Need help with decorating my living room

8 år sedan

senast redigerad:6 år sedan

Hey, We've just moved into a new rental apartment. I need suggestions/ help on how to decorate the place and make it more homely. So far we have a grey couch, glass-top white coffee table & white TV unit. It is a combined dining and lounge. The dining table chair are white leather and the table is glass top. What colours would work? I feel like there is a lot of white & grey. What other colours can I introduce? I'm thinking to buy a rug & cushions.

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dohraime

8 år sedan

The white and grey is a great neutral base, so you can add in whatever colour you like really.

Are there particular colours you are drawn too? Sometimes your wardrobe can tell you what colours you go for time and time again. Or if you have some wall decor, art, prints, fabrics etc you can use colours from that to create a colour palatte.

Even browsing art online can help even if you don't plan to buy anything. You'll start to see what colours appeal to you. You may see some art that has the greys and white of your apartment paired with other colours and see how well they all work together.

With a rug, you can go 2 ways. You could add in something with bold pattern or colour and select other decor to work with that. OR you could select a neutral toned rug that has a lot of texture and bring colour in with your other decor. Just make sure you select a nice big rug. As wide or wider then the sofa and tv unit.

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Kommentarer (41)

dohraime
8 år sedan
Here's some photos with grey sofas for some inspiration.
Relaterade diskussioner
Är svensk inredning och design 'lagom'?
Q
Kommentarer (6)
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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Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
Thank you for the suggestions. I decided to go with an orange and blue colour scheme for the decor.

Something like this -

I picked up this rug over the weekend. The rug is quite big so it's actually wider than the sofa.

Do I need to centre the sofa, TV and coffee table with the rug?

How can I style the coffee table? I will be removing the coffee table cover - it's just there in the mean time.

Thank you once again for your help & suggestions! :)
dohraime
8 år sedan
Great choice of colours. There's so many hues of blue and orange that work well together.

The rug has already helped define the living area. I would try centre the sofa and bring it out from the wall a bit. See how that looks. Do you still have lamp in the far corner?

Your coffee table looks about right distance from sofa. You wouldn't want to go more the half a metre.

Hopefully other "houzzers" will give further suggestions on styling for you.
User
8 år sedan
Don't overdo objects on your coffee table. I see you have cream in that cushion, don't use any more, as your white furniture is very "modern". Getting back to objects, keep them practical. Maybe a tray, something attractive to read, and another item of your choice. Groups of odd numbers work best, preferably three, you don't want clutter.
Sam thanked User
User
8 år sedan
https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/guide-to-creating-a-beautifully-styled-coffee-table-stsetivw-vs~34758028
PRO
Dylan Fox Photography
8 år sedan
The finishing touch is artwork! Also a great way to bring the outdoors in, and add a splash of colour!

www.dylanfox.com.au
User
8 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 8 år sedan
What do you think of this one Dylan ;)

http://www.wikiart.org/en/winslow-homer/fox-hunt
User
8 år sedan
I agree that many of Dylan's great photos have the blue and orange you are seeking. Just stunning.
LesleyH
8 år sedan
Make sure it is art you love not just colours that go with the tones you have chosen.
User
8 år sedan
That's why I start with art, rug or expensive existing curtains. I take my colours from one of those.
PRO
T W F I N E A R T
8 år sedan
Hi, why not carry some of those colours into some fantastic artwork for the room? These two contemporary limited edition prints by Greg MacLaughlin are very affordable. Each is available in a variety of sizes and compliment the beautiful tones introduced through the cushions while keeping with the more geometric/hard line elements of the rugs, table and sofa. There are many more options on our website and we'd be happy to help you curate a selection perfect for the room.
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
Since this is a rental, we can't hang anything on the wall :( Don't really know how I can hang artworks on the wall without nails. So sadly the walls have to be bare which is bothering me so much!
farsideb
8 år sedan
There are plenty of ways to hang things on walls without nails,that won't ruin walls or paintwork. Drop into a large hardware store and have a look.
User
8 år sedan
Weigh your items, write it down and take it with you. I've used two maximum weight Commander hooks for one mirror when renting. Anything with glass or mounted on thick wood will weigh more.
KK1000
8 år sedan
Add just orange colour and stick with black, white and gray. The storage cubes are to small . Get one large statement storage/shelved unit in black to give it height and ground the room. Floor lamp , look at replica designer lighting, lots of choices and get rid of small nick necks lying around.
chubbychicky
8 år sedan
I love the cushions that you've chosen Theophil......can I be cheeky and ask where you bought them?
User
8 år sedan
Cheekychubbychicky
User
8 år sedan
I agree with oskuee, definitely don't have razors lying about!
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
@chubbychicky These are from Etsy :)

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/121053142/turquoise-and-orange-decorative-zippered?ref=market
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
Would hanging a mirror above the sofa work? Or would it look too cluttered?
User
8 år sedan
For a sofa, you need a mirror 3/4 the length of it. That's a lot to ask of your Commander hooks. Try a smaller mirror near the front door instead to check yourself before you leave.
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 8 år sedan
What do you guys think of the floor lamp version of this lamp from ikea?

http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/50281413/
User
8 år sedan
It would help to soften the room to have more fabric, but what base do you choose for that shade?
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
Ikea doesn't seem to have too many choice with the lamp base - http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/10805/

I'm thinking just a basic black base?

