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Design Dilemma
boryan

Help! My family room needs work!

boryan
11 years ago
Hi! I am trying to create a nice family room. The room has been awkward for me because it is long and location of 2 windows. I would like to have the room have 2 separate spaces, one for fireplace and tv and one for kids play area. The kids are 6 and 8. I need to keep the sofa but could move it and I can get rid of the armoire. I would love any and all advice! I have a very limited budget so in the short term would love to spruce it up with some rearranging and maybe one chair or table in the long term would love built-ins. Thanks for any and all assistance in making it more cozy and balanced!
Featured Answer
  • decoenthusiaste
    11 years ago
    For a quick fix, & if it is not too big, move the sofa against the wall between the two windows & put the armoire on the wall where the sofa is now. Put your hassock in front of the sofa for a "coffee table." Take a pillow from the sofa to the paint store and find a beautiful color it looks great with. Be sure to take the sample outside into the light to see the "real" color. Paint that color throughout the room. The area behind the sofa will be the play area, as it is right now. Have you considered painting the brick fireplace? Keep that in mind as you shop the paint store and ask about the correct type of paint. Watch for an oak mantel to match the stair rail and your armoire. If you're thinking about building it in, wait about the mantel until you find the plans for that entire wall. I would want to build the tv into the whole thing when you tackle that.

    Comments (54)

    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      And one other question (can't figure out how to edit my original post!) What to do with the large wall opposite fireplace where the kids play area would be? I'm thinking some bookshelves that would take up less space as well as a table of sorts for playing games, drawing pictures etc.
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      First paint the walls in Benjamin Moore's Winchester Sage. This would look great with your brick fireplace and red furniture. Immediately you would be inspired there's no doubt. I do agree with Deco's (for short:)) suggestion for the sofa as this would become a workable divider for the two spaces and would definitely look cozy and inviting with the fireplace. This would also open the space a lot so that when you descend the staircase you would enjoy a large feeling of space and no clutter.

      Now here's the thing to save some money and keep your stuff - remove the doors from the armoire and paint the now re purposed armoire with a neutral colour (Benjamin Moore's Citronee) including all the shelves inside. This will now be your bookcase for puzzles crayons etc. for the kids - you can even use wicker baskets to hold some items and have them line the bottom shelf in this unit. Then you can take one door if it is thick enough and attach this to the side of the armoir to make a wide shelf (acting as a table) and attach the other door to this table as its legs. If you prefer you can join this second door to the first just purchasing some legs to screw on as props - then you can have a longer table to house more chairs for the kids around this so they can paint or do homework or whatever.

      This new shelving unit can be placed right after the stairs on the same wall it is now and the long or short table would follow along this wall. There are wonderful drapes that you could purchase using these new colours and some scatter cushions with these colours would be wonderful. Put the TV on the other side of the fireplace and your lamp thingamajigee where the TV is now. I believe you will still have space for those kiddy stuff behind the couch. The picture on the wall would also be enhanced by the new wall colour I am positive. I know that this would be so lovely. Have fun!

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    • smarty88
      11 years ago
      If it were my house and I had the limited budget you described, I would paint the fireplace a light neutral color (not sure of the color just yet!), add a mantel, and hang the TV above the mantel. That will be your focal point. Flank both sides of the focal point with nice wooden or painted shelves, at least 10 inches in depth (this will get you by until you can splurge on the built-ins) Hang one shelf high and one shelf low on both sides (4 shelves total) so that you have lots of usable space on both. Take the exisiting picture hung to the right of the fireplace and place it on the lower shelf on the left (it will be leaning against the wall)- add a vase and maybe a few books... then coordinate each of the four shelves using interesting objects, treasures from around your house. For now, use the TV console that the TV is currently on for any games/cable boxes/DVR and move it to the right hand corner, knowing that eventually, all of that stuff will be hidden in your built ins and the TV console can go bye-bye .

      Next, move the big red sofa to the center of the room, off the walls, facing the new focal point (fireplace/TV). The left side of the sofa with the chaise should be closer to the wall with the two windows so that you have a nice walk way on the right side- this will continue the flow from walking down the stairs (natural walk way). Put the lamp with the shelves to the left of the sofa and hopefully it will be against the wall in between the windows; you'll probably have to move the picture more to the left and maybe higher so that it compliments the lamp. Skinny lamp needs to relocate to another room of the house.

