timeless look in living room and modernize bedroom

6 years ago

Hi , I would like to have a timeless and more up to date look in the living room . I recently sold my old sofa,love seat and chair . The sectional and rug showing are from the basement until I purchase a new set. I am looking into leather ..... maybe white or grey. I would like to keep the curio if possible and what do you think about the lamp bases( I could spray them need be it). Any suggestions with color schemes, layout , curtains and art?
As for the bedroom I would like to keep the solid wood bureaus ; maybe change knobs any suggestions ? Thank you for your input!

Featured Answer

deegw

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I think you should take some time and look through Houzz photo for inspiration. Everyone's definition of timeless is different. For instance, you say you want to keep your curio but many feel that curios are out of style. You say you want grey or white leather. Most styles of grey and white leather furniture fit best in modern rooms.

Share some inspiration photos and pattern and color preferences and it will be easier to help you. It's fun to decorate from scratch but it can be overwhelming. You are starting with a nice space so you are already ahead of the game.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (1.1K)

PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Olga I need a better description of the wall heater..you have in the room? Have some time so doing a quick layout for you...
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Flo , ty for the diagrams! I have added sconces for the bedroom with a queen bed. Opposite of the bed there is an armoire built in.Nightstands very small will be added( no lamps since sconces are already placed and a chandelier is placed in the middle of room.
As for the livingroom , I have passed cables from inside the walls on two different walls the large wall where the sofa is placed on the second diagram and on the wall where you have placed the Tv on second diagram because I did know where to place it yet.
I love your second design as well. I was thinking to get a small sectional for the livingroom with art on top and a console table with wall mounted tv and small entrance table and mirror and a plant . Possibly a round table for the livingroom or rectangular depending on the room left over.
I was thinking to incorporate blues in there and possibly white or grey couch.
Related Discussions
OT: 4 bedrooms, or 3 bedrooms + rec room?
Q
Comments (48)
Gardenwebber, that is SUCH a good point about "entertaining in their rooms". Here's a thought about your floorplan: have the kids take the back two bedrooms. Move your son to the smaller bedroom, the girls in the room with the closet. Take that wall that you guys put up and turn it into the bunk beds in separate rooms. This will give you a lot more useable floor space. Swing your youngest daughter's bed against the far wall and you will maximize the floor space there. Your son can have the lower bunk bed in his own room next door. That leaves the bedroom directly across from yours as a playroom. That also makes your own bedroom further away from the kids beds. The bunk beds are just drywalled with the mattress only on them. We have always had a rule that our kids cannot have a computer, video games or tv in their bedroom until they are 18. I do not want that stuff cluttering my downstairs living room. An upstairs space for this is the best solution. We built our current home knowing that we were going to have teens in them someday and to give them space separate from ours. Think about this solution. My husband would be happy to talk you and your husband thru the details if it is something you would be interested in. P.S. my 17y.o.'s boyfriend is coming for christmas for 17 days and there is no way in hell that she will be "entertaining" him in her bedroom!!!!!!!!!!!! Sherry
...See More
Sherwin Williams Paint/Sheen Help for Bedrooms and Living Room
Q
Comments (3)
This is an older post but I wanred to add my experience with Promar 200. We have always used BM Regal Select eggshell in our home - when we repainted in connection with building an addition, they used Promar 200 eg-shel. It is horrible paint - and combined with spraying the walls (without backrolling), every tiny imperfection in the wall stands out like a sore thumb. It is so reflective. In one room they had to come back and fix some issues and they used BM Regal Select - it is night and day - the Promar is super shiny and almost makes the color look lighter, wheras the Regal is just soft and almost no reflection. The walls look terrible where Promar was used to the extent that they must be repainted.
...See More
Help me pick paint colors for bedroom/dining room/living room!
Q
Comments (2)
Have you considered a pretty white? That would probably look better with beige furniture. BM Swiss Coffee, White Dove and Chantilly Lace are all nice possibilities.
...See More
Removing main floor bedroom for larger living room/ dining room
Q
Comments (6)
Main floor bedrooms is a really geographical thing. In some areas not having one really hurts resale value, so consult with a local real estate agent. The ageing parents is something to consider. Removing a bedroom will also hurt resale value, but if you can put one upstairs then it's fine. Like Jennifer said, most people don't use formal dining rooms anymore, and it looks like you have an eat-in space plus island seating. I'm going to guess that the wall separating the living room and kitchen is loading bearing, so there will be extra costs in opening that up so be sure to factor that into the decision. I'd say this is a personal/lifestyle choice. Just do some research before deciding.
...See More
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
I just dont want it to be monochromatic in this condo . I would love pop of color!
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Do a low modern simple sectional in blue! keep room all white...a bright blue sectional against white walls would be fabulous...I would stay away from gray...keep it crisp and vibrant...
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
I have another option - Option 3 This would give you more seating. I would not do a sectional in this space.
layouts · More Info
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Julie! The heater is 3 feet long and 2.5 feet high.( livingroom)top piclook at.
So so glad to hear from you!
Please look at my inspirational photo of kitchen that I copied in my condo as well.
Look that I like for balcony as far as look.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
inspirational photo copied in my kitchen
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Julie your message cut you would stay away .... please continued
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
How wide is that balcony? It doesn't look wide enough for a sofa? But I the main drawing could be misleading.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
I was thinking of even going with a taupe sectional since the floor is a taupy grey color. And add blue pillows , art with blue inside , curtains in white color, table round or rectangular with blue vase ( groupings of three ) . I guess I have learned hey Julie and Flo....

