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Need help finishing my living room

Monica Steinborn Andresen

7 years ago

We have recently painted, had new carpet installed, finished the fireplace surround and bought a new couch. Now need help with finishing touches/accent colors. Need curtains, throw pillows, blanket, side table, lamp and accessory/art recommendations. Thanks so much!

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mzapper

7 years ago

what do you think of this type of colour scheme?

Newton Centre Transitional Living Room · More Info

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Comments (68)

J D
7 years ago
Having fun: what about say one pillow that is navy w a design and then one pillow or throw that is orange? Maybe if he/she does it like that, it might be easier to find stuff?
hortenstinesara
7 years ago
I think the curtains and couch pillows are really going to be the starting point. from there you can choose your wall art. I think pops of deep teal would be nice...and some grays/whites/blacks
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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
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Craig Andresen
7 years ago
I'm the husband of the original poster, and thought it might help to add the details of the finishes in the family room there and some priorities as we're overwhelmed by the responses (thank you to all!). It's really hard to tell from our pictures what color some of the finishes are. I like where this is going with navy with an accent color to make it pop for things like curtains, pillows, lamp, etc.

Many comments have asked what we like. I would say we're still at the point in trying to understand what would GO with what we have so far and then pick from there. We both like traditional, with touches of modern and rustic. Kind of the Pottery Barn meets Jeff Lewis look maybe? I'm an engineer, I really have no clue :-)! So probably in order of importance to us:

1. Curtains (living room and eat in area of kitchen)

2. Throw pillows

3. End table. The one we have is far too short. We were thinking something more rustic with a reclaimed wood top, maybe metal legs, thinking the rustic touch would match the rustic mantle (which is really the only rustic thing in the house currently). We had this one recommended to us and thought it was too tall at about 1/4" taller than the couch arm, but it sounds like that's OK:

Pottery Barn Griffin Reclaimed Wood Side Table

4. Lamp for end table. Need something bigger and coordinating.

5. We don't really know what accessories to put on the shelves to make it look good. Smaller, bigger, pictures or not, etc. We aren't going to paint them since they match the adjoining kitchen cabinets.

6. We never liked the ceiling fan there, but have no clue what would look good.

I think we plan to keep the brown leather coffee table for now. We have little kids and it's very kid friendly!

Here's the existing finishes if this helps:

A. Countertop: Pental
Sahara Polished Quartz

B. Backsplash: Pental
glass subway tile. 2x4 Moda Vetro
C. Carpet: Masland – Oceanside 9495 - Coastal Fog 543

D. Benjamin
Moore Bleeker Beige. Kitchen is same color, 30% lighter

E. Couch is Pottery Barn and I believe the Pearce in Silver Taupe:

These colors are obviously all very neutral, but we hoped to add some interest with the items we're asking about. Again, thanks to all. Hopefully you guys can help us narrow down the items at the top of the list, and hopefully the other items will fall into place!
mzapper
7 years ago
Lovely home!

I think if you decide on colour combination then we can all help with specific item ideas. With navy on top of your list there are a few combos that will look great - you could stick with other shades of blue along with neutrals, coral, orange, yellow, chartreuse..(or a variety!) so many possibilities. Perhaps take a look through living room ideas on here to see what colour combo you both like best.

Do any of these combos look appealing?

Laguna Cottage · More Info

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Craig Andresen
7 years ago
I think I like the look of the fifth picture down (navy with brownish--can't quite tell what color that is). This one:
Hanover West · More Info

I also like the first one with navy and orange. The only concern I have with orange is that our cherry cabinets are quite orange already. While this would go together, it may be a bit much for me. Side note: our kitchen used to be painted orange and we hated it as it was overwhelming! I'll get my wife to respond too on the colors and then we'd love help narrowing down choices!
mzapper
7 years ago
I understand Craig - we have one orange wall in our living room and think I am over it! You could always have just a cushion or two in an orange or a softer coral and it wouldn't be overwhelming. The one you like is very nice and calming - I really like it as well.
mzapper
7 years ago

maybe nice neutral window coverings in living room with a slight pattern or solid in similar shade to sofa or soft blue. Pottery Barn has some nice ones.
Martinique Printed Cotton Single-Panel Curtain, Taupe · More Info

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and then some cushions with a bit of soft colours, think there are several combos of three that would work together

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mzapper
7 years ago

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allanaspree
7 years ago
You have a lovely home. Your choices to date have provided you with a lovely neutral background which means that you can basically have any colour scheme you like with one proviso - there needs to be some warm undertone in some of the accents to co-ordinate with the built ins. By warm undertone I mean a hint of orange or copper or terracotta or similar somewhere in the accents. Does not have to be the dominant colour. If it was my room I would choose neutral curtains & bring out the colours in art, pillows etc. I am not sure where you plan to hang your art but in my opinion I would get neutral curtains first & then find a piece of art that you both love - in that order. The art will somewhat dictate your colour scheme from there. Some colour boards mocked up below to show you how different colour schemes will work against your existing sofa fabric & carpet. Actual accent items are just plucked at random & are just there to show you a colour scheme. Good luck!
mzapper
7 years ago

