Please help a hopeless girl transform her living room.

10 years ago

Only 2 people responded to my last post so I'm posting again, in case my other post got lost.

Help me design this room without changing the feature wall & couch. Everything else can go or get changed up. I also hate the space at both ends of the TV. Any ideas on how to improve this? Thank U.

Featured Answer

Motel Honey

10 years ago

For starters, I would push the the coffee table closer to the couch and change the rug to something much lighter.

I'd also get of those curtains for sure.

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Comments (205)

lucindalane
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Although this a bedroom, I think it shows just how great things can look against a wall painted in a dark shade.
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syncope
10 years ago
Trying again
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Wait until you've got the rug. It might be a bit too much fluffiness, and I'm a woman ;-) I think I would personally go for something a bit more understated. And do you have enough space for it? Mind you, if you have enough space, and love it... go for it :-) I was thinking more of something like these, but hey... it's your home! http://www.marksandspencer.com/2-head-adjustable-floor-lamp/p/p60130762?prevPage=plp&pdpredirect http://www.next.co.uk/g22996s5#986805
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syncope
10 years ago
Ok..this isn't showing as well as it did on the site itself but hopefully you can see enough to get the idea.
lucindalane
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Here's an example of some glass accessories. They are pretty large, but I think they look fantastic. Concerning a vase, you don't have to put flowers in one, necessarily. I think that some kind of colored stone or glass-in layers-would look great in a contemporary setting.
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safai
10 years ago
Hello again. I am back now and looking forward to see your room with a new rug or both if you got another one too.
You must be so stressed now :-(
I just want to hug you!
safai
10 years ago
Oh and if you like that umbrella canvas so much I would love to get it for you! Please email me your address ksafai@hotmail.com x
lucindalane
10 years ago
Tino, remember, you don't have to rush. You are keeping the couch-so, that's a done deal. You are getting some red items to adapt to your couch-done. About the rug, or any other items-if you get it and its doesn't look the way that you had thought, or hoped it would, then please don't feel you have to settle for it-for whatever reason. If you are feeling tired from all the decision-making, then give yourself a rest. The holidays are just around the corner, so just try to relax. You already have an idea what you want to do, so just take your time. We may not all be born with a designer flair, but most of us do generally know when something appeals to us, and when it doesn't. So, I think you can trust your own instincts more than you might think you can.
Tino Felly thanked lucindalane
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
OK. 1st rug. Off white from Ikea. Sofa throws, underground art and plant..

Still on plant....I totally love how it transforms the room...and that Green against my wall is just...is just...amazing :-). Thinking of getting rid of all the stripped large cushions by replacing them with the red throws. I'll leave the small ones though..
syncope
10 years ago
good call on the pillows. Like the plant too. Is rug a bit small?
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
From other angle of room...
syncope
10 years ago
Personally, I'd turn the rug so that it goes the direction of the table and fits just under the front of the couch. I think that will keep the rug more visually proportional.
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
2nd rug....Red and off white kinda beige kinda cream. I honestly don't know what colour it is...

The mirror will go above the TV. The clock on that chimney wall. Do you think I should get another plant to place on either sides or is it too much?

One more rug left to show. Harlequin. Round table out of stock, they should have it by Saturday though.
syncope
10 years ago
Love that one!...Adds great movement in the room!
syncope
10 years ago
Not sure I'd go with a round table on that rug. The juxtaposition of the square and the circles is perfect.
sondramartina
10 years ago
Isn't that rug a bit small?
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
It said 160 x 240 on the packaging. That should be large but for some reason, it's actually smaller. :-( returning it tomorrow.