      The wall where the sofa is right now will probably look bare so that may be a nice place for a long skinny table, or two skinny tables with a few feet in between them- the ottoman can be tucked under one and pulled out for additional seating... OR you could add a tall bookshelf and fill it with books... OR use the wall space for a collection of family photos, or anything that makes you happy!

      Not sure about the play area. With the chair rail, it looks like it would make a better dining room... but with that in mind, maybe find an expensive round table (about 3 1/2 to 4 feet in diameter) at a thrift store, center it in the space and then add some mismatched chairs around it. The kids can use this for projects, to play, to gather, etc. The wooden armoire can stay on the chair rail wall but center it and add something to the top for interest and scale. Hide the bigger toys against the half wall beneath the stairs.

      Use the portable pop up chair in the TV/fireplace area for extra seating... arrange the two kiddie chairs under the window in the play area.
    • astridmoise
      11 years ago
      Like the suggestions so far. If you need storage, and want to create two spaces, why don't you try a room divider. Open shelving so you can see both spaces (to keep an eye on the little ones) but clearly demarcates the spaces. Decorative storage bins dress up the space and adds a pop of color. Saw one recently at home depot, target, but also sold at costco, container store, and a number of other stores. Can be tall or short. In your space, recommend short. Pic is of an example of how used in bedroom.
    • Gina Leitz
      11 years ago
      Boryan we are wanting you to move the sofa where it is parallel to the fireplace and the chaise part would be against the wall with the two windows. It works as a room divider. I was trying to decide on a color for you to paint the fireplace but I need to clarify your room colors. I think the wall looks like a shade of peach or is it a yellow? Despite it's color (which I like) it is warm and so is the couch so if you paint the fireplace it should be in a warm neutral like color. I looked through my Benjamin Moore fandeck and saw the color Richmond Gold HC-41. I think it compliments the couch and room color and would look great on a fireplace....although my lighting on my computer may be different for you in real life. I would recommend getting a swatch and checking it out in the room. It's a historical color. Also from what I can see, it looks as if your carpet is either gray or taupe. Either way it is a cool color which goes against the other colors in the room. When you can afford to, buy a large rug that contains some of the colors in your room to compliment it. Do you have any other furniture from the rest of your house that you could re-purpose in this room? For instance a hall tall could go behind the couch to hold lamps for light both areas. Regarding the armoire', is it possible to turn it with its back to the staircase? Is there wall room there to hide the back of it? If not don't turn it, but I think it is a neater solution to hide kids toys than what you have showing in the picture. Go to www.shanty-2-chic.com She has lots of ideas that can be built inexpensively to help organize the kid's play area back there.
    • Jennifer Stedman
      11 years ago
      The sectional is gorgeous (great color too), but it seems to large for your space and what you are trying to accomplish. I definitely understand the function over the look, especially with comfort and family. Is it a must to keep the piece together or would you be comfortable taking apart and using as two pieces?
    • Jennifer Stedman
      11 years ago
      Oh and I would (today if possible) get the armoire onto craigslist. It is a beautiful piece but you clearly don't want to incorporate it so that is easy money added to your budget! I would say at least a couple hundred if not 3 or so. I have sold numerous items on craigs and the nice, and well priced stuff, sells quick.

      My kids are 6 and 8 as well, and I am use to creating cute kids spaces on a budget and in a tight space. Again, completely understand the need and must have functionality!

      Do you have an ikea close to you?

      Do you want to change the wall color?

      Email me if you want!
    • pcmom1
      11 years ago
      I would put your beautiful armoire on the fireplace wall, to the right, where the small picture is hanging. Use the armoire to hold your tv: tvs are never very pretty to look at, and the armoire adds warmth.

      Find a great tall plant to go where the tv now is.

      Re-position gorgeous red section away from current wall and angle towards the armoire/tv.

      Back wall where armoire currently is would look great with built in bookcases. Bookcases can have cabinets or large baskets on the lower level for toy storage. The addition of a child size table with a couple of chairs would be nice spot for kids to do crafts.

