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"Boho" new living room gone wrong. Seeking advice!

4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

I just recently got a sofa, rug, and art. I'm not too happy with how things look. The room doesn't look boho. I'm worried that the rug is too big compared to the shorter length of the sofa. The size and darkness of it feels overwhelming. I got 7'9 by 11'2. I should have gotten 5'3" by 7'6" or 6'7" by 9'6." Everything looks too black/red/white. Too much of a 'clean' and cliche look. I guess maybe the white/black floral pillow is too contemporary looking. Maybe I can change it out with pillows with more color and a turkish design. I'm not sure what else to do. I was going for an warm, classy bohemian look. I'm also not too sure if I got the right colors for the framed art and if they make sense since once is red and the other is black and white and maybe that is throwing things off but I really liked the art. I was planning to get end tables and extra chair later on.

Here it is. Note I still need to add legs to the sofa once I get a drill and the art is not hung up yet.




This is my inspiration photo below. I feel like mine ends up looking cliche and unbalanced. Notice the rug in the photo is lighter, smaller and subtle.





Here are the white silk curtains on the way:




I'm not sure whether to:

1) Exchange the rug for a smaller one, same kind

2) Keep the rug, play with accessories and colorful throws

3) Change the art

4) Exchange and get a different, lighter/smaller rug

Any advice or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Comments (1.2K)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I don't think so. I'm certain of it. I felt out of place with the table even adding spare pillows I had, same thing with the rug, I just didn't take photos with all those pillows but I tried that out. I feel I got swayed by the liking the table but it's not really aligning what I want the room to be or feel like, same thing with the rug. I didn't think these additions would finish the room. See, I had a gut feeling of another idea that I just kept blocking out just for the table I thought I liked but then end up hating.

  • 4 years ago

    Lyn, I thought about gray/beige shags like these but they don't have the right size.






  • 4 years ago

    We just got this rug and I think it’s a great easy neutral.

  • 4 years ago

    Wayfair
    Bungalow Rose

  • 4 years ago

    Take the emphasis off the rug and concentrate on other things.

  • 4 years ago

    7’6x9’6 isn’t a good size?

  • 4 years ago

    I like what Lyn is showing. Add a wood or metal round tray to the table.

  • 4 years ago

    You don't have to match the table to a rug...


    There was nothing wrong with your first table. Now you have this one and you can also work with it, and especially since you like grey. Just put a large tray on top of the table and style it.






    Here's a rug idea:



    https://rugs.com/ivory-8x10-moroccan-shag-area-rug-6288644?pos=23&rt=aisle


    Then bring in art, some pillows, lamp(s) and other accessories and you're done.

  • 4 years ago

    It really feels like your ideas are all over the place with what you want. Totally fine to not be able to pin it down too!

    I tried to read back but couldn’t find it fast, are you keeping the sofa you have?

    Just my opinion, as a barely participating commenter, but the image above feels very bland.

    Will you also have chairs? If so what colour? I love the sectional photo and feeling.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    My ideas aren't all over the place in my mind. I have difficulty communicating them and I kept getting swayed in a different direction based on liking one thing and fixating on matching it. But I get it now... Yes, I am keeping the sofa. I'm not sure which image you mentioned seems bland. I will have one chair but I'm not there yet.

  • 4 years ago

    7’6x9’6 is a good size.

  • 4 years ago

    The good thing is...at least the table was only $60. Do you have a covered patio? Give it a couple of coats of polyurethane and put some plants on it.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I don't have a patio but good thing is I have an idea who to sell it to at least...

  • 4 years ago


    Do you feel that you have a better idea of what you want to do now than when you began this thread?



  • 4 years ago

    Well that’s the size of rug I posted. You may want to see about getting a plain shag rug locally to try out. It doesn’t have to be the right size. Your table can look great in this scenario.

  • 4 years ago

    lyn and eastautumn, your rugs are so beautiful.

  • 4 years ago

    @goldperry Lynartist posted an image that had all very beige colours, square coffee table? To me appeared very bland. Is your sofas beige or grey?

