need help with charcoal sofa

5 years ago

I recently moved into a basement studio. I recently bought a charcoal sofa and wanted to get advice on if I should keep the wall color I already have or if I should change it. I also wanted advice on decorating the space in general (area rug, paintings etc). I hate the tiled floors but I am renting and they can’t be changed.
Originally I thought maybe I should paint the space a lavender color (on the light purplish gray side) and have gold accents (because I just really LOVE gold). The only thing is that the TV is black as well as the TV stand (which my mom ordered for me)
The photos of the living room space is below. The photo with the 2 closets are is the in the living room space as well. I was advised to put the couch near the wall with the closets (with a little space remaining between the closet and couch of course) because I will have to put the TV by the wall with the windows or the small world across from the wall with the closets. I will post some updated photos when I get home.

Featured Answer

Sylvia Gordon

5 years ago

Since you have a basement apartment, you need to bring in as much vibrancy and light as possible. You have your neutral/basic colors already, gray, charcoal, black, and white. Being a "purple person" myself LOL, I would put down the biggest, shaggiest, most purple rug I could find. Then go for the gold! Add as much glittery, sparkly, outrageously over-the-top gold as your heart desires. Throw in some splashy patterned accessories, mixing Florals, plaids and checks, maybe some stripes or chevrons Etc. Add lighting such as table lamps and floor lamps, then turn off all the lights, shut your eyes, open your eyes, turn on all the lights, and see what color your right brain tells you to paint the wall. It's a very neat space! Have fun!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (22)

tcthom01
Original Author
5 years ago
thank you so much for your input. I'm definitely going to have a field day with the gold! Do you think I can pull off the light lavenderish paint for the wall? (I'll insert a photo from pinterest below)
Also, I'm looking into rugs as I type this... I'm not a fan of these floor tiles at all.
Related Discussions
Need help to tie together a light fabric sofa with a dark leather sofa
Q
Comments (10)
Yes, it certainly CAN work. The throw that you have over the back of the leather sofa unites the two colors. Maybe try to find pillows that have both the leather sofa and the gray(?) sofa colors in them. Some pics shown HERE. Note the two prints that you have above the gray sofa - Here are more prints, but of stormy beach scenes. Look for fabrics/pillows in those tones. (If you can lower those prints to about 8" above the sofa, they'll look much better.) Stormy ocean prints
...See More
sofa dilemma ! need help quick
Q
Comments (8)
I know this is not your dilemma, but you're going to make some chiropractor very happy with your TV that high. Why, when you have a huge room with a great big wall that could hold the TV at an ergonomic height? And with two sofas facing each other here, no one on either sofa will be able to watch without turning AND craning their necks. I would rethink your arrangement before you buy seating. Just sayin'....
...See More
Modern "L" shape sectional sofa recommendation (dark grey/charcoal)
Q
Comments (13)
"Breaking the Bank" is not a term anyone can work with. You should define your budget as a realistic dollar range you are willing to spend. As a retailer, I don't know what your budget is and as such can't make a recommendation since I have sectionals in all price ranges. Also, consider posting photos of your space from two different angles into the room as those show the style and decor of the room, plus window and door positions.
...See More
Need help on choosing all new colors to go with charcoal roof
Q
Comments (3)
We have been told we should paint brick by more then one decorating person. I really didn’t want to do that if possible. i was asking for new colors now that we changed to a new color roof. Shutters, awnings, lights,etc. we live on five acres in country setting in northern Florida. All day sun in front of house. Like a desert , Reason for awnings. shutters were an after thought is why we were going to change size of awnings if we were to keep shutters on home. Thank you for your advice.
...See More
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
And art with your purple, etc... between windows.

Beaded Gold Tulips Flower Purple Art Silk 16"x16" Pillows Cover, Gold Tulips · More Info

Soho Single Rod Pocket Blackout Curtain, Purple · More Info

White coating on back of fabric adds weight, turns ordinary into blackout. Tie up shade can be tied to the point of the connecting seam, and can be adjusted to the height you desire.
- 100% Polyester Blackout, Thermal Insulated, Triple-Pass Curtains
- Blocks over 99% of sunlight & UV rays than ordinary curtains
- Reduce noise, saves energy and gives you privacy
- Machine Wash cold
Purple Gold & Silver Lattice Trellis 16x16 Velvet Pillowcase, Paintbrush Flower · More Info
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

Idk why you'd have to paint with a light neutral that blends in - you have plenty of options for purples.

