apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

no more neutral! You neeeed color for some personality in there! just color, any color!

brown? leather? maybe.

Yellow! That room looks dark, plus yellow will look great with the green.

Agreed. I would go for a couple of punchy wing chairs to give the room a bit more character, and break up the matchy-matchiness of it.

COLOR!!!

Maybe something like this, or is the color still too subdued? Not sure if they're your style, but I love these chairs.
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=377839&cat=91552823

Definitely color--and pattern if you're game. I suggest a warm color: golden yellow or brick-orange.

I second the brick-orange idea.

Caramel colored leather.

How about a nice whiskey leather?

Oy. Ignore the "you need screaming color or else you have failed" school of thought here. Sometimes color can be quiet. And lovely. Like what you have goingon already.

I third the brick-orange!

Golden. It will bring out the yellow undertones in the greens you chose and be very sophisticated.

I thought at first that jeweled aubergine tone would be awesome, but I think it would look primitive and your style is very polished.

ROYGBIV:
Red and orange would be wrong.
You already have green.
Blue and indigo would clash.
Violet was my second choice....

that leaves yellow! but not bright yellow. Honey golden yellow.

Orange!!

Pattern, or at least a colored fabric with patterned accent pillows (check out etsy.com for cool unique pillows). I agree with a pale yellow, or orange like others suggested. Also like that chair Liana posted. Or big wing chairs! And I would not do leather, would look like a model home in my opinion.

citrus yellow and orange! your living room will look like 7-up!

What about a bright purple jewel tone (there was a feature lat week with the color in a white room) or a bright blue? Red is too Christmasy and orange would not sit right with the other taupey neautrals you have...

I'd go for chartreuse, and then bring in some orange or coral in smaller doses throughout the space.

I'd suggest these chairs in a the Tonal Scroll Denim:
http://www.wshome.com/products/p6052/index.cfm?pkey=cfurcha

Get some toss pillows made in the same fabric and put them on the sofa.

(I'd re-arrange too: Put the sofa on the left of the fireplace facing the dining area, and the pair of chairs opposite facing the sofa with a small table that is the height of the chair's arms in between)

Add COLOR! Perhaps, yellow or orange, maybe something with a pattern and use both colors....it would take your space up a notch. Good luck!

I would go with either the golden yellow option, or perhaps a dusty (pale) blue. but also add in other subtle blue accents...pillows, art, etc.

i think dark brown would look great.

it would work with your tan walls, the light couch, and the green curtains.

i don't understand the person above and their use of the color spectrum.

I think a subtle pattern in any color would be a nice touch, or as Tiffany said, at least some patterned accent pillows. You could do a darker brown, green to match what you already have or a yellow tone. If you are totally against pattern, I think some leather chairs would be nice

I agree...patterns are a must. Maybe a stripe that contains some of the neutral colors you have, plus some others (orange, blue, etc.).

I'm leaning toward something that matches the wood floor in the dining room to pull the two rooms together. Could range from a sienna/orange fabric to a leather that fits. Though considering you have a dark brown leather ottoman, maybe avoid competing leathers and find a nice fabric. A little black or dark brown detail in the fabric would tie in the coffee table and even the fireplace.

If you want more color, golden or orange.
I also think a deep brown would look nice and you could bring the yellow and orange in with pillows.

I think a nice warm chocolate brown would look good with the green and beige. I would even think about getting a nice green throw for your sofa that compliments the drapes.
I wouldn't go to crazy with color on your chairs unless you got rid of the green drapes. Maybe also get a couple of colorful pillows for the chairs if you still feel like you need color.

Luv luv luv the idea Liana sent by link! I think 2 side by side on the opposite side of the kitchen would be superb! Possibly with a very small square table in the middle with just enough room for a plant or drinks to hold. Lots of great ideas posted here though.

You've got a real monochrome thing going here -- just greens and neutrals. Monochrome schemes can be fine, especially if you want a soothing and unified look. If you want excitement, yeah, consider an orange, or even a full on red or maroon. Sleek red leather club chairs -- yum!

If you'd like some punch without going for the full-on contrast, a strong purple (with maybe some lavender or lilac accent pillows mixed with sage ones on the couch and the chairs) or a deep, dusty rose color could work, especially if you again pick it up around the room with accent pillows.

In the picture it looks like your throw pillow on the couch is much yellower than the curtains. If so, I would swap it out for ones in the same cool tones the curtains seem to be.

