Need Help with Living Room

d vandee

9 år sedan

Any advice to improve this room. Paint color, etc...

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Emily Vallevand

9 år sedan

The size of the area rug under the coffee table is too small. You want the area rug to act as a place holder for the living space. Changing the drapery to a basic 2 panel style with a back rod would complement the dark furniture. I like the taupe with the light blue colour pallet, but I feel like you could add another accent colour in the drapes, lamp shade, or possibly some other throw pillows. For the accent colour I would use a bright redy-purple or a coral.

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Kommentarer (69)

Nancy Travisinteriors
9 år sedan
Just saw where this room is a work in progress. You said sectional going. That's good. go a sofa with 2 chairs. That will change room. Adding more wood will warm it up.
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PRO
Designline
9 år sedan
I recommend that you start by removing the drapery - tie backs don't work well on a wide window and the drapery looks limp and skimpy. Secondly, remove the light from the fan if possible or don't turn the light on if it must stay. Lamps or sconces with shades will make the space much more inviting than a harsh, unflattering overhead light from a ceiling fixture.
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Är svensk inredning och design 'lagom'?
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Hej! I am Australian and live in Australia but have lived 7 years in Sweden. My written Swedish is rusty so I am going to write here in English in case you are interested in some more thoughts, although you have probably already written your article. I know more what lagom means than the average English speaker, but I certainly can't truly 'feel' it like a Swede who has grown up with it. For me it feels like how much Kalles I might put on my knackbrod, but I have lately started to try to think of it in terms of interiors and see if it works. The reason I am doing that is that I am currently working in the field of Professional Organising- helping people de-clutter, scale back, and organise. This process results in quite a makeover for a home and even life style and can be life changing. I personally LOVE minimalism and talk about it often but I find that the average person I meet is a bit cynical of minimalism and thinks it is too extreme. I have been reading a ton about minimalism and read some about hygge. I think what the average person is longing for is some minimalism+ some hygge. I think the current world (politics and fast pace of life , overdose of stuff, and overdose of info in our face all day on our screens, etc etc) feels a bit stressful for everyone these days. So, although the average person longs for simplicity, the word minimalism scares some people, and hygge is too cozy for some and so the concept and word LAGOM may be just the answer! The 'world' may start to borrow the word lagom from you Swedes now to fill a need for a word lacking in English that can fall between minimalism and cosy, that can feel relaxing, and which doesn't mean you have to get rid of as much as minimalism does. It may well gain a meaning outside of Sweden that is a different to inside Sweden I suppose. For example if the word became popular it could become a term for a 'style'. That would be pretty different to the meaning inside Sweden. I am actually planning to introduce the concept and word 'lagom' to my clients as way to encourage them to get rid of excess and have a calmer home, yet not be afraid as the goal does not have to be minimalism, it can be 'lagom' - just right, perfect, not too little, not too much. It sounds like a level or quantity they can choose themself as we go along. A bit like Marie Kondo's method; 'Choose to keep only what gives YOU joy and you will end up with just the right amount of stuff. It will be a result that fits YOU, not something you have to try to work to achieve, which I think Minimalism may feel to the average person. Shevaun Sandlund in West Australia.
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Plz your opinions
Q
Kommentarer (23)
Mey, it was not my intention to hurt your feelings nor to sugarcoat the fact that you need more color. You know this better than anyone. Why else should you show the ( very ) different color curtains? I don't know what your going to du but, I am absolutely convinced you'll do what you need to do, you'll do it when you're good and ready. Last but not least, it'll be fantastic! Once again, Mey, good luck to you and please please could you not write again, to keep us posted?!
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inredning i vardagsrummet , lite trångt avsmalnat rum
Q
Kommentarer (5)
Hej Mona, I hope its ok write in English. I have a few suggestions for you, that should make you feel more at balance and at home with your living room. The shelf above the sofa looks great! Also super nice decorated and not too cluttered (happens more often than not in my house) Instead of having many small plants, swap them for 2-3 bigger ones, placed on the floor. Just because you have a window sill doesn’t mean it needs to be filled, less is more. I love the warm colours, the rusty orange, greens and beige. I only find the white knitted blanket to be a harsh contrast. Maybe it can move to another room? Since your TV is mounted on the wall, I would add a slim shelf/ box shelf underneath (also hanging on the wall) – depending on the type of receiver you have, you can even hide it behind the tv – there are fixtures for that. Then I would remove the tv bench underneath, for a more spacious feel of the room. The cables I would put in a plastic rail/ tub, leading to the outlet. In terms of wall paint, Id go for a warm dark grey on the wall behind the sofa & tv. If you have any more questions feel free to ask Hope I helped a little! Have a great day!
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suggestions for my living room
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Kommentarer (2)
Hi Francesca! Nice place you got. I suggest you create a conversation corner, with two smaller sofas facing each other, or one sofa and two chairs. You can also change position of the sofa to back on to the cupboards if you don't need to face a TV. And then just go for it with colorful rugs, cushions and art! Please post when you have started, look forward to seeing the transformation!
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ingridmatt
9 år sedan
I think a nice grey paint with blue undertones would be great for the room and make all the other neutrals pop more as well as bring out the blue in the rugs.
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Mrs Gee
9 år sedan
I agree with the comments to lose the drapery and the black furniture. I could see some weathered, reclaimed wood pieces pairing well with the color pallet. Also, have you thought about a clay brown for paint? It will give it a rich, warm feel and complement the blues--not to mention it will make the white trim pop. I also think you could find a great lighting fixture instead of the fan. Something light and whimsical-even beachy.
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mosaicrevival
9 år sedan

