What is to the left of the alcove? Could you build shelves into the alcoves? That could be really nice.

It lacks colour. Artwork or gallery of frames above sofas? Coloured cushions. Your curtains are really dark. I am not a fan of wooden blinds, think material roller blinds look smarter.

What is the other side of the room like? Opposite the window?

I think i would change the curtains to floor length and if you are keeping the rug, work with the colours in that. Add some cushions to the sofa ,working on the colour theme of the rug. I love large mirrors to reflect light, also floating shelves are great to display nick nacks and some artwork would break up the cream walls. You may want to think about some plants, there are some good artificial ones around and they look fab

Some battery operated fairy lights in the plant would look nice too

It was just a picture from Google search but marks and spencer have some and wayfair? I think you will be able to find a nice plant online. It will look lovely when you get all your accessories in

Hi Sandra,

Wooden blinds will look really nice in this bay window. Here are two examples of some in bays - plus the brown slat shows the tape that others have spoken about.

Bone White Faux Wood blind by Hillarys · More Info

Nutmeg Faux Wood blinds from Hillarys · More Info

If you wanted to soften the look a little, you could always bring in dress curtains. They don't need to be drawn, but they give a softer impression. Here's an example -

Living room blinds and interiors · More Info

Good luck with your living room - there are great bones on which to build.

Thanks,

Zoe

I agree with Julie and Zoe re the blinds, wide slats and tape give the appearance of shutters. Your ideabook seems to favour a traditional style and you like blue? I think you need an armchair, it will make the room seem cosier, this is from IKEA and the floorlamp is dunelm. I'd look at Egyptian cotton on the walls (2nd pic). Pick up the blue for sofa cushions with maybe burnt orange or a dirty mustard. I'd also add a textured throw over the arm of the chair, I might paint the wall behind the sofa in something like Hague blue and I'd bring the sofa forward a little and add a console table behind for lamp/s with art over the top. I like the idea of a neutral rug, sisal would work with the style. I don't know what your budget is but I'd be tempted to reinstate a fire (even if it's not a working one) and put the tv in the left alcove. Definitely add a plant or 2!

minnie101 your suggestions are always detailed and spot on

Do you have the dimensions of the room? Do you also have a budget in mind for any changes? Adding a large mirror will make it feel visually larger as will removing the curtains

Hi Sara, we are sure we can help you make your living room less boring but fashionable and elegant. We send you some photos. click on the website you will find an infinity of proposals. :)

Hi Minnie -

The dimensions of the room are approximately 3.9m by 3.5m(including bay window). I don't really have a budget in mind. Ideally I would like to work with the existing furniture as I can only really move the tv to the right alcove where currently the bookshelf is but the bookshelf does not look nice on the left of the alchove :-(. So if the TV has to come off the chimney breast - I kind of have to get rid/replace the oak bookcase. Do you think that would work better?

Im worried the fireplace might make the room look smaller than what it is already is? I have just taken out the tv trunking and shelf and the room already looks better. Then we will paint and change to blinds

Thank you so much

Hi Sandra I found this picture if its any use to you with white woden blinds, brown leather. I love the lovely crystal chandelier that adds a modern and elegant touch to the room.

When choosing art, pick something you absolutely love, something that gives you an emotional reaction... if you choose something just to match a colour scheme, it will just look boring and safe. I think a gallery wall could be great on the wall opposite the window, with a narrow table below. For the space above the sofa, maybe have 2 vertical canvases? Or even 3 narrow ones.

I'd also be inclined to move the tv to the righthand alcove, and shelve the lefthand alcove all the way to the ceiling. Then add a mirror or huge clock on the chimney breast. If you can't put in a fire, maybe a low wooden beam with a few large pillar candles or a couple of hurricane lanterns in different sizes?

Floor length neutral curtains with cushions to match a d colourful art on wall - check out my artwork if you ate looking for co!our

Hi Sandra. I think the changes look great. I would still go for a chair in front of that alcove personally. The room now has a bit of a coastal vibe so I think a rattan chair could look good and due to the open weave they won’t visually fill the room (they’re all from cox and cox). I might also try including some ornaments amongst the books, not necessarily these things, just an idea! A mirror could work on that wall or a gallery wall. If you went for a chair, it would be interesting to see how much space there is, perhaps room for a slim console or side table?

A narrow console table with a mirror or art above it

Hi Sandra,

You're right, it is a blank canvas, you're lucky to have such a big space!

What about a narrow sideboard like this one from WEWOOD? It's a great place to store items, and offers a surface to keep ornaments or plants on top. And there would be plenty of space above for a clock, mirror, or piece of artwork.

• 
  Scarpa Sideboard

• Luna Mirror

• Cancan Coat Stand

• Vitra has a shelving system called Corniches which you might like. Each little shelf can be placed individually to create a striking gallery wall of ornaments, plants, books, picture frames...

• 
  Corniches

• Have a look at our accessories section on our website for more inspiration. Keep us posted with photos, it's lovely seeing the room come together!

• Phoebe

Sandra, I can’t use photoshop in any shape or form so please excuse the horrendous images! Not sure what you’ll think of the ideas but the wall art is from west elm, it’s practically 1mx1m, it reminded me of pebbles and the copper picks up the orange so thought it could work? I’d add a brass floor lamp as before behind the chair. The magazine rack with shelf is Rockett St George. I think a tray table with a lamp would work next to the sofa? Notre monde do the most fantastic designs. I’d add a plant as before by the bookcase

Hi!
I think the printed mirror would be perfect addition above the sofa.