  • 4 years ago

    For an $8 can of spray paint, this silver distressed black table could be bronze. It's a great size, has two tiers of glass, and the industrial looking feet keep it from feeling too formal. $170


    https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Carbon-Loft-Glenn-Metal-Glass-Round-Cocktail-Table/22801636/product.html?refccid=SGCGENY547336YCPN24WKN26BE&searchidx=18&kwds=round%20coffee%20table&rfmt=price%3A175%2C225

  • 4 years ago

    A S the sofa is beige. Table is gone and the ivory too plain but nice rug.

  • 4 years ago

    I’ll take a look bluemarble.

  • 4 years ago

    Oh, just found it at Wayfair in silver for $155, so you can use your credit. Color doesn't matter if you paint it.

    https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/orren-ellis-casas-coffee-table-with-storage-orne1883.html?piid=23211566

  • 4 years ago

    Yikes A S 😂! The room is just starting!!!🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

  • 4 years ago

    Got it! Layering beige can be beautiful. I hope you find pieces you love. Not sure if it helps but it took me two years to get a rug. We bought our sectional first as the piece we loved then slowly picked away at rest. At times it felt painful but I’m glad we didn’t rush. Good luck!

  • 4 years ago

    Lynartist that is much better lol!!!

  • 4 years ago

    Nice metallics Lyn!

  • 4 years ago

    Here’s a table for that lamp!

  • 4 years ago

    Lyn, love that chair and I was planning to post some of those cactus silk pillows in the near future.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    After searching for a bit, these stood out to me. I'm wondering does this rug and coffee table go together?







    Or does the rug go better with this coffeetable (unfinshed from mango wood)







  • 4 years ago

    It really depends on the vibe you want for your room. If you're drawn to the urban organic look and want to give it a try, I don't think you'll be any happier with the Ewan Diamond Farmhouse rug than you are with your current rug. I know you don't think you're going to like the jute rug, but maybe it will surprise you once you have it in place. I could see it looking great paired with your sofa and some nice mudcloth or other fun, textured pillows and throws in neutral and muted colors.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    The Evan Diamond Farmhouse rug is listed as Scandinavian/Vintage. I'm good with that and that's very similar to what you say is an "urban organic look" but I'm not crazy about the organic part, which is why I'm hesitant about the jute rug. And this rug is nothing similar to my current rug, and it's subtle/neutral so I'm not sure what you mean I wouldn't be happy with it.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Then go for it! I hope it's "the one" for you :) I learned of the "urban organic" label through the link bluemarble posted and thought you said you liked it and wanted to move in that direction... Could be misremembering with so many posts at this point.

  • 4 years ago

    The 2nd table, works better with that rug, the mango wood with darker legs. And bring in accessories along the lines of these pillows.




    You could bring in a bit of gold with it, too. Lamps with a gold base for example. But overall, the combination ties you to a neutral palette. Would not involve a lot, if any, bright colors, except if you wanted to bring vivid color in with art, that is fine. Art is not an accessory. I think the direction you are headed is farmhouse/industrial. And that is all good. But just understand the scheme.

  • 4 years ago

    I really think that you are better off putting this room together by shopping in person. That way you can see, feel and touch everything and not have so many voices in your head. As our ideas and mood boards of your room don't seem to be moving you forward. And hopefully something will resonate and you'll know rather than 2nd guessing everything. Good luck.

  • 4 years ago

    There are 8’ x 10’ (or close to this size) rugs now at Lowe’s that are $198. One of them is the thick somewhat shag off white with the large gray/beige triangle cuts like in one of your inspiration photos? You may want to take a look if there is one near you ?

  • 4 years ago

    That second coffee table that freedomplace1 posted is looks really good IMO, sort of grounds the space? I call that Boho?

  • 4 years ago

    And the chair in lynartist’s post, i think goes together?

  • 4 years ago

    As freedomplace said, you may like many of the products deemed "farmhouse". That style became so popular that it's almost impossible to explore natural elements for the home without landing in that realm. The Ewan looks pretty soft for a polypropylene rug. The peach tones give it warmth, and will look nice with any metallics you choose. I like the mango wood table as well.


  • 4 years ago

    ted makes a good point...it's a bummer the pandemic is keeping you from getting to see things in person. You'd probably have more fun. Well, unless you hate shopping haha.

