Decorating

[oped]

I’m not sure if you can tell but those two window seats house most of my seedlings. I’m not much of a curtain person anyway, but they would be down for months anyway because that is my most southern exposure. Practical first.

[jelloshots4all]

For curtains/drapes, I was referring to something like this:


www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lush-Decor-Terra-Window-Curtain-Panel-Pair/18616793/product.html?kwds=&option=60670495&refccid=UDUWNEJ4ZK6Z6EKCXQLGZ5OIPU&rfmt=color%3AIvory~Off-White%7Ctype%3A2%20Panel&searchidx=57

If you hang the rod so one end is at the middle of each window, and the other end is equal distance past the window, the curtains will hang outside the window, framing it, and you won't lose any of the light coming in.  And only using one panel on the outside of each window.  

[oped]

Would they hang over the shelves?

I have such a hard time visualizing this stuff.

[raeoflyte]

I suck at decorating. I'm going to really try with our living/dining room with the floors done, but my idea of done will be a far cry from most peoples.

I love the tree idea though. I've always wanted to do something like that.

[jelloshots4all]

Sorry, I can't really see what is on the outside of the windows in the picture.  The desk chair back is blocking one side, and the couch on the other side

[oped]

There is a very good chance I'm going to be plagued by indecision to the point where I lose interest and do nothing... lol. 

[stillmovingforward]

Feb 24, 2021 7:17:44 GMT -5 oped said:

I’m not sure if you can tell but those two window seats house most of my seedlings. I’m not much of a curtain person anyway, but they would be down for months anyway because that is my most southern exposure. Practical first.

And your outside matters as to what you do inside. My inside is VERY visible from the streets in a very walkable part of our town. So i have heavy curtains that cover my floor to ceiling windows when it gets dark. Otherwise, everyone can see what the whole downstairs is doing!
If it wasn't so visible, i wouldn't have curtains.
I like to sneak up on a place so....
I love the mantle! I'd start there and make it a focal. It needs a nice spark screen to start. Do you want to sit in front of it as well? Or stand near it? What's the purpose of having a fire in it?

[nidena]

I would get rid of all those clip board things.  Then hang a curtain rod as high as where the green meets the white and twice as wide as each window.  Then, when you open the curtain, you would get full exposure of the windows.

Add cabinets with doors for all the stuff that can be seen in those pictures you posted.  Being able to close the doors will make it that much less cluttered even if it looks like "Monica's closet" on Friends when you *do* open the door.

All those "location" pictures...put them on the same wall.

[bobosensei]

Feb 23, 2021 21:54:34 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

I would go with a slightly more intense or 'brighter' green on that wall and carry it ALL the way to the ceiling (I have 12 foot ceilings). Cover the stuff in the cubbies somehow. Either with material (lace curtain works nice) or put them in a variety of basket/box containers. But hide them. Then step back and reassess everything.  Just my 2 cents. Fancy at my place is getting the dog a new bed. 

I definitely agree with carrying the paint all the way up on the back wall, and pink cashmere’s suggestion of a large piece of art in the middle.

[jelloshots4all]

I think we need a field trip to oped's house to help decorate!  Also, I just would love to see it based on mroped building it.  I love that kinda thing!

[stillmovingforward]

Feb 24, 2021 14:52:23 GMT -5 jelloshots4all said:

I think we need a field trip to oped's house to help decorate!  Also, I just would love to see it based on mroped building it.  I love that kinda thing!

Agreed. Missrigby can do the food. I'll drive.

[oped]

Seriously whenever Covid is done anyone is welcome to visit.  I am still not convinced I'll let any of you decorate 

Mr. Oped did mostly build it but I mostly designed it, so I get some credit  

[bookkeeper]

First impression is that you need fabrics in your room. Previous poster suggested placing curtain rods high and extended past the window opening and I agree.  Curtains and rugs are how you add texture and color.  Years ago I used to watch Christopher Lowell's decorating show and he talked about the layers of decorating in a room.  Can't recall exactly, but it went like:

1.  Paint

2.  Flooring

3. Textiles (rugs and curtains)

4. Furniture

5. Lighting

6. Accessories and artwork

7. Plants or dried or silk greenery

8.  Metallic, in the accessories, furniture or artwork

He encouraged viewers to think of building a room in layers and that also helps break it up into workable projects.

