Comments on: Design Dilemma: A Living Room Focal Point

By: Babel Waters

Babel Waters — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:17:36 +0000

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By: Anthony Simpson

Anthony Simpson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:51:10 +0000

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By: Marian

Marian — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:48:16 +0000

One more thing, understanding that the firplace mostly becomes illuminated only during colder seasons, makes more sence that the view of the outdoors and the changing weather patterns (seasonally) will inhance interest of a visible pattern for differ focal points year round without moving any of the furniture.

By: Marian

Marian — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:41:01 +0000

I totally disagree with all of the above. After reading all replies and reviewing the photos of the room again, I was immediately drawn to the large picturesque view of the awesome yard. Therefore insist that this window (and that view) should be the focal point of this room. Enhanced by a dramatic colorful cornice and side panels, move the mirror burst above the mantel creating mirror/mercury/glass balance with colorful objects (reds) used in the glass pieces. Angle the sofa between the door ways creating a traffic pattern from door to door behind the sofa. Do place the black shelf behind the sofa adding a lamp w/vibrant shade. Keep desk, painted red where it exists (to the right of the fireplace)counterbalancing a vibrant red within the window treatment. Wow, I can feel the warmth already!

By: deneph

deneph — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:56:50 +0000

I completely agree with the folks that have recommended moving the sofa closer to the fireplace. Once you do that and tie it with a rug, the chair works (and you’ll prob. want to add another small chair in corner where the desk currently sits if you move it). I also think the desk and bookcase should be closer together. I would also tie the colors in your focal art with a rug (or flor tiles), as well as a small pillow or two on the sofa.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:43:21 +0000

Your choices are lovely,but Melissa refers to herself as having a “very limited budget.” Do $183 pillows really qualify?

By: califmom

califmom — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:28:06 +0000

Oh, a fun idea for the focal art piece is to get a large stretched canvas from the craft store, paint it all one color (black, white, orange, ?).

Then, select a couple accent colors, I wouldn’t do more than 2 or 3, even 1 would work. Lay down some drop cloths in the garage or out on the lawn, and let the kids have it “Jackson Pollack” style.

Personalized, inexpensive, and the colors you want. Again, you can paint over it, add your own personal flourish.

You might even consider using a metallic paint as one of the accent colors, especially with the mercury pieces on the mantel.

By: califmom

califmom — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:21:31 +0000

My first thought on seeing the desk was ORANGE! It needs to be orange. Such an inexpensive way to add a contemporary look and a burst of color to a rented space.