ritasj

Think the whole table would be great lacquered ...maybe a more subdued aubergine...but if red is a color you really love go for it

For soiling probably.. But what bothers me is some types have a fabric grain that leaves marking when u touch it...caused by catching the light different I guess

This could just draw attention to that area...maybe think lovely sheers with pull down shades beneath ...shades could be tortoise- shell wooden shades ...sheers and shades would draw the eye taking the emphasis off the imbalance that bothers you

Since the backsplash is a small area this is an area made for an accent of special treatment...high end glass tiles..mosaics..a colored tile..in what sounds like a pretty neutral color scheme I would get creative in that area...p.s. Always love herringbone over stove top

Also subway is more utilitarian in look...doesn't live up to the stone top u describe!

One way to disguise them from inside is some pretty sheers..from the outside may be add some decorative shutters or trim to distract the eye from the boring shades..at one time I had some matchstick shades that got sort of ugly and faded...I had an artist paint some huge palm fronds on them and loved them for as many years as they had left in them..the trick was to use spray paint over hand made stencils with a minimum of brushing...even if the design shows thru it is faint an delicate

To keep it simple just an ombré color technique...starting at the bottom with the darkest color and graduating to the top lighter and lighter

As a side sleeper myself I find a small pillow 8 x12 or so firmly stuffed down pillow is most versatile...add this on top or regular pillow for reading or even use alone for neck support while sleeping...my husband uses the small one between his knees for side sleeping..so do I...it just the right size to move around easily while half asleep..sweet dreams

1-de-clutter and remove all personal items,cutesy towels ..knick nacks ..kitchen and bathroom counter top clutter

2- neutralize any off the wall colors or treatments that won't appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers

3- be sure all painted wood work,cabinets,doors are fresh

4-tweek curb appeal...freshen flower beds ...porches ...railings...garage doors ...fences...windows...present a well maintained mood before buyers even enter your home.

5- no exposed cords ...TV...lamps...computers ...

6- remove any non essential furnishing to create a more spacious feeling..arrange Furniture away from walls when possible

Sometimes the amount of time it takes to sell a house depends on local market conditions, so be patient.

Thank you so much- awesome ideas!

Try moving the chairs away from the wall and add an area rug w/ greens and blues ...to create a separate little seating area not so close to the wall

I would be tempted to go with a light beige to match your carpet and then make sure you bring in turquoise by adding art and pillows. I would also add a graphic pillow on each chair that has beige/turquoise to have them coordinate to the color scheme. Add a hot pink or turquoise centrepiece on the dining table.[houzz=
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There are so many elegant Art Deco lady statues from ornate to all black..this seems perfect for this spot...if blk paint the shelf blk....any other color co- ordained shelf color....matching shelf can be done after a test drive w/ statue in place...I have an amazing one w/lady in swing....just be sure it is graphic and bold enough in silhouette to show well at a distance!

On the subject of small statuary maybe your table would benefit from 2 possibly Asian?

Maybe your table in front of staircase could benefit from a similar solution...possibly 2 elegant and tall...but not matching ...Asian statues...even in ceramic in white w/ tiny blk ornate bases...this would be more proportionate to the table and accentuate the sort of " tiny perfection" feel

The collection of three looks great together! Especially if you have one larger piece on the table. As for the chandelier, you may want to consider hanging it a bit higher after you have it restored. I do feel it's competing with the table and arrangement,

Andrena: Here's where my dilemma continues. The fixture; original and a signature of sorts in J. Cerney homes, is a continuous brass rod to the second floor ceiling. With that said, I'm up for even suggestions of using that table elsewhere if another idea will work better.

Kudos for your obvious good taste...

the windows could benefit firstly from eliminating the white a trim and replacing it w/a color matching or close to wall color.

This done the windows fade away a little

Next a softer element on the windows would allow the eye to be drawn to the beautiful furnishings. Sheers such as linen gauze or textured non shiny fabric could cover entire window and be pushed aside if needed.. Sheers also could be colored in the same hue as the wall and window trim for a more subtle effect or a lighter shade for drama

Behind the sheers bamboo or tortoise shell reed shades could provide more shade when needed..the shades look lovely even when up w/ only a small part showing...

these textures would enhance rather than distract as the bare windows do now

Love your shaggy footstool.

would you help me by talking a bit about the pella enclosed blinds?