You have a beautiful fireplace and some tall objects next to it would look very nice.  Sometimes we think of decorating as a horizontal activity and we should remember to add vertical elements to add interest. A large piece of wall art would also look good on that mantle.  I agree that the paint color should extend to the ceiling.  Visually, stopping where it does cuts the room in half.  Please ignore my advice if you don't like it, but I would suggest a warm paint color to go with the flooring you have.  Try bringing home some booklets and paint chips from the building store and look at them with your flooring.  

The best decorating happens over time with objects that have meaning for you.  I feel like my rooms look more put together since I started decorating in "layers".

[Lizard Queen]

Feb 23, 2021 20:44:24 GMT -5 oped said:

to get a gist...

I really like your vignettes.  Big walls are hard to decorate.  They need big things to decorate them.  The big triangle at the top needs something.  In order not to compete for the focal point, avoid anything that creates too much contrast.  Open art has a nice light feeling that shouldn't compete too much, or a solid piece in very similar colors to the wall will also feel light.  I often see these on this type of wall.
www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/gracie-oaks-oversized-mosher-40-wall-clock-ehq4306.html

I don't know, though.  Your challenge is too much geometrry--rectangles, squares and a triangle.  Adding a circle sort of helps, but is still geometry, if you catch my drift.  That's why softer elements with irregular lines helps--fabric/plants.  A tall planr in the corner, might be nice, for instance.  A lot is trial an error, though.  In that upper area some nice metal art could work to draw a little interest, but not too much:

www.amazon.com/Bellaa-21987-Plaque-Elegant-Scroll/dp/B076JDDGL5/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=metal+wall+art&qid=1614207911&sr=8-5
www.amazon.com/DEKADRON-Metal-World-Map-Silhouette/dp/B07DD3KXRL/ref=sr_1_48?dchild=1&keywords=metal+wall+art&qid=1614208478&sr=8-48
www.amazon.com/Bellaa-23936-Large-Metal-Medallion/dp/B07QG4P24Z/ref=sr_1_23?dchild=1&keywords=metal+wall+art&qid=1614208478&sr=8-23
www.amazon.com/Stratton-SHD0062-Home-Decor-Champagne/dp/B01670OGR4/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=metal+wall+art&qid=1614208478&sr=8-11

I didn't look at the sizes on these, but you really need to look at the scale for proper placement and whether it is the right size/shape for your space.
I found a couple other good examples while I was working earlier, but I can't find them now.  I'll add them if I come across them again..

[debthaven]

I like white rooms with accent walls. I love that green wall, but it absolutely needs to be fully painted. 

It would add harmony if your frames were the same, or at least the same color. Put like sizes with like. 

There's a LOT going on in that room ... I could not live with all the clutter in the back right hand corner. 

There are too many blankets/fabrics on the couch. Keep one or two. If you keep two, they should match. Otherwise buy a nice basket and keep the others folded in the basket. 

Also, the room needs a rug. Ideally a rug should tie all the colors together, so the green of the wall and the black (dark grey?) of the couch.

I don't know if you need curtains or not. But if you get them, don't introduce yet another color, choose a color you already have (even a different shade). 

Personally I find that room isn't restful because there's too much going on, and there's nothing tying everything together.

I think decluttering it and adding the right rug would make it much nicer. :-)

[oped]

The clutter not on shelves and walls is under construction clutter. It is a very big room so doesn’t feel in person as bad as it probably photographs.


Thanks Lizard, that made the most sense or me.

[debthaven]

If you didn't want the seedlings in the house, you could get a small greenhouse. Only if you wanted to of course. 

And if you do go for curtains, I'd go for something MUCH less elaborate. 

I am a huge fan of Ikea because I like simple things with sleek, straight lines. NOT for the big pieces (couch, table, rug, etc) but for the little things. I find they have a TON of very practical items at excellent prices. 

