Software
Houzz Logo Print
cleanlady1

Outdated Living Room

13 years ago
We bought our home 9 years ago, new. Unfortunately we had major problems with the house, the builder walked away and we were left with $150.000 worth of repairs. Little has been done since then with decorating. I need help to spruce of my living room. I had toppers over the drapes, and know I need new rods. I am considering redoing the square solid coffee table in a dark color. Ideas welcomed.

Comments (250)

  • 12 years ago
    wow,that is a big big thing to consider!!strangely enough we are doing just the opposite,we are going to place the kitchen in an extension with just a door, albeit a bit wider than a regular door..no open kitchen anymore!!
    its my partner who is convinced that it will be better,and in the house we lived previously we did have separate kitchen,and he liked that more!!i dont mind,i think it will be nicer somehow,not always looking at what i consider a workstation!!!
  • 12 years ago
    Carole, why are you choosing to close off the area, where today, the open concept if what everyone appears to want. Where you have had both types, would love to hear. I may consider not doing.
  • 12 years ago
    one reason is that the cottage is about 300+ yrs old,and the walls are about 60 cm thick stacked stones,if we take more of the wall out it means a big re-construction and that would not be worth doing,the other reason is the extension allowed is not big enough for a proper dining or livingroom,so the kitchen is the best to move to give us more livingspace,we want to keep the main structure with its lovely old stone walls,i know it sounds strange but it is a cottage and we are sure there are more people like us out there who would one day take on this place,quircks and all..as for not having the kitchen in the living/diningarea,it really does not make a lot of difference,the kitchen will still be close enough to keep a conversation going and we will have more wallspace,i find this set-up somewhat cumbersome as a lot of the stuff is further away from the work area because of where the larder and hutch need to be placed..please excuse the look of the wall,this house is a work in progress,so the pointing still needs doing and the furniture is not excatly what we want it to be yet!!
  • 12 years ago
    Carole, just from what I can see that's a pretty cool room
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Carol, I watch some of the shows where they take historical properties like yours, and over years transform them into absolutely beautiful homes. It totally amazes me to see the before and the after. Its a work of art. I think taking on a project like yours, one needs to have vision. I look to this site for help because I lack the "vision".
  • 12 years ago
    no,that is not treu,you have very good taste,cleanlady,and i like that you are not going for lots of little nicknacks around the place,i also look at Houzz and tv-programs to get as much information and then filter out what i like and then it is so great to be able to ask on Houzz to see what can be even better,the big vision in your house is done,you can concentrate on the nice things,i still have at least 2 yrs of rubble and dust to look forward too!!another is i took your favorite color to my heart and now have 1 item,just a small mirror with a little purple and mauve in it,love that,so you see,we just bounce of eachother,that is the best about Houzz and i hope to see your progress and am looking forward to see you here...
  • 12 years ago
    its not the amount of accessories that matter its the RIGHT ones that do
  • 12 years ago
    thanks sj73116,very different to cleanlady1 abode,some days i would love to be in her place but it is a good challenge...
  • 12 years ago
    So glad you are considering an area rug, I think you'll find it completes the look you're going for as well as grounding the space--less echoey (if there is such a word!).
  • 12 years ago
    hello cleanlady,there is an article on Houzz this week...what to know before you tear down a wall...some good tips about why and how.....
    [houzz= https://www.houzz.com/magazine/what-to-know-before-you-tear-down-that-wall-stsetivw-vs~21682450 w=300]
    cleanlady1 thanked carole
  • 12 years ago
    Ms Cleanlady, you have great taste ! The one thing we all need to know I feel is always go with what you love not the trends or styles of the times because they will come and go and it will make you broke and tired.... lol A room is constantly evolving. Or should because most even the pros have to take the time to find that every perfect thing for them.
    cleanlady1 thanked Kevin Retired Decorator
  • 12 years ago
    Your working on the entire house. Your bones of the home is the structure & furniture are good timeless looks that can be redone with accessories and have a new look. The little black dress is timeless to yet new shoes, purses and jewelry can keep that going for years . Again the accessories make the personality of a room as basic fashion comes alive in the same way. You have achieved a lot in such a short time.
  • 12 years ago
    Now all you need is a lovely rug and it will be complete!
  • 12 years ago
    cleanlady1 what Province are you from? The reason I am asking is that there are companies close to the boarders that you can have items shipped to. If you are not far from the boarder then you can just drive across do some shopping and pick up your items. This has been more cost effective than having the items shipped for the States to Canada
  • 12 years ago
    The correct spelling is "border." A boarder is someone who rents a room.
  • 12 years ago
    Thank you for the correction. English is my second language.
  • 12 years ago
    and mine,never stop learning ;-)
  • 12 years ago
    I see it all too often, especially in my quilting community
  • 12 years ago
    Well, I decided to redo the panels, and have decided with the purple fabric. Wondering what everyone things of this material? Also going to lighten the wall with Dulux basic Kahki,
  • 12 years ago
    Oh, boy. Overload of ideas. The living room furniture is more formal that the dining. Make the living room more casual with a rug and stay away from any shiny or formal fabric
  • 12 years ago
    I think you should stay with a patterned drapery. All solids makes it less interesting. Plus, that's a LOT of purple, whereas you might want to stay within the 30% secondary color that's recommended by most "experts."
    cleanlady1 thanked Nancy Walton
  • 12 years ago
    Cleanlady1, please wait to redo drapes. You've invested so much in good ones, why not wait? I really think they look nice with what you've done so far. My thought would be carpet first..I actually think the paint color looks great with everything you've got going on. Someone suggested painting frame of mirror a darker color; is that something you're thinking about? Like the purple chair.
    cleanlady1 thanked cindyguent
  • 12 years ago
    Help decorating?! Window coverings? What kind of new furniture
  • 12 years ago
    A much lighter wall color will to do wonders to perk up your home. Brown is so depressing.
  • 12 years ago
    Sarahjoy23, you need to start your own thread. It's easy.
  • 12 years ago
    Sorry! I did start one :-) I accidentally posted on here!!
  • 12 years ago
    And your paint color is NOT depressing. Paint is a personal preference. Some people only think in terms of white and beige and want you to be the same. But depending on light (which seems abundant) and lighting, you have a whole range of colors to choose from if you want.
    cleanlady1 thanked cindyguent
  • 12 years ago
    I like the new fabric. I think the panels would be nice. Maybe you could use the drapes in another room if you like them.
    cleanlady1 thanked sj73116
  • 12 years ago
    Question: I have a couch very much like the one in the picture above. Has anyone tried a slip cover on such a couch? I think the one in the pictures reclines; mine does not.
    cleanlady1 thanked g00lie13
  • 12 years ago
    I know some people may consider the upholstery outdated however in a very expensive shop where I live they are using that fabric again on more "bulky" "comfy" chairs (a light color but the same fabric).
    cleanlady1 thanked sj73116
  • 12 years ago
    Still working on the dining room and living room. Drapes in and professionally installed. Ideas and suggestions welcomed
  • 12 years ago
    I would bring the drapes in 6"s on each side. I feel you still need some greenery of some sort. Tree, top of china or coffee table center piece. I know you don't like rugs but a patterned rug would look really good since the drapes are more of a solid look. Kev
    cleanlady1 thanked Kevin Retired Decorator
  • 12 years ago
    I like the drapes much better. Helped update the room. what about some type of live plant off the to side somewhere . A leafy one that stands maybe 3-4 foot high. I don't do rugs either i get it.
    cleanlady1 thanked sj73116
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    let's see those drapes close up. are you using the other ones somewhere else?