      Add side panels to windows: rich material, full, hung to ceiling and touching floor.

      Add a long shallow table between the windows. This, with the addition of a chair could be a nice spot for your laptop.
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      Thanks all - I am definitely up for taking the sectional apart but again is it weird since then you don't have an armrest? The room is actually larger than it may seem on line I should take some dimensions - we live in a split level and this is our lower level of the house. Thanks!
    • Jennifer Stedman
      11 years ago
      One idea with the sectional if you do part it is to set one piece, most likely the chaise, centered on the wall between the two windows. Then take the other piece and move away enough to have a walk way between both sides, so in between the two sofa pieces and in between the wall and the sofa on opposite sides. This would do two things, break up the sofa and give your kids a place to pass between the tv area and the playroom without launching themselves over the couch time and again. I know that it seems like a small distance to travel around the sofa but for some reason they are almost compelled to do it the wrong way!

      You will still have at least one armrest on either side of sofa. Then plan the other pieces around this set up. You really don't need any additional furniture at this point. It just gets in the way with kids. Keep the ottoman/table in front of the main couch.

      I agree very much with the painting of the fireplace. I also agree very much with the mounting of the tv on the fireplace but that leaves you in a sticky situation with the cables. It's not difficult to run them behind the wall but then through the brick I don't know.
    • Jennifer Stedman
      11 years ago
      And if you can get to an ikea your play room/area could definitely be a wonderful design on a dime.
    • Jennifer Stedman
      11 years ago
      Also check out pinterest for more pictures and diy, low cost solutions for the playroom and the dual room usage. And definitely check out www.iheartorganizing.com for lots of cool playroom ideas on a budget.
    • PRO
      Total Kitchen Store by Kelly
      11 years ago
      Hi bryoan, I have been remodeling homes for years. For someone on a tight budget, I would recommend the first two things: paint and curtains. Those two things alone would change your whole room. Secondly, I would go to Ikea or Kohls and buy two photos that compliment each other and put them on each side of your fireplace. Move your section so that it squares around the other side of the room and gives your kids a more secluded play area. I wouldn't separate the sectional, but that's me. If you don't mind the area getting a little messy, apply some chalkboard paint to that wall and let your kids have at it. Free art! As Jennifer Stedman mentioned you should put your armoire on Craigslist and see if you can get some extra $$$ in your pocket. I would place the tv in the opposite corner (if you can with the wires) That way when you come down the stairs you're walking into an open space instead of the back of a sofa. For long term goals, aim to put in wood floors. You can do this on a tight budget with some saving and if you scope out the weekly sales at Lowes or Home Depot. I'd also say see if you can find a local handyman who can build you a fireplace mantel. That would give you a place to constantly put small decorations and photos. Mantels liven up a fireplace and are a great place to display the "YOU" aspects of your home. And my last bit of advice- lighting is everything. Over time, when you have extra cash, buy yourself a new lamp here or there. Home Goods has great deals on fashionable lamps. Good luck! I'd love to see it when you're all done. Trinidadw's advice on the sage paint is excellent. Any muted, cool colors would work. Pale tans, browns, greens, etc. Sage is a beautiful color with red. I'm attaching an inspiration photo. This isn't my design nor is it complete, but the colors are beautiful together.
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      Thanks! I actually moved the sofa today to parallel to fireplace. TV is now in the right corner don't love that tv so will have to consider some other ideas for it. Current color is called pearl harbor and I think it was a sherwin williams color but I don't remember. I would definitely love to change this so I'm going to check out winchester sage. Any ideas on window treatments would be great.