[Lizard Queen]

I really like this for high up on your wall, since your triangle is more horizontal:


www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/ophelia-co-cloud-window-wall-decor-w000274782.html

[debthaven]

Other advice: once you decide what you want to do, take your time. Don't rush. 

Our DR table was a gift from my ex/late MIL for my first Mother's Day 34 years ago. I liked the table very much, plus I was attached to it. But with 4 kids and now their partners, and a grandchild, it was MUCH too small. (It was for 4-6 ppl.)  

I always wanted a big extendable round table. It took me a year to find one I loved. Unfortunately it was 3.4K, so that wasn't going to happen. It then took me another 2 years to find something similar. I finally found it! It's not as nice as the 3.4K one, but it was $680. 

The table arrived 2 weeks ago and we are THRILLED!!!

So as others have said, if I don't love it, I don't buy it. 

PS The kitchen table is MUCH bigger than the old DR table, and we generally eat in the kitchen when we're together. 

The old DR table is now in the basement waiting for one of the kids to take it. 

[bookkeeper]

On looking at the photos again, you have no pattern going on in your room.  Pattern is important and draws the eye into the windows in the case of drapery or into the seating area with your choice of rug.  Pattern is also very fun!  I bought two recliners in a pretty busy print because everything else in our living room was a solid color.  The furniture stores are full of brown and gray couches and chairs. How boring! Each room needs some personality with color and pattern.  The trick is to use just enough and not too much.

[bookkeeper]

Another decorating tip from the housing boom in Arizona.  We have lots of new housing developments going up in our area.  Each development has 5 or 6 model homes that are open to the public.  These have all been professionally decorated and staged.  Pre-covid we would go see the new models and furnishings and artwork for something to do.  Decorating large open concept rooms takes a different approach than a '70's ranch.  I found it interesting to see what the pros come up with and then I can go home and replicate what works for me.  

[bean29]

Feb 23, 2021 21:54:34 GMT -5 stillmovingforward said:

I would go with a slightly more intense or 'brighter' green on that wall and carry it ALL the way to the ceiling (I have 12 foot ceilings). Cover the stuff in the cubbies somehow. Either with material (lace curtain works nice) or put them in a variety of basket/box containers. But hide them. Then step back and reassess everything.  Just my 2 cents. Fancy at my place is getting the dog a new bed. 

I also am no decorator, but I was looking at the same thing Stillmovingforward has suggested.  I was thinking the color should go all the way up the wall.  I need to change up my window treatments also and re-paint...and I have been considering bringing in a decorator.  I think this was a good suggestion.

I know there is a local Paint store that sells blinds that told me a few years ago that they have a decorator that would come to the house and help me choose window coverings.  This is what I think I am going to do.  I am having an issue b/c I go back and forth on if I should tackle a bit of remodeling now or wait until the house is paid off.

ETA.  I was also thinking you should move the desk out of your living room.  I know your kids are in college and your house is quite large.  relocate one of your kids bedrooms and create a separate office.  I know it is easier said than done.  Right now I have two young adult kids who were on their own, who came home as a landing spot between other living situations. DS is planning to move in with a friend - but idk if he will take all his stuff.  

[oped]

Lol. I’m just thinking of what reactions to daughters room would be like given the clutter discussions, even with most of her stuff at school.

We are very workrooms in every room, sleep where you drop, eclectic sorts of people. Tons of shelves everywhere. This house will obviously have to be staged if we ever sell.

The living room drafting table is all purpose. In spring it’s my gardening center. Husband uses that one most. Literally every room has permanent or foldable work tables. We have an art room. Daughters has moved her bed out in the alcove so her room upstairs is all workroom.

But how many pictures of my house do you actually want to see? 😜

[wvugurl26]

I think the house has to work for your family first of all. You live there and pay the bills. If it makes other people twitchy well its not for sale so who cares?

[oped]

This thread is helping me come around to that. 😊 Probably why I’m not much of a ‘decorator’.

I’m going to finish what I started, eventually, and then live with it and if it doesn’t live well, deal with it then. I hit some modification and extension ideas here.