    also, shades on your chandy please. cream i think.
  • 12 years ago
    I loved the old drapes and the new ones are lovey too. Yet Now you need a color mixed larger pattern since the floral drapes are gone. I know you don't like rugs, but that would do it. Or even best maybe for you would be a beautiful wallpaper on the dining or living room wall. Just one wall. Wallpaper is back and will be again for years. Pattern with out the rug.... lol Purple ,silver,gold or metallic's mixed and or a huge bold stripe or larger than life pattern. Would kick this room up to WOW !!! I really feel the room needs something that really makes a bold statement. Also picking up all the colors of the room will bring it all together. Knowing your likes and goals for the room. Have fun. Kev
    cleanlady1 thanked Kevin Retired Decorator
  • 12 years ago
    Be careful to not go to light of wall paint color on the walls or you will loose any contrast that's needed with the sofa and loveseat. Maybe a golden tone. It would expand the room since you have the oak floors. Just a thought,
    cleanlady1 thanked Kevin Retired Decorator
  • 12 years ago
    Hi Cleanlady1 Your room is beautiful! I like both sets of curtains too; I saw this image in Joss & Main and thought of you!
    cleanlady1 thanked cathyjoco
  • 12 years ago
    Here's a possible idea how about paint a accent wall in purple the same as the background of the drapes where your entry table is ? looking at the back wall of the ln the dining area there really isn't that much wall. I feel the room just needs a few pushes to take it to the top of the wow factor.
  • 12 years ago
    Done painting the dining and living room. Still have a few items to put back up on the walls.
  • 12 years ago
    Nice neutral paint color with the purple really looks sharp with the walls. I would love to see a very large palm or faux plant in the corner of the two windows. By OMG how far you have come here in these rooms and all through the house. I don't know if you need it but a second purple chair would be a added softening for the room since you don't want to do a rug, just another thought. I would also add a very decorative fancy little small 12" table by the chair either way you go. It would help service the seating for drinks etc when you entertain.
    K
  • 12 years ago
    Now your really need to focus on wow accessories that are over scale & maybe a rug to finish the room and add the wow factor. Think big & luxury in all you add now. K
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Kevin i thank you on behalf of clean lady you truly er a genious
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I like the new paint job very "clean". much better color with what you are doing. I think a real palm style plant (not a fan of faux) home depot runs specials on theirs from time to time
  • 12 years ago
    I put the mirror back up between the 2 windows, not sure it suits the room now. Wondering if I should do the oil bronze finish on it. It would really stand out.
  • 12 years ago
    what about painting it black?
  • 12 years ago
    I like it the same color it is . It brings a since of history in the home for a well collected look . Mix up all those metallic's it's in style now , I have always done it anyway. lol If you must, paint it the oiled bronze like the lite fixture. But I would still mix in some silvers,brass, golds etc in areas of the room and though out the home. Brass and gold are being shown as the latest metals to use in everything. The big key here is using many metal finishes not all the same though out any room or home. K
  • 12 years ago
    Hi Cleanlady1 - looks great! I would try to paint it. Take a look at some of the bronze paints and then some of the metallic paints. Martha Stewart has some too. I think I would try to use paint that isn't opaque, maybe mixing or adding faux. Try using a sponge and try to keep some of the gold. It may help if you add a silvery gold to it too. Take a look at different frames and see if you could imitate it...Good luck - you have done a wonderful job!
  • 12 years ago
    Always decorate a home having a nod to today's home fashions but history and your own personal taste too.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Another possible trick, To try use brown paste shoe polish on the mirror frame really heavy then wipe it off after a couple of hours. It will darken the mirror up quite a bit if it's to shiny color and darken it too. I have done this before it gives more patina to the finish. Looking aged somewhat.
  • 11 years ago

    I love the fact you do not have rugs. I have allergy issues so I have just wood flooring throughout. I love a clean elegant look and you have accomplished this.