Stuck halfway and need help

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi everyone, we are finishing soon renovation of kitchen and living area, but still lots of things missing and I don't know how to continue. 1. Would like to feature the entertainment wall with a colour or wallpaper, but what color should it be? The kitchen is greyish brownish, the couch is mushroom colour. I dont think it any more brown would be good. Also happy to receive advise on design. I like lime with theses colours but not too much.
2. I am missing the dining table and chairs and bar stools. What would you suggest to buy that looks contemporary? Colour? Through me any ideas, I handle criticism very well!

Featured Answer

scottevie

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I'm not convinced about highlighting the media wall with a feature colour/paper. To me it seems a bit small and broken up by the openings to kitchen and hallway? to be a feature wall.... I would be inclined to introduce colour in an artwork on the blank wall of the kitchen. If you will have a media unit below your tv, perhaps you can place some coloured decor items on it.

Perhaps try pulling your couch forward and away from the window. You could then put a narrow console table at the back of the short side of the couch to create more of an entry way at the door.

Comments (23)

bigreader
6 years ago
You've made a great start. I agree no more brown. Are you able to change the curtains out for some that match the wall colour?
Related Discussions
Dilemma with the stairs... timber halfway up then carpet?
Q
Comments (9)
If there is a storage cupboard underneath the stairs, then I think its best to let go of the open risers. At the end of the day when it comes to stairs, I think you need to make simple decisions, don't complicate it. Sometimes spaces fuss over stairs and they can look great, but they are very impractical, expensive and dangerous. I think if you live in a house with no kids and no elderly, then you can lash out and go for something with more design risk. I think the timber stair profile shown in your picture looks great, and would work well with your vertical timber beam balustrade. However timber stairs can be noisy and quite slippery. If you are using carpet upstairs then you could consider running carpet all the way down the stairs. Don't do the half half thing. In order to finish the edge of the stairs neatly, I would edge the stairs with the plaster finish continuing from the cupboard wall, all the way up to the edge of the stairs and making an edge profile for the carpet to be neatly tucked into. By doing this you could still get the stepping silhouette which would look very cool. Then the beams could run off the plaster surface and not the edge of the carpet. Ultimately carpet may be annoying to have to vacuum, but it is a lot quieter, considerably cheaper and safer than timber stairs. Hope that helps. Good luck with it.
...See More
Stuck for ideas in weird layout bathroom
Q
Comments (18)
Thanks so much to everyone, I really appreciate your help. It is finally done. It looks great and we had a few little hiccups. It took about 4 weeks longer than they said; Vanity Caesarstone top was nothing like the sample so that was replaced; Stegbar sliding shower screen glass door didn't have holes drilled so that was delayed a week and mix up in communication added another 2 days; when carpenter removed tiles etc as prep, a lot of junk went down the drain so it overflowed (lesson there for him to cover drains). The tiler I insisted on using did a great job but hard to get the communication going between the facilitator, the water proofer and the tiler. I got the lights from Temple and Webster (12 volt), I just need to get a different lamp to match the others (2 are bright white and 1 is warm). I am very happy with the finished product - see attached panorama shot (I just need to put up the white wooden blinds). Thanks again.
...See More
I’m stuck with this ugly facade??
Q
Comments (11)
If you don’t like the fence then remove it. It doesn’t really fit in with the era of the house. Returning a window to that blank wall would improve the look of the house. It currently looks odd and unfriendly. Windows improve your street presence. Choose windows in keeping with the rest of the house. Also think about orientation. If the front is facing west you’ll get harsh western light in summer heating up that room unless you have vertical shading. It might be why they bricked it up in the first place. Which brings me to the awning to the right of the house. It is what makes that window look odd. It would greatly improve the look of the house if it was removed, but if your house faces west you might regret it. Really think hard before rendering. Bricks are virtually maintenance free. Render will require ongoing maintenance. And there is the potential to look like you’re trying to turn the house into something it’s not rather than embracing it. As trends go, brick is back and render is on the way out. Not that you should always follow trends. Your money might be better spent on landscaping and other things that will improve the amenity. Congratulations on the new house. It’s very exciting.
...See More
Stuck with ideas how to furnish a lounge room
Q
Comments (16)
Hi there! Just jumping in to offer a bit of advice about the dining room rug: As the chairs will be constantly moving around on top of the rug, you might find that a jute or a synthetic rug would wear very quickly. Your best bet is to choose a material that wears well and is easy to clean such as wool. Opt for a short pile height for under dining tables - they're not only easier to clean, but its easier to push your chair back over a thinner rug than a thicker one! In terms of size, guests should be able to push their chairs back from the table without going over the edge of the rug, so to get the best size, measure your table, then add approx 60 cm. It looks like you might have limited space around your dining table - if you're looking to place a rug, maybe see if you can place the table a bit further out from the wall. For colour choice, opt for a darker colour if it works in the space, as its much more practical when it comes to spills and stains! Hope we've helped :)
...See More
PRO
BAYRI & KIKI INTERIORS
6 years ago
Change the curtains and instead of making a feature wall out of that small wall I would add a large art piece with pops of your chosen colour, then take that colour and display a few deco items in your tv unit & or bench
Marta Makkai
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Everyone, great feedback What colour of curtains would you choose? I am not very happy with them either...
PRO
Piega Window Furnishings
6 years ago
I'd keep the curtains light and nice and full, something close to the wall colour with a self stripe or a bit of texture. I'd also look at a larger rug that introduces a bit of colour. Pick up the same colours and textures from curtains and rug in some plump scatter cushions.
legendaryflame
6 years ago
What if you were to paint the media wall a feature colour but continue it around and include the blank kitchen wall? (If that wasn't your plan already). Maybe your bright lime? Then change the curtains to the same bright colour and add a few small pops of the colour plus contrasts in cushion/ mat / other decor.
Gallifrey
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Go for a nice bright piece of art on the feature wall, and sorry but those curtains need to go. Your living area is so modern and lovely and a roller blind would look much better.