  • 4 years ago

    Just get things you love when you can see them in person. There doesn't have to be a name attached to your look. if you love what you pick regardless of Boho , farmhouse or industrial it will be good. I really couldn't tell you what my living space is called. Maybe Linda's. Just like yours should be "goldperry". Unless you are going for a magazine cover just go with what feels right for you. Nobody else. Heck the people on here aren't going to see your house anyway.


    You have gotten some great ideas on here. Some talented people but if it were me I would be overwhelmed by now. Too many irons in the fire as they say.

  • 4 years ago

    I think goldperry is getting a handle on what she likes and is figuring out how to navigate the internet to find them. Because of the pandemic, she's not interested in shopping in person. She knew the day after the table arrived that she didn't like it, but as a group we explored ways to make it work. She has come to the realization that she's not happy with that direction, and just wants to get back to her initial idea of neutrals with a cozy feel. No labels per se, those are just helpful when searching online. She likes natural minimalism, she likes bronze metallics, she likes straight lines, and gray is her favorite color. A bit of red accent might be something to consider. How am I doing, goldperry? ; )

  • 4 years ago

    I am thinking the first table might not give that cozy feel because of legs looking a bit busy, so that makes sense, freedomplace and aliceedwards.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I feel like when I post something I like, I get told to just go in person and that I'm not being helped to go forward and how it's not helping when when I just posted stuff I like. Ideas thrown here has helped me. I agree with those who are saying go with neutral, quieter, go with what you like, so I feel like I am moving forward. So it can get discouraging/overwhelming here so I don't know...I might take a break from here.

    Bluemarble, is exactly right. I've said before too. I'm not interested in shopping in person for many reasons including the pandemic. Even if it wasn't for not going out, I've still always been an online shopper mostly when it comes to furniture and what's what I feel comfortable with right now. And bluemarble is spot on that I knew I didn't like the table the next day I got it and it's what I felt threw me off and once it's gone, I'm trying to go back to neutrals/cozy and what I like - earthy colors, minimalism, metallic, grays, neutrals and yes......a cozy feel. Even if it's industrial or farmhouse, scandinavian, or boho, I can't worry about that. As long as I can focus on neutrals/cozy room idea, then I should be fine. As lindacottonwood says, there are too many irons in the fire.

    Thanks for everyone's help.

  • 4 years ago

    I would love to continue helping, but understand if you need a break. With the rug being so neutral, it should be fairly smooth sailing here on out.

    I tried to find the Ewan rug on Wayfair so you could use your credit. Have you looked for it there, or do you think you’ll have no trouble spending it on other items for the room?

    P. S. I’m sorry if the boho mock-ups gave wrong impressions or misrepresented anything

  • 4 years ago

    From one houzzer to another: thanks for letting us "into your home."

  • 4 years ago

    Sigh! This pandemic has made doing the simplest things so difficult! 😓

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I understand. This morning I posted a question for you, but I don’t see it. I hope you don’t mind that I re-post it. In an image shared by Freedom this morning, I was immediately drawn to the chair. I wondered if it might be easier for you to find a chair you love to help you know what area rug you want.

    Wishing you the best. I feel the same way sometimes and have to take breaks. When I get a better sense of what I like on my own, I then come back...often with a new question. Hang in there. You will find your way. It just takes longer for some of us than others, and that is okay! In every home I’ve had, it takes me years.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Bluemarble, thanks for the understanding. I'll be happy for your help after finished with doing a break. I'm good with getting the rug elsewhere than Wayfair since the mango coffeetable is from Wayfair and takes up most of the credit luckily. No worries - your boho mock-ups were excellent, you have very good taste and had a good idea of what I was looking for too.

    Thanks everdebz :) and very true Lyn.

    Dsimber, that's an interesting idea about the chair. I get the feeling I want a white one, so that helps in the search process for everything else. You're so right, sometimes its good to take breaks and try things on your own for a while. Thank you for the support/encouragement.

  • 4 years ago

    Thank you and you're welcome.

  • 4 years ago

    Hi there Goldperry, are you doing ok, coming along with any progress lately? Just curious, lol

  • 4 years ago

    Hello goldpenny, was hoping you were having progress with your living room. I’ve been working on mine as well, mist say with lots of help from our houzzers :), it’s tough, i know. Let us know how it’s coming together for you. As i’ve been stumped on furniture placement, i just keep painting, lol