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Home Decorating Design Dilemma Fireplaces

How to decorate and improve my living room and kitchen.

Ashley Thompson

6 years ago

sectional that would help separate the space. The windows are inconvenient and not attractive but I don't care for curtains so I'm thinking the wooden blinds would look so much better. Maybe reading nooks on either side of the fireplace with small bookshelves (built against the outside fireplace wall to about the height of the mantel, above the stone) with spaces underneath for baskets containing the kid's toys would be a good way to use this space as well as giving the kids their own area. I want some type of console table for behind the sofa and maybe a built in desk for behind the door as a type of command center for the family. Originally I planned on putting the desk more in the kitchen but due to lack of a better place for my curio cabinet (the one currently located by the fireplace which was my mother's so I'm keeping it in the house, the China cabinet and matching diningroom table I'm not so sure if I'm leaving or storing it) but if I remove the China cabinet it could go in it's place. Now for the kitchen I'm having problems deciding what, if anything at all, should be used to decorate above the cabinets. I have some bottles there right now but only because I was playing around with them trying to decide whether or not to use them. I think I need to change the lighting but not sure to what. Keep in mind I'm planning on building next year so small upgrades are all I'm trying to make. Also feel free to point out any mistakes I've made as well as any changes or ideas you have. This house has potential and character just needs improvements. Please excuse the table in the kitchen as well as the empty China and curio cabinets, I'm still cleaning them and the walls and making small repairs as well as moving our stuff in. Thanks for your input.

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ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9

6 years ago

I'm seeing a very dark, almost cave-like space with very little in the way of windows. My first step before moving in would have been to paint the walls a light color. I would remove everything off the kitchen cabinets; it just looks like clutter. If you're planning on building next year I don't know that I would do too much here, except to declutter. Right now I gather not everything is in place so it's difficult to make an adequate judgment. With the animal heads and all that wood it frankly looks more like a hunting lodge than a home. Some art on the walls would be nice, if you have the space.

Comments (11)

Bluebell66
6 years ago
Is your original post maybe missing some of your text? I think you have windows on either side of the fire place, right? I do agree with Ingrid that if you are building in a year, to not do much that will take time or much money. I wouldn't paint or build small bookshelves. Just do what you need to do to make it more livable for now, and then stage for sale when the time comes. But if it's a situation where building a year from now might turn into 3 or 5 years (been there!), then yes, if you want bookshelves and art on the walls, go for it. When it comes time to get ready to sell, I would remove some of the furniture and the animal heads - some people have a strong reaction to them, plus I think they contribute to making the space feel more narrow.
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User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
If you're building in a year I wouldn't do a bunch of stuff. I do think blinds on the windows would look better. I'd have the slats open or raised up as much as possible to let light in. I bet this room looks a lot different with light. I would also keep the tops of the cabinets clear. If you really want to add something there I would make sure they're large items because smaller will read more cluttery. Also odd numbers are generally more pleasing to the eye.

I wouldn't build anything beside the fireplace that would cover the windows even partially.

A console table would look nice behind the sofa.

I like your china cabinet and curio where they are.

What's your kitchen lighting? Cans in the ceiling? What lighting did you want to change? Did you mean lamps or overhead?

I wouldn't paint your walls. Let the new owner decide.
Geneviève
6 years ago
some colour could be all that you need , decorate Chalet style introduce red and white ,look into Switzerland décor ,your place is warm and cozy a bit too dark yes but nothing major , let me see if I can be more specific on what I would do :)
Geneviève
6 years ago
Small appliances can bring an instant lift ,
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apple_pie_order
6 years ago
Please take some new photos with the shutters open and the lights all on. Are the taxidermy pieces yours or the seller's?
Geneviève
6 years ago

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aprilneverends
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The pics come off a bit dark, so yes, taking pictures with lights on/hutters open would be helpful

I wouldn't add anything now until I decide what I want..in fact i'd take small things. put them somewhere else for now, and look at the space so I see it better and with a fresh eye

(I also like your china cabinet and curio where they are btw)

One thing I want to mention though before I see some more and think some more-I don't know where the house is but it's clearly inspired by forest. Woods.

What usually goes on in forests-they're full of colors.

they have leaves(or needles:) or both) The leaves might change their colors with seasons. They have flowers. Mushrooms. Berries. Grasses. They have a lot going on..

So if your house takes a lot of clues from forest-adding colors and textures will enhance it a lot.

It's a perfect interior to pile on all these things.

It takes the idea of your house and develops it.

Forests can be very calming and cozy places to be..well maybe not when it's night and winter and you're not sure who's behind that tree..:) But yes, as somebody who loves forests-I see a very big potential in your place, Don't try to convert it into what it's not(I don't think it's your intention anyway; just thinking out loud)..but go with it some more.

Don't do a theme..I don't mean a theme at all. I mean inspiration.

And yes I love the idea of art, because I ve never seen a place yet that I wouldn't love the adea of art))

Also plants..if there s enough light; but there are several that are very resilient and survive well almost anywhere.
suzyqtexas
6 years ago
Change the fabric on the seats at the island to a pattern and bright color . Also I think it is your backdoor to the left of the kitchen cabinets, could you get one with a window in it?
PRO
Carolina Kitchen & Bath
6 years ago
Open the shutters and let as much light as possible in and take the dead things off the wall. I don't think anybody still includes them in the must-have list for a rustic decor.
auntthelma
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
A big white fluffy rug in the living room! You need something bright and soft.

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