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New house

7 years ago

So i'm getting the keys to my new home next week and looking for styling tips (this is my first home).
After looking through houzzz, i've come to realise i like the idea of minimalist/scandinavian style.
I like the thought of whites, greys,blues and purples but do have an open mind.

Could someone please lend some tips on how to transform this living room?

Thanks

Featured Answer

PRO

User

7 years ago

Paint everything white to start with, all walls, architraves, doors etc as they are currently all warm and cottagey. The doors themselves make quite a bit of difference, as even if you paint them, they will still be cottagey doors, so you may like to replace in time with something a little more contemporary. The fireplace is a sticky wicket, The pine surround doesn't help, Look into something more comtemporary and modular, failing that for now, if you go for a dark grey and paint the chimney wall the same colour, it will disappear so to speak.

Start adding your colours back in with your chosen scandi furniture. Grey, mustard and turquoise look great.

As does your preference of Grey, purple and blue

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Comments (13)

allyv61
7 years ago
You have a good space. Consider what you want the focus to be. The fireplace and tv position are at odds. Draw out layout and play about with positioning of settees and other furniture. You can paint walls easily, use rugs and textures, floor lights etc to bring room to light. Decide on wall colour. Try white first if unsure and then add too. Unsure of what other furniture you plan to put in ie low coffee table, different shaped settees etc. Good luck with your first home
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WOW, all great suggestion. I feel a bit redundant in any additional comments ... but I will jump in anyway ;-) Budget: how much? Where would you like you ££ to go? Lighting could really make a difference and a pendent or a wall light above the working area is both stylish and useful. how much work are you willing to take on? The external wire tracking are not particularly pretty so unless you go for a groovy industrial look as suggested by Minnie, I will try to blend them in with the scheme rather then draw attention to them. It's a compact kitchen so keeping it light as St James Interior suggested, is a good idea. Dark colours on the walls will bring them closer making the room feeling smaller. Whatever look or suggestion you go with make sure you have a plan. Write it all down, take colour swatches and samples when you go shopping and look at how things work together. It's very easy to fall in love with one item's look and discovered that it just does not go with the rest. Good planning save money! You will probably need also some shelfs for spices and hooks, light under the wall unit on the right hand side of the photo you post and maybe a dish rack by the sink. These are all elements that will be in full view and will contribute to the final look of the room. I attached a quick sketch board for inspiration. If you love one of the looks suggested by St James Interior, take your time with the purchases. Do not compromise of what you want, it may take longer to achieve it but it will be worth it. The kitchen is one of the the most used room in the house, make yourself happy! Have fun! PS. The suggested product on the image are merely a guide to give you an idea on prices. Shop around or feel free to contact me if you need any additional help.
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bookworm987
7 years ago
I think your suggested colour scheme sounds lovely, and will totally transform the space. As mentioned already, the fireplace could do with an update. Changing the light fitting to something large and contemporary will make a big impact.

The door makes the layout feel awkward. I think the best solution would be a corner sofa where the three seater is currently. Add a cosy rug and a large ottoman. You could have a narrow console table behind the sofa. I would leave the other wall free so that there is a clear path from one door to the other.

The TV is too high and too far from the fire. Find a good carpenter to build a simple tv unit coming out at an angle from the alcove. This would bring the space together and make the layout more purposeful.

The other end of the room, behind the sofa, is always going to feel like a separate space so I would emphasise this. Maybe use it as an office space with a desk, or have a bookcase, lamp and cosy armchair.
Phil
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the help so far! The advice is great, i've attached a sketch of the whole down stairs layout of the house including a sofa (light charcoal from next, it's oversized but was in the sale and to good to miss).

I was toying with the idea of pulling the fire place out and going for a flush glass front gas unit that recesses into the wall, this would allow the removal of the surround, i was then thinking of mounting the tv above this but suspect it may seem cluttered.

Has anyone any useful links to videos or articles that may be of help as i start on this project?

Thanks guys it's much appreciated
tezz4
6 years ago
If you plan to leave the exsisting features like the crown moulding and fireplace dont go for an extreme minimalist look. You could go clean and contemporary without stepping out too far. Use the features you like and follow them. Natural shades for paintwork and roman blind; comfortable, practical but stylish furniture; statement pieces to decorate walls; nice hardwearing are rugs and coordinating soft-furnishings. Dont be afraid of bold personal choices. Happy Houzzing
Phil
Original Author
6 years ago
That's how it is at the moment, still some work to be done but i'm happy with the progress made!
PRO
PWJ Architects Ltd
6 years ago
Hi Phil,

We have a Houzz portfolio and ideasbook section you can look through for ideas.

www.pwjarchitects.com
PRO
Архитектурная студия Chado
6 years ago
Наше портфолио https://en.chado.pro
tezz4
6 years ago
Following your suggested Scandi style you may like the Ikea Stockholm TV bench to anchor your TV space (measure distance to sofa first) offering some storage and importantly to hide the wiring. There are other components in this series which are interesting and great quality and pricing. Other suggestions include floor baskets, a plant and a stylish floor lamp to the left of the TV; an area rug in front of the sofa and lots of cushions and a couple of plaids. Shelving in the alcove to the right. Maybe a cosy reading nook and a desk or bookshelves in the space to the left of the sofa. You may like a little occasional table with a lamp along the side of the chaise (of the sofa). Some art and items of interest on the walls as well as an unusual mirror or a group of smaller ones. And Roman blinds of course.
Phil
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for the advice, it's much appreciated! The wiring is sorted as i'd already drilled through the wall to run the cables, just needed to take the plug off and remake the end. I was in ikea last week(Newcastle) and found that the finish on that range left abit to be desired sadly.

With the sofa being so big in the room it's looking at items that are the correct size as things seem to be ever so slightly out, the perks of buying an old house with random measurements!
tezz4
6 years ago
I mentioned the Stockholm series because it is top of range. I have used it for some projects and it has never let me down. This particular piece is in a raw solid timber and can be stained, varnished, painted or hacked or just left as is. All three doors go up and over. Just saying!

The oversized sofa is great!!!
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
6 years ago
Nice sectional! here is some inspiration in Scandinavian style.
FALSE CREEK CONDO · More Info
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I was looking at your two niches on each side of TV set wall and got some idea of wall unit or built ins from IKEA BESTA

You can make different variations with storage cases.

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