Living room missing something

9 years ago

We have almost finished this room now and opted for a gorgeous dark navy blue from b&q in their new colour range. Love the colour but it does mark incredibly easily!
Anyway, we had to go for a cheap 2nd hand sofa for now (gutted) which is comfy but not really to my taste at all. It ruins my look, lol, but I have to make do for now.
Aside from searching for a fire surround, now the xmas tree has gone and I've moved the single chair into the corner (easier to watch TV), the window side of the room seems empty!
I have a vintage china cabinet (curved 40's one) but that only really fits in the alcoves either side of the fire so I'm not sure what else to put there.

Ps I've still got pictures and some vases to add but I wanted to wait until after xmas before I finished decorating.

Featured Answer

Tani H-S
Original Author

8 years ago

I'm struggling to take a good picture of the full room at the moment as the light is so bright in there but I've now painted the bookcase which I think looks much better. Also added a large white hide I moved down from the bedroom.

As you can see, I still need to add a picture above the bookcase and pictures in the frames (they are blank! Lol) and stock up the log store.

I also want to chance the black fabric lampshade in the corner for a larger metallic of patterned drum one - and add some coloured tie backs for the curtains.

I'm also thinking of painting the white Walls in a Strong white (super barely there pale grey) by F&B as I feel there is too much white on the wall with the bi-folds. I would actually paint it blue as there is a lot of light in that room but the paint I have marks easily so it's not worth the stress, lol.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (49)

alant1000
9 years ago
I'm thinking it needs a big deep pike rug with a coffee table on it. I know you've got a rug in place now, but I can imagine a larger rug and table with some accessories in making a difference.

The TV looks a bit imposing up angled on the wall, so perhaps a unit / sideboard with the tv perched on it might look a bit more subtle.
q7777
9 years ago
Hi i agree a coffee table under a large rug would look good
Related Discussions
Missing something
Q
Comments (13)
The colours aren't quite right, if my monitor is correct, but they aren't horrible. Your walls should have more pink undertones, rather than yellow, to truly match the floor. But, honestly, I think you should completely decorate and then see what you think. Do you have enough storage in your main bedroom? If not, I would put a large chest of drawers and then that same mirror hung horizontally above it, with a vase, or other couple of small, colourful pieces on it. If storage isn't an issue, a large fabric ottoman with the mirror horizontal would be nice and add warmth. Make either the drawers or the ottoman centred on the wall when the door is closed but obviously they can't be so large you can't open the door. That will give the wall harmony. If that is the wall you are staring at every night from bed, ditch the mirror and find a really nice piece of art that you will love to look at just before you nod off.
...See More
Something's missing...
Q
Comments (2)
Oh, good grief! This has posted about 50 times! Yes, I can see that the rug is a bit off now I've looked at the pictures. It's funny how you live with stuff and don't see it. I love the shape of the chair - junk shop find - but might swap it with something else or think about re-covering. With the different woods, I agree. There are wooden floors and beams everywhere. A nice problem to have I suppose, but none of the different woods match. We moved here this year and everything we've got was bought for the last house so it's all matched to that! Can't afford to replace.
...See More
Something missing -- Kitchen plan dilemma
Q
Comments (4)
Oh another you were worried about breakfast bar behind hob. We have separate dining room so this is really for simple breakfast and lunch. My family won't eat while I am cooking as I make dinner and then ask them to come. I am just thinking that I don't have much prep space between sink and hob. May be this is what you were worried about.... Errrr awkward sized Kitchen. Need wow!!! also need practicality?????
...See More
Kitchen design missing something.... looking for advice/inspiration!
Q
Comments (36)
We chose to put our sink in our island as it was the best place for it. Our island is very long so it can accommodate the sink on one end with a clear space on the other end for seating - I am personally very against having a hob in the island as it will send splatters of hot oil etc. across the island and people (kids) sitting there. I also think the current trend for open shelves is odd - I always think they just end up looking cluttered (beyond the perfected curated pages of houzz), and everything will get dusty and oily if near the hob. One thing that we did in our kitchen was include a defined tiled area around the island - I love it and everyone comments on it. It may help add that little bit of extra in your design. (please ignore 1) our bar stools - we still need to get 2 more! and 2) the hole on the left where our broken wine fridge is waiting to be replaced!)
...See More
tanveermahal
9 years ago
I also agree on a deep pile rug.. Perhaps one with a pattern to contrast the plain walls.