    • smarty88
      11 years ago
      How does the sectional look in its new spot? Is hanging the TV over the fireplace mantel an option? If not, then someone suggested using the wooden armoire in the right corner (where you just moved the TV)- that would house all the components and wiring IF it fits in there. Can you take a picture of the sofa in the new spot?
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      I am so happy that you are going to try Winchester Sage. Here are some drapery options that you could try to get some similar swatches and place them against the newly painted walls and the red furniture - also bearing the brick wall to the fire place and see what works for you. I have tried to select various options so that you would not be tied down to the mundane but rather have a chance to view life in a more dynamic environment or in a safe haven. Love to see the results and I hope the pictures appear for you.
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      well I tried to attach those pictures but it did not happen - I will try once more
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      sorry - can anyone advise me what to do to send attachments
    • PRO
      Wow Great Place
      11 years ago
      It has to be a jpeg in order to attach, trinidadw.
    • PRO
      Wow Great Place
      11 years ago
      Here's my two cents:
      I would keep the sofa where it currently lives in the photo, but slide it down the wall, closer to the stairs, until it hits the end of the wall where the wall bumps back.
      I'd add a pair of store-bought bookcases (preferably with closed storage on the bottom) on either side of the fireplace.
      I'd move the TV to the wall between the windows (TV's don't have to live beside a fire)
      Having the TV between the windows allows it to be viewed from both ends of the room.
      Where your armoire lives now, I would add a wall of bookshelves/toy storage/play table/desk for the kids to gather.
      Where the TV lives now, in front of where the "new" bookcase will go, I would add a comfy reading chair to curl up, with a floor lamp beside it. (not every seat in the room needs to be about the TV), as this would be a great spot to enjoy the fire.
      If the room is big enough, then even add a chair-and-a-half (extra wide, not quite as wide as a love seat, but great to curl up with 2 kids to read books)
      Add drapery panels to the windows to soften the look, and maybe some floor cushions for the kids to flop on.
      Hope this helps! I know all these opinions can actually make things even more confusing.
      If that is the case, I would strongly recommend you hire someone for an hour long consultation to give you some solid advice, as nothing can replace being in the physical space to assess it!
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      Could someone tell me how I could maybe respond to just one person instead of everyone?? Thanks!
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      I'm not totally convinced yet on the new sofa location but I'm going to try and live with it for a few days and see what I think. I feel that you really see the back of it where the other way even though its right near stairs its a little more open. The room is now a complete disaster because we emptied out the armoire in order to take pictures of it to potentially sell it. I have to really straighten it up and then spend some time down there. This is really fun though - first time I ever posted on here so I am enjoying everyone's posts!
    • smarty88
      11 years ago
      Boryan, you should be able to click on a poster's Avatar and get an e-mail address if he/she has it listed. I have to say that although I like my plan, I also like the plan outlined by "Wow Great Place". The only thing I don't like is the sofa being even closer to the bottom of the stairs and in the pathway. But putting the TV either on the wall or in an armoire against the wall between the two windows is a great idea. If you are going to hang it, splurge a little on an electrician to come out and install an outlet and a cable connection (if that's what you use) up high on the wall so there will be no cords/wires. Those can always be covered with a picture if you move things around again in the future.

