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how do I modernise this room on a budget

7 years ago

I live in a lovely, bright 1970s townhouse (with the living room on the middle floor). I have inherited the pink carpet that runs through the hall, open plan living room and three staircases. How do I modernise the room? Do I replace the carpet? do I keep it and recover the soft furniture? do I redecorate?

I'd like to add more colour to the room. I was thinking of grey for the woodwork.

I have a limited budget so want to work with existing dark wood furniture and sofa etc.

Featured Answer

A B

7 years ago

If you have enough in the budget I'd start by recarpeting, and buying a couple of large throws for the sofas. Then redecorate and furnish as and when you can. Looks like a lovely light room

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Comments (10)

PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hello Diana,

One way of doing this is to consider what you have and then add to it with the wall colour. With pinks you could add some earthy colours that compliment the seating.. Then do the same with the cushions with dusky pink and something that has a pattern.. The flooring at the bottom of the stairs would also compliment the earthy colours and look really stylish! Perhaps reposition things to see where and how they work best..

Some fantastic lamp, and throw or two and try grouping the cushions 2 or 3 at one end with a throw at the other.. Fantastic pendant light.. Possibly textural. The large bookcase might be better situated on the wall as you walk to the living room on the left of the doorway? It then opens the living room up so the windows become the focus..

So many things you could do here, but a few ideas to offer inspiration.. : ))
Walt
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi. Thank you for the suggestions. Yes I can see that working with existing colours rather than against them is better. I am sure one day I will learn to love pink!
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PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
Hello Diana,

Most welcome! Well you can transform a colour with what you put with it. I too am not a fan of pink but it depends what pink and what is pink.. I'm thinking of things that you can do without taking up the carpet or buying new sofas etc but if you had a grand there's a lovely Chaise longue I've seen. Also have you looked at what's underneath the carpet? Make a plan of things you can adapt and things you have to change. I think paint is one way of making a real statement on a smaller budget. Share some more pics .. :))
PRO
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I too would start with the carpet. If you don't like pink, then start there. Get something with a neutral tone, and go throughout. As someone else mentioned, you can buy throws for sofas and up-cylce furniture with paint, until you can afford to change. The Pink does unfortunately date the property and I think you'll be wasting money on changing everything else, when changing the carpet solves a lot of the colour palette choices immediately. A neutral carpet will go with your sofas and other furniture straight away.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hello Diana,

I had another idea based on working with what you have and that is to possibly add to the carpet in the form of rugs. You could actually do the same with runners for landings or stairs too...

I have included a vibrant pattern for just one example which has pink but also other colours that you could work with in order to create a more coherent finish as you bring the colour into other areas of the home. The rug idea will not only break up the pink but offer a contrast and compliment and the same time..

For the sofa and armchair. Adding a plain block colour in the form of cushions, throws with something geometric as a contrast, can again work to tone down the pattern whilst retaining it's interest.. I would not though paint the woodwork as I think it works best as it is.. Here are some inspirational images that are fantastic in the way they use the pink element. : ))

Could be two tone rather than a whole wall....

Interesting wallpaper in other areas or as part of a painted scheme..
A slightly darker red or dark pink for accent...

Striking textural painted walls..
Walt
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you again for the comments. I am not keen to add any more pink to the room. The walls were originally pink as well when we moved in. I am considering replacing the carpet. Has anyone had a good experience of neutral carpet tiles? If we use carpet tiles for the main floors, what do you recommend for the stairs?
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hello Diana,

Well an idea which I thought could work but I would not recommend carpet tiles personally but of course the choice is yours. Why not consider Jute, Sisal or Coir as an alternative idea for carpeting and it looks amazing with a border. Fitted as one piece in my eyes gives a better finish. This natural material idea works well as a runner for stairs too which is what I would suggest rather than covering the whole tread.. However either works and so your preference would dictate what you do in that regard.. You can also layer it with Jute, Sisal or Coir rugs too!

Have you looked at what's underneath the carpet? This may also inform you as to what could be good. There are a variety of finishes and patterns and it's a warm and hard wearing flooring.. : ))
Kevin Jovinsie
7 years ago
hello
PRO
Shaw Stairs Ltd
7 years ago
Hi Diane,

Have you considered updating your staircase? Take a look at our page for some ideas or visit our website www.shawstairs.com for great products at brilliant prices.

Many Thanks

Shaw Stairs Ltd.

Sponsored

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