suzyrenovator's Profile

Steve,

This isn't driftwood, but it would definitely look amazing with your boats and credenza.

http://www.marotte.fr/french/index.asp?indexid=433

Pick up some mdf or an inexpensive piece of pine and start carving! Pine would be considerably softer and easier to work with. Buy a rectangular board, do some gouging, carving or scraping, sand it smooth, then stain and urethane.

Think I'll try this myself too.

Suzy

The curtains are too low, but I think they're also too dark. If you need curtains for privacy reasons, you might like to try a layered treatment - mount a shade first, up at the top of the wall, then flank it with long curtain panels on a rod, also mounted at the top of the wall. White curtains over a white shade would keep it light and airy - or add a splash of color with sheer orange curtains. Check out some of the inexpensive panels at Ikea.

Anno Inez Curtain Panel $14.99 each.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60083318

Arita Curtain $14.99/2 pack
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30109193

ENJE Roller Blind $24.99 32 x 98"
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50130650

Color block the area above the fireplace - tape off vertical lines the same width as the sides of the fireplace and blast up some orange or pull a blue from the print above the sofa. The fireplace in its current color would then pop out and become more of a prominent feature.

It not that there's too much on the mantel, it's just that it appears cluttered in comparison to the lack of accessories elsewhere in the room and there is very little variation in the height of the items on the mantle. Throw pillows are inexpensive accessories and are also a way to introduce more color. Why not place a low stack of books and one of the plants from the fireplace mantle on your coffee table?

Play around with the furniture arrangement until you are happy with the placement. There's no rule that says the sofa must be placed on the longest wall. Once you've found an arrangement that works for you,further define your seating area with an area rug. Some may be against blue, but the right colour of blue will work beautifully with both oranges and yellows.

To truly liven up your space, color is key and you have a wonderful start with both the wall print and your dining set. It's pure hues like those that really add a sense of energy. While the colors you selected initially are attractive, they are quite safe and sedate.

Good Luck!

So many of us try to achieve perfection in ourselves and the projects we undertake. The fact of the matter is perfection is boring. It's the flaws that add character.