need help with charcoal sofa

7 years ago

I recently moved into a basement studio. I recently bought a charcoal sofa and wanted to get advice on if I should keep the wall color I already have or if I should change it. I also wanted advice on decorating the space in general (area rug, paintings etc). I hate the tiled floors but I am renting and they can’t be changed.
Originally I thought maybe I should paint the space a lavender color (on the light purplish gray side) and have gold accents (because I just really LOVE gold). The only thing is that the TV is black as well as the TV stand (which my mom ordered for me)
The photos of the living room space is below. The photo with the 2 closets are is the in the living room space as well. I was advised to put the couch near the wall with the closets (with a little space remaining between the closet and couch of course) because I will have to put the TV by the wall with the windows or the small world across from the wall with the closets. I will post some updated photos when I get home.

Featured Answer

Sylvia Gordon

7 years ago

Since you have a basement apartment, you need to bring in as much vibrancy and light as possible. You have your neutral/basic colors already, gray, charcoal, black, and white. Being a "purple person" myself LOL, I would put down the biggest, shaggiest, most purple rug I could find. Then go for the gold! Add as much glittery, sparkly, outrageously over-the-top gold as your heart desires. Throw in some splashy patterned accessories, mixing Florals, plaids and checks, maybe some stripes or chevrons Etc. Add lighting such as table lamps and floor lamps, then turn off all the lights, shut your eyes, open your eyes, turn on all the lights, and see what color your right brain tells you to paint the wall. It's a very neat space! Have fun!

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Comments (22)

tcthom01
Original Author
7 years ago
thank you so much for your input. I'm definitely going to have a field day with the gold! Do you think I can pull off the light lavenderish paint for the wall? (I'll insert a photo from pinterest below)
Also, I'm looking into rugs as I type this... I'm not a fan of these floor tiles at all.
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everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
And art with your purple, etc... between windows.

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everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Idk why you'd have to paint with a light neutral that blends in - you have plenty of options for purples.

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everdebz
7 years ago
Just if it matters: the 3 doors and 2 windows will be an interruption in the purple, even a soft purple - and probably a soft muted best.

But I think a rug won't cover all the floor's pattern - so I'd try leaving walls as is, and buy some Home Goods pillows / curtains, and experiment.
tcthom01
Original Author
7 years ago
thank you so much for your advice. I will definitely be experimenting!
everdebz
7 years ago
Idea from the photo of creamy textured rug, and a couple pieces of art. Cool coffee table with wood base to repeat bit of floor tile.
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everdebz
7 years ago
I can picture more of blue-green, and add small accent of lilac... like pillow:
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everdebz
7 years ago
Your tv and tv stand are black - this photo-idea for you? - with whatever accent color you want....
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everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
This for don't they call it boho? -- could be so fresh for the oak [?] doors, and liven up charcoal/ black unit, and good with light beiges.... purple item or two and art.

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everdebz
7 years ago
Gold somewhrere in pillow, a lamp....?
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tcthom01
Original Author
7 years ago
definitely love the creamy texture rug and art. thank you so much. I really love the pillow ideas
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Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I would go Hollywood Regency! I will post some inspiration photos. You can bring in black to moderate the detail in the floor even make it look intensional. Some of the new “blush” with lavender and golds would be stunning! Bbl
everdebz
7 years ago
30.75" tall -
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Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Start with your color palette. I have chosen photos with black, white, lavenders, purples, and metallics. I could see a black and white rug under the front legs of your dark gray sofa with gold and glass or acrylic coffee table. Use purples, pinks and blush in art and pillows. Transform this space with clever choices. So fun!!
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
….oaky doors and patterned floors are enough a background without adding color on walls....

will "light use" of purple in modern way - be such that black tv/unit and charcoal and shine of metal is MOST of the look....
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Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Good point, everdebz (and good to see you back!) i would go for a more chic look in this space. It would help distract from basement location.
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Oak doors could be a 'stick out'.... that's why I like not an opposite purple [attention getter], but closer on wheel: light red, or medium rosy pink. Reduce contrasts.

Purple does seem more sophisticated - is the space elegant enough? - not an offending question btw. :)
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Gold with bit of brown? Partly cause floor details seems brown...

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Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I guess it is a choice for poster what direction she wants to take and we can go from there. There are temporary ways to hide those doors too. Screens or curtains.
tcthom01
Original Author
7 years ago
thanks for the input you guys! I truly appreciate it. I'm definitely over painting the walls. I started looking in a few stores on my way home from work for some metallics, black and white patterns and different purples
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I looked at Flo's photos using a few accessories in soft lilac/purples - nice! - did you like that?.... on dark sofa I'd think pillows could have touches of deeper purple in it - even larger item like warming throw.

For me much black isn't great - how about small amounts of charcoal and toasty tones from walls, etc. in a patterned fabric, or in art.