https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:20:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1518289 Sat, 11 Jul 2015 16:53:33 +0000 rachylou 1518289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your place were mine, I think I'd go long and modern to show off the space... Long sofa with a chaise end, paralleling the shelving wall. I'd do upholstered stools for extra seating. </p> <p>Oh, and I do really like those small tables your friend makes. Lots of character. A good acquisition.</p> <p>Are you satisfied with your storage? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1518069 Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:51:12 +0000 Mochi 1518069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, viva, the quality and thoughtfulness of the advice here is astounding. I kind of figured it would be good--everyone here is so thoughtful and smart in general. But seriously. The hive talent quotient here is off the hook.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm in Montreal for the weekend and have been out walking around all day and am a bit fried mentally But this next week I promise to get back to carefully going over the suggestions. Each one means a lot to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>In other good news, I am getting a display table from my artisan furniture maker friend! He gave me a great price (I've given him a lot of promotional/social media help). I can't wait for it to be added to the mix. It will be a total game-changer for my room.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am still not sure of where the sofa should end up. I'm not entirely happy with it where it is (well, I'm not happy with it, period). In an ideal world the gorgeous table would be where the couch is now. The couch would be removed to another room and there'd be a few comfortable chairs. I will have to play around with the table once it arrives (follows me home, heh heh).&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks again, pals! Mwah!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1517931 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:37:57 +0000 Anonymous 1517931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful advice so far. I just wanted to add that it might help to add some cooler colors to offset all the warmer colors. Not sure what color you have in your rug - is it a gray green or sage green? Perhaps that color in solid panels for the two windows and perhaps in pillows and throws in a muted pattern. Anything with different texture from the leather would be something to consider as well - fabric, glass, chrome. Just the rearranging has made a tremendous difference! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1517763 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:38:19 +0000 viva 1517763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Just chiming in to say I am SO impressed by all the advice here! I am definitely coming to the forum when I need help with furniture placement and interior design. Mochi, your initial room changes have made a world of difference. Whatever else you do now will be icing on the cake. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1517497 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:18:01 +0000 E 1517497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone's given so much good advice already, but I didn't see anyone mention throws. If the furniture feels too dark &amp; heavy for you right now, how about tossing a light throw over the couch? It would help cosy it up a bit too (I am all about cosy, hehe). I really like the new furniture configuration!</p> <p>Could you hang drapes in front of the shelving unit, so that you can open them when you want to watch TV and close them the rest of the time so you have a less cluttered effect? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1517297 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 16:00:58 +0000 Elly 1517297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a lovely home. I think the couch and armchair are good-- but I can see your point about the bulk and visual weight of the armchair, ottoman, and couch combo. If you have another home for the armchair maybe that is the start. I prefer the couch in it's old position, but wouldn't mind a smaller, lighter armchair angled toward the seating area &nbsp;floating in the space in front of the island. I agree, a coffee table and end tables would be nice and I love the console table idea. I think one of the main problems with the shelves is that they are visual clutter, but they don't have the same visual weight to balance the sofa. I think I would personally replace them with something long and low and solid like a credenza. You can always put bookshelves on the sides or hang art to add some vertical elements. Husbands can be hard-- </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516643 Wed, 08 Jul 2015 04:54:44 +0000 rachylou 1516643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cats are excellent! Mind, you will need to video yourself tango-ing for the cat... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516511 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 23:17:04 +0000 Marie 1516511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have a lovely space &amp; I love the way you moved the couch &amp; chair. I agree that the rug looks much better with furniture legs on it.</p> <p>The chair needs a very small end table with a lamp. I would go round to mix it up. Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls have great deals on home decor items.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you can work with the shelves &amp; appease hubby. Start by removing everything from them including underneath. You can get nice matching baskets to store your kettle balls &amp; other items that you need readily available.</p> <p>Slowly add some items to the shelves of interest. Google decorating shelves for the "rules." Break the rules if you feel like it :)</p> <p>I think your rug &amp; art are lovely. Pull colors out of them for pillows, throws &amp; decor items for the shelves.