid of your rug, your deer head, and buying new bookshelves with doors.

The simplest solution is probably the best.

Go with Angie's advice.

Go with Angie's advice.

Go with Angie's advice.

Go with Angie's advice.

The thing is, go with all of Angie's advice. The advice from the last round was much more comprehensive than just hanging the pictures 57" on center. It's not entirely a fair test to ignore 90% of what people suggested, then be stressed that the 10% you applied didn't solve the problem.

Wall should be all one color. Angie's photoshop proves it.

My thoughts, if I may be so presumptuous: Your space could be improved by using the darker shade of green for the overall wall color - the light green is too small of a contrast. You need more height variation in the room - maybe a tall plant (a palm?) in the far corner. Space permitting, those bookcases might look nice if they were painted black and stacked, or by removing one of them altogether. A glass coffee table would keep the area in front of the sofa open feeling, but would be better than looking at the unfiltered expanse of a rug.

You know, this could be a WONDERFUL room, but what I see before me, has little to do with what it looks like now. Instead of just changing one or two DECORATIVE things, I think you need to address the BASICS, which in my opinion are the most important. In my opinion your basic problems are: the wall color and ceiling color, too much clutter, there's no unity in style, color and material, everything is stacked against the walls, the furniture in general is too massive for such a small room, like the huge couch, the huge television, and those open bookcases full of books... no wonder you can't breath, you need space!).

If I were you, I would do NOTHING to the room and just let it sit for a while. Instead of focusing on decorating, focus on the basics. Ask yourself what things you like and dislike in this room. Is it still your style, or is it outdated and has your taste changed dramatically? Or don't you know what your style is at the moment? What about making a style tray and collecting pictures of things, colors and textures you like?
You also need to think about what you want from this room. Is it important for you to watch television or movies every night or can you get a smaller tv that can be hidden when not in use? Do you need that big a couch, or are there alternatives (smaller couch, seats, cushions on the ground or leaving it out altogether)? Do you want to entertain people in this room and how many (you might want to consider a bigger diningtable, or a table that can be fold out in such an occasion)? Or do you want a place where you can read, read, read and in that case, wouldn't a loungechair be something you'd enjoy more instead of such a couch? Not to say that the couch should leave, but you should think about all the furniture you have in your room, and how and why you use it. Are you still happy about the floor and wallcolors?

Furthermore, you might want to take some (or a lot of) stuff out. If you dream of a new space, in which you can breath and relax or whatever you want from it, you need to make room, so new and better things can come in.
Draw plans and rearrange your furniture on paper. How can you rearrange your room so it'll give you a feeling of flow and space? If you finally have a clear picture of what you want this room to be, get everything out and start painting or putting wallpaper on before you put anything else in it. Just changing a rug here or there, won't address the basic problems this room has and will not let this room get more 'air'.

I think the whole room needs a drastic change or makeover in order for it to function and reflect who you are today. This might take a lot of effort, but it certainly will be worthwhile, especially if your room causes that much distress. You do have the AT book, don't you?

Oh, and of course, if you dó like a lot of your stuff, and don't want to change your whole room, all the others have made great comments. Painting the walls and ceiling in one color, instead of four, will make it more restfull.
A grand foulard or giant throw over your couch, in a color that matches the rest of the room, will certainly make your place more serene. And staining the wooden shelves in a darker color, so it looks more like the floor, or painting them in the same color as the walls, also will do wonders.
And... You can try rearrange your furniture and see if it makes a difference!

I think I want to get drunk with Peggy so I can listen to her and laugh my butt off.

Can I also have the phostoshop treatment for my living room? That was brilliant! :-)
I usually like like green walls, but I agree with everyone else here that in this case it does not work. Go neutral.

No offense but Angie didn't really solve the problem although I was really intrigued by her thoughts. Its obvious that she likes the rug, and the deer on the wall. So go with that. Paint the room white. Start with that. take all art down. While the art is nice, it is not framed properly, so it looks undone. Either learn how to properly frame it or pay to have it done.

Get rid of the mags. And some of those tiny things. This room needs to be bold like the deer and the rug. The smaller things are in a losing battle with the strong nature choices. The couch, is it off white or lavender? I cannot tell.

The less that you have in that room the better. You have to stop bringing things into that space, you should instead give some things away to friends. Buy 2 ikea dark brown bookcases
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50103086

put them sideways to make things more uniform. get rid of the lighter cases, they dont go with the tv stand.

