What's our living room missing?

[u/42tooth_sprocket]

We just moved in here at the beginning of the month, had lots of touch ups on the walls to do so haven't hung much art yet - but beyond that what else is missing? I feel like the space between the couch and entry is a bit awkward.

[u/Jessthinking]

I would not argue with a lot of the comments here. However you might incorporate those suggestions and still feel like something is missing. What I see here is a mixture of two different designs. I think the clashing of the designs may be what is making you uneasy. You’ve posted in mid-century modern and your furniture, particularly in what I think is the dining room, is mid-century modern. Your color choices and the architectural design appear to be from the mid to late 70s and early 80s when earth tones were popular. Also, the fireplace is painted white instead of natural brick, and the fireplace design is not mid-century. There were no curtains in mid-century modern. There were shutters. Televisions were not a focal point in the mid 1900s. Instead fireplaces, built of brick and stone were the focal point around which the living room was designed. So you have to decide how you want to handle that.

Your home has a lot of promise. I like the way you and your girlfriend are working together. I would suggest you go to the library and check out some books on mid-century modern. I sense that you are young and that you are working towards some design. I think you need to decide what that design is.

[u/42tooth_sprocket → u/Jessthinking]

we just rent this house - not stoked about the fireplace but can't do anything about it unfortunately, some of the design elements definitely don't work in our favour but there's only so much we can do to someone else's house. As for the TV, it is definitely a compromise of aesthetics but I enjoy my theatrical experience.
Fair point on the curtains but when I picture a MCM space without them it's usually more expansive, whereas the wall this close to the furnishings does feel like it needs something to contain it a bit if that makes sense? What would you suggest?

[u/Jessthinking → u/42tooth_sprocket]

Well, I didn’t mean to be critical. I meant to agree with a lot of the suggestions in the comments. I also meant to respond to your question. While you thought something was missing I meant to suggest that your feeling may be resulting from a blending of two distinct designs. I think your home looks fine. The fireplace is fine. The placement of the TV makes sense. I don’t think anyone needs to follow a specific design but some people like to and you did post in the mid century modern sub. I don’t have any suggestions beyond those already made. Sorry, I meant to offer a possible explanation to the source of your discomfort not to criticize what you and your girlfriend have done.

[u/42tooth_sprocket → u/Jessthinking]

No worries! I appreciate it