I think you should add a bit of (punchier) color (as an accent) or pattern to tie your room together, no more green and only ivory/cream if its a great fabric with texture. If you must do a neutral...maybe you can buy some new pillows...mix it up a bit.

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=92329692&cat=91552822

two of these, not in green

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=91672186&cat=91552822

personally, i love the gigi in the old fabric choices such as miracle patina.

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product.do?method=get&id=345175&coll=377376&cat=6

I have to agree with lots of the comments here. You definetly need more color.
The green you have is really lovely. It's a very comforting color too. But too have more personality, here's what I think:
Have similar pale, beige accent chairs (the ones that are simple but with great details on the frames). Then use pillows! Pillows with pale yellow background with a bold orange pattern. You can change the colors of your room with just the pillows. Replace it with a mellower tone when mood strikes, or go a bit crazy with jewel-toned pillows, or leather when you're showing your house to the public (like a model home)... whatever. Add a colorful blanket/throw for more coziness. Your choices are endless...

I would stay with a neutral tone for chairs, and add some drama with other textiles -- throws and pillows. I would look for pieces that have both color AND pattern, because your current look emphasizes large heavy items with one color apiece. I think that means you've set up a great backdrop for some affordable accent pieces!

For instance, continuing what you've started with the bright green window treatments (sorry about the ludicrously long URLs):
Pillows
http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemID=14953&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=14953&path=1%2C2&cusell=1
http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15457&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C5%2C5430%2C9873&iProductID=15457
http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemID=15478&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C5%2C5430%2C9873&iProductID=15478
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1278&f=27183
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=2F801CAFBFD3305AC47E76DAC64AEDCB.app11-node7?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&id=14420129&parentid=A_FURN_PILLOWS_THROW&sortProperties= product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=84&navAction=poppushpushpush&color=00

Throws
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1465&f=24368
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p10698/index.cfm?pkey=cbabqltptn
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=2F801CAFBFD3305AC47E76DAC64AEDCB.app11-node7?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&id=14031454&parentid=A_FURN_BEDDING_QUILTS&sortProperties= product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=182&navAction=poppushpushpush&color=45

Have you considered a two-toned area rug to replace the beige remnant that you've current go?

And I'd definitely consider something more dramatic over the mantelpiece -- look for original artwork at a street fair.

You need color and pattern
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=92329621&cat=91552822
I love these chairs, although really the pattern.

Maybe even the Bianco http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=378108&cat=91552822
done in the above fabric?

I'd favor a bold, reddish brown (to tie in with the wood floors), perferably leather. The problem isn't so much a monochromatic color scheme, it's a lack of contrast. The coffee table and mirror are certainly a big help to the room - keep going in that direction. And plants would help.

I would go with one chair in a show-stopping pattern that coordinates with your green.

Not this necessarily, but you get the idea:

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-1222459729568564573&id=76509&parentid=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&pushId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY_CHAIRS&popId=LIVE_UPHOLSTERY&sortProperties=&navCount=12&navAction=poppushpush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=one

this chair in this fabric in this colour...

http://www.donghia.com/furniture/upholstery-seating/shell_collection.php

It is subtle, but provides some curves, texture and colour.

You'll need something else as well... perhaps something straight as a contrast

These would look good too...
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=199129

mind you, these could look smashing too

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=189823

To reassure yourself that you need not have either screaming color or brash pattern to have a gorgeous room (already very much in keeping with what you have started), look at the interiors of either Mariette Himes Gomez or Victoria Hagan.

I agree with orange.

Or - what about the Blad Stockholm in multicolor?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50103171

It's not an exact fit but it has pattern and interest.

I think you need variation in texture, not pattern or color.

Your home is lovely, calm and grown-up already. Don't muck it up unless you feel you need a prod to be more adventurous. But your original request didn't sound that way to me.

Or what about this chair in lilac?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50126568

punch it up! buy something bold and colorful.

I think chairs in yellow or orange would really liven up the room. I suggest getting them in the same intensity as the green, (softer) or go for really bright. Also, I think a bold pattern using only the selected color and white would do wonders. Good luck!

I would *love* to see a brick red. It'll look great with the sage green!

i agree with some of the people a nice burnt orange or yellow would be really nice in keeping with the simplicity without making it boring and monotone.

http://color-stripes.blogspot.com/

lots of inspiration with palettes drawn from photos and art work.

I have to disagree with those here saying you should add some bright color. You've deliberately designed your room in neutrals and I'd stick with that but just add some contrast. Like some have suggested, I really believe something in a dark brown would work best.