      Will the TV fit in the armoire that you are probably going to sell?
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      Hi Wow Great Place, thank you for the tip - will try again
    • PRO
      Wow Great Place
      11 years ago
      Only reason I suggest scooting the sectional closer to the stairs is to free up room for a bookcase to the right of the fireplace, as it looks tight in the shot.

      Without a floor plan, we can only make guesstimates on dimensions, but it looks like there is a little bit of room to play if the sectional moved closer to the stairs, as that little bump back area may be a doorway to another room (which means plenty of room for traffic to pass behind the sectional still)
      Looking forward to the outcome of this discussion! Keep us posted!
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      To Wow Great Place - many of your ideas are what I had planned in my head for the room to begin with. I think I have an inch or so to move the sofa but there is a hallway there that leads to bathroom and laundry room. I think there is ample space for a bookshelf by the edge of that door. The armoire is SOOO bulky it is super deep. It was our tv cabinet before we got our flat screen last year but I think the depth is overwhelming in the space. I like the idea of something sleeker in between the windows. The weird part of this room is that the tv/shelf between windows does not totally line up balanced with the sofa and that has been something I have struggled with in the room. I think with a chair in the corner it might help tie it all together.
    • PRO
      Wow Great Place
      11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago
      Think of it more as though the person sitting on the chaise end of the sectional can lie down and get a straight-on view of the TV!
      Having the TV slightly off center from the main seating arrangement is like a statement that says the TV is not the be-all, end-all of the room, it's a FAMILY room, made for other things, too!
      My own den has the TV off center, as centering it would have put the TV in a doorway!
      Work with what you have, but remember, HOW you use the space should be more important than any "rules of design"
    • PRO
      Wow Great Place
      11 years ago
      last modified: 11 years ago
      What do you mean when you say "there is ample space for a bookshelf by the edge of that door?" I think we crossed wires somewhere...
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      sorry writing too fast - i meant to say by the edge of the sofa on the right of the fireplace!
    • pcmom1
      11 years ago
      Just putting in a pitch to "save the armoire"! It is a beautiful piece of furniture and could be used outside of this room to hold towel, sheets, blankets, or put into a master closet for bulky sweaters, extra hanging space, etc. You could even turn it into storage for board games, craft supplies, ....make it into a puppet theater for the kids.
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      I totally agree with saving the Armoire one way or another - storage is so important and necessary. See, I remember you said you had a limited budget so purchasing items like bookshelves can be expensive (?). Anyway my earlier suggestion to repurpose this nice piece of furniture still stands. Recycling is my thing so I always find use of things in order to save money.
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      Check out this great link for really cool scatter cushions that would give your sofas that punch and match your brick wall and new Winchester Sage paint. Hoping to find some draperies for you
      http://www.grandinroad.com
    • Gina Leitz
      11 years ago
      If you don't like your sofa back facing the stairs possibly you could move its back to the wall between the windows. Not sure if it is too long to fit there but at least you would possibly also have a spot to put some end tables with lighting which has to be lacking at night in that space. Curtains that are pinch pleated and stationery with a tassel tie back would look nice with a sheer curtain underneath. Both treatments should go to the floor. The left window will tie back to the left, the right window will tie back to the right.
    • Gina Leitz
      11 years ago
      I thought the above picture would show you the triple pleated curtain that I mentioned but it can not really be seen in the photo above. However, let me state I wanted you to use only one panel per window and tie back as I mentioned above.
    • Cathy Williams
      11 years ago
      Hi Boryan, I can clearly see how this room would be sort of hard to arrange, using your current sofa. I think that is causing the whole problem. For me, it is way off for this room. I wouldn't separate it, agree it would look odd without arms, it would always look as if it has been split up. It's different when you actually buy an armless piece, it looks as if it is supposed to be. I would sell the sofa and purchase one that would face the fireplace. Then you should have room for two more chairs on either wall with tables and lamps. Definitely need more lighting. As for either side of the fireplace, built ins would be awesome, but understand the budget, therefore purchase bookcases and add moldings to make them look built in and you can even add doors to the bottom. Paint the fireplace or maybe use a plastering technique to make it look like stuco in a color conducive to the room color you choose. I would think an off white or light tan with glaze finish to sort of give it an old world look. If you keep the brick as is, look at the color of the mortar and paint the walls that color and the brick would look better. Window treatments for sure from ceiling to floor and that would balance the fireplace and make the room very cozy. I would consider keeping the armoire and using it to house the kid's games, etc. You can paint it too. If you feel it will not work for you, then of course sell it and use the money to purchase storage for the kid's items that would need to be put away, which I agree, shelving, cubes or both on that wall would be great. Also, agree with adding a round table at that end would be perfect as a game table or homework space. Maybe a desk area below stairs with some floating shelves for photos would be a great area for laptop. Hope this gives you some ideas in the right direction.
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      To Gina: Thanks for the curtain pics - something to consider! Re: the sofa under the windows-when I do this that chaise is so long it seems to cut off the fireplace quite a bit. Seems to big, if the chaise was on the other side it would work. Does that make sense from the pictures?