We have been doing a lot of talking lately about how we think and remember etc. and this discussion actually helped and contributed critically to that so I thank you all for that.

We seem to be a fairly odd breed of highly creative people who think primarily in words rather than images. While none of of us like what WE consider to be clutter, organized, meaningful visual stimulus is actually beneficial, even necessary to some degree because it provides consistent visual reinforcement and motivation, if that makes sense at all. I’m going to try to find some more reading material on these things.

[Deleted]

I enjoy decorating, but I am not very good at it.  With an unlimited budget, I think I could do a nice job. We don't have one of those, so it is always a compromise and then decisions made by committee.   

DH hates all pattern, except an occasional geometric.  We must be pretty fun to watch, because we were getting compliments from other couples when we were picking fabric for our latest couch and chair right before the pandemic.  We need a new rug for the family room soon, that is going to be hell.

Left to my own devices I would spend a fortune decorating, but since I have a budget, I usually wait, decorate slowly, and no room is ever truly done.  I have a media room I would like to tackle and a master bedroom that is a blank slate.  One day I need to buy curtains for the master bedroom.  

[Deleted]

One of our biggest decoration challenges was a couple of years ago when we mutually agreed that the loveseat shape and upholstery was one of our worst choices ever, I mean truly awful.  So off to the fabric store for fabric to have it redone.  Amazingly, two old folks settled on a cream and grey leopard print.  We had the upholstery shop ditch the poofy stuffing on the arms and cushions, lower the back cushions and put self-cording on the seat and back cushions.  We love it and friends have raved about the new look.  I alternate a grey velvet throw pillow with a subtly metallic bronze one.  

[nidena]

Feb 25, 2021 10:25:48 GMT -5 bookkeeper said:

On looking at the photos again, you have no pattern going on in your room.  Pattern is important and draws the eye into the windows in the case of drapery or into the seating area with your choice of rug.  Pattern is also very fun!  I bought two recliners in a pretty busy print because everything else in our living room was a solid color.  The furniture stores are full of brown and gray couches and chairs. How boring! Each room needs some personality with color and pattern.  The trick is to use just enough and not too much.

Or do the reverse and have lots of complementary patterns with a few key solid pieces so the eyes have a place to "rest".  That's what I think I'll be aiming for: lots of color and prints but ones that all go with each other.  I'm a huge fan of color.  No beige, no brown, no white.  Prints, patterns, and jewel colored solids.  

[raeoflyte]

Our living and dining room are currently empty and we can't even figure out how we're going to arrange the furniture, let alone decorate.

Dh is trying to figure out where a 65 gallon, 48 inch wide fish tank can go and the answer is nowhere. Our house isn't big!

[nittanycheme]

I just redid my living room basically at the beginning of lock down.  I worked with a company called Modsy, which is an on-line decorating company where you take pictures of your room, give them measurements, take a quiz to kind of narrow down your style and then they give you different suggestions for furniture.  Its' pretty reasonable - I picked the lower price package and got 2 different layouts for $70.  They layouts are in 3D plus in "picture" format from 4 different views as well as an overhead layout. They work with a bunch of different furniture manufacturer's/decoration companies so you can either order through them, or just use it for ideas and order on your own.  Also, because they have all this stuff programmed in, you can "trade out" furniture they have in the plan for other options so you can switch out the couch, etc.  I did the plans in November/Dec 2019, finally decided on what I wanted in January.  I did a mix of ordering through them (you get a discount) and ordering on my own (since even with a discount some of the stuff was too much $).  I got my first set of deliveries of furniture the second day of lockdown...  And the rest scattered about until May timeframe.  For once I actually made a well timed decision because I beat the re-decorating rush.  My parents want to order a new recliner from La-Z-Boy and they are quoting wait times of 5-9 months.

I'm actually thinking about using them again for my sunroom.  Both of those rooms I knew what I wanted when I moved into my house 15 years ago, but now I'm tired of it (or the furniture was very tired!) and don't know what I want.  They did everything including houseplant placements, etc.