Also maybe move the chair where it was before and put the cabinet where the chair currently is.
PRO
ASVInteriors
9 years ago
While I agree with a rug, I would add two poufs on top which would function as a) seats to view outside b) a place on which to put coffee books or a tray c) additional seating for when you have guests.
Jo DP
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Everything is pointing to the t.v.. If the window side reveals a view of the garden or even the the world, put two chairs either side of a small table looking out away from the other seating, this will give the room different perspective & suggest different purposes. A day bed would also work here or even an Ikea chair with an incorporated footstool in the right hand corner we can't see if there is room. Agree, about the larger rug & keep the smaller one to help zone the room.
alant1000
9 years ago
I also think the black curtains look a bit awkward with the blue wall, maybe a set of curtains to match the sofas might make it all hang together.
PRO
Niche. Living
9 years ago
You have made a nice room here
But I think the layout is a little wrong and the TV is the main issue
If and I am sure the man of the house will cringe!!! If you move the TV to the other alcove the chair could swing In front of the window the sofa needs to be pulled off the wall a little it should have fresh air on all sides a little air just inches gives a more roomy appearance
I think perhaps the mirror is not right, if that was a picture it would let the stove take centre place, using strong colour paint is bang on trend but invest in a quality brand may cost you £10 more but a Farrow and Ball would not mark so easily x
myperfectadvice
9 years ago
Pictures above fire place
antoineguillaume
9 years ago
I love the dark colour of the wall, but like a couple of others have mentioned I would add a larger rug to make the room more cozy. I love the small stove with the pile of wood to the side!

I would also consider changing the curtains to match the colour of the wall better, especially when at certain angles the mirror seems to reflect the curtains like in the first picture.
Kez Sparham
9 years ago
The sofas look fine and contrast the room as it is very dark with the dark wall and black curtains. Add the accessories to your room and see how it looks. You need a big mantle piece to even the room out with your big TV. You could add in more fabrics to make the room look more inviting as we all know that blue is hard to pull off and is a cold colour.
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi guys, thank you so much for all your feedback.

The tv is on a really long arm so does fold back against the wall and is barely noticeable. It needs oiling as its quite stiff so I didn't move it back for the photo, lol!
There is a black console table under it as well.

The black curtains are too much I agree, but we just needed to get some up for privacy and didn't have time to get any made. I have white sheers under so they look so much better in the day. Bit imposing though!

I also agree about the mirror. It looks lost there but we were trying to make it more homely for XMAS until we found a fire surround and picture. The mirror will go on the back wall above the sofa.

It's hard as the room is not how I had planned it. The 'black leather sofa' I wanted was to go in front of the fire with 2 single chairs either side. The sofa we have is too big for that - hence why it's pushed back into the corner.

The view out of the window is only the road and nothing exciting to see, yet the view on the opposite side is the through dining room looking into the garden.

Ideally I would have this chair back over the other side with my cabinet back in the alcove (agree it looks so much better!) but I would like a chair this side as well.

Ultimately, it's our chill out room where we only go to watch movies. We use the kitchen/diner most days as we have a tv on the breakfast bar which we watch when we are busy.

I do have a coffee table I need to upcycle for the room but we have got used to putting our feet up on the pouffe, ha ha.

Rug - I'd had a huge cow skin but pinched it for my bedroom (oops) so have the mare of trying to choose another for this room. I'm not a rug fan but like skins as they are easy to keep clean, lol!
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Oh the paint was the new Valspar which cost me £50 for one tub. It's even more expensive than F&B (who didn't have the colour I wanted unfortunately) so I will have to email b&q to complain about it. I've done 2 coats already!
PRO
Niche. Living
9 years ago
Tank, the higher the pigment of the colour the more coats it needs, but it should not nark so easily
PRO
Niche. Living
9 years ago
You have done well with the room Tani, but these things take time, it is best to try to wait for the right thing than waste money along the way on compromises x
PRO
User
9 years ago
First things that come to mind are lighting and furniture layout issues
judibutler
9 years ago
Sofas are fine. I agree with Kes about it needing a mantle shelf to take the eye away from the TV and give prominence to the chimney breast. Ditch the pink accessories and go for a lifting yellow.
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
I went for pink because I have yellow and green in the through rooms (kitchen/diner) It's grey and white in there and yellow works well. I could add in some hot yellow as well and don't just have to stick to pink (which is a raspberry colour)
PRO
Marraum
9 years ago
I like the colour combinations. However, it can create a dark feeling within a room.
The primary wall with fire and TV is a loverly but possibly lacking something.

