Monday Redesign: Rhonda's Living Room

Remember Rhonda's Living Room?  She needs our help to make the space more airy and comfortable. 

First, let me go over the floorplan of the space.  I know that Rhonda was struggling with the layout of the room, but I really like the layout the way she has it.  I tried moving it around, and adjusting it, but it works just perfec the way she has it.  It leaves a walkway for great traffic flow (see more on making a space planning here).  The main item I would change is making the wall with the couch and fireplace clean and simple.  Take out the end table, and simplify the lamps.  The way it appears right now is too heavy and unbalanced.  I would also move the plant to the other side of the room, near one of the chairs.

Now for a breakdown of the goodies and the mood board. 

 

Here's a mood board for her space along with a break down of goodies.

1.  The color palette I choose for this room is a mixture of chocolate browns with a pop of white and an accent of tan/yellow.  I would paint the walls with Sherwin Williams Sycamore Tan SW2855.  I would paint the inset of the fireplace and the media center/bookshelf (currently painted red) with Black Bean SW6006.  This will instantly warm the room and provide a good contrast.

2.  Although I really, really like the lamps that you have, I would change them out for something that is lighter and doesn't weigh that side of the room down as much.  I suggest these lamps from Ikea which are similar, but not as "heavy".

3. Since we are giving the room a new color palette, I would switch out your pillows for these.  They are fun and provide contrast against the couch, and bonus: they are only $30 for 2 pillows!

4.  I would remove the ottomans that you have centered in the room and replace it with this white coffee table.  The ottomans that you have currently are wonderful, and I could see moving them to your bedroom, at the end of the bed, or as extra seating in another room of your house.  These are too dark and make the room feel heavier than you'd like. 

5.  To tie everything together, I found this 5x8 rug from JcPenny's.  It's fun and goes perfectly with the color palette.

6.  Take out the darker end tables and replace the one between the chairs with this white side table from Target (only $15!!). 

7. As for the media center (the wall you have with the tv), I am proposing that we change things up.  I think the bookshelf is fine.  However, the area where the television is located is too cluttered.  My eyes don't know where to go.  I would take down the vase, and the shelving.  I would place this compact tv stand with your television on top and stereo inside, and it will look better.  With the new paint, I can't wait to see it!

8.  Last, but not least... I would hang a larger piece of art above the couch.  The current wall art is too small for that space- I suggest something about 4' long.  I would experiment with these Retro Squares (probably buy 2 large and 1 small, or 2 small and 1 large).  These are a great and inexpensive way to create art in your home, and it's all unique to you!

I hope you love your redesign, Rhonda!  I had a blast doing it.



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