Something is not right about the decor

7 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hello design enthusiasts, We moved into our new home few months ago, I am not fully satisfied with the decor I have come up with. Feels like it doesn't reflect the personality and doesn't have the wow factor to it. Any thoughts on what I could change or add easily without breaking the bank.

Featured Answer

94236633

7 years ago

Yes, I totally agree with the others. The console and small table need to be moved so the flow into the dining area is not blocked. Also, the curtains all need to be the same.
You have a lovely home and your decor just needs tweaking. A bit more colour and very large rug under dining table.
Best wishes and have fun with it.

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Comments (32)

Susan Ballard
7 years ago
You have some lovely pieces so I would build on what you have Too monochrome and lacks warmth Add some colour in mat and in cushions add a throw Picture on right wall too small move off that wall Window treatment doesn't work Love mirror above fireplace but area too stark add some personal Nik naks Wont take much too improve
JE C
7 years ago
Do you have or could you add a feature pendant light /chandalier near the foot of the stairs? cheers Janet
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pruner
7 years ago
Agree with the previous comment that your furniture and spaces are lovely. Think it is missing the 'warm and fuzzy' thoug. Add some 'life', texture and colour to the spaces with cushions, artworks, throws and large floral arrangements or plants.
JE C
7 years ago
I like the small rectangular table but I am not sure it feels right between the dining and living areas?

On the dining table I would add a bowl that has some white in it to give contrast to the table and chairs...not too small.

Perhaps add a trailing potted plant to the mantelpiece. I would use a mixture of cushions on the couch that reference the artwork and coffee table or feature wall colours. Cheers Janet
pruner
7 years ago
P.S. Check out the current newsletter article on Making Art the Hero of your room.... It also demonstrates colour and textures in decorating for a warm atmosphere.
spmm
7 years ago
Perhaps consider putting the same window treatment on all three windows.
The console area seems to impede flow between dining and seating without adding functionality, as a guest I would be very nervous about breaking the vases as well.

The two chairs in that space don't look very inviting or comfortable.
Gallifrey
7 years ago
Not sure if it is just the photos, but seems very dark???
siriuskey
7 years ago
you do have some lovely furniture, as already mentioned the console would better moved to open up the space between the living dining perhaps on the wall at the other end of the table, can you match window treatment and pull back during the daylight hrs, What is the rectangle on the wall in the dining is it an opening or other. Would the two arm chairs fit facing the fireplace squared off. I would also look for a different light fitting over the dining table to soften this area and agree that the wall hanging above the sofa isn't right but if you lower it to eye level it would look better, Where's the TV? cheers
Crissy
7 years ago
i know you don't want to break the bank. ..but your furniture is lovely. ..i think if you change the curtains, that would make a huge difference
Garima Kalla
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone!
It's a formal living that connects to dining area. I have posted some clearer pictures (sunlight during the day makes it a bit too dark)
Also posting some more pictures of kitchen and family room that all connects into one open plan area
The rectangle void near the dining opens into theatre and looks into the tv
Julie Herbert
7 years ago
I would move your stand that is dividing your room to under tv , a large artwork would really lift the area above sofa, check ebay for artwork you can often pick up great art for very reasonable prices, the two sets of shelves either side of window is lovely but a bit matchy, maybe feature all on one side only, a large beautiful black metal bowl would look gorgeous on your lovely table, you have some beautiful furniture, you can achieve that wow factor as you have great pieces already, I keep moving my furniture around, my husband says lucky we have heaps of light as he can navigate around the continuous changes of furniture moves in our house, but it makes for an interesting life, I will get it right one day and step back and go 'wow' good luck you have a lovely home.
robandlyn
7 years ago
There are 2 main things that jump out at me as 'not working' - the patterned curtains in the room with the fireplace, could they be replaced with plain curtains like in the dining area and TV room? Or replaced with white wooden venetians to match the fireplace. The other thing is the console/stand thing blocking the flow between 2 rooms - that area should be open.
LesleyH
7 years ago
I agree add some more colour. Your lounge chars are stunning. Also I think the lounge curtains lack bulk and should have twice the fabric used. I would have a plain curtain here, bright paintings and cushions and a colourful rug.
Tilly
7 years ago
Just needs a bit of tweaking, you are so close.
Place the rug under the front feet of the couch.
Do the same with the two chairs but bring them and the coffee table closer together.

The artwork is a touch too high, always at eye level.
The hexagon wall art is too spread out, just group together on one wall.
Lay them on the floor and play with them as a group until your happy.

