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Home Decorating Design Dilemma living room

Living room help! How can I brighten up this space??

6 years ago

I would love to brighten/lighten up my living room space. I am struggling what to add or take away to accomplish that goal! The patterned chairs are a challenge for me as far as matching things. My walls are dark, my couch is dark. HELP! I welcome any and all suggestions about what changes I can make.

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Comments (2)

roarah
6 years ago
More lamps and I would also add softness to the windows with fabric. Nice room.
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Beth H. :
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
It's a nice room and you've done a pretty good job. A few tweaks though,,,,exchange the short plant for a taller plant, in that corner. If you can't do a taller one, then hang the one you have from the ceiling or put it on a taller, mini table.
put the plant on something like this. Target..Project 62

That sectional, (which really is too big for this room) in front of that door, really closes off the room (visually and literally). if you could, at some point, you could use separate pieces, that would be great.

going w/a round, open style coffee table will soften some of those square edges
Target.

a single sofa against the long wall, some colored pillows, artwork, the coffee table/bench (using one like this that's 'open' looking, gives the illusion of more space) the blue velvet chair for some accent colors,,,,this is what you need in your space.

for instance, imagine if you removed that smaller end of the sofa and had something like this against that wall

or this one. BTW, these colors, below, would look great in your room.

Do you have any artwork? Framed pictures, tapestry, shelving,,,anything?

here is a simple example that you could do.

Target has cute accessories like little tables, pillows, wall decor, etc, that you could use.

bring in some color w/the arrangement like they done here, for behind your sofa.

the pics behind this sofa are hung a bit high, but should give you an idea of how to accessorize your room. this would also be a better table for you. It's mainly that sectional that is really making this room heavy.

if you need window coverings, I keep it sleek w/some inset blinds of some sort.
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It's such a pretty room already, you just need to add the icing. I agree with those who suggest moving the couch to face the fireplace and put 2 chairs facing each other between the couch and fireplace with the coffee table in the center. I'd also chose the slipper chairs because of their scale, but they may not be the preferred TV watching chairs for your family. How much room is there from the end of the couch where it is now and the wall facing/opposite the fireplace, behind the camera? If there is enough room, you could add a sofa table with a lamp or lamps on it behind the sofa (in the new suggested arrangement. That would bring some light to the middle of the room. ETA: I reread that you are replacing the armchairs. That opens up the options so much. I'd find a style you like and then search for that style made in a fabric you love, or have them custom made with your fabric, if that's in the budget. I don't think you can go wrong if you pick something you love, but if you are unsure, post choices here for opinions. These may not be your taste, but may help you start thinking about what you would like: Maybe not blue, but an all over print:
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You need some beautiful drapes, rug, and some accent colors. I have 2 light beige sofas in my living room and the carpet is about the same color as the sofas (already there--not my choice). I painted the walls a silvery gray and my accent colors are white, black and burgundy. Even though I also have carpet, I purchased a gorgeous rug that is placed between the 2 sofas for color. I will eventually be making burgundy drapes and make pillow covers out of burgundy, cream, and black Japanese fabrics. Here is what my rug looks like:
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Is this a year round location? If so, I would move the bookcase and put two comfy chairs near the fireplace. I would not replace the French doors with sliders. I also would not paint the wood. It's part of the charm, along with the French doors. I would paint the walls a warmer color, but don't darken the space. Declutter everywhere. Less is more in rentals. The circular cut out if a tad odd within the space. Can you square it up and trim to match other door surrounds? Since it is a rental, I definitely would declutter. Large piece of art over the fireplace. Remove the piano, it's taking up valuable space. No signs or wall words. When you invest in new furniture, find options using Sunbrella (or any indoor/outdoor) fabric. Any rugs purchased should also stand up to lakehouse wear and tear. A set of three framed lake travel posters/prints. Something where the art stands out and not the wording. Similar in style and relate to each other. Fireplace or wall art I have no idea where you are, so just selected soothing pieces.
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Try a love seat facing fireplace, either up closer so traffice flow would be behind, or against wall where storage door is. Add some type of shelving/bookcase to the right of fireplace for storage and a small tv. Add an extra chair, narrow coffee table and a rug will help define it as a seating area. Accessorize and try Marketplace for some great finds. On other side of fireplace you could add large art and a fold downtable would be perfect for meals, entertaining and a spot for a laptop.
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