Nylig aktivitet

I think you are missing an opportunity to create a more balanced/interesting look. The floor lamps are definitely throwing things off; suggest a lamp and edit/test different items. If interested, down the road consider a longer console with more height variation.

vs


i see what you mean Maureen! the console you added is much more interesting witout that symmetry

I gather the wall on left isn’t long enough to accommodate your door. Wonder if adding a permanent wall on the right half way across the opening with a narrower sliding door would work? Imagine below, but pocket door placed on the other side.

Be sure to add lots of personality.



Please post pictures once complete.

My first condo had a small powder room, where the door swung out. It seemed odd, but it helped ensure the door stayed closed or mostly closed so you could walk past it.

How to create a connection in both areas. I think black frames would better suit your home and ignore the lighting.



chispa said it well, I won't repeat her comments, but I agree with her.
Your home is very neutral, and any "art" you place on the walls could really stand out if you select very colorful pieces. Don't try to do it all at once, find one piece you love to start and go from there. You can mix oil/acrylic paintings with photographs, watercolors, pen and ink drawings, and any other wall hangings, such as plates, 3-d art installations, tapestries, etc. This makes for a much more interesting composition than everything "matching."

We took pictures of our paired down front and headed to a large nursery (at a slow time) and were shown all kinds of options based on the soil, etc and our wish list. They came up with a plan at no charge, as they would be benefit from our purchases. Highly recommend this approach as it‘s also important to consider long term outcome as the garden matures.

Beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration.

I love this style of house! There are lots of great choices for smaller shrubs , such as azalea (reblooming varieties), rhododendron, boxwoods and possibly roses that would work well in your landscape.
Don't forget to add lighting to enjoy the space at night.
Ai changed the steps and the side yard space, so ignore that piece.










Personally, I think the floors are an issue - they don't work well with the countertops.

Thanks everyone.

I searched to find a close up of your vanity and it’s lovely. Instead of a strong/floral wallpaper being the focal point (less can be more), I’d let the vanity, textured wallpaper and art create a lovely cohesive feel.




This is lovely Maureen! The vanity is really a special piece and I like how your mock up and idea keep it as the star of the show.

I like the wallpaper with the orange poppies

I’d choose based on what will work best with the seating vs the shape of the table. A round rug can feel awkward; too small...skimpy and too big..unbalanced.

You may want to measure both a square and rectangle shape to see which would work better visually and ensure it’s large enough


Please heed the caveats of the current advisors.
Jute is not comfy on the feet,it traps sand,and if it gets stained the blotch is impossible to eradicate.
Indoor /outdoor of good quality should serve nicely.

If you like the jute look, there are faux jute options. They will allow you to use a beater brush on your vacuum in order to fully remove the sand that will wind up in the carpet.
I also like a square option. I've never purchased a rug based upon the shape of my coffee table (I've never purchased a round rug). I believe that the shape of your room is more important than the shape of your coffee table.

The first thing I noticed was the feeling of imbalance, due to where the top of the fireplace surround ends and not sure if adding art/or even a mantle will help. If you are fine keeping as is, you have received lots of ideas.
Imagine below, which will create a more unified and attractive focal wall (it looks fine with the middle section sticking out a bit).

vs (stained)


Craftsman style windows, treat the mantel as part of the cabinets. Go with the same stain color for the mantel and stain those windows to make it all one scheme.


Like your furniture; you need a darker rug to work with the stain and the pattern in the chairs.

Looks like you changed your mind on a glass table? If not, suggest a style with more weight and interest and your books will work well.


I’m not a fan of your last three tables either (for your room or your mood board).

Suggest something like the one below.


Consider moving the chairs together, facing the window.

You don't necessarily need a glass top on the coffee table, you need legs, and then you get to see the rug from a different angle.


I do like the table with the legs, but where to put books? Maybe I can just do the legs option with a drawer and find somewhere to put a bookcase. I’m not using those chairs, they are just there as they were easy to carry up the stairs lol. I am actually putting a chaise over by the window. I was debating no chair(s) at all on that side as I felt like it was blocking the walking area to the hallway that leads to the beds/bath. I dont think I’d ever have more than 2-3 people as visitors as it’s a guest house at my son’s house.

There are a few variables to consider flooring, vanity, lighting and if you prefer it not as broken up.