I just found this pic of a lamp on another houzz forum. It's so beautiful but I have no idea where I would be able to find it.

https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/contemporary-living-room-contemporary-living-room-new-york-phvw-vp~4297466
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
I always thought about throwing away the storage cube cos I didn't think it really suited the room or had any purpose there. But after @oskuee's comment, I'm thinking of painting it and then turning it around. Would black be the best colour though? And I can add orange & blue boxes in just 2 of them?
KK1000
8 år sedan
I have seen that black floor lamp it's to big for your room and is over $1000 to buy
KK1000
8 år sedan
For lamps have a look at Matt Blatt, Sokol, replica furniture , Milan direct and that kind of shops IKEA is not THE SHOP for everything.
chubbychicky
8 år sedan
Thanks heaps Theophil.......I'll have a look :)
dohraime
8 år sedan
Ändrades senast: 8 år sedan
The lamp is called C-U C-Me Arc Lamp. You'd be looking at upwards of $1500 to purchase in Australia. I actually don't think it would be that difficult to recreate the look....

A mirror would look fine over the sofa but I think it's too risky on temporary hooks. You wouldn't want it coming down on anyone sitting on the sofa. Approach the landlord and see if you can actually put nails and screws in the wall so long as you patch & paint the holes at end of lease. It wont hurt to ask.

Check out Apartment Therapy for tips on renting and putting up wall decor or alternative ways to display items.
christaline
8 år sedan
What a beautiful coffee table. Any modern artwork that you like would look great, but don't skimp on the size of it, or alternatively lots of your favourite photos/pictures framed in one sort of block area would also be great. We have a beautiful black and brass nautilus on our coffee table - if I could load a photo I would. Just go shopping and wait until you find something you can't live without - don't hurry, you'll find it. Good luck and all the best in your new home.
Sam
Författare
8 år sedan
Added a few things. I know the artwork is too tiny for the sofa :/
KK1000
8 år sedan
All you need is a large black and white artwork to bring the look together and a taller floor lamp so it's not all at same level. As I said before skip IKEA you need a statement piece.
KK1000
8 år sedan
Chelsea Park Gardens | London | SW3 · Mer info
KK1000
8 år sedan
P.s it doesn't need to be one large piece it could be something like photo above, it will give room the height. Smaller is also easier to hang on temporary .
dohraime
8 år sedan
What an improvement Theophil! And all that light flooding in really lifts the room also.

You could experiment with increasing the size of that artwork by mounting it on a backdrop piece. Something like a larger artists canvas (the flat kind, not box frame) and painting it or covering in complimentary fabric. Or use a wood panel, left raw or paint/cover it.

That is actually an artist panel, but I don't see why something from hardware store wouldn't work.

You could also just tack decorative paper, wallpaper, fabric behind it.
User
8 år sedan
But nothing too tacky. ;)
Joanne Fosdike
8 år sedan
You should see the Houzz article - Size up the Right Area Rug for Your Living Room - a great article that will show you how to use your rug best to anchor your furniture and define your living space. You've got the bones now, this will help bring it together much better and explains the concept much better than I could here.
christaline
8 år sedan
What you're doing is great, try and get a little more balance. The photos you have on the shelves beside your sofa (with maybe a few more of them) would be great on the wall with your painting to maybe even frame the picture. Try your candlesticks on your dining table. Have you tried the shelves on the other side of the sofa - I love moving furniture around. At the moment your eye is drawn to the lower part of your room instead of getting the overall effect which will end up great. Just keep fiddling.
Jessica Sanday
8 år sedan
Hi there I think that adding in wooden decorations and real/fake plants can help bring a bit of life in to your space. And the tones of plants and wooden/nature looking items work really well with neutral colours. They can be both cheap and expensive depending on your taste so finding a bargain or something to suit your needs should be quite easy. If you want a more elegant look marble decorations even if small can be a great way to add a look of class. Candles are also a great way to add in some nice smells to invite people into your home. Keep in mind that sometimes less is more. Don't overdo it and have some fun! It's nice to shop for your home.
geraldineanne_hunt
8 år sedan
Make contact with the real estate agent and tell them you will patch up the holes when you leave. Shouldn't be a problem, I have done that before.