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Not sure what colour cushions will suit my brown leather sofas

Victoria Anderson

8 years ago

I have a neutral colour scheme in my living room: beige fireplace, light-grey walls. Unfortunately two dark-brown leather sofas and a brown bookcase make the room look smaller. To liven up the furnishings I put up dusty rose colour Roman blinds which I now find horrible. The cushions have a pink pattern on them. I think there's no harmony and colour coordination there at all. I cannot get rid of the blinds as they cost a small fortune but can you please give some suggestions of what colour cushions and rug I can rectify this with.

Featured Answer

minnie101

8 years ago

I think I would change the wall colour

o a beige, greige or even a pale caramel. Then go for the same colours for accessories keeping some of the dusky pink

Comments (39)

Najeebah
8 years ago
Hi Victoria
I'd normally say try green, orange, rust or red cushions for your colour scheme, but I don't know how that will work with the blinds.. maybe white and cream (like the wall colour) would work better.
also, is there any way to move the tv? and you can add art of some sorts to the wall above the fireplace.
you can try a rug to help with the colours as well.
Victoria Anderson thanked Najeebah
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
You'll need to keep a couple of the pink cushions to tie in the blind but pale greens or pale blue/duck egg would work.
Victoria Anderson thanked mrsmcee74
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PRO
Nitin Goyal London
8 years ago
Hello Victoria. What about playing with colours,
textures and patterns? We love that at Nitin Goyal London! Mixing and Matching
will add some rhythmics to the room. Try and dare blues and greens or otherwise
warmer colors tones such as tawny or autumn oranges, brick red. In regards of
the carpet, we would suggest either plain ivory/white fluffy and cosy carpet or
again dare the patterns and colors to spice up the room. Hope this helps!
Victoria Anderson thanked Nitin Goyal London
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Victoria... Okay so I think you can have something a little bit on the bold side whilst complimenting the blinds and so i'd stick to pinks to go with the sofas. I have added a cream one for accent... Also have you thought about adding a mirror over the sofa facing the fireplace... And maybe 1 over the fireplace too? You may want to think about a throw as well... I would think of textures here... Nice piece of linen folded over 1 arm for either of the sofas or both.. I'd group the cushions like this... 1, 3 & 4 work nicely in any combination and then 2, 3 and 4 also work well in any combination...

1 little tip... you can buy the covers by themselves and buy pads at John Lewis.. Or somewhere online.. cheaper but don't go for cheap filling... you want feather! Also if you buy a slightly bigger cushion than the cover, it will stay plump... Don't karate chop them but just scatter in two's or 3 but not both ends! : ))
1

2

3

4
Victoria Anderson thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Juliet Docherty
8 years ago
The dusky pinks would work well with some stone colours and even ochre as an accent. A wall colour in a darker tone would help to tie it together. A stone colour with a slightly green undertone (such as Portland Stone 77 - Little Greene) would make sense. If you look at your third photo, I think that the wall colour may be the problem and something that is easier and cheaper to rectify than the blinds. Try a strong ochre/ caramel colour on the sofa, it should balance the pink and tone it down. Is it possible to move the table to the left of the fire to create some visual space? Good look.
Victoria Anderson thanked Juliet Docherty
Juliet Docherty
8 years ago
Sorry, LUCK.
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks a lot for all your comments. I dare say I'm even more confused now:) I already tried 8 rugs and none of them worked and I had bought and returned so many cushions that I became a laughing stock with my family. I have tried the autumn colours and realised they don't work with my blinds at all. Blue and green don't tie in the colour scheme of the room. I'm not keen on a mirror above the fire, I prefer pictures but again, they have to match the room colours. I liked the cushions ideas from AJ Interior Styling, are they from JL? Maybe I should start with choosing a rug first? Can you please advise on the colour and style. I'd like a Persian rug but not sure if it would go with the room style. Thank you.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Victoria....The cushions are from Oka actually... Things I really like from them are the cushions and faux flowers!!... What I would say with the rug is... Get something that blends nicely with the floor.... It doesn't need a gr8 deal of pink in it or at all..... You can use the pink as an accent colour...ie the cushions and curtains.. If the room isn't really large maximise the floor by having something that will blend well with the wood... Thus it doesn't break it up... I have found something (see attached) also from Oka, there are two sizes and I would also like to suggest a creamy or biscuit throw for the sofa. You see the cushions have some cream and biscuit elements to them so actually it will also tie in with the flooring...