</p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516413 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:06:58 +0000 Mochi 1516413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are cat scratch marks on the brown leather sofa an acceptable substitute? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516412 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 19:04:00 +0000 rachylou 1516412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know who I liked? Christopher Lowell. I think he called his way 'the seven layers of design.' He had a show and books. The looks maybe not to your taste, they weren't mine, but I find the principles solid and simple.</p> <p>My method, to the interest of no one, is the preppy way: grandma's furniture, chintz, bought super modern bookshelves and chair, and dog fur. I should have chew marks on the sofa, but I can't get Lilypup to do it... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516368 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:14:53 +0000 Astrid 1516368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks. Thing is I fear I have already done all I can. I have 340 square feet and strange corners. I bought furniture to exactly fit the layout to get everything comfortably into it. I've avoided repainting the walls because it would be a true hassle with all my things in the flat, which is why the white doesn't look all that pristine anymore. My room isn't all that bad actually, but I hate my kitchen which is randomly pieced together and doesn't have any cohesion at all. I would have no idea where to start, with very little money to spend. And since I'm not sure how long I will keep living here it seems a bad idea to start a huge project in any case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516352 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 16:58:11 +0000 Mochi 1516352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Kim (and others). I agree that the shelving is very problematic. I am not sure how much I can reduce it without getting into a lot of stress with my husband, so I will have to approach that carefully. </p> <p>Greyscale, I have the Apartment Therapy book! </p> <p>Thanks for the overlooked perspective on horizontal lines, Rambling Ann. </p> <p>Laurinda, that primer on lighting has been real food for thought. The room is well lit from the recessed lighting, but it's not interesting light. I definitely could use some accents and task lighting. That would create a need for end tables : D</p> <p>rachylou, the lighting situation is just overhead recessed lights in that room and the kitchen. In the LR, they can't even be dimmed. As mentioned above, I have to get some kind of lighting strategy. I agree about the accent color. I'd probably go with some kind of tomato red. Something bright and punchy. </p> <p>I am already thinking post-sofa and armchair...I am not happy with them (less unhappy now with the reconfiguration)....they're too dark and bulky, even if incredibly comfortable to sit or nap on. But for now I have to work around them. In this position, the sofa really swallows up the room's width (even though I like it better now). </p> <p>Astrid, I hope I can inspire you! I remember being young, not having any money, and also renting places so that I was limited in how I could change my environment. Very challenging. But there are always things you can do.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maneera, you've given me so many salient and detailed recommendations, I don't know where to start! I still haven't had a chance to stop and analyze most of them. But your experienced eye, love of design and capability is clearly evident.&nbsp;</p> <p>I will be coming back here to comment on everyone else's excellent advice....thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516194 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:45:57 +0000 Kim 1516194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just a quick reply, as a lot of great advice has been given already, and I've learned alot too!</p> <p>As to the wall shelving, it's probably your biggest source of visual clutter.&nbsp; There's all kinds of stuff on it that could go elsewhere, or be hidden.</p> <p>How about finding an old dresser and repurposing into a TV stand, (clutter hider!) </p> <p>You could put all the DVD's inside the drawers, put the TV on top, and perhaps make a space underneath for kettlebells, mat, etc.&nbsp; You'd still have everything you like to have in that area accessible, but it would only be 2 things (TV and TV stand) to look at. Then put up some artwork on that wall where the shelving was.&nbsp; Kind of like the pictures I've added. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516101 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 07:32:54 +0000 Greyscale 1516101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Along with all the excellent advice here - you mentioned Apartment Therapy. I found that site really helpful when I encountered it years ago, but as it's grown, it's become harder to find the basic advice that started it all. So you might consider looking at the original Apartment Therapy book:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Apartment-Therapy-Eight-Step-Home-Cure/dp/0553383124">http://www.amazon.com/Apartmen.....0553383124</a></p> <p>Of course, it's just one school of thought. Like with fashion, there are so many people with their own different pronouncements of "the rules", but the best spaces are sometimes the ones that break the rules. I got interested in decorating, and eventually developed some good results in that realm, well before I really figured out my personal clothing style. So it really informed my fashion choices later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516071 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 04:03:27 +0000 Rambling Ann 1516071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing I noticed right away is that there are at least a dozen horizontal lines all competing on the walls: tops of doors, window frames, pictures, etc. If you could imaginarily snap a chalk line around the room along one of those lines, and hang the pictures you already have so that one edge (top or bottom) aligns up with the line, it would seem more harmonious. Could base it off a shelf or the top of the middle window, you'll see the right one. Could be related to the future window treatments as well (that odd middle window is a PITA as far as unifying the structure of your room, IMHO).