The floor is rustic,the cabinet style is rustic why not paint the existing cabs? Take a look at " Retreat" by Sherwin Williams as seen in house beautiful current issue...for inspiration...also maybe add some drawers inside bottom cabs to transfer some of the counter top clutter

If u do change the cabs switching the peninsula for an island would be good and flank the refrigerator w/walls that extend to the depth of the fridge...this incorporates the fridge rather than having it just stick out like a sore thumb...it will also provide over the fridge space for a big flat basket to store placemats, cookie sheets or whatever

Since lighting is an issue put extra effort into that and have some fixtures on a dimmer to provide lower light for late nite visits for a snack or drink...also if u have a window make any adjustments possible to enlarge window as there is no substitute for natural light that will enhance your kitchen time enjoyment

That floor say country or retro to me

The website "Retro Renovation" would be in love with your house. I'd take a stroll around there before you consider redoing your cabinets and countertops. You might change your mind and fall in love with them.

Thanks Jen046 for the links to the MCM kitchens. I love MCM.
This home perhaps is a small homage to the Brady's home. However, wasn't their kitchen avocado green? Yes and orange counters. An update of that combination was in a link provided by someone else above. In that example, the orange was inside the cabinets and contrasted with the wood.

After taking a closer look at the cabinets, they are some version of mdf, not wood, and there appears to be mold under the sink. I've decided to skip phase 1 and move right to gut reno remodel. The house has other issues that need to be addressed. However, once they are addressed and it's livable, we can still use the second floor while updates are done on the first floor.

"Retreat" by sherwin Williams is a killer color in this same range..the most interesting colors change w/the light and are more undefinable in color...is it green?... Is it gray? Etc

Still think the white is too stark...a lighter shade of wall color would shout less than white

I agree the white is way too stark. A very soft white with a greenish undertone would look much better.

The grayish green with the brick looks wonderful on Natalie's picture. That's the color of my house, and I absolutely love it as it's warm [even though green isn't a warm color] and inviting.

Yes, all in agreement, the white is too stark. Plus the high gloss finish just takes away the "warm" feeling. Perhaps painting the shelves the same as the walls (different finish of course) and painting the inside of the shelves a shade or two darker (or wallpaper). ???
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Start off by
Painting the island and stools ..a perfect color would be "Retreat"by Sherwin Williams...think it would tie in to soffit color and go with wood and floors

# think this is a terrific color for all cabs...but...baby steps!

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. I thought I had a plan but it all seems to be changing due to some good sound advice. THANKS!!!

Overall, the room is too busy without any commonality. The easiest and most budget friendly thing you can do is to paint.

I would paint your walls and cabinets the same color. This will reduce a lot of the busyness almost immediately. Then you can decide what yo want to do with the backsplash and counter tops.

I think replacing the backsplash would be my priority #2 and I think your kitchen would look dramatically different with a common color and more a more current backsplash.

The rugs others mentioned are just accessories. You will not be happy with any accessory until you build the right canvas.

Your table and fireplace fit more into the primitive category ..shabby chic implies interestingly painted but more ornate old things...these two styles mix wonderfully but you need to add some more ornate pcs to your room...having been a primitive aficionado in a former life I discovered that spray paint is much better for this process ...first coat sort of brt and garish..second coat a slightly less dominant color...(spray paint sands back to previous colors much more easily.)..after first and second coat are dry sand back to show first color here and there). ..then apply a full coat of your chosen more neutral color...after drying sand back so each color (and some bare wood too) show...next for a really old look wipe entire piece w/ a light stain to age it.....one more option to add character is to tack and glue on some wood trims before you paint ...these u can find in any home improvement store....for example they make a great rope carved trim that could be centered on your fireplace surround...up one side across and down the other side....same trim could be added to edges of table...no protective coating needed as all scuffs etc. Just add to the charm ..

If u r really into all this a really great idea is to stencil the wall behind the fire place like wallpaper after painting...With spray paint and a leaf or a twig etc lay it against the wall and spray a mist of color just around the stencil...space the stencils randomly according to how much u want...to start maybe just a border around the fire place w/ a matching color

It would be cool to make the fireplae surround bigger, if possible. I like the color it is.

shabby chic and mocha walls do not go together--stick with white walls if you decide to go that route. But looking at your furniture and rug choices, you don't seem to be a shabby chic enthusiast.