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Kathy Devens
9 år sedan
IMO, coral is overdone and predictable with the colors you have. Maybe try yellow, and or navy mixed in with the aqua color.
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mosaicrevival
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan

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Why I choose this for you is the calming color palette. No pops of colour. Drapes especially, art work is the colour. Size of carpet is essential. I would repostion your sectional away from blocking the window and everything behind the sectional removed or repostioned. Larger art work on the sectional wall. Love the art piece just change out the framing and two. Add colour where the signs are they are lost on the wall and too light for the dark piece of furniture. I hope this helps as it really is a beautiful room. Not found of the shelf as it is the wrong scale.
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Lana Hoffman
9 år sedan
drapes down remove all throw pilows and add more modern ones in pops of color remove runner on dresser vase of flowers on coffee table of coordinating color
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d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
@mosaicrevival Thank you for you comments and suggestions. What paint color would you recommend? Do you think Sherwin Williams Ethereal Mood will work?
Maggie Andersen
9 år sedan
I would lose the drapes and get a larger rug. I think the Aqua is bland in this space. I would use coral, expresso, stark white and a pretty light to medium blue to liven up the beiges. Find a piece of art that is exciting and let it be your inspiration. Put the old art away for awhile. It will hold you back and make you cling to the old look.
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Lol Lol
9 år sedan
Dido but do a round rug
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decoenthusiaste
9 år sedan
Thought I posted this earlier - SW Sea Salt

Sherwin-Williams gray paint color – Sea Salt (SW 6204) · Mer info
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patriciamarch
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
Take down the valance and drapes, They give your room a dated look. Think about cell shades. Top down, bottome up. With the top open and the bottom half way up they give the room a special interest and cool ambiance. Try one of the great shades of toast- deeper shades of beige, Check out the textured cell shades too, Tremendous choices, Cell shades are a clean look, they keep the room uncluttered and open, Go brave, the color choices are limitless and will marry up nicely to your pale wall color. Or............... use some lovely sheers with a texture, in white or off white if you are keeping your wall color. Push them aside or close, for a warm, soft, elegant feeling. The light will shine through sheers and your view to the outside will still be pretty. Add some color to your exsisting wall arrangement. Add a touch of whimsy in the room or on the wall. Change the rug under the coffee table to a vibrant pattern of colors. Pick up the colors of the rug with some fabulous pillows. Consider changing the base of the coffee table to an open style and not black like your wall piece. Maybe metal, brushed steel or a painted base. If you have room to move the wall piece over a bit, consider a small artificial plant or Christmass tree with white lights on it year round. That will add visual appeal. And eye catcher. If you find a sensational rug for under the coffee table you don't need the other rug to compete. Changing the sectional is major. You can achieve a different look and vibe to the room with smaller changes. Add a wow factor,See with new eyes. Let the eyes dance.
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d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
Thank you patriciamarch. I really like the idea of the cell shades and the clean look they will provide. Sectional is definitely going. The media center and fireplace are directly across from this sectional but the couch wasn't purchased to fit this room it was one we brought along when we moved into this house. The room dimensions are very odd and really don't allow for a sectional piece. The French Doors are nice to look at but actually impractical for furniture placement as the doors are never used. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Appreciate your suggestions.
mosaicrevival
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
Dining / Kitchen · Mer info

