The comments we’ve received over the last couple weeks during our giveaway were revealing.  Many of you enjoy and learn from our reader questions and even admit that you’ve thought about writing us but don’t get around to it.  When you’re ready to ask, we’ll be here to answer.  In the meantime, we’ll continue to share the dilemmas of those who do write to us and maybe you’ll find the help you need in the solutions for another reader’s dilemma.

How To Finish a Room?

Reader Hamda wrote: “I write to you asking for help in redecorating our living room.  We painted the wall, bought a new sofa, a cozy chair, an area rug, table, and some other accessories but we don’t feel that it’s finished. We feel there is something missing and want you to help us with this matter. I attached the picture of our living room and am looking for your suggestions and tips to make our space warm and inviting.  Could you help me please?  I am looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.”  - Hamda

Hamda's living room

Some Suggestions for the Room

You’ve got a good start on creating a comfortable room by choosing that warm wall color and your furnishings look like a good scale for the space.  I think there are some things you can do right away that will make the room feel more finished.

1.  Move the large rug down to the sofa and under the coffee table. The rug you have under the coffee table is too small and the larger rug will serve as an anchor for your seating area.  Then purchase another rug for under the table at the other end (is that a dining area?) – at least a 5′x7′ rug so it’s big enough to fit under the table and chairs with the chairs pulled out.  As my arrows show, move the TV into the corner and add a plant or two for instant “finishing touches”.

As you can, here are a few other suggestions:

2.  The walls need some art.  Once you hang a few pictures/paintings, you’ll be amazed at how much more cozy it will feel.  Next week I’ll be writing about how you can make your own affordable art, so you might watch for that and other budget decorating ideas.  You have some large blank walls, so choose large art appropriate to the wall space.

Add some art to fill in big blank walls. (art from Cost Plus.com)

3.  The end of the room with the TV seems dark (may be just the camera).  The room would benefit from some additional lighting.  Add lamps by the sofa and possibly a floor lamp at the other end by the dining table.  Light from more than one source (the chandelier – which is lovely by the way) will be a big help in warming up the room.

4.  If you can, move the TV into the corner by the windows and add a bookshelf or armoire on the short end wall by the sofa.  It will provide some height variety and interest on that wall since all your furnishings are currently about the same height.

The living room with a storage unit and art added (both from Ikea).

Hopefully these pictures will help you visualize the changes – some of which you can make immediately, and some which you can change over time.  Thanks so much for sharing your photos and dilemma.

Are There More Suggestions?

We like to encourage you all to share any suggestions you might have for Hamda to help improve and finish her space.  Leave a comment so she has lots of ideas to work with.

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