Use the same-- and same amount, if you want-- art work on the sofa wall as in the before-- just hang it lower ( it WAS way too high), and possibly, as others have noted, tighter. Be a bit more judicious in the walls around the windows-- the window is a piece of art, too, and the biggest one on the wall, in this case-- in terms of amount/size of art. Also the art is hung way to high in picture C.

Deer or rug, not both-- it's a bit extreme. The walls standout too much with the stripes, which makes your room look smaller. I like the shelves underneath the windows.. have you thought of "tablescaping" them a little more? They are a decorative surface, too.

You do NOT need a coffee table. The open space is nice, room to breathe. Or lots of cloth and flounces. Check out maybe Living Etc. for a "cleaned up" version of the sort of "wide open" style I think you are going for here.

What I would do if it were mine and if I didn't want to paint or make any big changes like that:

Work the colorful elements, not the neutral ones. Leave the bright colors. Bring back the striped rug, ditch the cowhide.

Push the couch off the wall and closer to the TV. Or in the alternative, put the couch kitty-corner in the corner w/ the windows behind and facing the TV. Move one of the bookcases to a position behind the couch, kind of like a sofa table/console.

Rearrange the bookshelves to break up the line of books--some lying, some upright, with vases interspersed and objects on top of stacks of books, etc. Maybe the more unattractive elements on the shelves (if there are any) could go on the shelf behind the couch.

Re-hang all the pictures, only this time use a level to make sure they are straight and scrunch them in a little closer together (1-2" or so gap between).

Keep the pouf but perhaps not right in front of the couch but pushed to the side somewhat.

Grab a chair or two from the dining table for more seating and place them on either side of the couch, facing it at an angle. Bring back the white table/stool in the Before shot and position it beside a chair to act as a side table.

Is that a quilt I spy in the bookcase? Maybe it would look good over the back of the couch. It might be too much pattern, but it'd be worth a look-see.

You have a lot of cool art, bright colors, and great furniture. Maybe you should empty the room, take the best suggestions by all of us, and rework it accordingly. Then be sure to post the results!

luce - If you are really dying for the photoshop treatment, I can help you out. I try to use my skills for good, not evil (good being decor, evil being the office work I should actually be doing)

shoot me an e-mail if you like.

I hate to say this honey - because I feel your pain, but the room looks much worse now. The most important thing you can do is paint that room one solid color. The way you had your artwork before looked fine - I'd just suggest you get rid of any piece you don't absolutely love (and I have a feeling that will get rid of soem of the rif-raf). That said, your cowhide rug looks hideous with that paintjob - but if you go for a mellow earth tone paint, it will not only work with the rug, it will calm down the schizophrenic feel of this space.
Declutter like mad if possible - but the fundamentals are all ok IF AND ONLY IF you paint.

I think the room (not to mention its owner) was happier with the wide array of art on the walls before. I agree with the concensus that it was too high and too far apart - it needs a close, un-symmetrical arrangement to not only shine but work harmoniously with your room elements. Personally, I liked the stripe rug better in this space. The hide seems to get lost in the dark floors and compete with the deer. Perhaps some different window treatments would work better - dummy panels, perhaps, that expand the window visually and soften all the lines a bit. But the big problem, for me, is the walls. Just imagining them a solid color - one that doesn't compete with the artwork or make your couch look lavender - makes a world of difference. For the highest impact, and maybe some instant breathing room, I'd say paint.

Here's a really great article on marthastewart.com on how to hang art...
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/arranging-pictures?lnc=1a89cf380e1dd010VgnVCM1000005b09a00aRCRD&page=1&rsc=articlecontent_home

I agree with the other folks who are saying bring back more of the eclectic collection but hang it lower and arrange better.

One other thing that you might want to consider is buying mats and frames for some of your pieces. Especially if you have an divers collection - which you do - mats will really help give your art more "weight" on the wall. Another trick to tying together a bunch of really different art is to get very similar frames for everything... like maybe all black?

Totally agree with those saying to paint that green! Maybe a sand colour that picks up on the pillows on the couch.

Love your little side tables... a coffee table in that style would look great on your rug.

I actually did a quick and dirty little photoshop magic on picture of your if I can figure out how to post the image...