Julia: @Kyle - Thanks SO much for the link!! I been to several design blogs but have never come across that one! Love it! @Lindsay - thank you!! I'm totally going for the couch table! I realized though, that I need one with panels on the sides so you don't seen the cords when you come in the front door (so it can't be the traditional 4 legged table...bummer). I also need to make sure our boy can't knock down the lamp when he's on the couch! [Feb 19, 10 @ 4:58pm]

Julia: @Jess - neat idea with the colored stools! Maybe some colored floor cushions?? @AmyO - I've seen the curtains done on tv walls too! That wall really perplexes me! I think I'm just going to ignore it now and focus on it last! [Feb 19, 10 @ 4:54pm]

Lindsay: Oh lovely! I love when you decorate :) What about a couch table, like a library table, behind the couch? You could put a lamp on it for more ambient light and at the same time be using the outlet AND covering it! [Feb 17, 10 @ 4:21pm]

Kyle: Julia, check out this decorating blog with awesome ideas! I'm addicted! www.roomremixblog.blogspot.com Enjoy! [Feb 11, 10 @ 6:13pm]

AmyO: You could possibly do 'half' curtain rods on the sides of your TV too. I'll have to send you a pic of what I'm talking about. It might not be much help but I saw them at my brother & SIL has them in the dining room & living rooms. I think they do a good job of balancing the rooms out w/out putting so much on the walls. [Feb 9, 10 @ 5:14am]

Jess: Looks very nice. I think you may need to splash a little color around the room. Maybe add a couple colored foot stools. A few more pillows. Whichever accents you choose, bring that color in with the curtains. :O) Have fun! [Feb 8, 10 @ 4:13pm]

Julia: @Tiffany - Good point on having everything to scale. We do plan on having a massive piece of artwork/photo (probably broken into 3 pieces) on the huge empty wall above the sliding glass door. That silver rod will have lights pointing upward onto it. Hopefully curtains will also bring much needed warmth to the space. I'll have to email you a document with my jumble of ideas! [Feb 8, 10 @ 12:13pm]

Julia: @Tiffany - Thank you!! The rug shown is actually being returned - we got it from Lowe's just to check out sizes :). So..we're up for anything! There haven't been many patterned rugs that Tyson and I both agree on yet. I assume we'll end up with a solid. If that's the case - we'll really need to bring in color/patterns in other places. [Feb 8, 10 @ 12:10pm]

Julia: @Amanda - Lets do some shopping this week Amanda! @Lauren - Thank You!!!! @LaurenD - Yes, easier said than done though! I have a ton of different ideas in my head and a lot I want to get/make. I'll have to run them by you and make sure they all go well together! [Feb 8, 10 @ 12:02pm]

Julia: @JamiP - A large ottoman would also be a safer option (I'd worry about all the corners on a regular coffee table)! I'll be sure to add the rug pad to the cost of the rug (blah - another $100...). I hope it makes a rug more comfortable :). [Feb 8, 10 @ 11:58am]

Julia: Thanks SO much! @LaurenH - I will definitely check out Pottery Barn! @Casey - I don't think crimson will go with the current rug we're looking at, but I'll try to look for something that will "pop" :). [Feb 8, 10 @ 11:53am]

Tiffany: Sorry for the long reply. Remember also to use varied texture in your space. Make it as tactile as it is beautiful. Might be polished river rock in a tray or vase, feathery fronds or lush leaves of a plant, a woven basket, etc. Can't wait to see what you do! [Feb 6, 10 @ 10:27am]

Tiffany: You have such an exceptional (and large space) that I feel like it needs to be made more intimate and warm. The furniture should be brought at least partially on to the rug, creating a welcoming area that encourages conversation. Be careful with scale and proportion when selecting artwork, tables, decorative accesories, etc. Because of the ceiling height and space you may want to consider something with more presence and weight to it. Still balance with the existing furniture. [Feb 6, 10 @ 10:21am]

Tiffany: What a lovely blog and family that you have. * Are you committed to the rug? I realize that prices go up exponentially after an 8 x 10, but I might consider a larger rug in the space, just to see. Also, is it possible to bring in a pattern in the rug? * What are your favorite all time images? What fabrics do you adore? Let your favorites dictate the color palette you'll use in the space. You'll naturally gravitate toward the colors that speak to you. [Feb 6, 10 @ 10:11am]

Lauren DeLuna: Yes, I like this layout best as well! I'd say go for curtains that make a bold statement (different textures, patterns, etc) and use accent pillows and wall decor/photos to add color. And I love the idea of the sofa table too. :) [Feb 5, 10 @ 10:10pm]

Lauren: I think that this idea is the best! I'm not a great decorator, but I definitely think this looks great! [Feb 5, 10 @ 3:15pm]

Amanda: I like it so far :) So I think you could move the rug over to the left to where the blue tape is, so that the front of the love seat is on it...and maybe back a little bit towards the couch since it is 'crowding' the wall a little. Perhaps we should do some thrifting tomorrow and go find you a console and a chair to recover. [Feb 5, 10 @ 8:31am]

Jami P.: I think it looks great! You could also consider a large ottoman on the rug as an "anchor" -- it can serve several purposes like extra seating, storage (some of Link's toys or remote controls), or even a place to rest your feet! As for drapes, pick a bold color and use pillows to accent on the sofa and love seat -- it will make everything come together. One other item to think about is a pad for under the rug to "anchor" it literally! The pad helps protect your beautiful wood floors too :) [Feb 4, 10 @ 9:26pm]

Casey: I like this layout the best! I think you need a bold color for your curtains...like a crimson red...something that will pop! [Feb 4, 10 @ 9:18pm]

Lauren H: Looks good! I love using velvet or linen drapes.. extra long, from Pottery Barn, are excellent. I've moved mine 6 times and they look good in every home I've lived in. (I have extra long espresso in the velvet and extra long white in the linen). [Feb 4, 10 @ 4:51pm]

Julia: I think I should just get back to my AutoCAD days and start drawing everything in :). [Feb 4, 10 @ 2:12pm]

Stephanie: If you got a large square coffee table (not too big), and a nice lamp for the lower left hand corner of the room I think it would look nice? Just a thought :) [Feb 4, 10 @ 12:03pm]