I like the new coffee table as is -- i wouldn't stain it or anything.

I did just finish painting over all of the mocha walls in my place. I thought I'd really like the warm color but I tired of it pretty quickly.

Whatever you choose for garage door should be be repeated somewhere else...

Maybe shutters and trim?

Saw an incredible backsplash in House Beautiful Sept. 2014 issue( page 109) Fan tile scallop shape in robins egg from tabarkastudio.com ...pricey but the curves and color add a whole new understated element...the cabinet color in the same article would make be a great wall color

Two side windows approx 3/4 as high at each side of tall window would add architectural interest provided you can work within code distance from corners of house ...this would also decrease the vertical influence of one window. Simple glass windows (and window treatment chosen to look good from the outside is key) ...perhaps separate shades ( built- in recessed) for each window...motorized shades for such tall windows are worth the investment

Some nice trees at end of house near tall window would soften the tall vertical there

There's nothing wrong with your house. You don't need more windows. The other posters are right. Focus on the landscaping. Get some height and color in there. You might consider replacing the lights on each side of the garage with something larger. Think of them as house jewelry. Right now you have teeny little studs.

what color is the garage door? no windows - landscape.

More modern colors may be in the gray range...whatever u choose suggest u add that color to all eaves over doors ,windows,etc. To tie it all together

Hard to imagine colors that will look as good as it does now :)

The rug looks gorgeous and if this indicates your taste I would suggest using the rug as your color inspiration..since your cabinets and floors appear quite golden in undertone u probably need to physically see the rug near these items or choose a similar rug with warmer tones...at any rate I always find a rug chosen with care can be your color guide throughout the adjoining spaces

# it does look like rugosa some warm accent it may be perfect

Think u are on the right track...looks like couches facing each other good with the slight variation of pushing couch closer to window and put the table behind the couch near the dining area..console tables or shallow storage chests placed behind a couch provide excellent storage and counter top space...can't see the coffee table size but maybe a smaller coffee table would make the furniture fit better

Close off the door ( if you have the required exits for your house) and add a lean-to storage shed or shelves at top of stairs for garden tools or supplies...with a proper overhang ...doors may not be necessary

Natural is essential...can you remove the awning?

#natural LIGHT

Also lighter interior colors where light and space is scarce..since u r renovating ...remove a few walls

You could also put in a beautiful pot with flowers in the nook area directly across from the stairs.

Does this look as odd as the picture seems? Liked the shelves and treasures ideas but what is on other side of the walls?would this space be useful on the other side if you close it off? If not I could see a decorative screen panel against the wall with up lighting behind it or an upright Buddha or art pc. in front of it...less dusting and cleaning needed than many small pieces

Is it hot in your area? If so shade is important to make the seating inviting on a hot day.. A good shade supplier is a pergola( wooden framework either at attatched or not to your house). During summer u can put up shade cloth ...and as it cools off the shadecloth can be removed so u can enjoy the sun from your seating area..seating and cushions should be chosen with durability for where they are located. Another consideration is how easily can it be moved...for weather emergencies or rearrangement for parties etc..a good resource for outdoor furniture of better quality and design is a high end consignment stores..

Flower boxes can be excellent for privacy screens too...but don't forget to place them where they can be enjoyed from where u sit

I think the size of the room is an important factor..if the room is big and ceiling high...simple but proportionately large pieces draw the eye up and and accentuate the height ..also high ceilings can look wrong if u ignore them and keep every thing below 7feet as if the ceiling was a normal height...I am a big fan of things of the proper scale that cast interesting shadow on the ceilings at nite

The room is 12x16. It's going to be my twelve yr old daughter's room. I was thinking about putting a mural up there, or a loft. I'm just not sure if it's wide enough for a loft.

Bookshelves!!!! Put up a railing and sliding ladder so you can easily get into the closet. Some big fluffy beanbags and a lamp!

My first suggestion would be a few big pots w/dramatic foliage in the courtyard to draw the eye outside through those beautiful windows....I also like colorful quality area rugs to inspire color palette and define areas in such an open space..this allows the furniture choices to be more neutral and focused on comfort and flexibility of placement...A designer is always a good investment for a space such as this

Love the water feature ideas and you have lots of space. It would be really beautiful!

