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ngkrich

Need help Decorating Modern Condo (Especially the Bedroom!)

10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago

Hey everyone, I really like this website and I could use some advice on how to decorate my modern condo. I'm looking for an efficient use of space for the living room that matches how modern the concrete looks. I'm not opposed to painting, but I do like the white (seriously considering an accent wall and possibly painting the bedroom). I'm also struggling to find a modern looking sleeper sofa (I need something people can sleep on when they visit) that doesn't break the bank. The best contender so far is at Ikea. I would love any and all tips though, I really want this place to feel like home. I'm also struggling with not blocking the kitchen off, using the space in the kitchen against the wall, and how to fit a tv, couch, maybe a chair, and a desk in the living area. I can't decide whether I should use the open wall with the window or the closed off space across from it. The downside to the open wall being glare and walking in front of the tv to go in and out of the kitchen. Also considering fitting my desk in the bedroom. It's a bit small though and I'm not sure if that will work.

First Album of Living Room https://imgur.com/a/4KOmf

Currently I have [this](http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19852113/#/S69857764) desk in birch.

So I have better measurements that I will add later when my scanner is fixed. This is a rough estimate that I made before I took them and my thoughts on a livingroom setup. The bigger rectangle is a desk. There is also a desk sized think in the bedroom, I was just seeing if it would fit.

Potential Floorplan (http://imgur.com/C741biD)

I have also added more photos and other rooms. I didn't get a chance to color correct these though. Album 2 (Includes Bedroom) (http://imgur.com/a/7ezDy)

I was considering the following furniture.

Couch http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70243038/#/50242997

Rocker (link to footstool on page) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49903936/#/S39900863

Coffee Table http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20297241/

Side Table http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40297240/

Rug (Own it) http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90259250/#/80230790

Open to any all suggestions though! My current dishware is almost the same green as in houzz's icon. I'm very tempted to use that as my accent in the livingroom.
Any thoughts, tips, advice, etc? This is my first time :D

Comments (22)

  • 10 years ago

    Hey Nate, how is your room coming along? It looks like a really cool space. I don't think I would love green as an accent color there. How about a pale gray/blue?

    Maybe if you insert a photo of the space instead of a link you will get more responses.

    Congrats on the new abode!

  • 10 years ago

    Yes, we are a lazy, visual group. Pics work lots better than links for getting responses. If you save your images to your desktop, then click on the Photo icon in a new Reply post and select the image you want to post, that will insert into the post. If you have a lot of pics to post, you may have to do another reply or two, to get them all in.

  • 10 years ago

    I like the couch and the rocker plus the coffee table. I'm not a fan of everything matching so I think you could find something more interesting for the end table. Since the floor and room have so much gray, I wouldn't want to see a gray rug. Maybe something with textures and pattern would look better. Just an idea. You have a great place, even empty it looks good.

  • 10 years ago

    I agree with yayagal. I definitely think you would need a more interesting rug. Perhaps a lighter one with touch a color here and there. I also agree about the end tables. I would find something a bit more interesting and less matchy matchy.

    I love your space! It is going to look great.

  • 10 years ago

    Here is a link to contemporary rugs on overstock in 8X10. Rugs

  • 10 years ago

    Very cool condo. Congrats! I like your gray and cream color scheme.

  • 10 years ago

    Looking at the layout, I think you can do better. Given the shape of the kitchen with the big blank wall in it, I'd put the table you have right there. That way it can be used like extra counter space or pulled out from the wall for seating all around for a dinner.

    Also, I would consider putting the couch on the opposite wall so you can better see the view. Where it is, it's kind of behind the closet. I'd put the TV on that wall instead so it is shaded by the closet from all the light coming in.

    I think it's a very cool space and I agree it can use a more exciting rug...something with pattern. I'd consider adding some color as well...something bright and cheerful. The gray concrete has great texture, but I'd like to see something to warm it up.


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  • 10 years ago

    Very cool condo!

    Now, as much as I generally dislike IKEA(except for the Almondi cakes! They will be forever blessed for their Almondi)), this rocker of theirs you gave a link to, is really very comfy.

