Spend the money to have a few of your favorites custom framed, but don't go hog wild and put posters everywhere.

Framed movie posters are fine for movie buffs, of any age.

What's your favorite chookchook2? I'm almost afraid to ask :)

It's my hubby that is the movie buff, quite a fund of knowledge. He has two Errol Flynn posters I framed for him. The rest got stored.

Nope. Not too old. I think more people should decorate to their tastes and not so their house looks like a magazine layout. Yawn.
You live there - you should be happy with what you surround yourself with.
Also, a dear friend of mine is in his early 50's and lives in San Fransisco, he has quite a collection of framed movie posters. I find his house to be one of the most beautiful I've been in. And it's so completely HIM.

probably my biggest complaint with houzz, or is it the participants? No it must be the participants, they show us unique houses and rooms everyday, and yet we can only deal with gray walls and subway tile. I am beginning to believe classic is a curse.

havingfun - classic and timeless!

Thank you. Lots of helpful feedback here.

I’m still unpacking most of the rest of the apartment, but here’s the living room:

http://imgur.com/j0Mmr9m

(I’m planning on replacing lamp in corner with larger floor lamp. Maybe put a small plant there too.)

1. I want to hang some curtains. Any recommendations color? Will white work?

2. I want to replace the sofa and chair. What color(s) will fit with this rug, that I really like and want to keep? I'm assuming black will, but I really want an aged brown leather couch.

Dang! Looks great! If you are going with brown furniture go with off-white curtains. Pure white would be too stark.

So a darker shade of white?

Again, I'm planning to replace couch/chair, but does this color go with the rug in the meantime?

Not actually a darker shade of white. More like an ivory color. Brown and red do pair well but you need something to bring them together. Red pillows in the same shade as the rug could work. Or a red lamp, here's a few to consider:

[https://www.houzz.com/products/durian-giant-floor-lamp-in-red-prvw-vr~22041207[(https://www.houzz.com/products/durian-giant-floor-lamp-in-red-prvw-vr~22041207)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/walker-floor-lamp-in-black-powder-coat-finish-with-red-dupioni-shade-prvw-vr~38194315[(https://www.houzz.com/products/walker-floor-lamp-in-black-powder-coat-finish-with-red-dupioni-shade-prvw-vr~38194315)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/woody-floor-lamp-in-pickled-wood-finish-with-red-dupioni-shade-prvw-vr~38197542[(https://www.houzz.com/products/woody-floor-lamp-in-pickled-wood-finish-with-red-dupioni-shade-prvw-vr~38197542)

Remember that all monitors show color differently, ok? So what you're seeing in the rug may or may not be the same red I'm showing you.

As a muralist from your area (and loads of my family involved in your industry)- think of these points.
1. Do you want a 'retreat' or sanctuary (which your gone should always be..) to include what you do all day long?
2. If you answer yes, then get nice frames..., make your home intentional, not tacky, vintage, thrift store. I love to find things and 'upscale' them (fix them up with new life), .
3. If the answer is no- you need separation, or a brake at home, then change things up and create a peaceful, safe zone. Your industry can be stressful, full of time demand and rejection. Think about how you 'use' your home.
Good Luck!!

Yes, the red i am seeing is pretty bright and a little towards pinkish?

also, but you have an aging brown leather sofa? Also do you want solid leather, as opposed to bonded etc.?

White and cream colored sheers are always perfect on windows are you keeping blinds or rather curtains. I like curtains myself.

lastly, it does us no good to throw cool things at you that encompass a large budget when you have a $200 budget. So without being too precise, an idea?

You might consider covering all walls in yr posters which would make a great statement! Not to mention great conversations.

Inspiration pic.

Never too old for movie posters ,they are classics all the way , decorate around them and enjoy .

Love the idea of red pillows, ivory colored curtains and possibly a red lamp (red lamp might be too much red for me though.)

I work from home so I guess my bedroom would be more of the "sanctuary" and my living room (the photo only shows one side of it) is more of a relaxed studio/office atmosphere to read and watch movies.

The current sofa works, but I've never been in love with it. I would like one a bit higher quality. This was one I purchased hastily on CL, because I needed one asap.

On another note, I have a habit of buying all black frames for photos. Is it a good idea to switch around some of the frame colors, e.g. maybe gold?

Regarding the above photos, really like the framed posters covering the wall, especially with black bg.

These come a private stash for a friend of mine, they should all be solid leather not bonded or anything. Remember you did say upgrade and you might live to regret this. anyone else, is not truly going to be an upgrade except in price.

oh this puppy, well i will let you look at her price. lol

be back with other things later, think hubby is returning. weekends are more hubby based.

ok, let me do some digging. First some ideas on how to arrange art. Never ask me a question about art or pillows you will be swamped. lol Always let me know what is totally out for you. you only have like a week to pull these down. and threads can get pretty clogged pretty quick.

What unites these is the surrounding white eve if the frame is a different color

You may wish to try this with some smaller with one large central theme one, like all bogies
What unifies is the color block on the wall
different sizes and other things mixed in can be neat
surrounded by white, with black frame. more complex trail of red
just cool.

much like you but rock stars i think?

accessories:

Simple sheers

hombres

i like my pillows to have a little depth too. I am sure you are aware of mr. klimpt? famous artist? If not, you can always catch up on that. These, to me, represent classics in movie/story plots. The often wicked raven.

Everyone should have one velvet pillow at least

Romance

Mysterious Female
neck comfort

Well, i think that is all the bases for now. probably be back tomorrow evening.

So helpful, especially the room samples. Thanks again!!

If you plan on replacing your floor lamp, consider adding a spotlight tripod to tie in to your wonderful vintage posters.