I think the corner with TV hanging can be lifted somehow. between the dark wall and dark curtains. Maybe consider a 'cheap' piece of furniture that your can up-cycle in the same colours (white being the dominate). This will break the dark feeling as well as add valuable storage space. A small central coffee table may also help in the same colours.
eibhlinnidulaing
9 years ago
How about two glass/silver console tables either side of the fire to match the mirror and a larger brighter rug.
Daily Optic
9 years ago
The TV in the corner and the jumble beneath it aren't doing the room any favors
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Please ignore the tv side, the tv goes back flat to the wall and the 'jumble' hasn't been dealt with us we just got the sound bar but need to tie up all the wiring and the rest are bags of logs we put out by the fire. Just not go around to it yet!

I can't move the TV as its all fitted into the wall and the cables are hidden so moving it isn't an option. Plus the window would be in front of it if we did and it would mean an awful picture when trying to watch TV
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Ok so I have shuffles things around to how I had it before Xmas.

This is the view you didn't see before ie looking away from the large window.

I've swapped the footstool for a table (which I plan on painting and up cycling - maybe with a removable padded top in a bright colour)
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
This is the blue wall (which is actually a very warm blue and the room does look cosy but think my poor pictures (iPhone!) don't do it justice. The TV is pushed back but we still need to sort the cables out so ignore those. The plan is to home the logs under that console table as a log store.

The mirror will eventually be replaced as suggested with a picture and a large fire surround.
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
I've bought this walnut effect China cabinet which I want to upcyle (I love the colour which really works with my wall colour but not sure if it clashes with my floor??) the inside will be painted and I have glass shelves so will use as a book cabinet.

The vase I just bought from a charity shop and it needs a lampshade. It's bronze coloured metal. Doesn't work in the cabinet with the same colouring I know. Not sure where to put it though! Lol
PRO
Niche. Living
9 years ago
I like both of the items above

They add warmth and character - we use over sized lamps often in schemes they habitat they have some great shades in the sale
PRO
Niche. Living
9 years ago
Try lining the back of the cupboard a dark wallpaper x
PRO
Niche. Living
9 years ago
If you just painted the table, leave it plenty of time to dry, if you are anything like me you are impatient to try things on it

Eggshell can take 2 days to fully cure, the table is big enough to take that lamp
Jo DP
9 years ago
Love the china cabinet & the size of the lamp which is not a twee diddle dee size. Good buys!
Lara Imrie
9 years ago
Hi

Don't sweat it about your sofa colour etc buy a few navy blue throws, I concur on the curtain colour, not too sure that navy is the way to go though, hmm maybe a light grey colour would be a nice change from the dark colours eg wall colour & curtains.
Also for the summer months try voils or Roman blinds to give it a totally different feel.

Good luck & I love your hardwood flooring.

Regards
limrie
jacksplash
9 years ago
I've added a photo,hope it helps. I think shelving painted the same colour of the wall could help,maybe incorporate your tv?
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi,
Not painted the coffee table as yet but yeah, I'm super impatient at waiting for things to dry, ha ha.

The tv is on an arm so doesn't need to sit on a shelf? It has a console under it. Or do you mean to put the sound bar on?
jacksplash
9 years ago
The cabinet on the left wall I think looks good,if were me,I would decide something different for the right side where the tv is,to hide the wires and such.I think you have a lovely room. I'm on iPad so I can't really see the style of console that sits under the tv.
Could you find another piece ( but lower) for the right hand wall?
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Jacksplash - the right hand console is a slimline black one. There shouldn't really be many wires showing once we have put them where they should go. We just got the sound bar before XMAS and have only just put the tv up but the ariel is hidden in the wall and the box is under the floor.
It's a black unit and I could paint it a different colour I guess but I didn't want it to stand out too much as there will be logs stored under it.
To the side is a glass fire companion set.
jacksplash
9 years ago
I see tani. There does seem to be a mix of styles on each side of the alcove though.
Maybe adding the logs may help that. Good luck with your project,maybe you will post a picture when your done.
bagpuss2
9 years ago
Might I suggest throws and cushions in a silver grey/dark blue tartan with dark blue velvet cushions to pick up the colour of the dark wall? The rug could be a plain shag pile one- my rental properties have these in cream - they cost about £30. Line the back of your display cabinet with a striking wallpaper and add LED lights.
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you bagpuss. I've got some dark blue velvet cushions and some silver grey ones (which blend too much into the sofa, haha) - I do love tartan but will have to have a look for blue ones :)
michael pacheco
9 years ago
I agree on the larger rug with a coffee table. You design layout is similar to a house I worked on, have you considered molding, chair rails and frame work? This will tidy this room up and give it a more structured look. Especially with the use of these colours you have used.
PRO
Andy Jobe Decorating Services
9 years ago
The paint, is it Matt ( marks really easy and impossible to wipe clean ) or is it the premier Valspar range ( over priced for "vinyl" Matt ) the Matt range which is the lowest in price has no vinyl content which acts as a binder and is tougher wearing. I don't recommend B & Q paint to anyone I'm afraid. A good quality paint from a decorating centre is the best bet and they can mix most colours for you, always ask for "vinyl" Matt if you need to wipe it clean from time to time. Although I love the colour I think you've got too much of it, it would be best kept to just the chimney breast and once the fire surround is in place marking would be minimal.

