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wladesigner

My West Los Angeles Condo - Suggestions?

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

Hi-

I would be very grateful to receive suggestions about the living area in my one-bedroom West Los Angeles condo - mostly for a sofa and wall decor. It is a north facing room. I just painted in Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

- Sofa: Would a dark gray sofa work, or must it be a light color? Another color? I am looking at a Benchmade Modern sofa with a chaise that sticks out on the window side. (Current couch is 20+ years old and 108".)

- Wall art: I am open to modern or transitional, but no brown, blue or gold. I kind of like abstract with black. Would like a very large piece, but I have read that it is difficult to get the proportions right over a couch, and two or 3 smaller pieces could be better (?) I have never had *any* artwork in this room.

- TV side of room: Maybe a low simple console? A trendy fig leaf fiddle plant? My TV is plasma and super heavy so I hesitate to have it mounted.

- Anything else? Pull the couch away from the wall? Get a giant ottoman in brown leather? Lamp shades or new, reasonably priced lamps? The rug is brand new and pretty neutral.

- If it helps any - I am a minimalist. I do not want clutter or a giant coffee table and a bunch of chairs. But I want a room that looks put-together and classy.







Thank you in advance for any comments/suggestions.

Here is a nice couch color that I was looking at. (Is the side table too small though?)



Comments (13)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Well to begin no chaise sofa it really becomes a 2 seater since no one wants to sit with their fett up whan visiting Get a nice sofa and an ottoman so much better. BTW that sofa is way too big looking for the space . If you go less bulky and no chaise you could maybe even have a soafa and 2 chirs . You are in need of much better lighting so end tables with lamps the easy route then if you get 2 chairs another table and a lamp .

    wladesigner thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    West LA is nice. I lived there many years ago. Well, actually my BF at the time lived there - on Overland Ave.



    This lamp is nice.


    Kira Home Sadie 60" Tripod LED Floor Lamp, 9W bulb (/), Honey Beige Drum Shade · More Info






    ETA:

    Ottoman idea:


    Studio Designs Home Camber Modern Leather Cocktail Ottoman in Caramel Brown · More Info






    As far as art: I personally do not view art as an accessory. And art does not have to ”match” your furniture, etc. Also, art is a very personal thing; so I urge you to choose your own art. Find some art that you love; something that you enjoy looking at and/or that has some type of significance to you. Etsy.com is one source for art - all types.

    wladesigner thanked freedomplace1
  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Your current sofa is too traditional and your proposed sofa is too modern. Get a square-armed sofa that has a more transitional feel to it. I wouldn't do gray. I'd maybe go with a neutral linen color that's not too yellow and get some decorative pillows to bring some texture and pattern to the space. Some inspiration:



    Updated Classics: Today's Traditional Design · More Info


    California Cottage · More Info


    NatureWalk at Watersound - Bonita Model Living Room · More Info


    wladesigner thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
  • 3 years ago

    a longer sofa with lower arms and back.

    Yes to a single large canvas above sofa GreatBigCanvas.com has a great affordable variety.

    for the TV side, Get a very long console/cradenze no need for a lot of little pieces in a small space. the above floor lamp is great!

    then two low back barrel chairs facing the patio... even a couple complimentary lowback chairs facing inward, for additional seating. think of upholstery pattens in the colors of your rug... they don't need to match, just compliment.

    wladesigner thanked Lyn Nielson
  • 3 years ago

    We had one of those original heavy Plasma TVs that you couldn't kill, but sometimes it is time to give something away and get a newer model. Here is my 75" Samsung The Frame TV. Very slim profile hanging on the wall and you get to enjoy "art" when not watching TV. Mount it over a longer console and give that whole side of your room an updated look.


    wladesigner thanked chispa
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I just want to say THANK YOU for these comments.

    General response: I have spent hours looking at news sofas (mostly chaise models!) or what I now understand to be sofas that are too bulky or actually inconsistent with my desired look. And two sofas? I would not have thought about this. The very tactful suggestion about my TV is helpful too - I have considered simply replacing the current one so will push that thought further. Agree that the wall art is personal - will explore Etsy. Many opportunities to mess this up - maybe better just to hire someone for a small consult via zoom or something. I will re-group!


    On a lighter note: @Freedomeplace1 - Overland Avenue is very close to me - I know it well!

  • 3 years ago

    Small world. My first apartment in LA many years ago was just off Overland on Midvale. Yes, I agree... no sectional sofas as they limit your arrangement options. Mirrored tiles are making a comeback. Trendy but would visually expand your space dramatically.


    wladesigner thanked Paul F.
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Just get one sofa. And you may be able to add one more streamlined chair. Or just keep a folding chair or two on hand for extra company. You don’t want to crowd the space. And plus you are a minimalist. I basically am too, so I personally understand the sensibility.

    And you definitely don’t want to block your beautiful balcony and views. I just took a closer look at your space and balcony. Your plants are beautiful. My BF also had a bunch of plants in his apartment and on his balcony; and as I just looked at your balcony I have to say your balcony looks so much like his! And it even looks like the same view! This is wild... He lived at 3201 Overland Ave. ( just to give you an idea of the proximity. Don’t say where you actually live! I understand! But I have to tell you this is wild for me, as I just looked closer at your place... It was a really beautiful area and looks like it is still so. I spent a lot of time there, when I lived in Los Angeles.

    Btw, I found some nice, comfortable folding chairs on Amazon recently - I’ll find them and post the info here for you. As I mentioned, they are nice to have on hand for extra company and easy to tuck away when not needed.





    ETA: This is the folding chair and it’s available in several colors. So just one folding chair idea for you. :)







    https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Comfortable-Learning-Backrest-Portable/dp/B08SQN7H9N?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3NBV3WSPNIM1G


  • PRO
    3 years ago

    or smaler wall art for better balance


    wladesigner thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    To start, the rug looks like the wrong size. It should be larger. Also, what is the large black piece to the left of the sofa? Last question: can the sofa face the slider?

    One arrangement that allows 3 chairs.




    Another that shows sofa facing slider.


    wladesigner thanked elcieg
  • 3 years ago

    I prefer the type of arm your current sofa has. It has a comfort function when laying out. This gives the piece a more casual less formal use. Seat cushions must be pocketed spring core for longevity. A chaise can pair with a matching large ottoman for more lounging configurations as well as the table use. You can move it close. If I were custom spec'ing cushions, I'll use latex instead of foam. Ikea has new choices with removable washable covers.

    wladesigner thanked dan1888
  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I just want to say thank you once again. I am shocked by how helpful and constructive these comments and images are. I feel hopeful and positive and am looking forward to getting my place in order now -- and it will be done right! I did not know that about the seat cushions, despite all my research. I love the layouts and visual renderings. Most people are familiar with the terms "casual" and "modern," but to put them into effect cohesively in a room and apply them to things like the width of sofa arms is difficult for non-artistic people like me. So this is immensely helpful. Please know that you all made a difference for me.