Hi deb. I personally can't live with grey as it is a very depressing colour to live in. i always think grey skies. I personally prefer warm colours. A light warm sand colour would suit tile. I feel you have a taste for coastal living and you may live south. Search coastal living in photos for further insperation. Have fun :) Benjamin Moore Wind's Breath, OC-24 is beautiful. you can pick up any warm colour in the tile. If you want more colour. you want some contrast so either light shade that is in tile or darker.
Benjamin Moore Winds Breath OC-24 · Mer info
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Another Thyme
9 år sedan
mosaicrevival has got this right. We say "it's a grey day" and think it's awful do why would anyone want to sit around in a grey room? (Same goes for blue...we say I feel blue and are depressed!) You have some nice colour in your rugs so why not use them as your centre and add some life to your room.
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decoenthusiaste
9 år sedan
The reason I like Sea Salt as a gray is that it has lots of nature's green in it.
lenniel
9 år sedan
I agree that we should change the curtain and hang your new curtains much higher up just below the ceiling and perhaps change the area rug to something darker and larger and try to layer the colors more.

Also I love the look of black doors!
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lenniel
9 år sedan

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Showhouse Girls Bedroom · Mer info
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d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
mosaicrevival I couldn't agree with you more. I painted several different grays and said "I just can't live in gray!" It seems to be the new neutral but I guess I won't be joining this trend. Color is such a personal expression. I do love the coastal feel and yes I live in Southern California. Thank you for the color recommendation. I feel great in that room! I really appreciate your time and great input.
d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
lenniel I don't know how the dark doors would look with a lighter coastal theme? I like the dark doors though and what they add to the room. Love the way the draperies are hanging also. I appreciate you taking the time to add your suggestions and comments to this post. Thank you.
lenniel
9 år sedan
oh yes you are absolutely right. I missed the part about a coastal theme. Definitely scratch the black doors lol
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Maggie Andersen
9 år sedan
I agree with the person who said do not use overhead lights. Lamp light can be so pretty and overhead lights are cold, dreary and sad. (This does not include can lights.)
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Maggie Andersen
9 år sedan
Ideaplace222 has shown some beautiful things that would warm up and update this room so beautifully. The sunset looking picture and throw pillow would be great starts and have huge impact. Sometimes, I have to remove the things I don't like, even before finding replacements. They cloud your vision of what you want and hold you back. I would lose both the drapes and the rug.
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PRO
Kitchen to Bath Concepts
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
I agree with changing the curtains to simple panels and bringing them up a little higher. Change the rug to larger one that would at least allow front of furniture feet to sit on it. I would recommend a rug with softer colors, maybe tone on tone, unless you want to go with a bolder rug, which should be coordinated with other colors in the room, such as the accessories (pillows and art work). I would definitely remove the light from the ceiling fan. If you do not used the ceiling fan - you could remove it and consider a hanging light to add interest to the room. I think adding wood to the room would be nice, whether in furnishings or on a focal wall. Wood brings warmth to a space....it can be white washed for a coastal or old world look. No matter what theme you are going for - a little black (used in accessories) can help ground a room.
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PRO
Applico- An Appliance & Lighting Company
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
I like the wall color and the color palette. I would change or get rid of the curtains. It's soothing and comfortable. You may want to consider changing the fan. I know many would recommend a chandelier, but if you want to keep a fan, I would choose a lighter color or even white or off white. The brown is drawing your eye down. I think the ceilings would recede better with a lighter color fixture.
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tilttheworld
9 år sedan
I would add either colored pottery or glass on the shelf under photo, tie in a bit of one of the chosen colors as an accent pillow to the couch and bench on far wall for a pop in color.
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christoper
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
Hello,

suggest dropping the "tie backs" and removing the valance. Pull both the carpets back further (ie closer to the sectional, and the other carpet closer to the wall.