The lounge does not seem be placed right?? can you move the long side away fro the window and have it against the side wall.
Marta Makkai
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks everyone, I can see the curtain was not a good choice. I went to get a new one. What do you think of this?
Marta Makkai
Original Author
6 years ago
better view...
User
6 years ago
Lovely and better!! I assume the other printed curtain is going?
PRO
signarture
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The new curtains are a big improvement! Following up on others' suggestions for an artwork to tie in your favourite green colour, you might like to take a look at this link.

https://www.signarture.com.au/collections/all/green+rectangular-up-to-2-1m

Art is very personal choice but our contemporary style is a match for yours, and several would pick up on the greenery tone that you love without overpowering!
vanessam8
6 years ago

Brookline Private Residence · More Info

I think orange works well with the browns.
PRO
Siobhan Donoghue Design
6 years ago
Go bold with colour! You currently have a neutral colour palette to work with. Where to start? What colours make you happy? That is always a good starting point and then work the colour palette so the colours are pleasing together and add accents of really bold 'PoP' colour. Test your comfort zone. The look will last longer if you you really challenge yourself. Your home should be spaces filled with your personality yet elegant and timeless. Think about a custom image wall for behind the TV so there is more to look at other than the TV,( which also helps with keeping your eyes exercised). It will add yet another layer of personality and ultimately make you love your home that much more.
felmo
6 years ago
Can I suggest you paint your front door a bold shade of red or even that lovely lime (with a touch of yellow in it). I would do this first and take it from there. If you are feeling confident after painting the door perhaps think of painting the gyprock entrance to the kitchen the same colour. Hard to explain, but just the bit that is visible in your last photo. I agree with the poster who says that you should do what makes your heart sing.
Irene Morresey
6 years ago
Green would look great, some big art canvases. And cushions etc. I think you may need a bigger area rug
Irene Morresey
6 years ago
Ideas
philippawright
6 years ago
I like the chairs and table above.

