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Design Dilemma
carla3127

What would you do?

Nad T
10 years ago
I find this room dark....?Too much brown..What would you do to brighten things up?
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    KMC Homes
    10 years ago
    I think the black tv, unit & coffee table are the real culprits

    Comments (14)

    • PRO
      Artworks by Marcine, LLC
      10 years ago
      I agree with KMC. Those items make the room look heavy and congested.

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    • lefty47
      10 years ago
      last modified: 10 years ago
      HI -- I think almost all the furniture are the culprits. Looks like everything in the room is the same dark brown / black .The TV has to be black so that has to stay , but if you want to lighten the room , you have to think about some new furniture . I think the sofa could stay but maybe get some new chairs in a lighter fabric . Maybe you could paint some of the furniture like the table and chairs .Maybe start with a new rug in a lighter color scheme , then go from there to get the color for some new chairs etc. I really don't care for the blocky coffee table that you have set out in no mans land . It should be about 18 inches from the sofa. Rather see a lighter bigger coffee table like something that is metal and glass .Maybe get some lighter brighter lamps and floor lamps . Some white or light semi -sheer drapes . You could paint a nice fresh lighter color on the walls depending on what you get for an area carpet . Look on Houzz and find some rooms with a lighter look that you would like and follow that as a guide .
    • Nad T
      Original Author
      10 years ago
      I really appreciate your comments! Would love suggestions for a replacement coffee and side table or lamps! Bear in mind we have 2 boys that are rough on the furniture!
    • pitbulls
      10 years ago
      I was thinking a more colorful carpet and pull some colors from it for pillows.I would also change out the coffee table for a glass one.
    • Debra Metz
      10 years ago
      How old are your boys? Depending on their ages I would think twice before using a glass coffee table..
    • PRO
      Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
      10 years ago
      Changing the rug would make a huge difference. I'd like to see you add tuquoise and white, and some orange. So look at the rug below which would bring the turquoise and white into the room. Then, paint the TV wall white with a 3' stripe of turquoise running across it at window height. Add turquoise, white and orange pillows to the sofa and you'd have a totally different look.

      For a change in coffee table which seems badly needed, I'd choose a different shape and texture and the round wicker table below offers those qualities plus doing double duty as an ottoman. Add a tray if you want it to hold drinks.
      Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
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    • Nad T
      Original Author
      10 years ago
      Boys are 2 and 4
    • PRO
      User
      10 years ago
      My own boys are 1 and 4, and so I say from experience in that area to focus on accessories
    • PRO
      User
      10 years ago
      Oops, one-handed typing!!

      I was meaning to say let some accessorizing brighten up the space for now. No need to replace furniture just to have a baby bang toys on it and the big boy turn it into his at-home jungle gym!

      I would start with some lighter pillows. Replace all the dark ones with cream tones from the rug and take it from there. Sometimes small changes can give us what we need in the short term.

      Then, when you're ready, you can start looking at simplifying the entertainment center, rug, etc.

      If your boys are anything like mins, you'll have a potty training surprise on your new rug the day you get it!
    • PRO
      Custom Home Planning Center
      10 years ago
      last modified: 10 years ago
      add up light crown molding
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    • PRO
      User
      10 years ago
      Another quick fix would be to lighten up the frames on the photos and mirror. Try painting them a cream color as well.
    • lefty47
      10 years ago
      HI -- because you have young boys , a good coffee table would be a distressed wood top with a wood or wrought iron base or an ottoman topped table with legs to keep a lighter look . Some of them have storage for fast tidy ups. Size about 30 or 36 inch square or even 40 or 48 inch size . Tape out the sizes on the floor to see which will work for you.
    • chayasufrin
      10 years ago
      Maybe paint the wall behind the tv a brighter color? Definitely adding brighter pillows and accents will help. Perhaps try a metal bowl of fruit on the table. Sheer colored drapes. Chang e the rug. Perhaps a couple accessories on the coffe table that aren't easily breakable.
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