Consider moving the sectional so that it is in front of the doors, but about 4' from them. Keep carpet as close to the sectional as possible.

Fold the blanket into a square and put over one arm.

Spread out your sofa pillows. mix blues with beiges.

Paint out your shelf ($5.00 can of beige spray paint ) You might also consider painting the base of the coffee table..maybe even chalk paint (easy and no prep)

Try adding some lime or garden greenery into your arrangement to the right of the window.

Add a decorative item (even candles) or pottery, glass etc. to the coffee table..try for either lime green or your existing blue)

You just need to make a few changes and this room will be great.

The square sharp edge glass top on the table isn't working...could you replace it with oval glass or have the existing glass re-cut to round the corners

Removing the blades from your fan and painting them the ceiling color would be a big improvement. You want it to just fade into the ceiling.

Dimmers on your pot lights are a must.

Good Luck, it is a nice room and just requires a bit of editing. (love your large basket)
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Katie Zuccolo
9 år sedan
Yellow and red are good color additions for a teal pieces. If you feel daring, paint the walls yellow to brighten up the room. You can add mulit-color printed pillows like someone mentioned before, to tie in the colors. Also, read this article that is on Houzz. Very helpful!! [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/color-guide-how-to-use-teal-stsetivw-vs~2757052[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/color-guide-how-to-use-teal-stsetivw-vs~2757052)
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alinayuriy
9 år sedan
you have a very nice living room and the colors are great, even the wall color is good but those curtains, sorry, are awful. i would get solid blue grommet curtains on a black rod to tie in the rest of the blue accents, and a black rod because you have dark coffee table, dresser and that shelf behind sofa. your room is contemporary and curtain look like they are not from this era.
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alinayuriy
9 år sedan
and rug is too small for the size of room and a sofa size. i would get large rug so that it would be slightly bigger then sofa width and so that at least front legs of sofa would sit on it. it might be good to change light fixture also, never was a fan of fans.
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inse
9 år sedan
I would raise the curtains as close to ceiling height as possible before I threw them out. get a more fitted straight valance instead of current one.
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d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
christoper thank you for your comments and recommendations. I moved the couch like you recommended and it makes the space so much more inviting and cozy. Added some greenery like suggested and it really does give some more life to the room (added something I had at home but will keep my eyes open for something better). Painting the shelf and base of the coffee table today as you've suggested until I purchase the new pieces. Replacing the coffee table soon! Now I can enjoy the room while ordering my new furniture pieces. The living room measurements are back wall 14' , side wall 7' the wall with french doors 14 ' a 9 ft. media wall. The space is small and limited as to furniture placement. The TV is over the fireplace so figuring out furniture pieces for this room has been a challenge also. I really want a left chaise and a right chaise with two pieces in between. This is the only living space in the house and it needs to be kick back comfortable!
lenniel
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
HI, I came across this site http://laurelberninteriors.com/2014/03/26/great-shades-white-paint/ while browsing the internet looking for gray paint colors and I thought of your coastal theme. I thought you might like these beautiful rooms, they also show curtain placement. I am a very visual person and photos help me a lot so I thought this might give you some ideas.

Paint Color is Pratt & Lambert Ancestral (below)

Excerpt from website: Pratt and Lambert ANCESTRAL. My old living room was painted this color and I lived with it for 12 years and never ever tired of it. It’s soft and warm. I discovered it because VICTORIA HAGAN had painted her home in the Hamptons that color. There’s a good reason. The colors after it on the fan deck look green. Ancestral is in no way any shade of green. It’s a lovely cream. I recommend it highly, however, my room was quite bright and I think that it is better for a bright room.