We have similar taste. I have the same dining table a hexagons on my wall..
Garima Kalla
Original Author
6 years ago
Hello design enthusiasts :)

Based on all your comments I am making a few changes but can't afford to get it wrong (me spending anymore or interiors may lead to divorce )
Would love to know some thoughts -

1. The dining wall has been painted brown for continuity
2. The curtains in this formal living are being replaced and I will be putting in plain curtains to match the dining curtains

I have 2 options for backdrop to couch, add this wall mural (image attached) to the canvas to make it an artwork
Or should I cover the entire wall with wall mural

I feel the couch doesn't stand out Coz the wall is light and it all feels too dark and dull so I like the idea of wall mural but I am scared it might be overpowering so I am here for some feedback or alternative solutions
bigreader
6 years ago
I think the wall mural is too much. The room in your inspo pic is bigger and way higher ceilings. I like the sofa, the print not so much.
girlguides
6 years ago
What hits me is is there a valance behind curtains giving that shadowy top? If so can you remove it? Plus you need some lush texture so I wouldn't go for change of curtains and definitely not prints you posted but proper upholstered armchair or ottoman- I think all those lil tables and fine legs is the problem
Garima Kalla
Original Author
6 years ago
I do have chairs that are texture and patterned opposite the couch
I am changing curtains Coz a lot of people said the pattern doesn't work with chairs

What type of image do I look for if not the mural I posted :((
Rach P
6 years ago
Love your armchairs and furniture choices. Agree with others that plain curtains will look fab and moving the console away from the entrance from dining/living would be ideal.

I like the print that you chose, and agree with others that the mural wouldn't suit the space - as my picture for your space is that it should be a cosy, relaxed area where you can sit by that lovely fireplace. I think all your couch needs is a few cushions, to tie into the colours in the print and it will look lovely.
Julie Herbert
6 years ago
I do love your furniture choices, fireplace and mirror but I think your artwork needs to reflect those pieces,
I think a large abstract print would tie it all together beautifully as I think your print while it is lovely just takes the look away from your edgy mirror, bold or muted colours would look gorgeous, match up with cushions and you will have a beautiful room
Garima Kalla
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone
@julie what do you think of a print like this or do I look for more abstract
My head is spinning :((((
girlguides
6 years ago
I LOVE the colours in that mural re sizing and how to hang art work above couches check houzz stories also place both dining an lounge curtains against your couch and see which works best before changing curtains - I like them. Then re spindly legged hall table if you like it there maybe a brocade cloth or one with tassels just to break up the leggy effect. Good luck and enjoy
Julie Herbert
6 years ago
hi,
if you look at my ideas book I have posted some photos of paintings or similar I think would look great on your wall, I cant seem to add them to this post , I think they would add that edge you are after and really add a wow look.
Julie Herbert
6 years ago
I think I can post a few ideas from my ideas book, I think this style would look great in your room.
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Julie Herbert
6 years ago
It is headspinning trying to decorate and get it right, art is a very personal thing, if you love it then you have made the right choice, good luck.
Garima Kalla
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone
PRO
Cipriano Italian Home Design
6 years ago
All you are missing is greenery and flowers and maybe some personal items
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
You need a bigger wall art above the sofa 75% oh sofa length... hang it no higher than 20sm above the sofa, decorate mantel and coffee table, I would use the same curtains in LR and DR.

Pick color from your chairs for wall art. Add throw blanket on sofa.
PRO
Flooring Vision
6 years ago
For what it's worth, if you remove the console table I think it will make a massive difference, so I agree with everyone else, and yes, under the tv would be ideal.

Also love the first two art pics Julie Herbet posted....would really give that pop of colour without being too in your face.
PRO
Daisyfish Design Studio
6 years ago
I would turn your rug around so the long side is across the fireplace. Turn your sofa to face the e fireplace with front feet of sofa on the rug. Turn your coffee tables too. Put an arm chair each side facing each and squared to the sofa. Not angled. With front feet on rug. Put the console hard along the back of the sofa. Some lamps either end of console would be great but might be tricky for power. You could put the 3rd hexagon side table to the side of the sofa furthest from the dining room. Consider a statement pendant over coffee tables. You need some colour, texture and pattern with cushions. Add some books, a tray and some kind of vessel to the coffee tables. I think that artwork in the comment just above is perfect. Don't make accent colours all exactly the same as too matchy matchy. If you like purple go with complimentary hues and include pattern.
Deb Xuereb
6 years ago
I agree the curtains either side of the fireplace need to go. Perhaps white or off white timber venetians or plantation shutters would lift the area.