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Design Dilemma Home Decorating living room

Living room design help

5 years ago

This is what my living room currently looks like. I feel my house does not have a theme. It doesn't flow! Too many shades of grey, colourful paintings but nothing to tie it together. I need help choosing curtain colour, area rug colour and type of coffee table

Featured Answer

PRO

Beth H. :

5 years ago

i like the other rugs suggested. that solid gray one does nothing for your space.

Notice the rug and artwork w/this gray sofa. it just warms up the space from all that cold, gray

don't want a rug w/pink in it? then try a nice print, hide rug

bring in some other elements like some side tables,

some kind of coffee table

i'd also do two of these guys on the open end of the rug

Lower you current artwork so that it's not higher than the doorway and

do larger artwork over on that other wall and remove the blue and pink square things.

maybe put a nice bench under the artwork

and some greenery.

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Comments (42)

havingfun
5 years ago
i like the curtains. lets try a different rug? i like the room.
Quadis Area Rug & Reviews | AllModern · More Info

FT-367 Rug from Frontier by Surya | PlushRugs.com · More Info

Chandra Rug & Reviews | Joss & Main · More Info

Rugs | eSaleRugs · More Info

Multi 5' x 8' Santa Fe Rug | Area Rugs | eSaleRugs · More Info

Modern 10' x 14' Area Rugs | AllModern · More Info
any of these look more like the direction you wish to head?
Helena
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi @havingfun. I automatically chose the grey rug :-) cannot seem to keep away from that colour. I think a more colourful rug would look good with the paintings. Thank you for the ideas.
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andree,,,, since this post is 2 yrs old, and the subject post was something different, you will get more help if you start a new post asking for paint suggestions. post these pics under a new title and i'll pop over to give you ideas. also state that you are keeping the sofa (if you are) BTW, You're going to have to prime those walls no matter what. Prime them now and then post some other pics asking for wall colors. right now w/that cinnamon wall color it's hard to unsee it and suggest a diff color. You know, you could keep the rug and go w/a Swiss coffee Wall color. or did you want something diff? New dilemma please. lol
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The room is awesome! I would just hang your artwork low. I might also move the poufs (or one of the poufs) to different locations that aren't symmetrical. For example, one pouf in front of the sofa and one where it currently is. For lighting, I would purchase a floor lamp for the corner to the right of the piano. Gira Floor Lamp You could also hang some plants in the left corner. Metal Planter
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Yeah, the current sectional was not intended for the space, it’s gotta go. The current dining table is expandable…the largest we could do in the space is 90” when expanded for gatherings, not daily. Also, the table is up for replacement eventually. Living room seating is the first priority. I like the idea of putting the tv where the bookshelf is but that’s far from the living room space and we’d have to rewire. Possible but more complicated. Would you do a smaller sectional or couch and chairs? We’d love to maximize seating without overcrowding the space. 🤔
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R J
5 years ago
Maybe some soft furnishings would help. Little side tables, plants, lamps, table runner and centrepiece, coffee table, mirrors... I don't think the colouring is bad if you like grey, just needs layers adding. It's bare at the moment.
Helena
Original Author
5 years ago
@RJ great advice. I will be getting in some palms next week. A coffee table is a must, I just don't know what type/style would fit into this space.
R J
5 years ago
I would say glass or marble top? With a small plant and pretty bright pink bowl/dish/vase
R J
5 years ago
Maybe a small stack of books as well. Houzz has some glass and stainless steel nesting tables that would go well. Looks like a lovely open plan home.
Helena
Original Author
5 years ago
@RJ, A bowl, flowers and books on a light grey marble table and a smaller round version as a side table with candles perhaps. Thank you. I can already see it coming together
havingfun
5 years ago
i think you should really pick the rug first, it will make a difference as to how the other items look.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
5 years ago
Look at my suggestions for this dilemma please https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5318772/any-decor-advices