Thank you all for the inspiration the far wall has a built in wood fireplace the mantle is still to be built. I was thinking about doing a 3d wall paper on this wall to add some texture. I would like to put my dining table directly under the chandelier and was thinking to use a round glass table. I quite like the water feature at the wall at staircase but it might be to expensive to do this . I was thinking of using the same wall paper I would use on the far for this wall. I also purchased to hanging lights for the wall at the staircase and have made provisions where the lights will be attached. In addition I would like to put a huge wood framed mirror on this wall. Not sure if it will be too much please advise. I love the idea of the plants and rugs and will use this idea.

A solid rug is always more difficult to keep clean...however a pattern can be more mellow colors to not compete w/ table base..rooms look very neutral so some color would be good...in picking a rug...spend time to find one u love..love...love...and use it as a color inspiration to add some shots of color elsewhere(eg: pillows ..throws..art..etc

Charcoal window treatments for family and orange for dining.

Overall

A way to break up all the stone and add architectural interest would be to add wood panels about twice the width of the shutters,clear to the ground..this would also give opportunity to bring in more color

The front of the house is west facing, so definitely more shade loving plants. I also like the idea of large matching urn on both sides of the steps.. Thanks!

palmer, I use Photoshop Elements.

Re:wrapping column I was thinking of stone...but most importantly I was thinking area around door should be changed too..eliminate shingles around door to suggest a more contemporary interior....maybe a gray slate...the column could also be all stone with some rather large contemporary metal numbers vertically to state your address

Ritasj, LOVE the gray slate idea and stone column, thank you!

Hang one of these from the white post to the brick.

Rt now the door doesn't tie in with the rest of the trim....May be paint the surround to match window trim or shutters...if the door color can be changed an all green door and surround will expand the doors impact and at the same time tie into the beautiful lawn color

I prefer the two with entirely white surrounds, with or without the sidelights painted, as carolins showed. They probably look better in the distance shot where you see the entire front of the home. Larger urns or pots are in order, as the current ones are smaller in scale than the coach lanterns, which look like they could use refinishing. My choice would be a black door and black lanterns. Also might consider brass on the lanterns and on a kick plate for the door. If it were mine, my next project would be removal of the brick knee wall.

Paint everything but the door white.

Paint door shutter color. The red door looks off with the red brick.

U r right about the fireplace! The surround is way too spindly and small ....removing that and creating a big surround that is grand enough to live up to the huge expanse of brick...perhaps a wide border of wood that is simple and modern and flank it with lg pieces of art or a huge mirror...with the right solution this could be a spectacular feature

Also the step across the bottom could be changed...either gone or widened a lot across the bottom...as this out of scale with the wall also

An alternative to paint would be stain...May be charcoal gray or lighter?

Just remembered the name of company that customizes sectionals etc. at reasonable prices w/ great fabric options....ROWE...is an alternative to the higher priced custom companies...this may appeal to u but if u use this area a lot u may want to bite the bullet for an ultra comphy and durable high end set...if it is mainly a man cave men can be pretty hard on furniture!

Also realize I did not say the sofa should be facing and parallel to the tv...attaching pic to see...this may leave the space to move that pool table over at a diagonal...the way it is u r devoting half of the room to a relatively unused purpose...

See photo

Sorry having a brain freeze...can't get pic to send :(

Being a gardener for 30 years one expensive lesson ihave learned over and over is....do your research and hire a landscape designer to establish a plan...even if budget requires doing the work yourself and doing steps over time...it can save u soooo much. Of course ...do the work to find the right designer....

A water fountain incorporated into your design will look cool and bring more curb appeal. Here are a few inexpensive ones to check out. See more http://www.soothingcompany.com/water-fountains/outdoor-fountains.html

Acorn Garden Fountain

Andra Outdoor Fountain

Barocco Garden Fountain

Bjorn Garden Fountain

Seems to have bones for contemporary clean look... That means losing awnings..lose bushes in front of porch and create a beautiful entry..try researching frank Lloyd wright homes for porch and linear style enhancing trims...
Another theme could be Mediterranean ...suggest look for stucco house styles to get a feel for what u like