Dont really like the third one Flo yes you get more seating but where the Tv is put on top of there on upper wall I have an airconditioning unit/ heater as well, it will be noisy.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
I have to say Flo my husband and I are very impressed with your layout of furniture ( the three options). Wow
When one does that it it gives us a better outlook on final look. As designers you can visualise the space faster, the average person cannot.
I will choose some couches and put some looks together and tell me which one will work. I have added some looks below , do you like them as color schemes?

Claire thank you for your looks of furniture choices. Very nice can you make a diagram even if its in pen and paper not so detailed as Flos .

Julie thankyou so so much I know you are overwhelmed and busy I reached out to you and you stilll took the time to put your input. Please feel free to join in you know I love your designs and guidance.❤️Many many thanks!
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
The balcony is 6 feet wide x 30 long.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Ok good additional info. Then Option 2 might be best bet. I wouldn’t add gray inside. I can try a small sectional and see if it would work. You need at least 2’ and better with 3’ clearance for walkways to slider balcony door and egress and moving from entry into kitchen etc. keep that in mind. I think that white leather sofa you posted is awesome. Big $$$$ and looks deep but maybe you can get smaller version? Then do guest chair in blues and maybe yellows. The cobalt blue would be stunning. Just not sure what you can get locally?
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Flo , yes option 2 you posted is ideal or small sectional . The white sofa I posted is from rochebobois its a french store from France but there is one in Athens Greece.
I also have to see if I can get that one in a sofa bed because I need that option just incase family is visiting.
Also I find a small sectional might do one for small spaces.

I also found this bed in Athens what doyou think?
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Nice choices. We have RocheBobois here in Houston too and they have amazing leather and quality pieces. But they are very high priced. Maybe better there? Here is Option 4!
layouts · More Info

The problem with this layout is where do we put the TV? Stay tuned! haha!
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
small sectional like this possibly ( in size).Flo what do you think?first picture)

Another look that I really liked while looking at some work that a Houzz designer did for a client was this particular look.It is from Paradox Studio ( Parmys) and was wowed by this look. But to incorporate blue chair or accents instead.( 2nd picture)
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Option 5 -
layouts · More Info

This could work! A sectional with corner piece or chaise on short end so you would still have access to the slider? Which side opens in the Slider. The section closest to the kitchen? If yes, this can work. You could do 4 square stools for coffee table clustered together and then have extra seating when entertaining. This size sectional is about the largest you can do in this configuration. It would mean basically a twin size, possibly a queen size sleeper on the longer end.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
If you want a sleeper, you really need a single sofa so you can get a "queen" size bed. So, careful measuring is critical.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi yes Flo for sure it would work. Dont forget I can go right through even though the heater is there it will cover it . No problem the heat comes out from the top . It is very narrow dimensions were given earlier when Julie asked for them.
As long as I take into account the space for the console table.
Need be it I can buy a tv console that is suspended in the air also.( prefer not to).
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Flo’s #5 is perfect...I had almost the same layout for you..but with a round ottoman coffee table..did a small open bottom sofa table by the door with small cubes under it to be pulled out and used for extra sitting.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Saw this image thought you may like the combination of colors...love the sectional..
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
I think your desire for a sleeper is going to dictate sofa sizing. I am familiar with that type heater, but you still need some separation from it for comfort. You don't have much space to pull sofa out from wall due to the slider. I saw the measurements for that heater and have added to drawing. Can you translate the size of that sofa/chaise you posted above?
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
6.5 feet long x 5 feet( extending part and its a sofa bed).
I understand what you mean Flo the right sofa or sectional is ideal to make this room feel larger and get also the functionality of extra bed.
I agree with all #5 is the best for now.

Thanks Jukie very nice look as well! ty
PRO
PAROX STUDIO
5 years ago
Hi Olga, very nice apartment... What is your finishing colors? what is your floor color, is the floor of you kitchen different from the living area? in your kitchen what kind of white do you want to use? what is your counter top? which direction you are facing? south, north, ...? Do you have a city view? water view? park?
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Parmys , its a city view I posted pictures of place.
And bathroom and kitchen 3d and inspirational picture because island and cabinets were not put in yet when we left.( so you get a feel of space).
They will be put in soon from contracter.
The floor is grey brown all through the house laminate flooring. Grey beige tiles on balcony.
White shaker cabinets,grey quartz counter top and island the same.
Bathroom is marble look with grey vanity and white quartz.
Bedroom has sconces on side of bed and chandelier in middle.
Spotlights through the whole house kitchen and livingroom on dimmers and different switches.