Without seeing your bathroom, it’s hard to suggest, but if you provided you may get more helpful advice.

This show the current state, the other shows a sample my ideas




With the tall ceilings and the tile up 5' I'd choose the fresher of the color options,
BM Sherwood Green, the SW green onyx is kind of too drab/gray...
Paint the ceiling the same color you choose for the walls.
A white ceiling will make it look even taller, and you'll feel like you are in a well.

Are you set on your choices; ie: does the island have to work with the adjoining room? When you mentioned your view of a lake and mountains, I thought of what wood could do in creating more warmth and a connection to the outside. Maybe consider a different backsplash and adding pendants.


Fabric covered stools will add some color to this beautiful kitchen.
Here are some ideas.




Or textured ones.


Context is key.

I searched 35Wx25H venetian chandeliers on Pinterest. You’ll see lots of choices and some come in different sizes, ie: the one below comes within your measurements. With a 10” ceiling, be sure 25H will not be too low.
It’s hard for anyone to know the effect you have in mind, as ”quiet” doesn’t help very much.…you may have to compromise given the dimensions you need and I’d look for scones after chandelier is installed.


I think the fireplace decision to paint or not, needs to be considered first as accessories should suit. I like the brick and suggest adding a mantle and a larger tv. If you can find a new spot for the wine cabinet, suggest a large plant there instead.
I wasn’t sure if the seating is mocha or a light grey, so picked grey as the inspiration - before you buy anything, decide on the color scheme and how you want room to feel.






Don’t float your main sofa, unless you have absolutely no other choice.

I totally agree with other posters who are suggesting to mount the tv above the fireplace. I'm done that in two of my homes now and the neck strain that people fear has never been a problem. Keeping the window clear is a very good suggestion.

I think they work quite well. Great find.

Not to toot my own horn, but here you go. I am guessing the frame comes out with seat?

Nice job RN!!

I’d add an arched mirror and keep it simple.


Since that wall sits right in a primary walkway between the doorway and stairs, putting any console table or furniture there is going to feel cramped fast.
For high-traffic spots, vertical decor is usually the best bet. A large oversized mirror works well to catch light, or you can go with a big focal piece like a statement wall clock from BestWallClock to anchor the space without stealing floor room. A gallery arrangement of thin frames could also balance the wall space nicely around that return vent.

Egret art, no pedestals, console or plants. I like the simplicity and it doesn’t compete in a very full, cozy room.

Maybe if you are ready for a change and ok with the cost to repaint, drive around your neighbourhood to see what really appeals to you. I do find your house blends into the surroundings and would benefit/feel warmer with softer colors such as turquoise and a warm white (also paint black components).


Lighter rather than dark for a cinder block home, bounces light off the uneven texture.
Lighter exterior also makes the home appear larger than a receeding dark color.
the black storm door and screened porch is a nice contrast too.
The native plants are such a feature to Florida homes, I would choose a light color house paint as a backdrop to the green plants.


How do you feel about the possibility of butter yellow, a dusty peach, pale blue or a salmon pink to complement your green surroundings?

I think your present configuration feels disjointed and your renditions do nothing to improve that.


If it were me, I’d put the budget towards a new mantle and decorative shelving above the cabinets.

If interested, maybe look on line for looks that appeal to you and importantly suit your room, dining room and kitchen in your open concept.


Have you already ordered your new taupe sofa? If yes, I wouldn't make a decision re: your fireplace until your sofa is in the room. It would be a waste of $$ to have made any sort of change to the fireplace surround/mantel/over-mantel if the new taupe sofa doesn't work with the stone/tile/paint color you've used.
If you are just considering purchasing a taupe sofa, I would have fabric samples in the room in order to help with your decision re: stone/paint/etc. If the fireplace will be your focal point (which it should be), I would wait to order a new sofa until I had the fireplace wall completed.

I can't tell what the goal is for the room's overall feel. Changing the fireplace to ledgestone would move in a rustic, casual direction, while replacing the leather sofa with a linen one would move in a more formal direction, in keeping with the chairs and existing fireplace. We can't see enough to know which fits better with the rest of your home. Which would you like better?
Here's a rendering that changes the sofa to linen, plus a few other tweaks (the major one being turning on the lights), so you can see what you think about keeping the formality:


Show us your space IMO that is the only way to get help.I rarely like any triptych type are and without seeing your space it is impossible to know if that is what you need. In the pic you show I would have done one very large fab piece of art not bought off the internet at all and a much better chandelier.

