radjam's Profile

Ideally (if time and budget allow), you could put in floor to ceiling, wall to wall shelving around the fauxplace; then you wouldn't need the display cases, and put tv into one of the spaces. Regardless, place the sofa facing the fireplace, and seating on either side. I would also put the TV on a small table into the corner near entry to dining room. Also, find a new, shorter but larger coffee table. In other half of room, place display cabinet in corner near entry, and create a little seating area in other corner, or behind sofa. Add a large rug to the whole living room. Good luck!

I would recommend a rectangular, modern glass table to keep focus on those cool chairs. Maybe even smoked glass.

I recommend Chantilly Lace. It's a very pure white that doesn't feel cold, but then I have a lot of natural light in my place so may look different in your space. See if your BM store has testers and throw the different whites on the wall--good, cheap way to see which white you like.

Check out the auctions at Harlowe Powell. I've gotten some great pieces there.

They're called AWESOME!!!

I always thought it was something thrown on a wall, like spaghetti, to see if it will stick. It definitely stuck!

Who knows where the rug is from?

I have this tiny photo my father took in the 50s that I have dreamed about blowing up to fit an entire wall. It's a double exposure of some great 50s car driving over one of the Manhattan bridges seemingly into Ebbits Field. Unfortunately there's no negative around anymore to try to make it happen.

Thanks all! I appreciate the comments.

@jenpalmer 4: the runner is actually 5 FLOR carpet squares put together. Bought them used on craigslist.

@nbpica: bought it from Transit Design on etsy.com. You can customize the list on your own canvas.

Thanks all for the ideas and to Mr. Modtomic and Bruised for finding some comps. Based on those originals, think I'm going to try to keep any reno real simple (lightly sand the seats and apply a natural lacquer; need to remove some rust on the frames; and repaint the black backs -- love that they look like t-square tops) If that doesn't work, will explore upholstery option -- just not tan calfskin. :) Will post 'after' pix when complete. Thanks again.