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havingfun
7 years ago
ok, after looking at all the lovely pillows, and ewwing and ahhing before gagging. when i put things up i shop for the everyday person. so you do not need to go locally. all pillows are under $25 for 18" I am going to go with a dark blue with gray tendencies to start. I do have a wonderful set that are pastels, more beachy in colors, just let me know. Oh i got rid of everything else.
havingfun
7 years ago
sorry, thought it was blue. i can replace it. but first what do you think of these?
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
As for what to put in the shelves, here's a good "rule of thumb:" 1/3 books (hardcover only,) 1/3 large decor items (big enough to be identified from across the room,) 1/3 open space.
Monica Steinborn Andresen
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the help. Having fun : I'm more into patterns than the Asian feel. I do like the idea of navy with some other accent color like another blue or perhaps red or even eggplant color. Thank you all for all of the comments. It has been so helpful!!
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V-lonne Custom Window Treatments NY
7 years ago
Your Room is fairly neutral, clean and sleek looking. Did you like into having Custom shades such as roman shades or sheer shades. Here are some ideas for living.
decoenthusiaste
7 years ago
Second hand stores are a good place to pick up some books for decor.
PRO
Bayberry Cottage
7 years ago
Maybe sharing some designs of ours will help you move forward in finishing you living room. Notice the rug, how the built ins are decorated, and gallery wall.

Equine Manor · More Info

Equine Manor · More Info

Equine Manor · More Info
mzapper
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Here is a room that shows a nice mix including eggplant, might be nice to have an accent chair in navy or eggplant if it can work in the room?
Transitional Living Room · More Info
Monica Steinborn Andresen
Original Author
7 years ago
Mapper. I like that room with the eggplant color. Thanks!!
Lisa Vittore
7 years ago
Q
mzapper
7 years ago
I don't think the poster is asking about a rug. I believe the room is carpeted.
havingfun
7 years ago
but sometimes it can help anchor things.
Craig Andresen
7 years ago
I agree a rug could add some visual interest and anchor the room, but I don't think we want one for this space. Our new carpet is very plush for one, so that may be another tripping hazard for our 1 year old.
calidesign
7 years ago
You don't need a rug. I would look for light linen colored drapes, and then use a few colorful pillows - navy would look great, maybe two solid and one patterned. Get an end table and lamp with a light colored shade for one end of your sectional, and use a floor lamp behind the small end table on the other side. Your square windows act as artwork, so you don't need anything else on the walls, unless you have room just to the right of your sectional.
suezbell
7 years ago
Really nice great room with plenty of natural light. With carpet, you don't actually need a rug -- you could well end up with a stumble/trip problem if you add one and, especially if you have children and/or pets, they're just something more to clean.

With the sofa and carpet color, consider shades of blue for throw pillows and window treatment.

Matching end tables with taller lamps (thin posts) with larger white (or even very pale blue) shades would be a good beginning; alternately, consider a pair of floor lamps that are a lamp/table combo.

http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mtEzSd0o6-BefmT-C54OZPg.jpg

Sectionals limit furniture placement and this room is a good example -- you have no really good place to add chairs unless, space permitting, you consider putting the other side of the sofa
centered beneath the windows and use the side of the sofa now beneath
the windows as a room divider or leave the sofa and larger window set appearing off center and add a chair -- perhaps a wing back chair -- beside the end table you now have.

Moving whichever side of the sofa you put beneath the windows so the sofa is centered beneath the large window set and a few inches from the outside wall will help the symmetry of the space.

While the three small square buildings permit natural light from that side while protecting privacy, they're placement seems a bit awkward for creating any semblance of symmetry with the furnishings and other windows using your sectional.

Using a tall floor lamp centered beneath the small window nearest the
fireplace wall could also help by visually defining that space
individually, separate and apart from the other two that are more
closely centered with the sectional.

The curtains and rods you have don't work particularly well for that large window set behind the sofa. Seriously consider nearly floor length vertical blinds such as you'd use for patio doors instead and use the same vertical blinds for the larger window in the dining area. They come in wood, faux wood, fabric or even the less expensive vinyl that comes in a lot of different colors, since the room is not the stiff and formal look.

For the three square windows, consider stained glass. You could add white louvered shutters to all three high square windows and hang one stained glass hanging in the window above the lamp between the sofa and fireplace wall, leaving those shutters fully open while opening the louvers only on the other two windows thereby keeping all the window treatments the same while having those centered above the sofa different.

http://www.jdmglass.com/Blue%20bonnett%20hanging%20panel.jpg

http://www.jdmglass.com/rebeccas%20panel%20complete.jpg

https://img1.etsystatic.com/032/0/5450468/il_340x270.651138095_1s3h.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?q=stained+glass+for+windows&biw=1366&bih=622&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjzleOHjo7PAhXHFz4KHbZjBAoQ_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&q=stained+glass++windows+hangings

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havingfun
7 years ago
i threw away everything i had before since it did not elicit any attention.
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havingfun
7 years ago

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is this more appealing? Please tell me i will be upset, do you like some? tell me which or should i get rid of all. this is a more classic kind of look in my opinion. a couple tapestries, the rest are made by a rug company, so another form of tapestry.
havingfun
7 years ago
i don't want to go back to curtains till this is done.
lovetodance244
7 years ago
You've got great Windows throughout! I'd address them first as it's an investment but it really warms rooms up. Do 1-inch cellular blinds on all windows in a light neutral color. Your TV room, the large window could be a top down-bottom up cellular as well as the window in your kitchen? You already have a side panel curtain rod in the kitchen so just choose a nicer fabric and do a proper floor-length drape. Same style in the TV room.

