apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It doesn't matter if we like the Macy's section. We don't have to sit on it. You do. If you don't love it for sitting on, get rid of it and keep looking. You'll thank yourself later.

I think the current table looks good. The oval one, in my mind, would seem too big for the space. The windows frame the round one so nicely and they wouldn't for the longer one.

I love your curtains, too, by the way. They're really cool.

I don't think you have room for the oval. The round table works well in the bay window.

The couch does not work in the space and doesn't even look like a sectional. It gives the appearance of being two sofas pushed together. If you can return it, I think you should.

That color and the leather itself seems to harsh of a contrast to your otherwise soft space.

I really like your curtains too but I think you need more of them. They're losing out on the dramatic effect by being so narrow.

I say get rid of it! You say it's not very comfortable, and it doesn't rise to the occasion -- the rest of the apartment is so cool and stylish and exciting, and the sectional is just blah. I know it's a pain to return a sofa, but it's worth it to keep looking until you find one that is both comfortable and stylish.

Having a couch that's not comfortable to sit on isn't compatible with any of the functions you say are goals for this room (entertaining, lounging) - and that's the kind of problem that causes resentment and resistance to using the room. You seem to have a lot of negative to say about the piece already, so I really think you can find something that will work better.

If we're talking about looks, I personally don't like it at all - it looks a bit cobbled together, and switching out the corner unit for an armless would probably enhance that effect. And I don't know if you're going to find much sectional-love in this crowd generally. Are you married to the sectional concept, or can you go with multiple pieces? I'd be more likely to go with the latter, and that would offer a different sort of flexibility.

i like the other R&B couch better, as someone said before though I think its more of a color palette issue. The color is not working with the wall paint. Either go lighter in color with fabric or darker w/ wall. It also pains me to see the couch backed so snug into the corner. It is crying out to me. It wants to float in the middle with the short side against the long wall. The move the tv onto the kitchen side wall, seated on top of a nice media piece. I think this will create more space definition and you're not sooo far from the tv. Btw, I think dining chairs would have been nice in chocolate fabric to match curtains. Also agree curtains are great but too sparse. If you want more light maybe you can add some sheers in the middle? i.e. 50/50 on each side

I think the chairs detract from the table, imho. I think a round rug under the table would also help set the space apart and make it a real focal point.

If you kept the couch (which is totally your call, agree with Tiamat) bringing the two chairs around, side by side, and facing the couch with a small cocktail table would look really nice.

In general you need a little more rug action. I would also put some of the misc stuff on the shelving unit into some attrack storage (boxes, baskets, etc) it is not very pretty to look at....

Here's an opinion I know will be unpopular: Why not go with more traditional-style furniture? Your space is pre-war with lots of moldings and a bay window.

The steel shelves, modern desk, and sectional don't work here -- they look temporary, like a student rental apartment. I think you should warm the place up with wooden bookshelves, upholstered furniture, rugs, some art on the walls, and more generous curtains (I like your fabric, but the size is kinda skimpy).

Some people -- usually design professionals -- are able to play off the contrast between traditional and modern, but it's really REALLY hard to make work. Your space has gorgeous bones. Why fight them?

one thing I ant to comment on is the curtain treatment in the dining room- it seems you used an old designer trick to make a short room look taller ( the long length of dark curtain hung from ceiling to floor) however in such atall space it seems to dwarf the little dining set, and fight against any feelings of comfort or warmth!!
Instead I would do a valance and/ or cafe curtains that give strong horizontal lines, keeping the eye down and making the space feel cozier ( nice fabric though)or at least drop the curtain rod to just above the window frame-adding a simple low light fixture over the table will also create a cozier feel.

I agree that the sectional looks like the pieces were just pushed together and it just doesn't look cohesive. Could you split it up to make a sofa and two side chairs? It might be overwhelming and matchy, but you could use it for a while and think about whether you like any of the components. If you do, keep those and shop for furniture that works with it.

I agree with the previous poster. I believe your roman shades look great, but the curtains dwarf the room. I think it would look much better if the curtain rod was mounted just above the window. I even think you might be able to do without, but I like what the pattern does for the room.

My two cents anyway. Best of luck.

BLINDFinder.com
"All you could ever want to know about window treatments."

I love how your cat is in every single picture.

One question: how often do you sit at the table to eat (or work)? If the answer is "NOT MUCH" then...I'd suggest devoting more of the space to the hanging-out aspect and move your lovely table to the corner of the room (lower right corner of your sketch layout).