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      I have an idea - may not work but say what, give it a try. With the sofa next to the window wall and the chaise that meets the fireplace, why don't you try using the end of it as a corner table. Just get a square piece of mdf or ply, screw on four legs that would just cover the cushioned part of the end of the chaise and voila! Just imagine with the drapes up, the new wall colour and a beautiful tall vase or suitable large ornament with coffee table magazines etc., how nice that would look. You could get this quite cheaply at any hardware store, even the dollar store often has ideas like this than you could work on. Then on the wall next to the fireplace you can organize some nice pictures of the family in frames that would need to tie in your new drapes and the scatter cushion to make a statement and give that beautiful fireplace a sense of belonging, but nothing small - use grand things and yes the drapes should hang from the ceiling.
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      Tell me something, do you have a vaulted ceiling in this area? Am I seeing one side yellow and the other some shade of green or grey? It could be just the picture misleading me.
    • thegriers
      11 years ago
      When I look at your space what strikes me most is that it seems stark and lacking in items that would add color & warmth. I think painting the walls the sage color is a great idea and would lessen the contrast of the fireplace it you're not wanting to paint it. Nothing in the room seems to connect to your red sofa. If I was just trying to make a few changes on a budget I think I'd go with the painting or if nothing else add window treatments that maybe have some of the red in it to pull it all together more. Adding a mantle or surround to your fireplace would be great somewhere along the line however right now I think you need to look for a large piece of artwork,etc to put on that fireplace wall, maybe something with a neutral background with some of the sage & red in it. That might really pop on that dark brick. That would really help make it more of a focal point and tie into your sofa. You can get cheap pieces at a big box store/yardsales that could work for now. Another idea is an area rug with a design to tie into your wall and sofa colors. I love the armoire. That's what I would use for the TV. I'd prefer it over the TV cabinet you're using at the moment anytime. It'd add a lot more character. Out of your options I like your sofa where it is but I couldn't stand staring at that bare wall with the windows with no color. I think with long curtains opened wide with nice decorative rods, maybe even with some bamboo blinds rolled up toward the top behind them and maybe a table between them with a lamp would really make a big difference in the room without spending a lot. While you're waiting on your bookcases beside the fireplace you could add simple shelving and add interesting accessories. Something large over the sofa would add a lot too. Maybe family pictures all framed the same going across that wide space would look good . You'd be surprised how cheaply you can find some of these things. Yardsales, discount stores,etc.. In the kids area could you maybe have a low heavy long shelving unit like with big square shapes made that you could use some baskets in (might could even do it yourself) and turn it so that the back of it faces the LR and have the back finished with like beadboard,etc & trimwork, and then painted the same as the walls? That would enclose the little play area and keep the toys and mess on the other side of it. Seems like you'd still have room for a little table & chairs. Just a few ideas floating through my head. Hope some of it helps.
    • Gina Leitz
      11 years ago
      Boryan, yes it makes sense and possibly you should do that because you have nothing on the other wall. You could place a side table next to it for drinks or a magazine, a nice bold table lamp, a true "lounging" area. Hunt thrift stores in your area as they previously suggested, yard sales, relatives cast offs, repurpose things in your own home. I still think a large round clock above the mantel would look great. If you have a Hobby Lobby in your area, wait until the clocks are 50% off and find the biggest one you like and buy it for that space. If you can't afford to put up framed pictures because of the cost, on pinterest they had some tutorials on how to transfer black and white pictures to scraps of wood. I don't think they necessarily have to be black and white. I have also transferred images to canvas successfully printing the pictures with my colored printer on tissue and modpodging it to canvas. There are many possibilities to create something really neat if you are crafty at all. If you are not on pinterest you need an invite.
    • Gina Leitz
      11 years ago
      Another thought, place a side table next to the sofa where you remove the chaise portion. It will help since there will be no arm rest there.
    • Cathy Williams
      11 years ago
      You know, these are all great ideas and give you lots of options to play with. I repurpose furniture and everything else all the time. You can make beautiful art with canvas and decopauge or even painting something abstract yourself. The huge clock which has been mentioned can also be made a lot cheaper than you can buy one. My fireplace is similar to yours, but is much larger. Because my wall opposite my sectional is completely built-ins, that's where my TV goes. Therefore I put a large clock above the fireplace and it was on clearance at Kirkland's for $39.99, down from $79.99, which I could not have done. But, you can buy 1/4" plywood, preferably a good grade or even a sheet of luan, which is sooooo cheap, paint it, paint on your numbers, which you can print from your computer to trace and add the hands mechanism, which is also cheap and can be purchased from any craft store and you will have a nice clock. I agree with whomever said to check out pinterest, it's an awesome place for great ideas and the know how too. Also, right here on Houzz, check out family rooms until you find one similar to yours and try to copy it as cheaply as possibly. I have made window treatments from tablecloths, especially when on clearance. Again, repurpose, repurpose, repurpose. I wish you luck on making this room a cozy awesome room for your family. In my house, it's our favorite space to be and it's just my husband and I, however we have grands which love it also. It's our room where everyone can do whatever they want and it doesn't have to be perfect. It is indeed a lived in room. Would love to see your finished pictures!
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      Hello Boryan - today I am really getting a good look at the ceiling and thinking there is yellow and some other shade or it is merely a shadow, is that correct? If either is there then definitely you want Winchester Sage or some other shade of Sage on the walls, even Olive green might be a good idea so that the brick wall becomes more elegant and dramatic with the black fireplace. So if you do try that square coffee table over the end of the chaise as I suggested you could paint this black to match the fireplace and the TV stand with can remain as it is on the black unit placed on the other side of the fireplace. The ottoman appears to be black as well, is it?