</p> <p>An anchoring x is a fast way to hang pictures if you ever need to make a nice group, to make a vertical and a horizontal snap line and align the starting elements, then fill in the gaps with smaller pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1516051 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 02:55:54 +0000 Laurinda 1516051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fun transformation!</p> <p>I'm with Rachylou wondering about the lighting, it has a great effect on how cozy a room feels. With only overhead lighting a room can feel as impersonal as an office space -- compared to pools of light from lamps that gather people in like mini-hearths. </p> <p><strong></strong>Here is a good description of four layers of lighting from Randall Whitehead: <strong>Task</strong><strong>, Accent</strong><strong>, Decorative, </strong><strong>Ambient</strong> <a href="http://www.randallwhitehead.com/blog/2011/6/27/light-layering-the-secret-sauce-to-good-design" rel="nofollow">Light Layering- The Secret Sauce to Good Design</a></p> <p> I like to use floor lamps with swing arms for reading next to our living room sofa and chairs, so there is no need for tables. I have found a couple dated bright brass lamps in the trash (!), but painted them with metallic paint (oil-rubbed bronze) and added new shades. </p> <p>More from Christopher Alexander: <a href="http://stephencrose.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/pattern-language-pools-of-light/" rel="nofollow">Pattern Language — Pools of Light</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab/page/2#post-1515875 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:18:47 +0000 rachylou 1515875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha. Ok now I've looked and you'd already gone and done it. Very warm and friendly, and arranged! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515873 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:16:26 +0000 rachylou 1515873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, I haven't read any replies. I feel the very first thing you should do is tweak what you have. And the very first thing you should do is pull the rug right up to the very edge of the sofa - relate them. </p> <p>What is the door to the right of the sofa? Does go it to a closet or another room/hall? I'd try pull inthe club chair to the corner of the rug, placed at an angle to relate it to the sofa and rug. If it's so big that it blocks the door too much, or that door represents a major thoroughfare, try making the chair the anchor for its own little place in the room. I'd be tempted to try placing it an angle pushed towards the shelving and throw in a lamp.</p> <p>What's the lighting situation?</p> <p>You have a nice woodsy feel to the room with the burgundy and tan woods. I'd add one more sharp accent colour.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515825 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:56:16 +0000 Astrid 1515825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That looks absolutely fantastic! Like a whole different room actually. I think taking it slow is a good idea. Doing some small changes and then living in the room for a bit might give you ideas you hadn't even thought of before. This really makes me want to redecorate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515823 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:37:04 +0000 Maneera 1515823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow! It instantly looks better Mochi! Definitely more cosy and warm. </p> <p>It's a good idea to take this slow. I love how this setting instantly brings attention to the windows and gives the room a more open and airy vibe. You've created good circulation space too...and the rug also looks like its a part of the seating plan now. Great effort! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515819 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:31:59 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1515819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Decorating is to a great extent about balance.&nbsp; I find one of the most important factors for a successful room is to balance the straight lines to the curved lines&nbsp; (masculine and feminine).&nbsp; Also think in terms of fashion.&nbsp; In an outfit, we use repetition, color, texture, proportion, and pattern.&nbsp; The same is true of home décor.&nbsp; Think about your closet and outfit preferences when planning your room and it will come out right.</p> <p>There are a few online tools for room design that work well too.&nbsp; bhg.com used to have a really good one that you can define the shape and size of pieces and include the doors and windows.&nbsp; Then you can drag and drop pieces of furniture around to see how it fits.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515813 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 17:17:28 +0000 Mochi 1515813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. THIS IS BRILLIANT. The suggestions are extremely smart and detailed and amazingly helpful beyond expectation. I still haven't absorbed most of them, but I will be taking more time over the next week to give them more attention. I can't thank everyone enough.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the meantime, I played with a variation on Maneera's suggestion with the couch/ottoman configuration.