Mixing traditional furniture with modern is clashing in my view try and go one way or another.
Tani H-S
Original Author
9 years ago
It was the more expensive gold tin of Valspar - but a matt finish. I just loved the colour over the other brands I tried - and I did try F&B plus 5 others, ha ha.

The room in the day is v v light as its South facing so it honestly doesn't look that dark with the whole wall done. I've added some white into the alcove and it does make a difference so I might put some white frames there instead.
The fire surround is now a huge white chunky thing and that also lifts the wall. I wanted to paint it black (surround) but family voted white.

My intention was to paint the vintage cabinet and not leave it walnut. It's a shame as I love the colour against the wall but yes, it doesn't really match with the rest of the furniture. Especially as the sofa is not a stylish leather one (which I wanted) .

We are planning on selling the house as soon as the bathrooms are done (a years time hopefully) so I know it will never be all to my taste as I had planned it. As long as it looks appealing to viewers then that is the most important thing now.
PRO
Eco Economy Roofing Specialist
8 years ago
I think you should lighten up the alcoves but leave the chimney breast. then add a luxury rug in the same colour you choose for the alcoves. Then chuck some cushions on the chairs to match the chosen colour scheme . just to start with , you could also go for floral curtains .
clarejames
8 years ago
love the colour on your wall.. a throw like this one (navy and cream) might help tieing the sofa in with your scheme (don't mind the sofa actually).. https://www.batela-giftware.co.uk/products/blanket-1?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=4307888133&gclid=CI-h36W688oCFRYW0wod0twMww .. I also love walnut wood, but perhaps would go for a lighter coloured console table to lighten up the area, and I liked the alcove shelves idea in the alcove where the chair is too - painted the same colour as your walls, but with lighter frames on them... I would maybe try moving your sofa in front of your windows (enough room to move behind them if you need to) to make the most of your nice view.. love your upcycling ideas too... and I would go for a larger lampshade with a pattern, as they blend away into the walls.. nearly there though!
Sandie Gallagher
8 years ago
Tani I really love your cabinet it adds so much warmth to the room with the dark navy and I don't feel it clashes with your floor at all.
I like your animal skin rug but perhaps a larger one in Tan and creamy white would help pull the woodwork, metal vase and floor together and give it nice balance.
Not sure what colours you like but you could try some velvet or textured oranges with the navy as the tones are similar to the wood and then add some neutral beige or cream with it.

Have you tried your mirror above your new cabinet it may help the balance with the TV one the opposite side.

I feel a mantle peace will make a difference in white or antique white. Then add a canvas or painting that has all the tones you decide on in your room with some strong accent colours like the orange with the greens and yellows from your other rooms that will tie the two together. What ever you decide on I'm sure you will have fun. Take your time and good luck, most of all have some fun with it.
Sophie Whitehead
8 years ago
wow looks great, amazing what a few changes can do !!
Rachel Oakes
8 years ago
I just love this room so much! I want to do something similar but with navy/inky blue below the dado rail; you've given me some great inspiration
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
Looks great Tani.
Sandie Gallagher
8 years ago
The fireplace, round mirror, and large white animal skin have made such a difference. I loved your book case in the original colour it was but the colour you have chosen really works so well. Congratulations It looks fabulous.
Tani H-S
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all! I was loath to pinch the rug from my bedroom but it was too large anyway for that room and it does brighten the floor up a bit. Just needs a few more accessories and it will be more homely.
maria galvano
8 years ago
Love the new look really coming together. Nice to see the stove with the elegant fireplace something I have been pondering on doing next time I replace my fire. I prefered the cabinet in the original wood but still looks good and the new mirror looks much better but still thinking perhaps a interesting artwork picking up your main colour theme would look lovely too. love the dramatic blue and crisp whites gorgeous Tani