Help decorating living room!

11 years ago

I need help with decorating ideas for our living room. I'm working around our current khaki couches and patterned chair. I'm not in love with either but can't afford to buy new ones or recover the chair at this point. They are pretty neutral so was hoping to work around them. My husband and I really liked this ottoman so that was our starting point for a new look. We found this rug that we love the texture but don't know if it is too much blue? With rugs we can't do anything too light as we have a black dog and 2 small kids. We purchased some navy velvet pillows with nailhead details but can't decide on what other pillows to add? I think it needs some other patterns/colors/textures etc. but can't decide on what to go with. Any advice you can give would be appreciated!

Featured Answer

PRO

Ward Designs

11 years ago

Love your room - needs art and more pattern on the pillows. When choosing art for walls that have molding -- go for bold frames - you don't want to mimic the molding otherwise it will look blah. Here are a couple of examples. (I think a dark frame will add to your look and bring some weight onto the walls. ) I've included some printed cushions for inspiration.

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Comments (24)

Maureen
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You couches are fine, but to tie in the rug and the single chair, I think you just need to add some lighter colored (including patterned) pillows on the couches and perhaps a throw over the end of one. You could add onto the ottoman some accessories (if dogs/children allow). Add a roman blind on the door and adding some art will help pull the room's colors. ouzz=
Jane Lockhart Beige & Blue Living Room · More Info
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Cherry Hills · More Info
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intown123
11 years ago
I think you need to add some more texture with the pillows - maybe flokati and/or metallic. Or if it's your style add some global prints like ikat or kilim. I love the rug - not so much with the chair as I think the two small patterns are competing. I know reupholstery is out of the budget but maybe you could find a budget friendly slip cover if the chair isn't an odd size.
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shelliecarter
Original Author
11 years ago
Maureen, I agree with the lighter colored pillows. I have been looking but can't seem to decide on any. I like the 2 inspiration pics you attached. Thank you! As for adding an ottoman. Do you suggest a different one than the navy one we have or is the navy okay?
shelliecarter
Original Author
11 years ago
intown123, I definitely think I need more texture with the pillows. I am on the hunt. I agree that the chair and rug patterns compete. I may look into recovering prices. What color would you suggest? Also, do you think the ottoman and the rug work together? Thanks for helping!
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
I think you could also use a bit of sparkle in either lamps or a mirror. I think a slip cover as stated above would be awesome. I love the blue. I will give you a picture or two from an awesome room I saw on here the other day. Be back. ;)
Maureen
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
The ottoman and rug work well together. The only little bit of conflic is the single chair, but if you add a throw over the back and a light color blue pillow, you may be fine. No one is going to walk into your room and hate it! Your room is lovely and by experimenting with the accessories, you'll get there. Bring home things and you can always return and also take your time.
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
http://www.houzz.com/discussions/1238441/living-room-design-in-progress
Go to this thread. It's not long. Scroll through, don't just look at the beginning. The rooms with blue look great. Hope this helps. Good luck! :)
shelliecarter
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks! I do want to add some sparkle. I was thinking a gold lamp or side table. As for walls to hang artwork/mirrors, we really only have the one behind the love seat. The wall behind the couch is open to the dining room. Since we have the picture frame molding, does it look better to go with a size that goes within the molding or does that matter?
intown123
11 years ago
Ditto - I like the ottoman too!
In the meantime you could fold a throw blanket and place it down the middle of the chair and then put a throw pillow in the center - it will help disguise a lot of the print.
intown123
11 years ago
This is what I mean for the chair http://houzz.com/photos/35137
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
Yes Shellie, I think in the larger molding. :) If that's what you choose. Please click that link I gave you. The colors are similar. I think it will help you a great deal. :)
intown123
11 years ago
I see mercury glass over gold with your colors. It will still give you a little more warmth than chrome or a completely silver finish.
http://www.potterybarn.com/m/products/mercury-glass-lamp-burlap-shade/
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
@intown123, those are some cute lamps. Good find. :)
shelliecarter
Original Author
11 years ago
@zazfuzzroc, thanks for the room pics. Definitely help!
@intown123, I will try that with a throw & pillow on the chair instead of recovering right now. Love the lamp suggestion! Now just need to decide on some throw pillows.
intown123
11 years ago
Try west elm for inspiration - a little pricey when you have to buy cover separate but you could try a home goods type place and target depending on your budget.
If it were me I'd add a fur and a metallic in a silver/platinum tone.
http://www.westelm.com/m/shop/accessories-pillows/pillows/pillow-covers/?page=1
shelliecarter
Original Author
11 years ago
@Ward Designs, Thank you for you ideas!
abbyjean
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I am wondering about some white....I know, kids and dogs, but I think a few white pillows would bring in the rug and the chair and the molding.
PRO
Ward Designs
11 years ago
Exactly abbyjean -- that's why I chose the cushions with white in the pattern - it works with the molding. Also a touch of the lighter blue will compliment the area rug.

Gold and navy do work well together - I would suggest however, the gold should be matte or hammered so it's not too blingy.
PRO
Ward Designs
11 years ago
Hey - have you thought of painting the lower half of your walls navy? Here are some ideas for consideration:
PRO
Jolana Knupp Interior Design
11 years ago
You did a great job - the room is beautiful and inviting. The chair fabric might not be ideal, but doesn't bother me at all - I would actually add some throw pillows in similar pattern/color to tie it together. I would like to see some different end table and add another next to the chair or other side of the sofa - iron/glass or stone combo - something more interesting - you have too many upholstered pieces and only one solid material. And of course art on the walls.
User
11 years ago
I agree with others that you need some pillows with pattern to tie the khaki and blue together. Great start!
thamner1
11 years ago
This is from my idea book. I like neutral couches because you can dress them up!
potvinmc
9 years ago
Idea