    Modern sleeping sofa-well, I can tell you I researched this issue a lot. Either you go with this IKEA that at least looks decent( I tried to lie on it in the store-let's say that if your guests are young and healthy and stay just for a couple days, they will be fine), or you-most likely- break the bank. If you're interested in breaking the bank-let me know, I'll look up some links for you. Another option-look at sites like Craigslist, Chairish, Etsy-many people professionally reupholster old well made modern sleeping beds and sell them. These look very sharp. IKEA quietly cries in the corner so to say, both in terms of looks and comfort. As for money-I believe you'll have to pay same or a bit more than in IKEA, but less than for a decent new modern sleeping bed. I'd check into this option if I were you. Just check local, because the shipping won't make any sense.

    Totally agree with others-you should shake things up a bit when it comes for a rug. I understand you own it already, so kinda makes least sense to purchase another..but maybe you can layer some other rug onto it? Hey, even their faux sheep skins. By the way, I also saw these sheep skins colored some cool colors like emerald or deep blue. Strange of course, but I think it's cool to have a bit of strange around the house..it might be one little emerald ship skin, or it might be really cool art, or whatever rocks your boat.

    Or you can just wait-put together everything, and your perfect rug will find you one day.

    Good luck with your new cool place!

  • 10 years ago

    Very cool place! Like the others, I would do a different LR rug. I don't mind the coffee and side tables matching. I would add color with rugs (can use one in kitchen also), pillows, a throw and art. I hope you'll post after photos.

    fwiw, DS went to college in Chicago and his first apartment was furnished with IKEA. The three of us spent one long day putting things together after making two trips. The pieces held up well - that chair is SO comfortable.

  • 10 years ago

    Agree with Annie re flipping the sofa and tv.

  • 10 years ago

    Something like this would look good on that gorgeous flooring. yummy rug

  • 10 years ago

    oohhhh love Annie's orange!

  • 10 years ago

    I might get a table for the kitchen, the one in the picture is actually a desk with some electrical equipment in it. So I don't want to put it in the kitchen.

    I really like the orange or a pale blue as well! I saw an apartment with similar design to my condo and they had a light blue accent. It worked well, though I really like that orange...

    I'm definitely thinking the same thing about the rug. I'm going to keep an eye out for one, and for some redone sleeper sofas per april's suggestion. I haven't seen them before, but if I can find one that would be perfect.

    As for the position of the TV, I'm not sure which I like more. Part of the reason that I have it on the wall I do is that you can view it while making food in the kitchen as well. I've gone back and forward myself with it.

    I could really use some suggestions for the bedroom everyone, it's so white and bland currently :/.

  • 10 years ago

    I can't see the furniture you've picked out for some reason as the links appear to be broken but, if you're willing, I think a bright back-painted glass backsplash in something like orange or yellow could be phenomenal and then you could use that as an accent color in pillows and art in the living room while keeping the rest of the place fairly neutral, clean, simple and modern.

  • 10 years ago

    Huh, links still work for me. Have an example of the glass backslash?

  • 10 years ago

    Here's one in a white kitchen.

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  • 10 years ago

    Wow, I really like that. Any advice on where to find it? Also, any tips for the bedroom?

  • 10 years ago

    You would need to find a professional who installs back painted glass in your location. Houzz me get be able to help you or you could see if people know on the kitchen forum.

    As for your bedroom, are there no windows? If not, you'll need to keep any color you paint it quite light and bright. Make sure whatever colors you use coordinate with the accent colors you pick for the living room since it is such a small space overall and you can see the top of the bedroom wall from the living room. Most likely you are just going to need to leave it white and pull in color through a rug and bedding in the bedroom or do an accent wall on the wall the bed sits.

  • 10 years ago

    I think an accent wall is a good thought. So should I pick the exact accent color from the living room? Or just similar? I'm not sure what you mean by coordinating it.


    There are no windows in the bedroom, just the partial wall to let light in, unfortunately.

  • 10 years ago

    Search for backpainted glass backsplash in the kitchens forum. Some people do it DIY or with commercial glass companies. You can even try attaching ready-made or made-to-order tempered glass panels.

  • 10 years ago

    The bedroom is pretty small, so I'd look at a captain's bed or some other platform bed that would allow for storage underneath.


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    The rest would be 1 or 2 end tables if you can fit them, lamps and if you have room a bench or chair to sit on while you're dressing. Also consider a full length mirror in the room which will help reflect whatever light you get in there. Art work becomes important in an interior space.

    Decide if you want the room to be more relaxing (like the light blue) or more vibrant and bright (like the orange) to use as an accent. Start with the bedspread and then you can design the room around that.