How would you update this blank slate?

3 years ago

Just bought this house for the amazing views and this room is where the "wow" factor can be - but currently is not. I am open to any and all suggestions to make this room pop! Lighting? Trim color? flooring? Paint or wall ideas? Ceiling makeover (within reason!)? Window treatments? Furniture ideas and layouts? Spam me with any thoughts you might have and thank you so much! I feel like the potential is there but I don't even know how to begin and certainly don't know how to bring it all together!

Featured Answer

elcieg

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

The view is amazing; what I think detracts from it is the wood trim. If it were white, the beam white, the fan white, and the walls white, do you think the view would become the WOW?

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Comments (10)

tartanmeup
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I'd invest in the flooring and the window coverings, perhaps motorized solar shades, depending on style and budget. But first, I'd figure out how I'd want to use the room so I could decide on furniture layout (fireplace doesn't get my vote as focal point here :)). Depending on decor style, I'd consider darkening or lightening the wood trim. If you provide measurements and room functions, I bet Pros can offer layout suggestions.

ETA: Congrats on your new house! Spectacular views indeed. Enjoy. :)
jwencel42 thanked tartanmeup
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HU-187528210
3 years ago
Gorgeous gorgeous space!! I’d paint everything white. New flooring. Medium brown. Big chandelier. And some light bright furniture. I would stay very neutral throughout to let the view be the star! Magnificent!! Take some more pics of the FP for ideas on that...
jwencel42 thanked HU-187528210
jwencel42
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the feedback! I actually was considering black trim as I read it can provide a "frame" for the view and also thought for the mountains it's kinda earthy. I agree the fireplace is eh - I don't want it to be the focal point. I'd much rather use the views for that! I think this room will not have a tv. I actually think furniture that faces the windows or at least inwards would be nice. I like the modern mountain look, but have to contend with the rest of the house too. I would post more pics but won't be there until the weekend. I saw a cool home online that had swing chairs looking out the windows and even thought that could be somehow worked in it it's done right. I'm so afraid of messing this up with my whimsical ideas but I would love a unique look that is fun but gorgeous - tough combo!
tedbixby
3 years ago
Please start an Ideabook of rooms that you like. It will help us give you better concrete ideas as to what you like if that is what you are wanting.
Thalia B.
3 years ago
I wouldn't paint that trim. It's gorgeous. I personally love the contrast. I think all white is a popular tend that is running its course but that's just me. I agree you need to give us some direction as to your taste though. Regardless, I think you're going to want new flooring. I think wood trim is making a comeback. I'm seeing a lot of if lately.
tartanmeup
3 years ago
I agree with Thalia B above that wood trim is making a comeback but I'm seeing slightly different tones in those inspo pics than the one in OP's pic. (For as much as we can trust screen renderings of colours.) Subtle difference but it can make a difference. I love wood trim as well and when I said I'd lighten or darken this trim, I didn't necessarily mean painting it.

Also, @jwencel42, to be clear about the fireplace: it's not that it's meh for me; it's that the view is superlative. :) In this room's design, how can one not privilege the natural view that take one's breath away?! :D This view deserves attention and contemplation and 'bringing the outdoors in' usually makes for harmonious design. A well-designed room is one that makes you feel good living in it so function is key. Focal points can only go so far. :) And usually, once people are in a room, they become the focal point.
Thalia B.
3 years ago
I agree with tartanmeup on all accounts. The fireplace thing is tricky. It kinda goes with the landscape so to speak and offsets the view. The stone and mantle might be a bit dated so I can see why one might not love it. I would change out the mantle and consider a white wash maybe. I think this space is amazing and deserves extra care. is hiring a designer an option? If not, it's worth the time to draw out the dimensions and post an idea board.
Thalia B.
3 years ago
Is that wood paneling and another fireplace in the next room? Whatever you do to the trim in this space you're going to want to carry it into the next space as well. Keep that in mind.
tartanmeup
3 years ago
Another thought: often a good idea to live in a new house before deciding on major updates. If the room doesn't have a particular function, its design won't come readily. You said you don't want a TV in this room and I can certainly understand that but what type of living space will it be for you? Some options: entertaining space (whenever that becomes possible...), dining room, game room (certainly room for a pool table...), library/music room, gym...Once you live there for a bit, you'll have a better sense of what makes sense to your life in this space. Best of luck!