Size won’t be hard to find…but content/style/frame/price are personal and searching is your best bet (Etsy is a good place to start or Wayfair if cost is a big factor).
I searched Pinterest for ”Set of 3 paintings 30x40“ and immediately found this site. Research/comparing is a good place to start. Always check the return policy.



This is what I’d do instead.


The doorways make this its own space, so I'd treat it that way: make it a dark, dramatic art gallery connecting two light-filled living areas. Paint the walls and ceiling dark for drama (even a bit darker than shown), in a color that compliments the art. Add a rug and another art piece--or multiples--on the opposite wall. (I'm sure you will hang something more interesting there than AI used!) Replace the one ceiling light with directional lighting that can highlight the art pieces. And maybe consider switching the console to the other wall, as @Maureen suggested, so the furniture pieces alternate walls from space to space?


You mention a potential mini-makeover on a limited budget and now have an 8 day period to decide on buying….were the bathrooms the only thing holding your back or are you moving forward no matter what (sounds like you are based on your last post). That resolves the time restraint pressure.
Suggest taking your time to do any bathroom updates. You’ll have a better sense of what you want/need to change and a bigger budget to allocate.

I have to say that I, too, am not opposed to popcorn ceilings. At the very least, I do not consider them to be public enemy #1.
Plus, there is basically zero way that I would scrape a popcorn ceiling. Either it would be covered with drywall or it stays, as is.

Professionally cleaning the floor and grout is a great idea.
I think placing a large white/fitted mat in the shower, could connect to the tile floor, and also visually expand the space.

ETA: Or maybe it is the same white tile on the shower floor(?). I can’t really tell from your picture.

You could go simple, so as not to detract from the wallpaper and look to complement its design.

You could make the room feel more interesting/eclectic. Either way, I’d either move the bookshelf to another wall as it feels awkward there…or replace. Room overall will feel better balanced.


Why not visit a local art gallery and buy something inexpensive from a local artist like a simple woodblock print or etching? Maybe a black and white print. Original art isn't always expensive and can even be found in thift and antique shops. Love the wainscoting

Maureen I wish I could mock up like you! But I do think that the open shelves and gallery wall does compete. I still think closed storage, one larger statement art piece and a good sized lamp will look and feel elegant.

You can create a connection with a complementary backsplash and just add a less expensive countertop. The flooring and white cabinetry already play a role in creating a nice flow.




You have what my family calls a ”utility room”. A gem! The counters will receive a lot of use, maybe washing off muddy shoes, and you say tinker space, with perhaps glues, Goof-Off, solvents, etc. Consider countertops that will stand up to it. Like Corian or even Formica.

I think it depends. If it's a completely seperate area that closed off most of the time, then fine do something different. But if one room flows into the other then I'd do the same or at least something similar in vibe to the kitchen. From your pictures, I see the laundry room as an extension of the kitchen; if you stick to the same, it's going to make it seem like you have a larger kitchen and it will visually flow effortlessly, especially if you leave the door open most of the time.

Consider swivel stools without arms to make it easier to get on/off, if the length across is a bit tight for three chairs.


Regardless of style, I like the lighter fabric with the cabinets and darker elements of the room.

Adds a bit of an industrial feel and might darken the space. The green has a softer, eclectic look. How do you want the space to feel - are the room’s contents yours or the previous owners?

Maybe wait a bit and you may even decide on another color. It’s a big job and commitment; maybe test on one beam (if any green paint was left).

I love the black.

I kind of like the green I would live with it for awhile if you like it too.

I‘d skip rugs then since it will mainly be a space for the kids to play and hang out (could add some bean bags).

It may never feel cozy, but will be practical and your grandchildren’s changing needs will dictate what/where. Sounds like your needs are met and down the road if you are using a lot, you can always add more comfy seating. For your guests, more inviting bedding would be a nice addition.