You could introduce some Teal with either amber or burnt orange accessorises - there are plenty of options in this palette at present. include cushions.

You could either have a natural linen curtain or something with some pattern instead of art work . If you are into retro designs Orla Kiely could provide some inspiration.
Nomin Erdenebayar
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hi Marta,

Nice place you've got there :)

First of all, it would help us to help you if you give us some ideas on what type of style interests you - Scandi, traditional, modern, tropical or industrial etc. Post some photos of interior you that you like. Also your lifestyle will be a major factor. e.g do you have kids, dog, busy life style, likes to entertain etc.

In my opinion, the rug is too small & the couch is over-sized yet small - it would look nice stretched out, if that makes sense. If you are not looking to replace the couch, move the futon to one of the ends of the couch instead of opposing it to open up the space & create elongated look. But the rug definitely need to go. Go for something big to compensate the size of the couch & highlight the nice large space you've got there. Also, I would not place my couch blocking a window - move it away so you can actually enjoy the view and also so sections of your couch doesn't fade by being exposed to sunlight.

In terms of injecting colour, i wouldn't go crazy buying too many colourful furnitures - generally colours are very easy to introduce once you have nice key pieces that go together and show your personality. Focus on the big pieces and the arrangements and then move on to smaller/ decorative items.

In your kitchen, I think little bit softness & curve could be introduced as it is very linear and angular, so maybe this type of bar stool?
Parker Bar Stool (Black, Black Leatherette) · More Info

Notting Hill Studio · More Info

Notting Hill Studio · More Info

Hendrix Bar Stool (Black Leather) · More Info

Parker Bar Stool (Chrome, Pistachio) · More Info
Jacquelin Low
6 years ago
Hi, your kitchen looks great. if this was my home, I would be painting all of the walls the same colour - a beautiful green or blue. The walls and the floor are too much the same. This kind of blue looks amazing with timber and would work with your couch and white curtains:
The Emerald House · More Info
Also a great rug would bring the space to life - you could afford to go much bigger with the rug and would soak up the sound.
Daniel Shapiro: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · More Info

Good luck!
tcollz
6 years ago
Lots of good advice :) I completely agree about a nice big artwork and use your accessories to add colour - the lime green is beautiful so get some cushions that fit in with it and a nice big rug as someone else has said (not necessarily lime green). The lime bench chairs someone shared are beautiful.

The great thing about doing it through accessories is that if you do get bored with the colour, you can always change them up (or even for different seasons).

Also, I love the new curtains, good choice :)
bellacatandme
6 years ago
Great advice given already. I'd get the furniture placement sorted first. Pull the lounge suite out from the wall, remove the rug, it's way too small, and look at your entry and decide if you want a privacy screen or plant or whatever to create it's own space. Once you're fine with the entry where you place your
lounge suite will become apparent. You don't need to squash everything into the space defined by the curtain or the heater. Spread out, make it look comfortable then think about the colours you'd like to introduce. It appears that you're probably looking to put your dining furniture in front of the kitchen near the other window, the reason you've made the living room so confined perhaps, but really if you pull things away from the wall and ease your bits out more it will actually look better, and it will all fit. I'd love to see the end result.
PRO
Cordony Group
6 years ago
Blue is your answer! Its calming, timeless & not as loud as lime.

High Street, Willoughby · More Info

Sydney Street, Willoughby · More Info
Muttama Road, Artarmon · More Info

Knowlman Avenue, Pymble · More Info

Knowlman Ave, Pymble · More Info

High Street, Willoughby · More Info
Nelson Street, Chatswood · More Info
jancullis
6 years ago
Totally agree w/ others that it's the positioning of the sofa & the size of the rug that's tripping you up. The area rug needs to define the space. Should be big enough that at least the front legs of each sofa piece sit on the rug. Think of creating a conversational space rather than just a TV viewing space. Then you can add coffee table & side tables. It's not necessary for all pieces to face the tv