NMM: Want to help me decorate?

[brit]

So, this is our casual living room and even though we moved in about 6 months ago, it's been sorely neglected. I'm trying to figure out what to do with the two walls on either side of the tv/fireplace. I feel like they're screaming for some sort of built ins, however, the window on the right poses a problem. It's only 8 inches off the wall and most any shelf will come out farther than that and intrude on the window. Any thoughts??

[definitelyO]

off the cuff my thought is to put a leaning bookcase to the left of the fireplace/TV and then on the right a larger print and a tall plant...

[hamster]

I feel like it mostly needs some color. I do like the tall plant idea though.

[countthestars]

Could you do bookcases on either side that don't go all the way to the walls?

[brit]

I like the idea of a tall plant, I just need it to be kid/dog friendly.

[brit]

I love those bookcases, but would they look alright not spanning the entire wall?

[midwest07]

Small changes would be to add color on the walls, in the form of pillows, and with draperies. Also add something on the walls to the sides of the fireplace. I think built ins would look good - you perhaps adapt Ikea bookcases into built in's like a lot of blogs seem to be showing now. As for the issue with the window, perhaps just don't take the built ins all the way to the wall or window. You could leave a couple of feet of space, or just enough space that you could put a tall small table with a vase or plant to fill the space.



Also, is that fan red or is that just the photo? If so, I would change that out!

[brit]

Oh yes, the fan is red. It was here when we bought the house LOL. We've just focused on the parts of the house that people mostly see (kitchen/powder room/dining room/formal living room).

[theintended]

How much money do you want to spend? I think built-ins that wrap around to the right and incorporate a window seat would look good.

[Awkward]

Man, that room is beige on beige on beige. I like midwest's idea of the Ikea bookcases into built ins. I've also seen it done in blogs to a really nice effect.

But I also think SFY has a point about wallpaper and changing out the furniture; I HATE overstuffed sectionals.