That's a brilliant idea.

Thanks chook. Just hope it's not too "themey" for the OP.

I'd say go for it. I'm an artist and home stager. I think old movie posters make the place look trendy and use vintage posters too. But since you have a small place I would say, don't over power the wall with the posters. Maybe posters from strong block busters from the 30's and 40's. You're still young, but know this as you get older your taste in style and décor, won't be the same 30yrs from now, so enjoy your taste in art now.

Regarding frames, do I want to mix up colors? Most of mine, I guess all so far, are black.

it is a matter of how much you want to play around, doing all one frame or matting is the most assured way to get them to coordinate. The more you vary, the more risk that it will look too busy, awkward, or you not be happy. I think you would be happy and more comfortable if you try starting to get into varying sizes, maybe some photos and combine that with your posters.

Personal photos?

Identical sizes, all black is your best bet.

My brother has a gorgeous display of movie posters as a feature wall.

No , I meant like above a mix of small movie stills or whatever. Like sometimes people put tickets to their favorite concert etc.

Though I think a wall of your photos is great, i just don't think mixed topic is great, unless your photos are of movie topics?

Just a follow-up... I'm looking for a desk now (I work from home) for the other side of the living room, which isn't shown in this photo, but it should match it to some degree.

A few B&W photos will be framed on the wall above the desk.

http://imgur.com/j0Mmr9m

Any recommendations on a desk and/or desk color? I was considering these:

https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2710598&categoryId=cat1676047

https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2110172&categoryId=cat1676047

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/strut-teak-70-work-table/s329926

https://www.onekingslane.com/product/63725/919992?cat=28

Ok, so what you are saying is that you want to pay $130 for this

or have an out of work actor friend go on craigslist, bring home a free desk and take the drawers out of one side, remove the hardware so you have shelves on one side of a solid mahogany desk and drawers on the other? What 2 hours work? so if you are really generous, pay him $100/hr and $50 for the truck and gas you have a $250 solid mahogany desk?

i can go back on craigs find you a table and someone can run some metal wire in an x pattern for you.

think about it, you have done a good deed, gotten better quality, and have an original for what ? 1/4 the price?

Sorry, i can find you lots of high quality, if that is what you want. each of those are in style but not worth paying for the name.

the color is not a problem, they are all basically dark wood.

Haha, I get it. I'm not concerned so much about the brand. I just want to be pointed in a direction of a style/color.

I really like this desk. Whether I get this exact one or not, this style should work with my red rug, ivory window curtains, and new antique brown leather couch right?

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/strut-teak-70-work-table/s329926

yes, it has a very nice look, can i convince you to let a local carpenter whip it up for you in a day for half the price? Otherwise, i think if you must buy, do that one, at least i can not get it off craigs list. hmmm, i have not tried overstock though. tehehe

You really think it's possible to have a local carpenter create that desk? Almost identical? Short period of time? Never used a carpenter before so excuse my ignorance.

You haven't priced teak lately. Or glass. It would be impossible to have that made for less. A great deal more, with better quality, sure.

look all i can say is it a simple desk. I just went on Craig's list and saw glass on other free things, I have seen teak for sale locally under $100 a board. those legs are not more than 1 8' board. If i am wrong, forgive me.

10 ft over 1" thick = $60 ebay

4x4 20 ft $160

Off to craigs for glass. that is the problem i always do my research if forced. You just need a hungry carpenter. money or free ads, guy like you, that is some great advertising.

Well that did not take long. I also found lots of metal poles for the other table

Does that kinda look like one you picked? Free.

gosh i just love this stuff!

What i believe is that you should give it a shot. Maybe i am wrong, i would not let him see the ad though. Then he might get high and mighty.

Ok, i apparently someone pulled their head out of the sand long enough to follow me around cause they did not like what i told you. let me make it clear, though i am sure you already know this, but i guess it has to be said.

Maybe head in the sand would look this up for us, but copyright protection is very small, normally 5% or less. This is why you have what looks like the same painting done by a million painters. if you give 10 people the exact same materials, they will give 10 different things. Yours would already be different, because i am positive the glass is larger. Your carpenter, unless he is not a nice person, will not agree to exactly duplicate the table, plus it means he has to find those exact connectors etc.

So you will get a table that is close in looks, but it will be all yours and the carpenter's and you will putting your cash into the pocket of a local artisan. If you can afford over $1000 for a very simple desk, you can afford to look into being unique, no?

So, to sum this up I am not suggesting you have some artist exactly duplicate a table/desk from a large ripoff firm, i am suggesting that you have a unique one of a kind made by a starving artisan, for less money, using the materials and look you prefer. i hope everyone is clear on that now. Thank you. Back to the fun stuff.

You know i just caught this BW, are you saying you are Bruce Wayne? or is it just happenstance? tehehe

Is there anything else you need?

Thanks, I understand. No problem. I don't need an exact copy just a similar style. I am looking into carpenters for quotes. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

I knew you got it bw. so, are you bruce wayne, shy millionaire by day, caped crusader by night? Amazing what one remembers after 40+ years?

I really do hope this works well for you. I think you could really shine, i have heard how they can be over there. Imagine being able to say your carpenter designed it. tehehe

We don't think it's tacky, especially in regard to your profession. Because they're framed, we think they'd look just fine. Perhaps you could upgrade the frames or add matting for a more sophisticated look. After all, your interior design should match your interests and your personality, and it sounds like yours does just that.

Another follow up question: can I use a cowhide rug (light brown) at other side of living room? Red Persian rug is at other side of room as shown in my prior photo.

Sure! IMO cowhides look good almost anywhere if you like the look.

how did the carpenter go? failure or great?