      I would have suggested black and white bold abstract print for the drapes but that window is too near the brick fireplace so you may have to use opaque coloured drapes to match the carpet. What exactly colour is the carpet or floor covering?

      Another idea is to paint that wooden standing lamp black also and place this on the coffee table instead of that vase or ornament.

      Now in the kids area, you could paint the armoire in the colours of the drapes if that turns out to be a creamy colour and throw a nice big rug that would define this area which would of course include all the sage, creams, reds etc.

      You can see I am having a lot of fun with these suggestions. I just love to decorate and organize things. My kids have me doing these things all the time. Once I used an old hutch from the kitchen, cut off the top and to make a long story short repurposed into and elegant buffet for one of the kids living room! So don't get rid of things you will only have to buy them back some other way until you can afford to do that whole built in centre at which time you may decide to change the sofa or have the playroom elsewhere, who knows.
    • Margaret Kottelenberg
      11 years ago
      Here is my two cents worth without reading any of the other posts. I like to give my opinion first and then read the posts to see how well I did :-)
      This is taking into account that you are on a tight budget.
      I'm picturing modern rustic ... warm woods with metal.
      Couch is good where it is. Lamps need to match ... at least in style.
      Add a beam mantle to the fireplace. Built-ins beside the fireplace ... closed bottom for games & open tops for books and decor. It is the feature wall so keep it neat.
      New armoir for TV or Tv stand placed between the two windows. Makes sense to put the TV there because the couch faces that way. It will also help to further deliniate the two spaces. Would be great if your current armoir is big enough for your TV because it could work stylewise.
      Add some window coverings. Since it is an informal space, wood blinds or roman blinds in a pattern as there is very little pattern in the room. Add some pillows to the couch in the same or similar pattern as well as some contrasting solids.
      You could add a chair in leather or a contrasting fabric in the corner where the TV is now .. in front of the built-in. It will help balance the space. Color of chair will depend on the color of the built-ins.
      Get rid of the circular coffee table and add something retangular, in scale with the couch. Rustic wood with metal comes to mind. You could add a set of similar nesting tables beside the chair.
      Picture or mirror above the fireplace. You could use the picture already hanging between the two windows if you are attached to it but something more abstract would work better.
      Remove armoir from play area. Add built-ins for toy storage. Unfortunately, any play area will be hard to make decoratively appealing but that is part of having children. Making slip covers for the two small chairs that match your exsisting furniture will help it to blend in.
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      Thanks mugsy - I like your ideas -- kind of matches my style. I have moved the sofa parallel to fireplace and while I like the little passageway it creates from the stairwell, it does eat up some space. I definitely want built-ins by fireplace actually just got an estimate on it - kind of pricey but I know it would look awesome. My issue is the armoire between the windows I used to have it there and for some reason I didn't like it but I may try it again. I have wanted a mantle for a long time but for some reason I am clueless on how to find one! Also, I like your idea of roman shades - I am not much of a drapes person I think but I think I definitely need some pattern in the space! Thanks! I think next step is to try putting tv in armoire, paint walls, and decide on sofa location. Then maybe some window treatments. Can't wait to try it out!!
    • frenchdecor
      11 years ago
      I would move chaise to the wall with windows and have behind headboard a floor lamp (good place for reading) and live other part as is. I agree armless side looks odd, but a side table HIGHER than seat level and proper width/length will just cover up side. Something cool on top of it would attract attention. I had similar problem and solved it this way. My husband built as an end table a cube from play wood which I upholstered with "snake skin" lacquered fabric, cost us almost nothing. One more suggestion regarding cushions. I bought green and black colour cotton fabric in IKEA and covered pure red armchair's cushions, it looks beautiful. If you could find table for kids play area with folding flange(s), I believe I saw once in IKEA in kitchen tables area, not expensive. Check there also for kids staff shelves and open book shelves are for $69 (D-28, H-202, W-80cm) plus $45-50 for each door (half glass) if you wish. Take your measurements and perhaps you'll find something suitable instead of custom built in, there enough selection. You can "wrap" them with trim (at the bottom) and crown moulding (top) attaching them to the wall and paint them, you can swear they are built-in.
    • fife2
      11 years ago
      All great ideas but would like to add some DIY ideas since you are on budget: Check out all flea markets & yard sales. I don't know how much time you and hubby have with kids, but you can take pieces you find and repurpose them. Try painting the amoire you have a color which would pop in your room (a beautiful green or bright blue???). Paint the inside another fun color - add shelving for baskets/toys . Look for some old benches, or low shelving you could paint and place baskets underneath for toy storage for the kids - will give you someone along the bottom of the walls. Home Depot has relatively cheap ($25.00 -$30.00) mirrors in frames you could paint a color, or hang as is, I would get 2 and put them on the back wall where the kids stuff is, to add some brightness in your room. Please DO NOT ditch the Amoire. Just paint and add new hardware - even Target has door pulls these days. A great PLACE to find stuff is an office outlet store, or an old army surplus store. They have GREAT stuff which can be repainted and repurposed for anything. I would go to someplace like this to find bookshelves or whatever. Since you do have kids - I would choose some window shades - not draperies. Go on line to Pottery Barn and look at their shades to get some ideas, then source someplace else - like home depot, Pier One. In some larger cities, pier one has outlet stores.