The fan light is a little harsh. Can you either change it out or paint it to blend with the ceiling?

The ottoman is cozy but a little heavy looking. Can you maybe do a glass coffee table as well as side lamp table? Something to reflect more light into the room. Then go shopping for those toss cushions, some patterned, some plain,

have fun!

Barbara
Christy Reves
7 years ago
I think some Navajo rug like pillows would look great. I can also see olive or spice colored leather. (Wouldn't some cowboy fringe or braid be fun?) I think you need to introduce another texture element like metal or straw. I would probably scoot the couch away from the window and perhaps place a narrow couch table behind to place reading lamps, pottery, candle sticks, art sculpture or something of visual interest. A round copper top table would be kid friendly as well unless you are very attached to the leather ottoman. I would hand curtains with a two tone or two pattern design. Solid color on top and print or contrast on bottom. This could also be used in the dining area. I would hand a more substantial curtain rod and consider changing out the light kit on the ceiling fan. Don't know if any of these ideas appeal to you, but it is fun hearing from another's perspective. Good luck.
Monica Steinborn Andresen
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you all so much for the ideas.
havingfun
7 years ago
monica, what i tried to say - brain burps, was that it will not upset me.
groveraxle
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The room seems very dark. I'd stay away from dark colors and concentrate on getting some adequate lighting here. End tables should be equal to arm height or a hair shorter.

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everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I only read a few comments. Are you changing anything in the kitchen / eating? If not I think those curtains should be lively! Add color there.

Chalk paint dinette barn red or a blue .... or new stools.
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everdebz
7 years ago
Each is 49 dollars indoor/ outdoor. Another is called Mimosa.
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Craig Andresen
7 years ago
To havingfun, you removed a bunch of the pillows that we liked too. I know some of the navy ones were ones we were still looking at (some from Amazon maybe with a more geometric pattern?). Don't bother going back and removing stuff--it won't bother us :-).
havingfun
7 years ago
sorry, can you put like underneath, i will leave them then. see what i can replace

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havingfun
7 years ago

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Barn & Willow
7 years ago
Hello!

Do check out Barn & Willow for curtains! Your current ones are very short, and I think that a light neutral, like our Belgian textured linen in Oyster would look really nice in your room.

Miss Mustard Seed's Living Room · More Info

We also have free fabric swatches, so you can find one that would suit your windows.
havingfun
7 years ago
so ops did you like any of the pillows?
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Wow! Tons of ideas. Here is a simple tip. Go shopping and select 6-8 different pillows with colors you like, making sure you can return ones that don't work. Then, bring them home and in your light at different times of day the best ones will emerge. Then, you will have your color palette. Then you can select another chair (not too big and preferably swivel so someone could turn to kitchen to chat or back to conversation area, or watch TV. Do that in solid color of your favorite color in your favorite pillow. Wait til you put that together before you tackle window treatments. There are loads of those available so take your time. A tip on your book shelfs. 1/3 books, 1/3 interesting accessories repeating some key color. 1/3 open spaces. You don't need to fill them up. I think you have a roadmap here. Go shopping and enjoy. Some fabric stores have collections of pillows that would give you loads of ideas without running all over the place! Enjoy!
Craig Andresen
7 years ago
I think we're leaning towards a dark navy patterned pillow, something like this, to start.

Gotcha Print Throw Pillow Cover, Navy Blue and White Cotton, 16" · More Info

From there I think we'll add a touch of another color and texture. We like the idea of navy with subtle coral/orange (not too much because of the bookshelf color) or rust with darker grey as one of the above posters showed in a picture with the rust colored throw. We think we like those more than the more muted colors, I'm just afraid we won't be able to make it look nice picking ourselves! Once we decide between those two color palette options, we'll tackle window treatments. We were always told to do curtains first, but we really like the previous poster's advice to just get a bunch of easily returnable pillows and go from there. Thanks for the added perspective! This is so hard for us as neither of us are good at it. We've gotten such great advice here. We need to just get some options in our room and go from there!
havingfun
7 years ago

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everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Just idea for a throw, etc.. that echoes rustic vibe of stone. Doesn't have to look lodge-y. Such a pattern in neutral too.
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everdebz
7 years ago
Seeing this type of colors -- what about navy with stone-gold ?
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everdebz
7 years ago
I'd think it ok if you bought appropriate fabric [from same curtain line] and sewed it at Dining's bottom. Would this neutral go with and with navy? idea not meant to 'show' on sofa's color idk:
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everdebz
7 years ago
no rug here needed, but somewhere, pretty nice for 110:
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havingfun
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
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havingfun
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
is this more like what you wanted?

you might be happy with these 2 predones?
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with
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