Help, need help updating my rented living room!

7 years ago

Obviously there is so much we able to do to spruce up our living room because we are renting, but some suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We have just purchased some covers from amazon for the sofa's to try (I had hoped we could get some fitted covers but would have worked out probably more expensive). I was looking to make (cheaper) some big cushions.

I came across the following link and feel in love with the design and ease of the style. If anyone knows of sites or offer similar ideas on how to create a similar look.

http://www.homestolove.com.au/how-to-introduce-coastal-style-to-your-home-1774

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (4)

minnie101
7 years ago
Hi Claire. A couple of things which would immediately give it a coastal look is to add a sisal rug and some ikat cushions with a neutral textured throw. What colour are the sofa covers and what colours do you like as you don't need to stick with the blue and white theme if you don't want? I would add a side table next to the sofa with what I describe as a big fat squashy lamp! I think you need some art over the sofa, either one piece or 3, about 2/3 of the sofa width. I might choose something abstract in your preferred colours rather than go for a seascape. Add a plant under the fitted shelves. Does your budget stretch to a coffee table? Something in glass maybe? Does the White unit turn on its side? For accessories I would think lots of different textures with some good faux flowers for the table
Claire Goacher
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Thank you for this Minnie. I love the idea of IKAT cushions and sisal rug although we had hoped on keeping the rug. The sofas are a dark grey which is really dull and they are lifeless - I don't suppose you know of any upholsters in the Wimbledon area? We are worried about hanging any pictures about the sofas because it is such a thin wall. I had thought about investing in a coffee table, especially a glass or even something white with a wooden top. We could turn the white IKEA unit on it's side but we have put the TV back on it now, although I am very keen on getting like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SECONIQUE-CORONA-WHITE-DISTRESSED-WAXED-PINE-2-DRAWER-FLAT-SCREEN-TV-UNIT-/262583791901?hash=item3d2336b11d%3Ag%3AgvsAAOSw0UdXtab8&_trkparms=pageci%3D143c0b85-2ba5-4a34-86a9-3fb573fde84f%2Cparentrq%3Dea1484201560a88b2240c8e8fffdb20e%2Ciid%3D1%2Cobjectid%3D20488
In terms of filling the shelves, what sort of things do we want to be getting to fill them effectively but cheaply?

Thank you!
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Hi. I agree with angieav, but I think you need to tell us how you use the space so we can help with the best layout. Do you use the dining table every day or do you eat in the kitchen? Does the electronic piano get used a lot? Is the woodburner for heat, looks, you've always wanted one, or just because you think you need a focal point for the room? Is there a restriction on where it would be (do you have a second storey above some of that room)? That said, I would make the sloping wall the focal point with built in shelves, including a slot for the TV, and have it in a contrasting colour with books and nice decorative items. Because it is angled, you can then see the TV from much of the room without it being a big feature. You could have a couch square on to the entrance to the room, maybe an L with the short end against the wall where the TV currently is, a chair or two between the two windows and where the other couch is at the moment, but without sticking out so much (it looks like that couch blocks the traffic to the kitchen, but it might just be the angle of the photos). A dining table can go where you currently have yours, but I would flip it around so that it is long in that space and that is a dedicated dining area. Or have a round one that extends so for everyday it isn't encroaching on the space and traffic to the kitchen. The piano can go over near the door to the outside. A woodburner could be installed where you currently have your TV (as long as the flue has somewhere to go!). With this layout, the seating will be facing the woodburner and the TV. If you don't use the dining table much, you could put it over on the carpeted area, as someone else suggested, and dedicate the part that currently has tiles to the lounge (and then we can rethink the layout of that area). As for the flooring, I would go with what you have in the kitchen so that it flows. I hope that helps to get you started.
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As you sofa is quite a dominant colour in the room, we would suggest toning it down with neutral feature wallpaper (https://www.cole-and-son.com/en/collection-geometric-ii/wallpaper-105/6026/) see below image An eye catching mirror such as this one from Graham and green should be placed above the sofa. (http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/950x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/r/b/rbj8303-gold-roll-mirror.jpg) or https://www.cole-and-son.com/en/collection-curio/wallpaper-107/314 Gold accessories such as a statement mirror above the sofa would look great to add warmth and a touch of glam! check out : (http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Linea+Maria+gold+mirror+103+cm/223669299,default,pd.html) Get a longer curtain rail so when you curtains are open they sit against the wall allowing maximum natural light into the room. A rug such as the one below would tie the whole scheme together (http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-lustre-rug/p1913412?colour=Smoke) cushion: http://www.johnlewis.com/kirkby-design-by-romo-district-cushion/p1953638?colour=Orange grey cushion: http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-silk-cushion/p1697898?colour=Silver%20Grey#media-overlay_show Hope you like these schemes...they will surely freshen up your interior! If you are still having trouble visualising or need more assistance take a look at what we offer www.room-revolution.co.uk we look forward to seeing the finished result!
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PRO
Dulux Amazing Space
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi Claire,

