12 years ago

Hi,

This is a slight older picture, plus as you can see it was taken in the evening and around xmas!

My dilemma is the design and colors. Unfortunately the curtains are not mine but the landlords, so i am unable to remove them. Fair enough, i like the bordeaux color of the curtains. One seems to clash when i look at my picture, and i think it is the purple pillows. I absolutely ADORE my rug, i love the african feel to it (it is chocolate brown with creme flowers) and i wish to keep that feel! The walls are painted white as the room is quite dark during the day, i have a stupid bush in front of my window! However, the corner where the picture was taken (I was standing at the door) i have painted it orange, to give the (small) room a feature wall without being too much.

Any ideas how i could change the room at all? What do you suggest to do with my sofa? It is a futon bed which i love, however due to the futon being dark green on one side and dark blue on the other i am covering it and added these pillows. Something is not right in this decor and i am unable to put my finger on that!

Constructive criticism is MUCH appreciate. :)
Bare in mind that i am unable to change the curtains (i believe they might be part of the reason why its not matching though..) and i LOVE my rug. Any ideas? pictures to inspire me a little more?

Thanks in advance. x
Steph

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Comments (11)

hilltop1155
12 years ago
I like the rug. I think the pillows are the wrong mood for it and too heavy for this vignette. Also, the tan muddles a color palette that would include both wine and orange, which calls for clean lines and colors. I'd go with a cream futon cover that matches the walls and rug. That eliminates the futon as a feature. Then use that cream backdrop for spots of color in your palette. You might consider including lime green as part of this color scheme. The photo at this URL shows the three colors together:
http://www.outofgray.com/uploads/daff%20wool%20felt%20office%20modern%20briefcase%20laptop%20case.jpg

I think the vase is also too traditional. Pops of color in the pillows, lamps, the planter or a painting might be more effective to pull it all together. Since the rug has those great daisy shapes on it, echo those in any flowers you use. It's such a simple design, you could probably paint something yourself that brings all your colors into play.

One thing: you need light. I'd invest in some cool lamps that provide both general lighting and up-lighting (use the ceiling to reflect light) and use them generously around the room.

These are just some thoughts. Have fun with it.
steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you so much for that information, its nice to get someone else' point of view and refreshing!! I actually DO agree with the color scheme!!

I have done a bit more googling and found this website with pictures :
http://www.prettylittlegreenthings.com/2010/11/eco-friendly-in-california-viva-terra-co-founders-home/

That is the sort of feel that i would like in my lounge! I have been booking for a better futon and would like to just make one myself with foam and sew the material around that i want, but the foam i find in fabric shops is to soft??

Keep the comments coming!
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steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
I have a white planter in the right corner which you cant see. I would like to possibly paint it. Could you give me an example of planter that would suit that feel at all?
steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
Could anybody tell me if these pillow cases would fit with the rug and the whole room? Thank you! x
bepsf
12 years ago
Actually you can remove the landlords window coverings - just take them down, have them cleaned and store them away so that when it comes time to move, they're available to replace when you leave.

You can also do the same with hardware, electrical fixtures - even appliances should you choose.
steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
The trouble is i do need 'something' to close the window, should i have visiters as shutters are not very common in the UK as they are in france and germany... :/ I actually cant afford to buy new curtains, especially that size. Any opinion about the above though? i do like these pillow cases, however dont want to waste any money if it doesnt fit. :)
steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
hmm anybody??
hilltop1155
12 years ago
I like the design of these these pillows, but if you use them you will have to lose the curtains IMO. They don't have anything in them to tie them to the wine color, and they need that if you're keeping the drapes. If you could find something like this with the loopy, modern flowers similar to the rug, but with some wine in them and maybe some orange, you would have the tie-in that you need.

Or - you could use this as one of several mixed-pattern/mixed-color pillows and tie in all your colors between all of them. Here is a photo of a room where they've used some inexpensive pictures and pillows for spots of color:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dnu7DoNodKk/SwLKsMQhQOI/AAAAAAAADUQ/8CQYiBcASmk/DSC02945_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

And here is a pillow that might pull some color in:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58686323/two-new-handmade-16-inch-modern

What I like about it is that it has the loopy flowers reminiscent of the rug, but has the color from your other wall and a third color for interest. I think the edges of the flowers is magenta, but since computer screens can be off that is something that would need verification. If so, it might tie in the drapes in a minor way.

Use a variety of patterns on pillows and use only one floral. A little goes a long way there. Note the collection in the room photo above.

In the end, you have to like whatever you put in the room, but don't be afraid of color. Choose things that make you feel happy when you look at them.

A couple of questions: What part of the world are you in? And have you ever sewed at all?
steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
those pillows from Etsy are BEAUTIFUL. I might consider it actually! I think i will leave the drapes because.... I havent got anywhere to go with it, and it doesnt kill to keep them there. :/

I live in the UK, but i am part french and part german. And yes i do sew myself, because its cheaper! I have re-upholstered our bed, my parents have helped us make a headboard out of MDF, and with the same material i have made curtains! havent got a picture of the curtains, but you can see the material on the headboard with my freshly painted kiwi walls. LOVE my bedroom!
hilltop1155
12 years ago
I like it too. Since you can sew, making pillows should be a snap, and there should be more fabric options available than you'd find with ready-made pillows. Maybe you'll find the perfect fabric to replace those curtains eventually, but you seem to be on track for now. Good luck with your decorating!
steffie
Original Author
12 years ago
will do, thank you for all your advice!

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