may be you can get some ideas.
katinparadise
5 years ago
I agree with Beth. You need color in the room and some metallics and wood for warmth. Can you post a closer pic of the artwork?
Renee
5 years ago
I would keep the rug covered by a large white coffee table and then change the curtains to white with a pattern. That will brighten the room.
Helena
Original Author
5 years ago
@katinparadise here is a closer picture of the artwork
Helena
Original Author
5 years ago
Another angle of the living room
R J
5 years ago
Needs a chandelier ! And more artwork and furniture on the empty wall.
R J
5 years ago
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-ideas-for-blank-wall-dsvw-vd~5296263
Helena thanked R J
R J
5 years ago
@Beth H where is the canvas from in the first photo you posted? Gorgeous!
rcarterworld
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The fireplace, couch, and curtains are too matchy in color. Start with a rug you like and play from there. I don't think the art brings enough to the room. Too subtle.
doctornancy
5 years ago
You have a lovely room - nice contemporary, clean lines. Another way to add interest to the room is with the use of textures, metallics, and boldness of line rather than color. Neutrals can be quite stunning in a contemporary space. Best to you!
Helena thanked doctornancy
katinparadise
5 years ago
I agree with doctornancy. I'm not sure the hot pink pillows are working in your space. I'd look for something with a bit more texture that plays off the colors in your artwork. I think the pillows and accessories doctornancy showed are the direction you should be taking to bring more life to the room.
Helena thanked katinparadise
everdebz
5 years ago
Large Everlasting Ember Chandelier, Large · More Info

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everdebz
5 years ago
large wall?
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PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
RJ,,,not sure. i've seen here and there online. try a google image search.
everdebz
5 years ago
Partly I posted a striking chandelier cause the space appears with its height to be grand. ??
ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
5 years ago
Given that the room is very large, I would opt for a much larger rug so that this does not look like just a nook in an otherwise empty room. I would also use white or cream-colored curtains and pillows that pick up some of the colors in your carpet. The pink pillows just don't fit. You have a great space, but filling it with drab furniture will not do justice to it. There's a lot of good advice given here, and I hope it helps you to decorate your home the way it deserves.
Helena
Original Author
5 years ago
So much wonderful advice! There are hardly any interior designers in my country (Namibia) and your comments have helped me a great deal. I will be getting light curtains and a larger light rug. Some plants, coffee table, different cushions and a standing lamp. I will post the progress within two weeks. You have no idea how much your advice is worth. Thank you very much
Donald
5 years ago
I think it’s more ‘no pattern’ and not ‘too much grey’. You could add a black and white Greek key trim to the curtains, some mudcloth pillows on the sofas, a plant or two by the windows, something wood like a drinks table or stool.
Harper
5 years ago
Waiting patiently Helena. Your home is gorgeous!
havingfun
5 years ago
i just saw one where they combined hot pink, leaf green, and cream for a jungle glam.
katinparadise
5 years ago
Have fun shopping!
everdebz
5 years ago
just to see...
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Under a warm-toned painting?

if you want opposite of kitchen's silver tones / grey of LR -- this parchment [ivory color?] maybe...
everdebz
5 years ago
Console with some detail? this reminds me of art you posted.... but might not 'show' well against floor... I'm not a designer....
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everdebz
5 years ago
I'd probably try a striking center table -- to enhance look of all the angles, to further it along.....and to repeat wood of dining table. W 49.8" / H 13.8"

Geometric table with a worn black finish rubbed to reveal honey undertones.

Faceted Large Round Wood Coffee Table, Modern Geometric Block Solid · More Info
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everdebz
5 years ago
So organic that it'd bring out the life from stone [fireplace], repeat wood from dining area, and add curves to straight lines of furniture … ? :)
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everdebz
5 years ago
Seems a proper base for entire space.... elegant but simple as though from a museum. Repeat this shape a bit... you could have more wall items that stick out/ have depth.
Candice Coffee Table Walnut · More Info

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everdebz
5 years ago
Too dark to 'show' on the fireplace? well idea for depth and shine too - another wall.

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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Tried your larger art on fp wall?

then a tall metal piece where that art is currently?

-----------------------------

a horizontally hung metal under the 1 sconce?
everdebz
5 years ago
If you want the hot combination of orange and fuschia/magenta, combine it in more accessories.... idea for under 1 sconce.

You have plenty of cool and so warm color[s] would be nice....

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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
A striking rug could be a combo of colors too. Because the kitchen is open, to me that makes space more informal.... a bit lighthearted then seems good.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/rizzy-home-pandora-pr8145-multi-colored-medallion-area-rug-rectangular-8-x-10-prvw-vr~95944497[(https://www.houzz.com/products/rizzy-home-pandora-pr8145-multi-colored-medallion-area-rug-rectangular-8-x-10-prvw-vr~95944497)

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everdebz
5 years ago
Cause I love the warm beiges and tans, wondering if this direction - warm neutrals nice with your cool neutrals?

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everdebz
5 years ago
Helena, how is it for you?

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