How do turn this empty space into an affordably stylish living room?
I have never been able to afford to style my apartment but I finally want to push myself to use my resources and make it feel more like a home. The vibe that I've been dreaming of is a blend of bohemian, planty, earthy with a touch of modern traditional. I love clay pots and textured art. Would love to incorporate a little more color than the grays I have but unfortunately the couch and coffee table (also photo'd) are must-stays for financial/sentimental reasons. I've tried to add room measurements if that's at all helpful. I just feel so lost and would love any reasonable advice. Thank you!!
Measurements
Sofa + Chaise Length: 124 in
Sofa Depth: 44 in
Chaise Depth: 73 in
Coffee Table Length: 55 in
Coffee Table Depth: 29.5 in
Comments (18)
EastCoast Designz
10 months agoRelated Discussions
Living room feedback. How would you improve this room?
Comments (43)I've been under the weather for the last few days, so wasn't able to act on any of the additional suggestions until today. Thank you so much to everyone for the feedback, pointing out both the good and the bad. Today I moved a few things around. I decided to concentrate my efforts of lighting, as I think this will help us to enjoy the room more. The new additions are just stand ins, while I look for the right lamps and plants etc. I will also look for better wall art by the love seat and go to Benjamin Moore to look for a warm neutral that's lighter for the walls. I also liked the suggestions to replace the several small accessories with larger ones. And also to try to incorporate the window seat into the room more somehow. I was thinking of trying more colorful cushions on it, to tie it in and make the eye travel back there more. I will keep the points about the tables in mind for when it's time to look at new furniture. Thank you again so much! I feel so much better about this room already! I will start a new thread if/when I have specific questions about lamps or pillows. Thank you!!...See Morewhat to do with an empty room...?
Comments (14)In my home I have a similar problem, I ended up created an entry way sitting area that works amazing for my family. It is where we all sit to visit without a television so its a little more formal but also very comfortable. Random stuff stays out of there so I always have an "entertaining" space - no coats, purses, toys, etc - and the table is always perfectly decorated. I find that this is where I sit with my spouse and visit without interruptions from the television, too, which is nice....See MoreNeed help filling empty wall space around TV etc!
Comments (23)Well, I was going to suggest the ubiquitous fiddle leaf fern, but looks like you have a cat, and they are toxic to cats. You might Google plants that are non-toxic to cats and see if anything grabs your interest. I think some palms may be ok with cats (and they can grow fairly large), or you might look for a contemporary plant stand and just sit a smaller plant on it -- maybe a giant tropical bromeliad or something along those lines. That said, if your cat is prone to pester plants, it's probably not a good idea to include one in your décor. (Definitely don't put a fake plant in this pretty space.)...See MoreHelp make my living room comfortable yet stylish
Comments (6)Rugs on carpet never bothered me. However, I would make sure to get a low pile rug and/or hook weave. These are from West Elm: I normally don't like TVs over the fireplace but since your couch is so far back I think it will work well in this scenario. However, with the current couch placement, the living room entrance feels a bit crowded. To remedy this I would move the side table to the other end of the couch and leave that space empty. Hope this helps!...See More
la_la Girl
10 months ago^ great advice above, don’t overlook Facebook marketplace for side and console tables - you can always paint it black for a hit of contrast
i am always recommending the tapestries from Anthropologie bc they’re huge and a total steal
Roddy Reese thanked la_la Girl
PROCelery. Visualization, Rendering images
10 months agoRoddy Reese thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
stiley
10 months agoI agree with the advice to start with an area rug. That will ground the room and add a lot of coziness. But please don't buy something new that's printed to look like a vintage rug. I bet you can find a real, old rug in a large size either on FB Marketplace or at an estate sale. Or you could also get a large seagrass rug (you can get a large size pretty inexpensively) and then layer a smaller old rug on top when you find the perfect one. You'll want to incorporate some thrifted/vintage pieces to give it a layered look. Thrift stores oftentimes have a section of wicker baskets--you could get a bunch of those and hang in a grouping for textured art. Those Anthro tapestries look cool too. And lamps add warmth and layers. I'm excited for you--it's so fun when you find a great piece.
Roddy Reese thanked stiley
Susan Davis
10 months agolast modified: 10 months agoI would find a rug that is large enough to place the feet of the sofa on.
Usually 9 x 12 works well. A lot of big box stores and the internet have all kinds of rugs at all price points. And you can bring two or three home before you decide. The rug will provide warmth, a color palette for the entire house, and a frame work for the whole room.
1. graphic geometric; repeated pattern
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Neutral, monochromatic; variations of one color
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3. Boho chic; texture
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4. Colorful shag
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5. Graphic geometric with subtle colos restful floor but stronger repeat of colors at eyelevel.
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7. stylized Pop Art aka 70's.
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8. high low contrast geometric
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9. Sisal rug type in a broadloom carpeting, probably cut and bound to fit the roomI must admit this is a perfect room and the colors would work beautifully with your grey sofa; switch the grey pillows to pale ivory or white or ream.
Transitional Living Room · More InfoHave fun working with your budget to achieve the room you enjoy.....one thing at a time.
Roddy Reese thanked Susan Davis
PROSabrina Alfin Interiors
10 months agoNot sure what "modern traditional" means, but I agree with a lot of the commentary thus far. Find a colorful rug you love and use those colors to accent with throw pillows and art.
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Modern Bohemian Tudor | Living Room · More InfoRoddy Reese thanked Sabrina Alfin InteriorsRoddy Reese
10 months ago
Olychick
10 months ago- PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
10 months agolast modified: 10 months ago kl23
10 months ago@Roddy Reese I love! your sectional fabric. It looks so cuddly! I also am a big fan of chocolate color in decor. It goes well with a lot of my favorite colors: blue, purple, wine, red, teal… and sometimes colors I am not so crazy about like pumpkin. Can you share please what other colors you like? It will help people "shop" for you to show you ideas.
I agree with @Sabrina Alfin Interiors that an area rug and something behind the sectional is a great start. May I ask if there is a large window or sliding glass door behind you as you photographed the sectional? If so it might be nice to have a mirror over the sectional…or not…art is always good, but I am not a fan of buying art for decorating. A mirror, however can have lots of uses over time. In this case it can reflect light into the room from the outside, assuming I guessed correctly. But maybe you would love a wall tapestry or weaving or sculpture. All I'm saying is maybe you would prefer something besides flat framed paper. ???
Then there is the matter of draperies or other window treatment. They could also be a way to bring in color. They also could just add texture if they are the same color as the walls.
I see you have four pillows. You can stuff them as is inside decorative covers widely available and fairly inexpensive.
Then if it's an option you can even choose a new wall color if you want. Your wall color coordinates nicely with the floor. Tying it all together will depend on the area rug etc.
I am attaching some rug photos for your feedback so we can better under your style. I'm going with boho and your current colors for now, since you are trying to stay low cost and maybe even want a neutral color scheme.
always1stepbehind
10 months agokl23
10 months agoRoddy Reese
10 months agokl23
10 months ago
tracefloyd