Having a nice creamy/biscuit throw will also lift the brown on the sofa... and lighten the room... Which also gives the idea of space... Eyes tend to focus on any dark colours... So by offering a light contrast... It helps to bring it all together... : ))
Victoria Anderson thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
PRO
Atlantis rugs
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Persian rugs come in all sorts of styles, I would keep the dusky pick cushions and it would have great harmony with your curtains. Here are a few examples of rugs that i think would look amazing in your room:

This beautiful floral Persian rug has Dusky pink and cream worked into it.

This Persian rug is smaller but with geometric patterns, also the main colours are dusky pink.

This is a longer Persian Kilim also geometric patterns.

Or for whole different look you can go for a very bright colour.

This is the patchwork style of different Persian rugs all together. All the rugs above are handmade.

However you can go for more traditional style or machine made:

This is machine made traditional Persian rug in Jasmine pink.

Hope this was of some help.
Victoria Anderson thanked Atlantis rugs
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
I Ioved your idea of blending a rug with the floor. That's probably why my previous rugs haven't worked out as they all were contrasting with it thus making the room look even smaller. The rug from Oka is beautiful but even the smaller version is still too big for our lounge. I'll try to find a similar one, thanks a lot AJ Interior Styling! You are a star!
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your comments and pictures A2Z Rugs.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Thank you Victoria!! : ) ) I'm delighted... and if you have any questions... You know where to go.. find me here or my website.. : ))
Victoria Anderson thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
tavolla
8 years ago
Where your sofa is from please
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
From Darlings of Chelsea
minnie101
8 years ago
Hi Victoria. What did you do in the end?!
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi, thank you for asking. I wish I could share a new look but unfortunately I couldn't find a rug similar to the one recommended by AJ Interiors. Still looking for it:)
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Victoria,

http://www.okadirect.com/raphael-aged-rug-small.aspx?vid=tfu028ntl-0

They have 20% off but it's not cheap but a good qualilty... : ))
PRO
Mosabox
8 years ago
Hello Victoria

I wonder if you will be interested in this rug
Kilim Area Rug Persian Style Carpet 5’4” x 3'4" Colorful Durable Decor Rug 100% · More Info

We have many others that you can choose from. Please click on the logo on the left to check them out.
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi, it's lovely but I'm looking for a Persian rug or similar, not a Kilim one. But thank you anyway:)
PRO
Bakhtiyar
8 years ago
Hi Victoria, the room looks great and taking colours from a Persian rug for your sofa cushions is a great idea, one that we have used many times when assisting clients with their interiors.

For the rug have you thought of having the front legs of your sofas on the rug? This usually makes the rug part of the room and really sit well with the decor.

Could you provide me with the maximum size you would like a Persian rug? I will then be able to provide you with some images of rugs that I think could really work in your room.

Many Thanks

Koroush
Victoria Anderson
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi, the room is quite small so a rug shouldn't be bigger than 140/150x 200/230. And no,
I wouldn't put it under the front legs of the sofas.
PRO
Bakhtiyar
8 years ago
Hi VIctoria,

Thanks for the dimensions, I will get some images over to you soon.

Best

Koroush
Christine
8 years ago
Hi Victoria

I love the cushions advised by Aj Interior Styling and the rug will pull the scheme together. I have a similar dilemma in the I have painted my back sitting room in little greene portland stone which looks great as this is a sunny south facing room. I have wallpapered the chimney breast in the adjoining room in a stripe towards the portland stone and put curtains to blend. It looks verydrab and I am unsure what to put with this. I have left the room untouched for now as I ponder the dilemma. Like you I cannot replace the curtains as they were too expensive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Christine
8 years ago
AJ interiors would the cushions you recommended to Victoria go with the portland stone. The problem is the room is North facing. I may have to start again :-(
Christine
8 years ago
Would it be a good idea to paint the other three walls almond white?
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Christjne,

Glad you love my suggested cushions.. :)) I think you can make Portland Stone work if you add lighter and warmer tones to it. You could try it in the Pale for a contrasting wall. Then think of the accessories. A mirror would be lovely over the mantelpiece and I'd say you can add accents of old gold and pale yellows to warm the look.. Earthy tones would be lovely with the scheme you have put together..

Don't start again but just keep going a bit more.. The dark sofa can be lightened with throws on the side of the arms and or the back of the sofa. Also add some mole velvet cushions too.. May be nice to re situate the sofa to face the fireplace if you can.