From top to bottom of your layout:
Two smaller scale upholstered chairs in the window area (RoomBoard Guffman or Loring). A sofa facing the window and two chairs (RoomBoard Eugene). A rug to anchor that area. Small console/sofa table behind the sofa. Dining table in the corner.

I agree with many others that if the couch is not comfortable, you should get rid of it. Also, unless you like sectionals aesthetically, don't feel like you have to get a sectional just because you're outfitting a corner area. A couch-with-chair-or-chairs setup will still totally work in that area, and make it look more like a seating area rather than just a couch. I personally also dislike the leather couch look, but that's me.

I think the round white table looks great in the window.

This may contradict what I said about changing couch, but if you've been working on this room for YEARS then I think it's time to make some final decisions about the big pieces and MOVE ON to making it a usable room. By which I mean: you need end table(s), a coffee table, lamps, art, and a rug or two. And perhaps a new paint color (or paint for the wall up to the picture rail, if you don't want to paint the whole thing). All of those are important steps that will make the room more comfortable, and allow you to entertain/watch TV/whatever more happily in there.

Bree--

If you don't like the sectional now, you'll never like it in the future. Return it to the store ASAP.

I think you're on the right track with the table and chairs just the way they are as well as the location - however I agree with some others here that as much as I like the drapery fabric, you simply need more of it - about double the current fabric on the ends and another double panel in the center of the window bay. You might even consider replacing the wire system with a bent rod - simply make a template of the curved bay and take it to a plumbing shop and have them bend a piece of copper or aluminum tubing for you and use that with some hardware to attach to the wall. Be sure to extend the rod to the full depth of the bay rather than just to the window mouldings as it is now so that the fabric doesn't cover so much of the window and we don't see the edges of the window casings.

I'd get rid of the Elfa hanging shelves and get a low credenza for the wall by the kitchen door for the TV/Stereo, etc - then place a sofa in the middle of the room w/ it's back to the large wall, and a lounge chair & ottoman angled in the middle of the room facing the TV credenza. A pair of tall & narrow bookcases with doors or drawers in the lower section flanking the window bay would bring focus to the back wall and provide display and storage. Put the tree on the other end of the room by the Credenza and place a large Round mirror above. A rectangular coffee-table with drawers and a couple end tables also with drawers will help with the clutter.

You definately need a large area rug for the seating area - but I wouldn't put one under the dining table at all. I like the blue/brown/cream/white color scheme - stick with that for your sofa, chair and rug.

I am on board with JenPDX, consider swapping the position of the lounge and dinning areas. It makes more sense to have the table near the kitchen anyway and you will get to enjoy more of the light from the windows, and the bay window creates a cozy seating area if you put a couple chairs in it or even an armless loveseat.

I say get rid of the sectional if it isn't comfy, I have lived with uncomfortable furniture for years and it really takes away from the joy of a room. I'd do one long couch against the wall to the right of the windows put the TV on the 46"wall, put an armless loveseat or two chairs in the window and another chair floating at the end of the long couch facing the window. Also rugs do wonders in creating visual separation of space.

Good luck!

http://www.vangoghdesigns.com/productdetails.cfm?productid=333

http://www.stylussofas.com/stylegallery_details.php?styleid=385&categoryid=sectional

I think these looks would suit your space- if you can return the leather piece do so...if you hate it in 6 months and try to sell it you will not get near what you paid for it!!

wow! you have a lovely place to work with; congratulations.

I agree with most posters that a) you don't have room for an oval table; b) the sectional doesn't work well, and so you should get rid of it.

I have 2 different ideas for your space --

It strikes me in some ways as similar to Lis and Torbin's home in copenhagen, and that their house tour might be an inspiration to you-- have you had a chance to check it out?

http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/022708listobianhousetour/_all_

You have a similar palate and aesthetic, I thought. you may wish to pay particular attention to their boergmogenson sofas.

My second thought though, was that your space lends itself to a little more grace and whimsy. As mentioned, your chairs do not suit your beautiful table; the curvy Series 7 would look much more appropriate. you could choose a fun colour (each year has a special colour edition), or you could go with walnut, to carry on with the brown already there.

And a delightfully curvy sofa/sectional (available in gorgeous colours and fabrics -- alcantera is the most practical, although I love the velours) is the TOGO by Ligne roset. yes, it is a little pricey (there are sales and promotions), but it is a wonderful piece, and extremely comfortable. I am very partial to it -- I fell in love with it at age 9, and vowed it would be my first sofa (it was), and my husband loves it so much, we are now replacing it after 18 years. It is heaven to lounge on!

http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/?sec=products&pid=11&cid=16&rid=157&page=1

and you definitely need rugs to help define your living and dining spaces; a round rug under the table in the bow window area would be perfect. (and yes, lose the shelves... maybe some floating shelves in walnut would work better)....

good luck!

a great rug for your dining area:

http://www.bddw.com/furniture/rugs/harroll4.html

Thank you all so much for your comments and suggestions!!
Most everyone seems to be seconding my current opinion which is to leave the table and change the sofa. Thank you for your sofa, rug and layout suggestions. I really appreciate them!

