Design Dilemma: A Family Room Make-Over

Stephanie has asked for help with her ‘70’s Houston home, which she bought last year. Specifically she wants advice on how to fix up her family room, where her family spends most of their time.

“There’s just so much going on,” she says. “We hate the mantel on the fireplace, and are debating whether we should sheet rock over the top area (where the TV is) or just run the TV wires up through the ceiling and try to do some kind of magical “we’re hiding the wires” solution.

Then, there’s that huge blank wall and the large window opposite, which I have no idea how to properly drape. Help!”

This looks like a fun project; so let’s get to it.

Building Good Bones
Looking around the room I see one major problem right off the bat: mixed up scale. We’ve got The Three Bears going on here. The massive mantel is way too big, the crown and baseboard moldings are too small. Only the window casing is just right. So this is the place to start.

Crown molding can be a little tricky to install on your own, but it’s cheap and more than worth the price. Creating good bones in your home will add value to it. And nothing improves a room more than this kind of fix-up.

Additional Problems With Scale
Now I’m looking at the fireplace wall. Again, scale is an issue. The TV is massive. Because the mantel is so high, the TV is hung even higher. My neck aches just looking at it. Next, the shelves on either side are a nice idea, but they’re too skimpy. Finally, the fireplace looks dwarfed under both the TV and mantel. This wall needs to become a unified focal point. But first…

Where Does The TV Go?
Hanging the TV over a mantel often seems like a good idea. And sometimes it works really well. In this case it doesn’t. As I said, it’s too high. Moreover, there are problems with the wires. I could be wrong (someone let me know if I am) but you have to be very careful about dry walling directly over a fireplace. I believe you’ll run into problems with the fire code. And let’s face it, you don’t want your house burning down. A TV-Over-Fireplace solution works best when it’s part of new construction.

Stephanie, you were wondering what to do on this wall. I recommend moving the TV over here and buying a media unit designed to hold storage for a flat screen TV such as yours. I’ve chosen the Clifton Media Console ($499) from West Elm. It has a transitional look with dark wood. This height offers a more comfortable way to watch TV. And, placing it across from the sofa offers a better angle, too.

However, the TV console will interfere with the existing round sort of chair. I think the room would look better and more in proportion without it. Find another place for it, or sell it on Craig’s List and use the money to help pay for the spruce up. Again, it’s all about scale. Too much massive furniture is overwhelming. The sofa is enough.

Wonderful Window Treatments
I can see from the photo that the room faces the backyard with a pool (lucky!) and a tall fence behind it. Since privacy isn’t an issue, you don’t need curtains for function. Instead, create a frame for this lovely window with one long rod and panels on either side.

I’m not sure what sort of fabric you like, so here are some ideas. I came up with a Peyton Panel (on sale now) from Pottery Barn. It comes in several solid colors. Or, you could opt for a floral, such as Weaver’s Floral Pinch Pleat (starting at $299) from Country Curtains. You’ll want to choose a rod that extends about 9” beyond the edge of the  window. Below is an idea of what this could look like.

Also, take down the Roman shade. You need either three (one on each window) or none. Move the sofa out enough so that the curtains hang nicely.

The Fireplace!
I’ve saved the best for last. I suggest creating a wonderful focal point with your fireplace at its center. First, as a reminder, here’s the photo of the existing fireplace. 

Below is the area redone. Whitewashed brick creates a less mottled look. To createa a focal point, I’ve installed built-in bookshelves on either side of the fireplace. They sit directly on the hearth, with a new mantle that’s more in proportion. Here, I’ve used a traditional mantel - the Avery Mantel ($599) from Fireplace Mantels. To save money, buy an unfinished model and paint it to match the  bookshelves. The crown molding is repeated here as well.

An alternative is the create a simpler, more contemporary mantel that pulls the shelves together as a single unit. I’ve replaced the fire screen with one that’s a little larger with less ornament the contemporary style ($69.99) from Target. This will make the fireplace, in turn, seem larger.

Finally, hang a nice painting over the fireplace. As an example, I’ve used this Jodhpur Panel (over-priced at $249) from Pottery Barn.

Have I thought of everything? Stephanie, I hope you and your family will be happier with this room. It’s more functional, more nicely proportioned, and the built-ins and crown molding will add value to your home. You’ll have more storage as well.
I encourage everyone to weigh in with his or her opinions. When I work on these design dilemmas I always try to keep budgets and alternative styles in mind. How about you?

• Posted by Jennifer at 11:14 am
• Tagged: Design Dilemma