Add some wood too - A chest of drawers in the alcove would be nice.. Warm woods and texture here.. Then a nice lamp on it. On the other side something smaller like a lovely side table so they differ in height.. . :))
Christine
8 years ago
Hi thanks so much for your reply. I have been reading about pigment in paint colours and that in Northern low light rooms you should not choose undertones of green in grey paint. I have since (in desperation) painted the other walls in deluxe almond white and this had warmed the room already. I like the idea of earth tones and the velvet mole cushions. Would these still work with the scheme? The second sofa does face the fireplace which is painted in little greene pale portland stone. A friend suggested teal duck egg with it but I am unsure this would work. In the room adjacent I have almond white, portland stone and grey accessories which look really good but a very sunny room
Christine
8 years ago
Hi Aj Interiors. I also intend to purchase a mirror for over the fireplace. What would you suggest? Again I quite like the idea of velvet mole cushions. Would it be a good idea to put earthy tones also.
Christine
8 years ago
AJ interiors. I am sorry to ask again but could you possibly recommend a source of cushions that would work. I am so frightened of spending more money and it not looking right! I just can't go back to another shop with returns!! Help would be very appreciated.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello christjne,

I am just getting a few images for you.. Hold on.. Oka do some that are rather good.. Also their faux flower collection is really good. This one is from them and also their velvet in Porridge and Pale Sage could be nice along with Mole colour and Caviar is one they have too that would work possibly... .. There is also the option of throws and they have one in Mole and you could also think of stones and other shades of earthy tones... Group with 1 plain mole colour to give accent but I'd say 1 of each together on 1 or 2 sides and a throw or two for the sofa..

You may find some others you like too.. They also have Mirrors and the Cesario large could be very nice, it has a nice bevelled frame with dark wood and accent of gold that would be gr8 with the dark sofa.. All depends on budget as I have many more suggestions including antiques but for something under the one roof as it were... : ))
Christine
8 years ago
Thanks so much
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Welcome christjne, : ))
Christine
8 years ago
Hi AJ Interiors. Thank you very much for the advice and recomendations. I just love the mirror and it is not a design I would have considered at all but can see this looking fab. Not only will it bounce light around the room bit it will give the room some depth. I am definately going to order. The large size is only 70 x 50 will this be large enough? Also love the velvet cushions and whilst everyone is trying to convince me to put some colour in the room I think the earth tones will look rich :-) I do own an edwardian chest of drawers in a golden brown and am considering placing this the room as you suggested. Thank you once again. Christine
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Christine,

You're very welcome! I am very pleased to have shown you a design you hadn't considered! I too think it's lovely and yes I thought the size could be good but have a measure as I'm going by the pic.. I'd give it at least 10cm space from top of mantle to bottom of hanging mirror, so it's taking it 80 up to the top... see what you think... It doesn't want to sit right at the top of the wall either... So have a measure.... They do have some similar one's if you decide it's not the right size for you or for the chimney breast...

Yes I rather think the rich sophisticated colours of earthy tones I suggested and possibly accents of gold would be lovely.. It will give depth to the room with the mole and the sofa.. Also yes... absolutely try the chest of drawers and see how that works... That will bring out the frame of the mirror... : ))
Christine
8 years ago
Hi by leaving 10cm from fireplace to mirror this would mean there would be 28cm above mirror to the ceiling. The width of the fireplace is 134cm so as the mirror is 50cm wide this would mean there would be 42 cm either side plus 10cm to the edge of the chimney breast. do you think the mirror would be too small or ok?
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Christine,

In that case I would say find something wider at 75/80 wide. The height is good it's just that for the size of the chimney breast you do need something bigger.. What you could do is have it in the centre and then buy the small version to hang at the sides one either side of small cecario and there is a smaller one still.. Which could hang above it.. If not a collection then the only place I have seen something that is roughly the same but the size you might need is at the Paint House.. 020 7924 5118

Speak to Sue, tell her I have told you to go to them (she's in the picture!)... They know me and they are getting me a mirror and it's almost the same but here's a pic of it... It's very similar to the Oka one and could be just the thing... I don't have measurements but it's quite a lot bigger! : ))
Christine
8 years ago
Thanks for your help. I will call and speak to Sue. You have really inspired me to carry on with the room and actually work with the dark brown sofas instead of attempting to disguise them. I feel inspired at last! Thank you very much once again
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Most welcome Christine,

I am delighted you're inspired.. Enjoy the process... : ))

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