Queen size bed with built in wardrobe.

1st inspiration photo
2nd 3d of my place
3rd pic of my condo ( second floor ) city view
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
balcony and bathroom
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
bathroom mirror on bottom grey vanity with white quartz
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
measurements
PRO
PAROX STUDIO
5 years ago
Yes I saw all... that is why I asked! because in the rendering floor is natural oak hard wood color!..and what type of hardware you are using? black like the rendering or other material? and the floor you said is gray brown can you find a sample online and send it to me?
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
oc 26 is the paint color everywhere in home
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
floor color
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
hardware is stainless steel. Paint color oc 26 and pic of bedroom with sconces. Posted white bed that I liked earlier to buy upholstered.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
That’s not what I meant about sconces. Those are not in right position. They are more decorative. Also they seem to have put switches in worst possible spot. Can’t put art or mirrors there. Not good. Something more like this where a person could read in bed and move arm to proper direction.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Oh well Flo ,we cant change the decorative sconces theywere already put up by the electrician. Dont really need reading lights , remember its a vacation home not permanent dwelling. On vacation we usually entertain on the balcony with family ( having supper) and all day at the beach.
I was not thinking of adding mirrors on sides. I will add three photos ontop of bed.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Ok well it seems you have things in hand, so I will be interested in how things turn out. Best to you.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
As to your balcony, with 6’ width and that length, I would divide into two areas. One with casual seating and one with bar type tables and chairs. Depending on sun exposure, you might need an awning across outer edge for greater comfort. Love the color combo HIWE posted a while back.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
One more thing I just observed in one of your photos. The doors to balcony actually swing into the room. This means you probably can’t use chaise or sectional because the swing of doors will interfere. Check that out to determine size of sofa.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Olga..if you haven’t already picked a bed frame...I would consider doing a low wood finish platform bed..not upholstered.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Just a few ideas for you.....than Off to the races....I will check in tonight...relaxed vacation feel and style..the wood adds warmth....do something you don’t have at home!
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Quick balcony idea....I would do two lounge chairs at the end off your master bedroom....add a long platform sofa with loads of pillows with one big potted tree.....add a couple small garden stools for tables.....put a bistro table next to railing with two chair for coffee in the morning. If you think you need a BBQ...add a small one on back wall next to family room doors.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for your suggestions. Yes I did consider the door ( balcony)opening it is two feet into the livingroom. I am actually waiting for contracter to set up kitchen cabinets and island and send me a video or pics to get an accurate left over space measurements to choose the sofa bed ,table etc.. he said in ones week time.
When I was considering a sectional , a small sectional would be used. Maybe I wont be able to fit it and like Flo said it would make a twin bed which in reality I want a double / queen sofabed for guests.Something to consider!

Home Interiors with Ease thank you for your bed suggestions. I have to go see what the stores have in Athens as far as "style".
I will highly consider it, its different from my home in Canada.

I also liked your lounge chairs and set up of balcony.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
I actually need two awnings to be set up. But it is something we will choose this summer.
I actually need somewhere to dine in the balcony because my husbands family is a large one. Obviously in the summers everyone in Greece eats late passed 9:00 pm for supper and all together as well. So dining space needs to be included !
How I am going to fit it is something else? Maybe a table that opens and closes .....
The bar stools is nice however some are more elderly and thats a challenge to have them sit on barstools.Space wise its fantastic and practical.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
I think you can still do a sofa with queen size sleeper if you put the sofa on the long wall. Then chairs could be placed to avoid the doors.
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
This could go next to front door as the entry table and expand it for dining with folding chairs...
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
5 years ago
Something like this takes care of lounging and dining...plus adding two loungechaise outside your master bedroom.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
You might want to consider using chairs that can stack up or serve inside and outside so you have multi uses. This would help to store compactly inside when you are back in Canada and you don’t want to leave furniture out on balcony. They would also be comfortable for the age range you mentioned of your family members there. I would think about scale of furniture if you will need to bring inside when you aren’t there.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Nice stackable chairs Flo those are a smart buy! I will try to locate them in Greece.They area must!!
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Very nice seating patio HIWE! I liked the console table very much , a bit expensive for a console table but I get what you mean buying things with dual purposes.
I will take the weekend to go to IKEA.gr and other stores to see furniture choices.

I would like it to be a no fuss and easy to care home to stay for two months packup and go.Basically versatile.
olga_giovas
Original Author
5 years ago
Parmys I mentioned I needed a patio table with chairs for dinners outside in the summer not inside .
We will be using the island when we are in.
Plus my livingroom is small , I am tryingto get the most from the spave I have.