&nbsp;</p> <p>First I tried the couch pulled forward from the wall it was originally against. I didn't even take pics; I really didn't like it because it sliced the already-narrow room into further narrow pieces. So I've moved it forward of the perpendicular wall and have some pics.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't think this is a permanent fix. But I think for now it seems cozier and more airy.&nbsp;</p> <p>What I am thinking is to actually move the sofa entirely out of the living room, into a small guest room, where I would keep it up against the wall. That room needs some structure also. </p> <p>I still want to get rid of the ottoman and armchair. They are too dark and bulky for me. Then, ideally I would like to bring in a console table for either the picture wall or the window wall. And a coffee table, a few interesting and comfortable chairs, a more appropriate rug, some window treatments and maybe a side table. </p> <p>I agree about the shelving. I think I can contract the two outer rungs of shelves and condense everything that's on their onto the remaining shelves. Try to get rid of a lot of the clutter (books, etc....need to come up with plan). Cover up wiring. Bring in some unifying decorative objects. </p> <p>The shelves would almost certainly be more of a point of resistance than any reasonable cost. My husband is not averse to spending on the house, but he hates getting rid of things. : P &nbsp;He also gets anxious about change. So if I can keep most of the things (maybe even the armchair--for my bedroom, perhaps), then I think he won't object too much, eh. &nbsp;</p> <p>So here is my initial experiment....Again, thanks a million xoxoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515781 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:55:26 +0000 Maneera 1515781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. So after looking at the pictures, I think you should rearrange furniture first. </p> <p>Put the ottoman in line with the last cushion (right side) of your long couch. See image #1 and 2</p> <p>Move the single seater to the other side (left) side and place it perpendicular to the long couch. The arms of the three seater and single seater can also make an obtuse angle so that the single seater faces the long couch. Image #3 is a rough example since it shows a 2 seater. The idea is to create a U-shape seating arrangement that looks more intimate and encourages friendly conversations. A compact coffee table in between is all you need. I like the idea of a round table. </p> <p>The space between the windows can accommodate a console table. Add a lamp and some picture frames to this. Add small pieces to that room to make it 'lived in' - like sculptures or decorative pieces to the shelves and flowers. A green touch will go a long way - real/faux flowers and indoor plants will look great once you add the console table. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515779 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:54:13 +0000 Astrid 1515779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the explanation, Maneera. :)</p> <p>Whatever you end up doing, please show the results - I would love to see it and could be living vicariously through you. I love to have a nice place myself but I can't really do anything with my own flat right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515771 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:30:23 +0000 cjh 1515771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just one idea of how your shelves might look with pictures along the top, and books arranged differently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515762 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:17:38 +0000 Maneera 1515762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just realized you have added all views! I was wondering where people could see the metal bars on the shelving!! </p> <p>The metal bars should ideally recede into the wall, so painting them the same color as the wall will really help here. Cjh has given you excellent tips - great place to start. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515759 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:10:09 +0000 Maneera 1515759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you very much, Mochi. I think eclectic is a good thing for that living room --- the descriptors 'warm, organic, clean, modern, bright, fun, relaxed, playful, unpretentious' help clarify your decor style. </p> <p>Ok, so this is going to get long---so hang on! I'll suggest things one by one, though it'll really help if I could get a picture of all 4 sides of the room. Could you stand in the centre and click all four sides so I can see the kitchen side and the wall behind the long couch better? If it makes you feel better, I'm an architect with a masters in Interior Design--I've always worked with home interiors rather than commercial interiors. </p> <p>Now starting with the rug. Both Astrid and Cheryle are right in their own way. An area rug works in two ways. </p> <p>1) It blends with the decor for a subtle touch and is NOT the accent in the room. The accent is something else (for example dramatic wall art or an eclectic piece of furniture or even the curtains/drapes). This rug looks best when the legs of furniture rest on it as it visually segregates different functional zones in a large room. These rugs will visually separate the 'sitting area' and the circulation area around it. </p> <p>2) An area rug can also be THE accent for the room. These rugs don't blend into the flooring or furnishing but truly stand out...much like a piece of art on the floor. These will anchor the decor and set the color theme of a room, so then it becomes easier to pick colors from the rug to use for curtains, cushions and decorative show pieces. These rugs can sit in the centre and are the legs of furniture ideally do not rest on the rug. </p> <p>Now your rug is actually like (1) since it blends right into the floor and furnishings. Yet it's sized like (2). The simplest way to make that rug pop is to pick a coffee table with lots of character that breaks this long linear design and 'breaks' up the room