You have a lovely space to work with and it’s great to hear
that you’re up for doing a bit of DIY!

In regards to the coffee table, go for it! It’s a lovely
design and will complement the characteristics of the room perfectly. I’d dress
the table with a gorgeous green plant - not only will this add vibrant colour,
but also adds life to your space and is guaranteed to make you smile. As
suggested by Minnie, a floor standing plant situated underneath your fitted
wall shelves will add a feature to this corner of your room.

If you fancy doing a little bit of painting, why not head to
your nearest charity shop and find a sweet side table to place to the left of
your sofa or either side of your armchair? Choose your favourite Dulux paint
colour (in a Satinwood finish) and paint your table to add a personalised touch
to your space! This will create such a lovely statement as you enter the room,
especially if you choose a beautiful blue to create that coastal look. Adding a
side lamp to the side table will add height and a lovely ambiance to your room,
especially in the evenings when you’re snuggled up watching TV.

To give your IKEA unit a fresh look, dress it with these
lovely storage boxes which will work so perfectly with the scheme you want to
achieve: http://goo.gl/zrKf2u

Finally, if
your budget stretches, take a look at these lovely cushions from Dunelm. The
prices are amazing and I think they will finish the look so well. What do you
think?

· http://goo.gl/4Y4tim

· http://goo.gl/KeBgL3

· http://goo.gl/Nne5dO

Good luck giving your living room a homelier feel and please get in
touch with us at help@amazingspacedesign.co.uk if you need any further help. And we’d love to see
your finished room once it’s complete, so please do share some pics!

All the best,
Jade

Dulux Colour & Design Consultant
www.design.duluxamazingspace.co.uk
Claire Goacher thanked Dulux Amazing Space
minnie101
7 years ago
Hi Claire. I'm afraid I don't know any upholsterers, you could try going on streetlife or mumsnet for recommendations. Do weigh up costs of reupholstery vs new although I think these are a good squashy style for a beach style. The room looks bigger now it's light so I think you could get away with a wooden table, if you're a tight budget I found (and lost!) one on eBay for £40 that you could white wash with a little grey in or leave as is. For the walls try canvases as they're so lightweight. Re accessories I personally would just have a nod to coastal but you could look at things like faux hydrangea, faux coral ( Kelly hoppen), a vase/bowl filled with shells, books, blue and white ginger jar etc (eBay), candles, set of vases of differing heights, textures etc (but tie into each other in some way). For a plant under the shelves, if you put it in a normal pot I found a sea grass holder from collectie.co.uk for £22. sainsburys often have a few good things if you're on a budget and have a large one near you

Help, need help updating my rented living room!

Comments (4)

minnie101

Claire Goacher
Original Author

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Help, need help updating my rented living room!

Comments (4)

minnie101

Claire GoacherOriginal Author

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minnie101

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Claire Goacher
Original Author