Living/dining decor advice needed please

6 years ago

Hi all,
I posted a little while ago with regards to this room and had some great suggestions with regards to accessories and design. This site is great and it's lovely to see people's homes transform so beautifully - hoping mine can do the same. It was decorated some years ago and I have a baby due in 8 weeks, I already had a 2 year old. The room is tired and dull with a couple of recent additions being the table and rug which my husband refuses to get rid of so need to be incorporated somehow.

One of the walls is being channelled out for pipe work leading to the new extension so it needs decorating and can't wait to be done later. I'll also be spending a lot of hours in here on mat leave so want a nice light and airy area to relax.. I'm terrible at choosing paint. I was thinking a nice grey/greige but I like light and airy so not sold on a dark paint. I would be open to a different shade to break up living/dining area though? Ok so main things I need help with initially..
1. Paint colour
2. Keep or lose curtains..
3. finding a dining table /bench that isn't too large for space. Been looking for months I was quite liking reclaimed or oak with metal legs but not sure it will tie in with current dark ugly coffee table.. then I thought maybe two tone white /dark wood.. any ideas and stockists welcome on both parts as I need one pronto!
4. Change fireplace or have a fake breast added.. may be difficult (and messy) as don't want to remove any of the solid flooring. Would a white cupboard either side look ok with no breast?
5. What to do with existing rug as was expensive and husband wants to keep(maybe under dining table but I'd like like to have a light soft one in living area?
6. Which sofa to keep or get rid of? Or keep both? Feels cluttered and I'm open to a supportive/comfy arm chair or two as would help with the hrs of feeding I'm expecting..

Here's a pic of dimensions from old sales pack.. if you imagine a backward. P. narrowing at dining end.. with patio doors that will lead to extension intended to be a play room..

Thank you

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Comments (4)

Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
6 years ago
Here are pictures of the room currently and the curtains/blinds.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
6 years ago
It is an east facing room if that helps. So sun in morning and then darkens as day goes on.
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As Jen said painting the short end walls in a warm or dark colour helps to correct the room proportions as it brings the walls in. If you're not keen on that I'd just keep the same colour on all 4. The way you've arranged art is good in separate groups as it's breaking up the length of the walls. Have you considered adding a large mirror/s on the long walls? Normally bringing some of the furniture away from the walls helps so you have something in the midddle of the room, is that a footstool or is it attached to the sofa?! I would also add floor and table lamps (regardless of room dimensions) as it will make the room feel bigger at night if some of those corners are lit. You could also add a rug, horizontal stripes are good but something like a diamond geometric would work too
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hi Carolina, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me and love your ideas. I should have added more detail but you managed to visualize the layout quite closely. Actually, no door in dining area , only access thru sitting room. Love the area rug and have Macys one which will work perfectly - might pull a greyish -blue color from rug for walls maybe similar to the example you provided. Also have two mid-century style floor lamps which I can use. I really like the idea of a mural as the Wow - only concern is that radiator is on that wall. Do you think I could work around that somehow? Shelving will work perfectly - I was thinking something from Ikea or JLewis. Agree that blind is better and like curtains on patio door side. I am really hooked on the mural suggestion . Thanks and I will post a updated photo to show you the final result when we get everything done -hopefully by Dec. -especially now that I have something to show 'the main man'. I am really excited about getting this going!!!Regards eithne
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Hello Karen, WOW what a fantastic project and this open plan space looks incredible. I feel the positioning of the living area and dining area works well and makes complete sense from what you have said about the views etc. My concern is the kitchen as I feel the current position/layout is a bit of an obstruction and to me the space does not flow efficiently and effectively. I would switch the island around so it sits the opposite way and then you could potentially have your hob on the island which will sit in front of the tall units where your ovens and fridge will be. This way the kitchen layout will work a lot better. I have attached a quick sketch below so you can see what I mean. Also this way it will give you more room around your dining table meaning the whole space will flow a lot better. You have asked quite a few questions here so I would be more than happy to discuss all of this through an online video design consultation. I provide a personalised design service by working closely with my clients to create a space that reflects their personalities and way of living. I would love to talk in more detail with you about this exciting project, so please do get in touch and we can look at ways to see how I can help to create your dream space. Regards, Hannah
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PRO
Forest to Home
6 years ago
Hi Leah,

We can certainly hep you with number three on your list. We specialise in bespoke furniture produced from sustainably sourced British Oak. To tie this in with your existing coffee table, why not go with a dark finish on the legs.

We have so many options available and look forward to your inquiry.

Multiform Oak Dining Table · More Info

Projects - Walnut Live Edge Dining table · More Info

Walnut Live Edge Dining Table · More Info
Jonathan
6 years ago
Because the sofas are big heavy and dark I agree that you need to lighten up this room. I wouldn't have additional furniture because I think it looks full already but I might swap your little table lamp for a standard lamp to you have a light that is the same height as the TV. I also think your mirror is undersized, it should hang portrait to make the room seem taller - a round mirror would also work. I would get a white dining table. The mahogany trunk seems to obscure the view of the fireplace- perhaps a lower table should be better. I would also get an oversized houseplant. I don't mind the fireplace.
I think you can put any colour on the walls and I don't think it has to be neutral but you should replace the curtains with much paler-perhaps even white. I think one of the reasons for replacing the curtains is the now slightly dated pattern. Perhaps put pattern in art or cushions so it can be changed more regularly.
I like the rug but it does dictate your decorating choices- could it go in another room? If it can I think that your instinct is right that a large pale textured rug would be comfy and visually break up the dark tones of the sofas and floor.
Lastly I would add a throw and a couple of cushions to make the sofas less imposing, add pattern and break up their darkness.

Living/dining decor advice needed please

Comments (4)

Leah Rodrigues
Original Author

Leah Rodrigues
Original Author

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Living/dining decor advice needed please

Comments (4)

Leah RodriguesOriginal Author

Leah RodriguesOriginal Author

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Forest to Home

Jonathan

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GET HELP

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Leah Rodrigues
Original Author

Leah Rodrigues
Original Author