Have you ever thought of adding lavender accents and maybe a Sisal rug? Adding greenery gies the space life.

Green
Bold Rugs

Hope this helps. Good Luck!
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christoper
9 år sedan
Glad you are moving forward...Post us a few more pictures and we might be able to suggest a few more things. There are so many things you can do with little or no cost that really will make your room work.
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D C
9 år sedan
Ditch the ceiling fan..... they add nothing to a room. They are purely a function of necessity and in my opinion detract from real design.
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VA Kl
9 år sedan
Agree with removing the curtains. I would add a dark bamboo type shade as a valance and then sheers (tone on tone print if possible) hanging straight and not swaged. Agree with larger carpet and your accent color is too spread out. Make the statement or pick another accent and use the aqua in your small pieces.
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christoper
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
How about Benjamin Moore "Warm Sand" for paint...?

Don't think you need to get rid of the drapery panels..they soften the room. They should probably being hanging straight down. If you want to keep the valance, it appears as if the rod sags in the middle, (if so add another track support in the center of the rod.) A brass rod would keep the look light (not black) if you remove the valance. Yes, brass is making a comeback!

If you don't have a mirror in the room, adding one will add some sparkle. Maybe one with a driftwood frame. HomeShop has some nice driftwood pieces.
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kr3w4
9 år sedan
You should try using light blue curtains instead for more color
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kkhodo
9 år sedan
my first reaction looking at your pic is the dark coffee table w/ the glass top -- it doesn't seem to fit. Maybe swap the coffee table out for a different style &/or color? I like the soft color pallet too & agree that getting rid of the drapes or letting them hang straight to the floor, plus adding a few items in a single darker accent color (a couple pillows, maybe an ottoman &/or a picture) would add a "pop" to the room.

Or better yet, perhaps paint the walls a mushroom/taupe color &/or paint the black furniture a weathered dark grey color. I think a dark grey w/ an antiqued finish would look really nice with the rest of the beachy aspects of the room. Good luck!
d vandee thanked kkhodo
PRO
PT Designs Inc. / DDI
9 år sedan
In a perfect world would negate the tile floor (to cold and hard) and install a "whitewash" wood or engineered wood…but would need to know flooring in other areas of the home first as that definitely comes into play. Would soften seating area with round table, maybe introduce an organic table base such as a rustic drift wood base with round glass top…Instead of drapery panels/valance I would install woven roman shades (alone) in a wood/white wash finish to add further texture, a little warmth yet maintain the soft palette orrrr you could add to the textured romans stationary drapery panels on either end in an off white to add much needed fabric if the tile floor stays. The area rugs are extremely important given the tile floor…they need to be larger to ground the entire sitting area…thus as someone else mentioned above, the main rug needs to float under your furniture …this is hard given the angular shape of the sofa but can be done perhaps with a larger 8 x 10? rug or a custom cut and bind (you find broadloom carpeting and have it cut to size and bound on the edges)…an area rug with some pattern would be nice though. Fan & ceiling light seems imposing, if not a necessity I would get rid of but most that have fans, need/use them for circulation needs etc.. It is a great start! Best of luck!
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d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
lenniel thank you for your time and your posts. I absolutely love love the first living room photo. Definitely something I could live in. Thanks again for your great input!
d vandee
Författare
9 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 9 år sedan
PT Designs Inc. Paula Tranfaglia - Decorating Den Thank you for your time and suggestions. I agree with everything you say about the ceiling fan but unfortunately it will stay. Whitewash floors most definitely. Love that look. The table is going to be round I've found the one I want. The sofa is being replaced as discussed in previous posts. Thank you for all your input. Appreciate you taking the time to post.
PRO
Fierce Phoenix Ventures
9 år sedan
If it were me I would take the curtains down and paint the whole doorway black. Also add black crown molding. I would either change the floors to a dark wood or cover with a large rug. I would add some sort of paneling to the ceiling. Either in a board and batten style or traditional styling, and paint that a white with a shiny finish. Or paint the ceiling black, I know that that sounds weird for some people but it can actually make the ceiling look taller. That's just a few things I would do.
danabaigazy
9 år sedan
hello! i also like colors! but i advice to change blinds, is it possible to place it a bit higher (20 or 25 sm) ?

