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Furniture Design Dilemma Living Room

From bachelor pad to green velvet sofa

6 years ago

Hi! I’m moving into my boyfriend’s lovely London flat and I’ve been given a carte blanche to redecorate.

The apartment itself is small but has a lot of natural light and a functional fireplace and built in bookcases. I’ve already ordered a 6’ fiddle leaf fig, a green velvet slipcover and new legs ( see below without the tufting)

for the Karlstad sofa, and will add some mongolian sheepskin pillows. I’m now looking for help as to a rug/coffee table combo, as well as any artsy chandelier options or other general input.

Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

swestyoung
Original Author

6 years ago

Thanks so much Aprilneverends!

I agree a mixed texture look will suit the space. My style is very girly glam, so I’m trying to temper that in some way. Attaching photos of my last two places (I’m a graduate student now, the bottom one is my studio in Oxford)

I found these nesting tables at Zara home and thought they might suit for a coffee table

You’re right that the light can wait till last. I’m hoping to get something gold and funky, maybe a sputnik chandelier - but the ceilings aren’t super high here. I’m still most caught up on a rug. I’m torn between something black and white (and leaving the wall white) or something natural and maybe painting the wall behind a deep blue. 2 examples here:

Option A

Option B

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (9)

aprilneverends
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
what a pretty place!! the fireplace, the shelving..oh my

you gravitate to more modern glam-a bit-boho from what I read-so yes, your coffee table, TV console and, lastly, dining table are in a bit of a dissonance..a bit too rustic. also they have to be bigger. But not bulky visually, at the same time.

(to the light, I'd get last unless I stumble upon something I love-because currently it kinda goes with everything. But you need to love your lights, no question. you can go any direction with the light here-the bones are handsome, the light is like jewelry that can be modern or taditional, stark or fancy)

what's the budget?

you have this great site there..not on the high street..it's huge..https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/home

you also must have Anthropologie, right?

you also have my favorite envy-https://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/ (the prices are allover)

I'd look for a bit of metal. maybe a bit of stone or glass, a bit of woven texture to tie it all to the kitchen..

here are their side and coffee tables for example..I hesitate to make specific suggestion without knowing the budget

https://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/furniture/tables/coffee-side-tables/show/48.html
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kulrn
6 years ago
I love the blue wall, but I feel the sofa disappears! Love your style. Option A is my pic.
swestyoung
Original Author
6 years ago

Update: got rid of ghastly carpet. Fig needs a proper pot, coffee table needs to go, I think the mirror above the fireplace is too big.

Trying not to overwhelm my bf during week one
girl_wonder
6 years ago
Sending good vibes to you and your sweetie. Most men I know are resistent to someone changing their place, so it’s nice that he’s being open and it’s nice that you are trying not to overwhelm him. I wonder if it will ever be appropriate to ask his opinion so he feels involved? I.e. you come up with two choices for something, either of which you love or at least could live with, and then let him choose so he feels like it’s his place too. FWIW, when I was married, my DH was actually helpful when I was choosing fabric for the drapes—he had a good eye for texture and color (of course, he didn’t have the vocabulary to describe it that way, I think he’d say “that’s too plain” but..it turned out be helpful feedback). Best of luck to both you! ;)
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houssaon
6 years ago
Have you thought of a round ottoman to use as a coffee table? It would be good as extra seating and a place to put your legs up.

How about a bar height bistro table?
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User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
How brave are you? I feel like a zebra rug would be smashing in there...

And I simply adore emerald green and blue so that would be my choice.

Use caution with the furry pillows and velvet...there will be fuzz all over.
swestyoung
Original Author
6 years ago
Girl_wonder thanks! He’s the best, and he’s very helpful in vetting ideas. Yesterday I found out he hates acrylic (he thinks it looks cheap), so definitely involving him has been a priority of mine :)
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swestyoung
Original Author
6 years ago
@pennydesign I had the same thought. Maybe a jute rug under a zebra hide? Or some other layered look. As you can see from my Alice in Wonderland apt in Miami I like going bold :)

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