I'm too lazy to unroll the other rug today so tomorrow it is. I like the one I just posted so will probably keep it. Was wondering if my window treatment would change? Saw some lovely ivory curtains in Harry Corry but they were not eyelets which sort of put me off. Will see if I can find a link for them.
syncope
10 years ago
I agree. The second one is great. Move those large striped pillows and personally, I think the curtains you have are fine, better than a solid would be. You've go some great movement going in there and repetition. Take a breath and look around. You'll see a reflection in your choices in the picture that of the underground. I think you'll be happy with what you see.
Tino Felly thanked syncope
clealuira
10 years ago
lucindalane you put it much better than i did, hope i didnt offend earlier
mickisue
10 years ago
I'm in love with the second rug. And agree that you should keep the rectangular table. SEE? You are SO not hopeless. :)
Tino Felly thanked mickisue
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deiman
10 years ago
Definatetly around table dear that rug or the table one has to go besides its too small
syncope
10 years ago
delman...which rug are you talking about? the plain beige rug or the gorgeous one with the red spirals?
syncope
10 years ago
tino...just wanted to explain the rationale behind keeping the current table. Your couch has a semi-circular front, that gorgeous red and cream rug has a circular motion, the underground pic has the circle in the sign; it appears you are using a circular clock. All of those circles are great and your placement of them will keep movement and flow in the room. However, to balance all those curves you need some straight lines too. That's where the table comes in. Your curtains and their lines, the walls, of course, the lines of the flooring: all of those things come into play when you analyze the individual elements. Obviously, we aren't doing a calculus equation here but visually you need all those elements to put the proper perspective into play. Hopefully, this will make sense to you but know that the items you have chosen so far have already given your room a fresher, lighter and more appealing look. Good job!
Tino Felly thanked syncope
Motel Honey
10 years ago
It seems to be just me but the red spiral rug is so distracting, like it's trying to hypnotise me haha. The first one seems homelier - but it's up to you.
Tino Felly thanked Motel Honey
dclostboy
10 years ago
Joining back in...great choice on the spiral rug...thinking you've taken off your design training wheels :)
Tino Felly thanked dclostboy
safai
10 years ago
Hi Tino, I have not seen harlequin rug yet but out of the two you posted I like the first one more even though its a bit too small for that room. The second one is not bad but feels psychedelic. My head is spinning looking at it ;-)
I love the plant and I love the red cushions though I would position the cushions the way that left and right side of the sofa is equal. One (perhaps large stripy) in the middle and then one red and one black on each side. Small stripy ones are good too.
Your table and curtains also look good now. No need to change them.
As for the canvas, the image and colour wise it's all good though it wouldn't be my choice simply because it is too predictable and as I am using underground tube every day to commute last thing I would want to see is its image on my wall when I get home. But this is very personal. I ordered the umbrella canvas for you. The largest they had was 100 x 80. You should get it between 24th and 27th. ;-)
Tino Felly thanked safai
lucindalane
10 years ago
It's really starting to come together, Tino. Isn't it amazing how just a few changes can perk up a place?
Just one thing about your current curtains, and that is-they certainly match your decor, in terms of the color and pattern. However, in the photos you posted, they seem to be too long for the window, as the hem is actually laying, just a bit, on the floor. So, would it be possible to raise you curtain rod up just a bit so they will just barely touch the floor? Also, would it be possible to have them pressed, somehow? I'm not meaning to be fussy, but they look a bit rumpled, and I think it would really add to the clean, mod feel if they looked like they had a bit of "starch" in them-only figuratively speaking, of course. I think its great that your new changes have enhanced the things you have already. Just a few more "tweaks" and you should have a really stylish flat.
Tino Felly thanked lucindalane
saratogaswizzlestick
10 years ago
Safari, how nice of you to gift the umbrella picture. I think it will look great in the room and I bet someday Tino will pay if forward.

I like your current curtains. The rug I honestly can't make up my mind. On one hand I like the repetition of the circle motif and the juxtaposition with your table on the other hand it does feel dizzy. This effect may be heightened in a photo v. Real life ... I just don't know. The plant looks great. I do hope you show a picture with the other rug, I am curious to see it in the room.
Tino Felly thanked saratogaswizzlestick
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Thank you all for your comments. Was insanely busy today but will try to fit in as much as I can...

OK! Went for 2nd rug. I like it. I really do as a matter of fact. Loving how the flat has come together. I've had some really good advice on here and I'm really grateful for all the help. OK....still haven't unwrapped Harlequin rug. I've just been really busy but like I said, the "hypnotising" rug will stay. Since the general consensus is keep the current table, also since I like it, I won't be changing it as well as the curtains. Now that I know what I want and the style I'm going for, I'll take it slow. I will experiment with new accessories blah blah but for now, I think I'm satisfied with where everything is headed.

Rngp....Thank you so much fit explaining the rationale behind keeping the curtains plus table. I hadn't looked at it like that before but after your explanation, it made sense to keep the current table. Also, thank you for all you help.

Luciandalane.....I appreciate everything you've said. Sometimes I need to be reminded that Rome wasn't built in a day...

Everybody else.....thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me. I can honestly say I'd have been lost without all of your input and editing of my ideas. By the time I'm 25, I'd be doing this professionally hehe :-)

Also, thank you Safai for the lovely canvas. I don't think I can express the gratitude in my heart. It's not everyday that people like you come my way.
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Luciandalane...,..My flat has very low ceilings so the pole is almost at the every edge. I can try to move it to the maximum though but won't it look a bit erm....tight/squashed (don't know the word I'm trying to use here but I'm sure U understand)...
I can trim the curtains though. I'm quite good with the sewing machine...or I could take them to the tailors...

Swizzle.....My sister is coming to check out the rug in case she's seeing something I'm not. I do like it though, however am a bit bothered with the type of Red. I don't know. I'm just trying to do something that'll make me happy. At the end of the day, I want to come back to a home that I love.