later i can send some examples of blinds to your room
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patriciamarch
9 år sedan
Personally, and my opinion only, if you do not use the large doors to the outside often, go with cell shades. I have cell shades in five of my rooms. Including the kitchen in a lavender shade. Curtains are out. If you want a more formal look in the room you are showing, panels with grommets are an option. Choose something heavy and with color if you go that route. With cell shades,you will be pleasantly surprised not only the mood they provide to a room but also an immediate interest and decor element. Especially as I mentioned before, with the bottom up and the top down it is a cozy and charming touch and adds instant decor. I love the choices of color and textures. Let your room speak to you. If the sectional is going, take everything out and start with ONE thing you love and go from there. If your room has an odd shape, etc,. take advantage of that. You don't have to fill every space. It is a beautiful room and has immense potential. The window is beautiful. Keep the woodwork white and if you stay with your current wall color, paint your ceiling in semi gloss paint (white flat paint is out) in one shade lighter. The light will bounce off the ceiling and add yet another new interest. If you can possibly get rid of the fan, think about a strip of pendants in a color. Pendants don't just hang over an island anymore. The tile floor may be cold, but replacing is expensive unless you are definitely going to add a wood floor. Shop for a fabulours large rug that you absolutely love and once again, go from there. Change the coffee table to a lighter or different base. You have the space to do something big for that piece. Add an end table with a great lamp or a table behind the sofa with a lamp if you are not fond of end tables. Try a large archetectural clock on the wall where you have an arrangement, It will be an eye catcher and an interesting element vs doing another varied arrangement.
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Janie Burton
9 år sedan
Just use straight panels at the window and find a larger area rug that the entire sectional can sit on. The color tones are good.
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carolyngarland
9 år sedan
Like all comments. Is there wall space to put the sectional into the corner, the add two chairs facing the picture wall, thus making a conversational group?
carolyngarland
9 år sedan
Never mind.
patriciamarch
9 år sedan
Send a new picture when the sectional is gone. I would opt for two wonderfully comfortable matching chairs in a pattern.. Chairs that just invite you and your guests to come sit. Instead of a sofa, how about a love seat. The love seat, a solid color. Something casual and comfortable. Love seats can easily seat two people. Place a sofa table and lamp behind the love seat. Add a large rug with a wonderful pop of color after you have chosen furniture. A glass top coffee table is always attractive and keeps the space open and bright. If the fan stays, you could change to one with a color on the blades or paint them yourself and skip the light bulb in the center. Depending on the look your are aiming for you could paint the blades on the fan silver or a metallic brown/beige. A color that picks up a color in the furniture. You will have achieved a warm conversational center.
The sides and corners of the room could include bookshelves, tall plants, a simple desk with a parsons chair for some height. Perhaps a high back chair in a corner with a metal or wrought iron table just big enough to place a book or drink. Outside garden pieces can be wonderful inside too. Shop for a stunning wall print that becomes a focal point, a beautiful mirror. Make up your own personal wall arrangement of family pictures. Mix up the color and size of the frames. the frames, Arrange the pictures sporatically instead of just a square arrangement. Lay your framed pictures on the floor, play with options to create a more unusual array. The large window to the yard is beautiful. It obviously lets a lot of light into the room. Just let it be, instead of window treatments, except I again, would consider cell shades. Instant decor without a lot of fuss and decision making. Top down and bottom up create a wonderful ambiance and mood to a room. Simple,clean and uncluttered. Wait on the color until you have made other choices. ( also,possibly matching sconces with tea lights flanking the sides of the window.) A nice touch at night or when entertaining. Take things step by step until it fits into place and works for you. Find that one thing that knocks you out and you will have made a start. Have fun doing your room.