Living room problems: Jumbled antique pieces make it look like a used furniture store

( Jean Close Photo, For The Baltimore Sun / December 11, 2012 )

Submitted by: Jean Close

The living room in Jean Close's Towson rancher is more like a throughway than a comfortable space. And the jumble of antiques, she says, "makes it look like a used furniture store."

That was designer Debbie McHale’s conclusion, too.

"They desperately need to edit their furniture and accessories," said the Clarksville designer. "Ask yourself: What are your greatest treasures?"

Close said she felt like "there is just nothing that pulls the room together and nothing that sets off the nice pieces."