to make it cozier and warmer. The right design will also gel well with the whole warm, organic, welcoming and casual vibe. I love trunk shaped coffee tables but glass top coffee tables do create the illusion of a larger, more open space. Infact an organic shape that doesn't have clean hard edges but a 'rounded' design would be great. I'll attach photos so you understand. </p> <p>I love all of Cheryle's ideas. They are practical and will increase the aesthetic appeal of your room. I would say add color in a subtle way; you don't want to overwhelm this room as it's not very large. Could you re-upholster the single couch or ottoman to another color? Then - you can use cushions in the same color to add warmth and comfort to the longer couch. I'll attach some inspiration photos for this too. </p> <p>Working with neutrals will be great. Since your large pieces of furniture (couch and shelving unit) are brown, I'd like to add neutral texture-rich details to this space. Curtains or cushions can achieve this too. Right now the room looks heavy or bulky, but gauzy beige curtains and beige/cream cushions with self print will create contrast and hence balance out the look. </p> <p>Start small and make one change at a time. In fact, you can achieve #5 by simply adding cushion and some lamps. You already have the other pieces. </p> <p>These are all the things I can think of as of now. I need to see all 4 sides clearly to be able to give more advice. I do love the sleek console tables your friend designs. I think one of those will go very well with your eclectic decor theme idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515757 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:07:19 +0000 JAileen 1515757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you keep the shelving, I would paint the metal pieces so they disappear into the wall. Plants on the top shelf sound nice, but watering them would a nightmare IMO. There are some large boxy containers under the shelves. Would it be possible to put the items in pretty baskets instead? I would put up more shelves and put things on them - books, pretty mementos, framed photos etc. I think that might downplay the tv and other electronic things. </p> <p>The chair looks pretty comfortable to me. People will sit in it if there's a side table and a lamp nearby, especially if it faces the sofa a little. I like the idea of nesting tables in lieu of a big coffee table. Do you use the kettle bells in this room? My son has some and throws them around on our backlawn!</p> <p>I like Houzz and Apartment Therapy. You can peruse both if them for inspirational photos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515755 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 15:00:15 +0000 cjh 1515755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your space and the art and furnishings you have are a very good foundation. Here are some of my first impression suggestions (which should be rather inexpensive):<br />1. Do some long drape panels on the sides of the two longer windows.<br />2. Add one of your friend's cool tables behind the sofa!!<br />3. Pull the rug away from the shelf wall and closer to the sofa but don't worry about putting the legs on it.<br />4. Pull the armchair closer to the sofa so the arms are almost touching. Don't put anything against the wall between the windows.<br />5. Put the ottoman at the other end of the sofa, opposite the chair (not in line with the sofa but making a U shape with ottoman-sofa-chair.)<br />6. Remove the top line of shelf boards and brackets; move the boards and fill the shelves in so the then-second row down spans all the way across framing the tv; move the second "column" in from each end shelves to be even with the others on the end "columns" - so there are none that are not in line (if that makes sense).<br />7. Clean up the wires so the tv has a neater appearance.<br />8. Redistribute the books and decorative items across the shelves so the whole effect is less "just threw it up there to get out of the way" effect. Add or subtract decorative items if you wish - do you have any colorful pottery bowls in your kitchen? or largish souvenir figurines? Is anything there now just worn out and dusty looking? Check with your mom - maybe she has an extra vase or plate that you've always liked. The hat is interesting - do you have any more?<br />9. Move the extra bar stool chair out of the room, or put it at an angle in front of the window next to the shelves on the opposite corner of the room, and then put a nice colorful cushion on it.<br />10. Add cushions to your chair or sofa - a couple will be enough to brighten up and not cause clutter.</p> <p>Good luck! We would all love to see more pictures when you get the change to try some new furniture arrangements!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/room-does-not-look-fab#post-1515713 Mon, 06 Jul 2015 14:04:24 +0000 Diana 1515713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too think you need to pull the furniture inward. At the moment this does not look like a conversational or social space. I think one reason the armchair doesn't get used is because it's too far away from the action. No other seating near it to talk to people and no table to place drinks, books, etc. And the couch, all by itself right now, looks like a place to watch tv but not to do much else. I think you should keep the armchair (or get a replacement) but pull it in up to the edge of the rug, possibly pull the couch forward a bit too. A table would provide a central focus. </p> <p>I agree about the open shelving looking a bit messy and underutilized. I think if you had shelving with doors it might be better. Or what about some Japanese folding screens? That would hide the shelves and TV when not in use and go with your Japanese art. </p> <p>Also, I'd consider getting some curtains as already mentioned, and some floor or table lamps. I'm sure you have perfectly adequate overhead lighting but I find lamps more inviting. They kinda make warm pools of light over smaller spaces, you know? </p>