I like the blue chairs. I just took my colors from the art (which may not actually be in the room; its angle makes me think it's been edited in). The rug I showed is actually blue, just lighter than the chairs and a bit grayed. (It's this one: https://www.rugs-direct.com/Details/Momeni-Mallorca-MRC02/141666). One of my goals was a room that looks warm and happy, especially if it's a play space for kids.
I agree that the glass door needs some covering for a sense of privacy at night, but perhaps something full-length (or that can be lowered to full-length) would add some of the needed height? The half-curtain emphasizes the "everything at the bottom" look. Maybe a bamboo or reed blind for texture?


A summary of our work together. The attic, which was only used occasionally, gained organized functional areas using equipment I already had at home, and in my opinion, it took on a more cozy atmosphere. Thank you.




Compare chips, narrow down to a few and test, noting the slight differences in undertones at different times of the day.





Off Black, Farrow & Ball

Every shelf feels much of the same vs below and look to create a link with the art you choose and also the room.



I’d also fill in the arch.


I have always been told that you should decorate shelves in a zig-zag . So the vases should be on opposite sides, books of varying stacks, etc.

That central niche would be a great place for a large and vertically oriented piece of art.

I am almost finished redoing the master bedroom, but it hasn’t really come together as the bedding is yet to come…it’s such a key factor. Consider the overall feel you are aiming for/how to achieve. I’m getting an earthy, MCM/contemporary feel.


All the pillows will be a pain, but hope the color combo helps, as well as a lamp style.

Suggest ceramic with beige shades vs white.


I agree with RedRyder. I have Garnet Hill flannel sheet sets for winter and they are my favorite sheets. I have a blanket from there too. All wash well.
When I saw OP's photo, I thought of green bedding to kind of color wash the room in greens (on my laptop the carpet, chair and accent wall are variations on olive toned greens). Looks like a calming space!

I’d actually consider a duvet insert with interchangeable covers rather than committing to one quilt color. A quality down duvet gives you a great quality foundation, and then you can change the cover seasonally or whenever you want a different look. Cream or taupe could be beautiful here, but you could easily switch to sage, denim blue, or something warmer later without replacing the duvet itself. I run a bedding store called Luxury Sleep Shop, and that flexibility is something people really appreciate. It lets you change the personality of the bedroom without having to buy a completely new piece of bedding every time you get tired of the color.

Neither as they take away from your lovely room. Consider one of the two below (I like the second).


If you want more depth and interest, update/layer cushions, a rug if interested.


it's painted now, so it's essentially a color change. that's the good news.
rule of thumb in terms of psychophysical color strategy is the ceiling should be lighter than the floor. e.g. dirt is darker than blue sky.
a darker ceiling 'on top of' a lighter wood floor can feel upside down, off, heavy for some people. it's a choice that needs careful consideration.

Have you made a decision yet?

I think your house needs contrast to improve its curb appeal.

If it means darkening garage door to achieve, I think if you work with the roof you’ll gain a more interesting overall look… garage will flow/but not stand out. Imagine a warm, deeper grey color and paint the siding above the door so it doesn’t feel chopped up.
As well… when your landscaping matures (I’d add more), a garden tends to draw the attention vs a garage. Curb appeal is how the whole house connects.


I like Emily's second example (the darker grey-brown) -- it manages to marry the mis-match between the grey roof and the warm brick. When you're due for a roof, go with shingles that go with the brick.

The old roof looked better than the new.
The house is a bit blah. The siding and trim colors could better match the brick and you might consider darker fascia to help stop the eye from wondering up to the roof.


If you opt for a blue chair, I think it will add a bit of softness, but suggest adding additional blue. The blue in the rug isn’t enough to tie in the chair.


Suggest a traditional designed chair.

A William Morris tapestry would also be lovely in your room.


Neither. The rust is lost on the rug, not enough contrast, and there's something about the blue I just don't care for. What about a cream color, like the tablecloth you show?

The walls will be a dusty pink(thats the plan). As this is all in the hope and plan stage I’m open to suggestions. This is a pic of the rug from the website, its currently wrapped up in storage while painting and such gets going.

This is the room, angled ceiling over the bed makes it kind of funky to work with, but I love it. The pics with the bed are from the listing, not my stuff. I am taking out the shutters when we paint.



The room is a 12’x12’ square.