"Purple and Gold Peacock" by Danhui Nai, Canvas Art, 35"x35" · More Info

Cordless Roman Shade, Almond, 33"x64" · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/cordless-roman-shade-almond-33x64-prvw-vr~19092060[(https://www.houzz.com/products/cordless-roman-shade-almond-33x64-prvw-vr~19092060)
everdebz
5 years ago
Just if it matters: the 3 doors and 2 windows will be an interruption in the purple, even a soft purple - and probably a soft muted best.

But I think a rug won't cover all the floor's pattern - so I'd try leaving walls as is, and buy some Home Goods pillows / curtains, and experiment.
tcthom01
Original Author
5 years ago
thank you so much for your advice. I will definitely be experimenting!
everdebz
5 years ago
Idea from the photo of creamy textured rug, and a couple pieces of art. Cool coffee table with wood base to repeat bit of floor tile.
Hillside View · More Info
everdebz
5 years ago
I can picture more of blue-green, and add small accent of lilac... like pillow:
Peacock Fun, 16"x16" Art Silk Blue Cushion Covers · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/peacock-fun-16x16-art-silk-blue-cushion-covers-prvw-vr~28268218
everdebz
5 years ago
Your tv and tv stand are black - this photo-idea for you? - with whatever accent color you want....
Classic Suite, Secret Ridge · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/photos/classic-suite-secret-ridge-contemporary-family-room-vancouver-phvw-vp~4307647
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
This for don't they call it boho? -- could be so fresh for the oak [?] doors, and liven up charcoal/ black unit, and good with light beiges.... purple item or two and art.

Nuloom Vintage Shuler Rug, Cherry Pink, 7'10"x11' · More Info
everdebz
5 years ago
Gold somewhrere in pillow, a lamp....?
Brocade Mosaic Pillow · More Info
tcthom01
Original Author
5 years ago
definitely love the creamy texture rug and art. thank you so much. I really love the pillow ideas
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
I would go Hollywood Regency! I will post some inspiration photos. You can bring in black to moderate the detail in the floor even make it look intensional. Some of the new “blush” with lavender and golds would be stunning! Bbl
everdebz
5 years ago
30.75" tall -
Table Lamp, Metallic Glazed Ceramic/Linen Fabric · More Info
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Start with your color palette. I have chosen photos with black, white, lavenders, purples, and metallics. I could see a black and white rug under the front legs of your dark gray sofa with gold and glass or acrylic coffee table. Use purples, pinks and blush in art and pillows. Transform this space with clever choices. So fun!!
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
….oaky doors and patterned floors are enough a background without adding color on walls....

will "light use" of purple in modern way - be such that black tv/unit and charcoal and shine of metal is MOST of the look....
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Good point, everdebz (and good to see you back!) i would go for a more chic look in this space. It would help distract from basement location.
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Oak doors could be a 'stick out'.... that's why I like not an opposite purple [attention getter], but closer on wheel: light red, or medium rosy pink. Reduce contrasts.

Purple does seem more sophisticated - is the space elegant enough? - not an offending question btw. :)
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Gold with bit of brown? Partly cause floor details seems brown...

Ira Contemporary Table Lamp · [More Info[(https://www.houzz.com/products/mosaic-table-lamp-prvw-vr~35691875)

Elegant Glass Metal Table Lamp Bronze Copper Home Lighting Decor · [More Info[(https://www.houzz.com/products/elegant-glass-metal-table-lamp-bronze-copper-home-lighting-decor-prvw-vr~26824661)

Premier Home Decor: "We now carry a matching decorative tray" - July 2018

Balkan Wall Mirrors, Hand Forged Iron · [More Info[(https://www.houzz.com/products/balkan-wall-mirror-gold-prvw-vr~78158521)
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
I guess it is a choice for poster what direction she wants to take and we can go from there. There are temporary ways to hide those doors too. Screens or curtains.
tcthom01
Original Author
5 years ago
thanks for the input you guys! I truly appreciate it. I'm definitely over painting the walls. I started looking in a few stores on my way home from work for some metallics, black and white patterns and different purples
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I looked at Flo's photos using a few accessories in soft lilac/purples - nice! - did you like that?.... on dark sofa I'd think pillows could have touches of deeper purple in it - even larger item like warming throw.

For me much black isn't great - how about small amounts of charcoal and toasty tones from walls, etc. in a patterned fabric, or in art.