The sofa is going to be out. I definitely want something that's more interesting and more comfortable.

For those of you that said I needed more curtains, I actually have a second set which just arrived because we realized as soon as we put these up that they were just too narrow for the space. They're from Anthropologie - who I love for their not too pricey but wonderfully made curtains.

The shelf system with the TV has been a big savior in this space. I have to finish filing it with books and wonderful, colorful things. I spent a long time looking for consoles, buffets, armoirs and bookcases that would work but ultimately decided the shelves - which are in the same configuration on the wall behind in the office and you can see a slice of in the last photo - would make the TV less of a focal point and give us place to put other things we care more about. They really opened up the room. They're just a little bare at the moment.

Regarding the dining chairs, have been considering covering them with chair covers a bright fabric since they're very comfortable . . . but just thinking.

This room is currently very sparse because I'm really trying to get the right basic pieces . . . Once I have the right sofa then I'll be able pull in the color in the walls and rugs.

Please keep your suggestions (and links) coming. I really, really appreciate them!!

--Bree

I think you need to start putting in colors for you to like your living room. You may find some inspiration here http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/fall-colors-2007-west/fall-colors-southwest-finalist-2-planetsusannas-golden-cottage-036310

Should be a style you like, I think. What about making some slipcovers for your diningroom chairs?

Also you could get on ebay or etsy and find a contemporary piece of art. Use your intuition and see what appeals to you. Pull colors from the art into your living room.

Best of luck!

The sectional seems to just be hunk of dark (not that I mind that in chocolate, but I digress...). It really seems to be sucking the light outta this room. Take it back!

And painting the walls will definitely bring some more interest into the place. I just painted my living room walls a deep sea green, after much hemming and hawing. The color goes beautifully with my walnut credenza/hutch and warm wood floors. And guess what, it was a random little pillow that had that accent color in it that I drew the paint color from. Try to find an pattern or piece you love and see if you can pick hues from that for inspiration.

I wouldn't switch the round table for a larger one, but I would get rid of the tree. The flowers and houseplants you have add lovely elements of nature to the apartment, but the potted tree reminds me of something you'd find in at the dentist's waiting room.

I just re-read your post, and caught the bit about Hollywood-Regency being your style... I'm not getting that vibe though... the strongest statements in your space (besides the space itself, which has a whole lot to say) are the Saarinen table and the artwork in the office, and they give off a more retro-70s kind of vibe, which along with the space is more retro-Haight-Ashbury boho-chic, which in my opinion, is far cooler anyway. Hollywood-Regency is Kate Spade, Jonathan Adler wallpaper (like the stuff currently posted on the LA site), chinoiserie, furniture out of a Mannix or Colombo re-run, with maybe some tacky or frivolous stuff thrown in... I'm just not feeling it in your space.

Here are some more ideas to go along with the Togo:

since you like leather, these are comfy, cool, and contemporary but match the height and vibe of the Togo (get 2 of the K3 Low chair, space permitting):
http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/2005/08/koi_k3_low_chair_and_k2_swivel.html

as for lighting, definitely the Arco:

http://www.europebynet.com/Detail_nn_sku_FLFLL001.html

Over the dining table, it should be an Akari pendant by Noguchi -- the 100D

http://www.unicahome.com/p22710/akari/akari-pendant-lights-spherical-forms-by-isamu-noguchi.html

The ELFA shelving is the wrong shelving for the living room -- it is too grad-school-chic, the brackets are not attractive, and there are many, many other options.

Have you considered floating credenzas? you could even get IKEA kitchen cupboards, as in this example (don't know if the space permits)

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/shelving-storage/floating-credenzas-043573

I've seen them with lighting added underneath (you could hide some white rope lighting underneath) to create a magical effect and layer the lighting in the room. Another nice addition would be to add a carrera marble top to the credenza (would be great as a sideboard).

