Living room makeover help. Working almost from scratch
J Berry
4 years ago
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Molly
4 years agoJ J
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Conceptualizing almost from scratch
Comments (9)herbflavor, this is our "forever home," although, realistically, "forever" is probably 13 years, until we retire, unless the kids stay in the area, then we will stay in the house until we die, maybe.. I keep up with what's going on in neighborhood renovations by getting a daily email from Zillow based on my zip code, showing houses for sale, and clicking on the photos to see what's been done to upgrade before selling. There are three models in our subdivision, and a lady across the street just moved to a retirement home, so it's on the market.. A contractor/realtor renovated it similar to flipping it but she still owns it. He did what you're talking about, ripped out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room so that the three rooms are open to each other. I really don't like it, I want the sound and smell of cooking to stay in the kitchen. But don't worry, I am not going to seal off the eat in area, I like the view. Just want to integrate the rooms better. If the people who want to buy the house want to rip out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, they can, it's not a load bearing wall, but that's not my choice. In fact, I might enlarge the dining room at the expense of the kitchen. The dining room isn't so formal, anyway. We have two 6'x3" cherry tables put together to make a 6'x6' dining table, eight chairs, a credenza for the special dishes, three large book cases full of books, a stereo, and a very large case for vinyl albums. When eight people are at that table it's cozy, maybe even crowded. We're bookcase people, so we need walls....See MoreDecorating a living room from scratch
Comments (23)it depends on a person. i started decorating when being very stressed out. I went through a major change and it required of me kinda hanging in the middle for many months. i didn't know how it will end. was deadly worried about kids. well i had to prepare place for them. i started reading magazines...then books..as I went along I read more and more..it actually calmed me down. I was in a hurry yet not as major as to make mistakes. Took my time to think and consider. if she's even thinking about putting together space right now-maybe that's a sign she sees it as helpful and calming either? no need to be in a major hurry..good mattress should be a prioriry I'd say..then table and chairs..sofa..armchair.. as for art etc-she must have some art she loves already? something she cherishes, wants to take with her? it's not like she starts with nothing. Her life remains hers, her memories remain hers. art can be an ispiration whether she buys it or not, posseses it or just sees it somewhere. some combos i remember because I saw them in paintings. Fashion is good too btw..:) she can take clues from her wardrobe..favorite nature spots..go on Pinterest for inspiration..buy magazins like I did, borrow books from the library. My pallette started actually from an illustration I saw in a book. Doesn't have to be a book on decor either. Some movies can be very powerful in how they inspire for colors. In short, inspiration is everywhere around us..that's right, one needs to be in a mood to take it in, but will depend on a person and how he usually handles stress, whether he'll be open to that mood or not. gray is an amazing background for a huge array of colors. Plum will work, and turquoise will, and teal will too. And green will, and pink will. Really that list can go on and on. I'd go with lighter grey. Charcoal is a bit heavy for the accents she describes as her favorites. Also: cooler gray or warmer gray? Grays are all different. Plum and turqoise and teal are all warmer versions of "cool" colors. So maybe it's a hint for her future gray as well. Craigslist should be amazing where you live; but as she doesn't have a car.. don't neglect second hand stores though. There were a couple of quite successful buys I was able to make there..not at once of course, takes time. But if you have something like this in the neighborhood-frequent it, Scored a very nice secretaire for 100$(can't believe it myself), a desk for 250$(refurbished by the store), a bookcase for 200$. Granted it was several years ago, but there are always lucky finds. is she computer-savvy? lots of sites are dedicated to shopping vintage, second hand, handmade, bought by someone new but not needed anymore like eBay...heavy pieces won't make much sense to buy because of the shipping, but things like lights and art and bedding can be found there cheaply and be unique thus bring her much joy ah. don't forget plants when shopping. mirrors can be very cool and help with increasing light and brightness of the space. if she likes more modern look ..well I Craigslisted all my modern, and it was much cheaper then since I already knew I loved it, before the craze started. but if not an option-the stores to check, depending on her budget(I won't go into super expensive ones) would be Room and Board, HD Buttercup, Design Within Reach(for one really comfortable piece like a sofa for example..these are not cheap)..then West Elm, CB2, IKEA. Macy's can carry some more streamlined, made in Italy furniture. When purchasing a sofa-does she prefer to lounge? to sit straight? she needs to sit on it of course beforehand. So sofa yes, I'd try first in any case. Sofa, chairs, dining chairs-really important to try. some inspiration pics..look just at the general impression for now..colors? lines? maybe some detail that will speak to her?...See MoreStarting from scratch - need help with living room!
Comments (4)Congratulations on the new home! Here are a few thoughts as you start: If I were to get a sectional, I’d look for one that would “L” the other direction so you’re taking in the fireplace and the lovely window view. Right now the sectional blocks the window a bit. I would pull the chair in to be part of the conversation grouping as well. Your room can fit a sectional, but I prefer separate pieces anyway. They allow more flexibility in the future if you redecorate or move. If it were me, I’d have a sofa opposite the fireplace with a couple of upholstered chairs with a side table between at the end of the couch toward the kitchen. (Leaving space for traffic and stools.) A love seat could work there as well. Another pair of occasional chairs or armless slipper chairs could flank the fireplace or pair up at the other end of the sofa. Make sure when you’re testing wall colors that you look at it with the floor. Your honey color wood will be beautiful, but it may make colors look more vibrant and primary than you’re expecting. I hope some of that helps! Best of luck....See MoreLiving Room From Scratch
Comments (35)As I’ve said before, the carpet will be first to go, to be replaced by wood. The long couch and the loveseat will go. The TV stays, but I want to either hang it in front of the niche or (better) widen the niche on the right, toward the door, and hang it there, maybe on an extending arm so DH won’t complain about its being too far from his chair....See MoreJ Berry
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