Another thing, was thinking of getting a second plant. Smaller and different to the one I currently have. Now I'm hooked on plants. Funny how I actually didn't want one. What does everyone think? Would it be too much? Oh....will be posting on my bedroom. I know, I know.....
syncope
10 years ago
Tino...I was looking at your curtains too after luciandalane commented about it. I agree with her and was thinking that if you hemmed them right at that lowest black stripe, that might be the perfect length. They should be "kissing" the floor and that stripe looks like it would hit right at that point. To me, that would be the ideal, but if it brings them too far off the floor, you might be able to find some matching black fabric that would add an extra 1/2 inch band if necessary. Or if a little of the white on the curtain showed that would be okay too. Just throwing out options.
Tino Felly thanked syncope
syncope
10 years ago
Oh...and you are most welcome. I have always been a "why" person. I want to know why things work the way they do and have a "thirst for knowledge" as my old boss always said (rather taunted me, but that's another story.) Point being, if I understand the why in one situation, I can apply it to others. I sometimes explain more than I should but I think knowledge of any kind should be shared and embraced. I'm glad it helped you.
Tino Felly thanked syncope
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I have tie-back curtains in a "natural" colour. I don't know if that makes sense but it's an off white/cream colour. They could come in handy when I get bored of the current set up. I actually don't know why I never remembered I had them. As for the curtains, I'll see if I can do the hemming myself.
Was also thinking about that red vase I posted from TK Maxx and the tall table dclostboy suggested. Please give me ideas or would it be too much with everything going on? I don't need to add them now but I can always play about with ideas, right?
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
Will post lamp again in case some of you didn't see it..
syncope
10 years ago
Love the lamp, where are you thinking of placing it? Oh and I bet lit, it gives a beautiful glow with that red lining to the shade.
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
Not decided yet on where it'd go as I'm still not sure of a 2nd plant. It's either lamp or second plant.....it'd have got both but I want the living room to look as spacious as I can manage. I'm afraid of having too many items in one room
syncope
10 years ago
Ok... lamps are not just items, they serve a purpose. If you need task lighting for reading a book or to set a mood or just to have something other than an overhead light on all the time, then lighting, whether that lamp (which I do love) or a torchiere or sconces are what you should consider. Most rooms need some type of task lighting. If you are wanting to accent an area of the room or fill an empty space, then I would suggest the plant as it can be moved around as needed.
shastacat
10 years ago
How about a looong crystal base lamp, tall plants next to tv, and some white sheers on either side and a white panel or two in the middle& rug # 2 ... Cheap fixes w/ lots of impact:)
syncope
10 years ago
shastacat...you lost me with the sheers? or did I miss something about the curtains?
dclostboy
10 years ago
Tino, you have this firmly under control...let's move onto the next room. :)
saratogaswizzlestick
10 years ago
I would hang the pictures and clock and then step back and look at it. Since the harlequin is wrapped up and you don't like the color you should just keep it wrapped and return. At this point I would slow down and live with the room for a bit. I would be cautious adding more red, that is a strong color and can be overwhelming if there is too much of it. I think you have a nice balance now put until your pictures are hung it is hard to tell. You did a lot in a short amount of time.
lucindalane
10 years ago
Sounds like a plan, Tino. I really like that umbrella picture, and am looking forward to seeing where you put it. I also really like that red lamp. Just off the top of my head I don't think that its too much red, since your rug only has the slim red circle, and the couch has the red throw adding color. However, since you are the one there in the space you are the only one who can judge whether it too much color, or not.
I'm glad that you think my ideas have been helpful-and, of course, I have a lot of company out here with a lot of good ideas, and design experience in a lot of cases.
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone who helped me. My living room looks so beautiful, I keep getting compliments when people visit. U people are amazing. Also huge thank U to Safai for the wall art. Thank U, thank U. I'm really grateful to everybody
saratogaswizzlestick
10 years ago
That is great Tino. Can you post a photo or your completed room? I am curious to see if you kept the lamp or got a plant. It is nice that all your hard work paid off.
Tino Felly
Original Author
10 years ago
I will post. I kept the plant. I also bought a small glass table but haven't decided what to place on it yet. I've also posted on my bedroom. Again, I'm needing help :(
safai
10 years ago
Hi Tino. Great to hear it :-) I would love to see the finished room too! Please post some photos. Would love to see how it all came together.
PRO
deiman
10 years ago
Hey tino pliz post the foto can't wait
lucindalane
10 years ago
Hi, Tino. I hope you had a nice holiday. I'm anxious to see what you've done. ")
PRO
Urban Living Online
10 years ago
I am very eager to see your living room.
Tino Felly
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi guys, thank you so much for your help......BUT I can now afford a new couch and furnishings and was wondering if we could do this again? I enjoyed working with all of you before. I'll post pictures in a new thread. It's a brand new, larger apartment so more room to work with.

Happy holidays

-Ti x
Sandra Crowhurst
9 years ago
Coming in a bit late here have read some comments but I think you should move TV to the left hand corner more and put pictures on red wall think the red wall is to much x