Here are other options:

http://www.2modern.com/modern-furniture/Modern-Shelving/Wud-Skyline-Shelving (this would be awesome, especially with the blue interior)

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/shelving-storage/shift-by-patricia-urquiola-030794

http://www.cassinausa.com/quick_storage.html

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/shelving-storage/kurl-shelving-from-karim-rashid-003306

http://www.dedece.com/products/Cappellini/Storage---shelves/Shelving/Aliante/76

check out the series 7 chair colours and finishes -- white would be lovely, or walnut, or even metallic silver, depending on whether you introduce other metallic elements in the room...

http://www.fritzhansen.com/3107

An idea for artwork would be to frame flower-power era album covers ... framed with these simple wood frames
http://www.metroframe.com/

you might also investigate wallpaper -- this pattern (click on the 'view large image' button) has the boho-chic aesthetic.

http://www.cole-and-son.com/collection_detail.asp?SubID=94&ID=11

...and to top it all off, something white and fluff underfoot -- either a flokati, sheepskin or goatskin rug, or lung tufted wool.

I think you should return that sectional because it's dark and doesn't look that it fit nicely in the space you have. I would look for smaller sofa i lighter color.

I too like a nice firm sofa. One sectional that I really found comfortable was the R&B Chelsea. If you keep the table and go with more modern chairs, I think you could make the style work. I ended up going with something cheaper and less comfortable myself, and am now kicking myself daily.

Your furniture placement looks good, so what I would say is move the cat one foot to the left.

I have a lot of ideas for your space. I found that the measurements are off, top and bottom are not the same, is that correct?

1. Don't try to follow the curve of the window with your drapes, instead, use a ceiling mount track/wire and go straight across, extending beyond the window area. Preferably to the side walls.

Allowing you to frame the window area with fabric.

2. I do not care for exposed shelving myself, especially in your space. The metal looks a bit dorm room, and it will become a collector of dust, cat hair, and faded books.

I do like the idea of wall mount cabinets. On the wall that currently has your kitchen door, centered on that wall have cabinets mounted, from about five feet and go to the top.

Someone mentioned IKEA cabinets, that's a good idea. They have great glass fronted cabinets that would show off your collectibles, keep the dust at bay, and can even be lighted inside. You can mix the glass front doors with solid doors that can hide a lot of clutter and even serve as an extra pantry for canned goods if you don't have a large kitchen!

3. The space to the right is taken up by the kitchen door, of course, and the space to the left could house a reading chair, and/or a library ladder that runs on a track.

4. Rather than having seating for four all the time and the dining table, which will rarely be used for four, and takes up precious space, instead, swap out the round table for a long, narrow table. That will comfortably seat TWO.

About twice as deep as the mirrored one shown here:
http://blog.designpublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/picture-10.png

The table can then be pushed under the overhead cabinets on that kitchen door wall when not in use, or when you only need to grab a quick bite.

Likewise, a pair of backless chairs can be scooted under the table, as the image shows. Or backed chairs will tuck in nicely too.

Finish off the space under the cabinets with a large artwork, small framed images, mirror. And you can have the under cabinet lighting mounted to the bottom of the cabinets, highlighting the art, adding ambient light, or for dining for two.

It makes for a great serving table, where your dinner guests can use the table as a buffet.

How does this sound so far?

Bookshelves, built-in, or ready-made, plus an overhead on the office side will clear the clutter out of the living area (just look at the bookshelves, and not the rest!):
http://tinyurl.com/2ahttg

Similar to your space, with a little bit of everything:
http://tinyurl.com/2xcbpl

Use the tall item to house the TV.

Console tables, might be good for dining for two:
http://themagazine.info/products/-/1065.html

Larger wood console:
http://objectsintheloft.1stdibs.com/itemdetails.php?id=153513

There are many heights and depths of console tables. As shown in the above picture, you could place a pair of chairs in front of the table, facing the window...AND a different pair of chairs (possibly backless) behind, to dine there. And those spots could be used by guests also to watch a movie, but are not constantly in your way.

Billy Haines chairs make for both living and dining chairs:
http://www.blinkdecor.com/decoratorsdish/?p=178

Same style as what was shown in the BHG link that looks like your place.

I didn't read all the comments so sorry if I'm double speaking here...

But maybe think of a dual purpose table. One that sits "into the bay" as a sofa table (with lucite lamps on each end) that has pull out leafs on either side to make a buffet table when needed for company. Pull it forward and place an armless on either end for 2 intimate diners, or pull out one or both leafs for buffet or sit down entertaining.

In front of the sofa table, place two comfortable upholstered armless chairs facing a sofa (rather than a sectional) and has been brought more into the center of the room creating balance and a conversation area with a large rug anchoring the room.

Have a flat screen tv on one of the side walls that can be easily seen from the sofa or chairs.

Eliminate the current wall shelves and incorporate a few floating shelves for minimal accessories. Less is better in this clean type design.