If it were me, I’d aim to create a better balanced wall in general, as even with art the piece of furniture will still feel lost. Do that first and then test some art and if sizing and placement are difficult to decide on, use Kraft paper templates. Given your decor, I think less will be more (ignore the dimensions below, but hope it helps).


A small grouping of 2–3 pieces above and around the turntable could look great. Stick to a similar color palette, or frame a few favorite album covers to tie everything back to the music setup.
Just leave enough space above the turntable so the lid can open easily. I’d avoid hanging anything too low.

Every situation is different and it depends on the color, pattern, texture of the artwork you want to display. Would suggest you start by picking out pieces that will coordinate with each other and the room. That doesn't mean the pieces all have to be the same or very matchy matchy. Just select pieces that are appealing and just look good together.

The first step is to figure out what an 11x11 room can accommodate and without doing a to scale floor plan seating will be difficult to decide on/chairs’ dimensions are key - I don’t think 4 comfortable chairs will fit/be that practical, but you’ll know when you plan out the room and define your priorities. I think good lighting for reading and small side tables will be important.


We have a ”room without a cause”, so I am feeling this thread! You want it to be a comfortable sitting room. Do you need such a room? Do you actually sit with a drink before dinner? Do you entertain? Is this room convenient to anything else you do in the house?
My suggestion is, name the room. Call it the sitting room, or the bar. Then design it as such. With all the plants, perhaps you have a 70s-throwback fern bar! Cozy, for sitting or even having a glass of wine after dinner. Or is it your library? For what kinds of books? Go with that.
Give the room an intention and the design will come.

I, too, have more plants than most people think necessary. However, I say, that unlike cats, you can't have too many plants. Yours are healthy and beautiful!!! (And as much as I do love cats, you absolutely can have too many!) I agree with getting a shelf or some shelving units for organization of the plant babies. As a potter, I also disagree with making all the pots the same-boring, and unnecessary (just my opinion of course.) On an altogether separate note, I also like your tapestry. It looks very similar to some of the art that my husband bought in Senegal.
It seems that you are getting a lot of help for planning the room. I just wanted to let you know that you are not the only person in the world who finds the houseplants add so much beauty and life to a home. Edit some of the other stuff, but keep and organize the plants! Also, I know many people who have just as many or more plants throughout their homes, and they are some of the most warm and welcoming homes and people that I know. Good luck on your journey to find the purpose for the room, and the design to follow-bpath giving good suggestions.

I found them on Pinterest..no links saved. The advantage of you searching is that you can compare materials/sizes/prices/if free delivery + return conditions.

I LIKE THE MARBLE BUT WONDERING IF EITHER OF THESE COULDWORK TO BRING THE BLACK INTHE ROOM TOGETEHR????



Here is the look with black nesting tables, plus black and glass .


If you choose glass, hopefully you will choose tempered glass; and hopefully no children, teens, or unsteady people frequent the space.

This is what I’d do and you can always test a rug‘s feasibility.


I’m amused how different everyone is. In 35 years of working in offices & also having a home office I ALWAYS had my desk facing a window, I could never face a wall. Same with kitchen sink, had a townhouse where kitchen sink faced a wall, moved out asap. Different strokes ….

^^ I prefer no windows if possible. My office cubicle doesn't have a window, and my remote home office is in a windowless basement. If I were located near a window I would daydream all day and not get anything done. No windows = focus on work. Goes to show how different people are :0)

I love the mockups. What program do you use? It helps to see it together.

ChatGPT was used/pretty simple to learn.


































My two cents lol. I’d worried the combo may feel dated/dull and with the cost to redo and the long term commitment, maybe consider lighter/softer.
I’m helping my son and his wife with updating two bathrooms and when the designer recommended using the same large tiles throughout, I had my doubts. After seeing examples, I changed my mind as the showroom bathrooms felt less broken up/larger (and will be faster/less expensive to install) and need less grout maintenance. Would an off the floor vanity be helpful for your daughter.
The Bella Quartz sink is very white with a small amount of a gray veining. The cabinet is Rich medium-brown tone.
Reconsider your tile colors.
I love 12 x24 porcelain tile for both batroom floor and shower walls and in your situation is is perfect . I would hestate to do that vanity in a specail needs bathroom since you need a curbless shower I assum a wheelchair is also needed so the vanity will be impossible to be useful.