Stay subtle. How about grey or silvery grey with some texture. Everyone thinks color solves it all. I'm not buying that philosophy.

Tiffany blue

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm leaning towards the orange.

It's a lot like my living room! I suggest a leather chair or a side chair with a small pattern and use throw pillows, blankets, and accessories with accent colors. If you get neutral colors, the pieces can grow with you and the accessories can change with the season or your mood. I think orange/coral would be a great idea.

I think something like this would work very well:

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=102&f=4320

anything but neutral

I like the chairs that Liana suggested, maybe in their "speed green" fabric on the second page of the custom fabric choices:

http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/material.do?do=getMaterials&codes=GREEN&codes=STYLE&codes=TYPE&iFrame=false&pageNumber=1

orange would be okay as an accent, though sparing. Actually pictured a large spray of forsythia on the fireplace mantle. Also thought you could do with a dose of glam and curve to break up the boxiness of your elements thus far:

http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/product.php?productid=17152&cat=391&page=1

keep on doing, you've got a great start :-)

These chairs are also super nice, and at $445 for two chairs, you can't really go wrong.

http://www.garbocontemporaryfurniture.com/Y-378-CV-04/Living_Chairs_Mocha_2-piece_Chair_Set_details.html

They are brown, but I think a neutral might work with some brick red (or orange) toss pillows strewn about the couch and the chairs. Mix and match the green with the orange...I think you've got a winner with that orange idea!

I agree with the orange Adrienne! Your room is already gorgeous. This will just make it even more so. Good luck!

...depending on how you do the orange, you could be veering off into Hollywood Regency (which your dining chairs help conjure), so you have to decide what your style is...

I have to agree with Patrick (the other one), as I too think that a more elegant, timeless, luxurious look is your style (hence all my Donghia suggestions).

Ask yourself if you see yourself replacing that orange chair within 5 years or less, because it will look very dated by then. I suspect you are the type of person who likes to buy things for the long term...

You've gotten the basics going in this room (although I think the mirror is far too small), and now you feel a little stuck, because everything seems a bit more conservative than you are...

Check out the work of Carden & Cunietti, who are a bit younger and hipper than Mariette Himes Gomez, and use more colour. I suspect that this is more "you" than Hollywood Regency...

http://www.carden-cunietti.com/

Adrienne,

Your place looks lovely and very sophisticated. Please follow what Monika1 and Patrick the other one have suggested. Go for the sophisticated look. Going with other colors like oranges, lilacs etc, it is going to make your design a mish-mash. You need to stay with the colors that you have chosen. The wall color and the green are good compliments toward the neutrals you have on floor and sofa. Adrienne Vittadini had a room recently that made me think of yours. She had kept the room all neutral (I think it was is Palm Beach) and green accents in bold colors, or pattern (like the fabric of Astoria chair that Monika1 recommended. the only thing that I would be careful is to have a shape of the chairs that respects the sensibility of the shape of the sofa. You do not want something too feminine like the Astoria chair, bcs those curves do not read very well with your sofa. the Donghia chair is the best choise I think for you, with the woden legs showing. Make sure that the legs of the chairs are similar in shape and material to the sofa (you don't want stainless steel legs on the chairs - if the sofa is made of wooden legs) Pay attention of the height of the chair - can't have a higher chair with that sofa - it will draw your eye to that and ruin the harmony of the room.

Good luck and update us when you get this project done. :-)

yellow, bright gold, or orange.

Patterns would be beautiful. Your apartment looks lovely!

I would definitely go with color--I think that accent chairs should be just that: accents. And, IMO, you have a lot of colors you can play with--green goes with almost any bright color (think about flowers nestled in green leaves) so the green should not limit your choices much--you should even consider a bold pattern in a bright color. Everyone here has strong opinions about what would and would not be good colors, but you really need to figure out what feel you want for the room.

Personally, I'd go with one of the following:
  orange--this would really warm up the room and would pull some of the warm tones from your wood floor into the living room
  yellow--it's a happy, sunshine color and would brighten the room and really liven up the green in the room
  violet--a really rich, jewel-toned violet would be lovely (think of the flowers of the same name) and would give the room a more majestic, cool, calming feel

Good luck picking your chairs...you have a great place already!

I think you should add some chairs with pattern that includes all the colors in the room. give it some excitment the room is boring with out some visual stimulation. www.decoratingsista.com

AdrienneG, if you're still reading this thread, what color grey did you use on the walls?