      Another great idea: The new generation of Indoor/Outdoor rugs. They are lovely, many with patterns and colors and completely washable with a hose! You could place one of these in the play area - to protect your carpet, and define this space for your children? Outdoor Patio Stores and outlets usually have lots of these. Also good for in front of the sofa and come in larger sizes so you could actually sit your furniture on this.

      When you can in the future. I would like to suggest adding trim to your room. A deep profile trim actually makes a room look larger and will give it a finished look.

      AND finally and MOST importantly - no matter where the TV is, always make sure it is secure - I have read too many stories about wee ones pulling the TV's over onto themselves by grabbing the edge of the table or whatever it is sitting on.

      Please let us all know - and show us your lovely room.
    • boryan
      Original Author
      11 years ago
      Thanks for those ideas! I am definitely inspired but of course all this takes time! For the armoire lovers out there - I would like to keep it but I feel like wherever I put it it is SO deep it takes up lots of space. I actually have bookshelves in the living room upstairs and have considered swapping the bookshelves for the armoire - putting that upstairs and bringing the bookshelves down....but first I'm going to try a new space for armoire downstairs, some paint on the walls, and maybe some window treatments. I like the idea of indoor/outdoor rug for kids play area. I know that molding around the room is so silly! We didn't put it there it was like that when we moved in not sure why they wanted this tiny little trim! Ahhh the projects are endless in this house! One step at a time. I'm so glad I posted though because all of you have inspired and motivated me out of my frozen place!
    • PRO
      Wow Great Place
      11 years ago
      And for the record, I am not one of those people who think the armoire should stay...I'd find it a new home, either in a different room, or a different house, but I think it is too deep for the space, and will be a space hog.
      I had one client move theirs into their formal living room, and hubby turned it into a bar, adding lighting inside, a mirrored back, and nifty holders for wine glasses!
    • trinidadw
      11 years ago
      That's a neat idea Wow Great Place - the bar
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