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Help me decorate my apartment

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

I feel like my apartment is very cool and uninviting. I don't really know what to do. I wanted to create an elegant interior, borrowing from French style, transitional and decorating with vintage pieces. Walls are painted NCS 0500N and kitchen NCS 1000-N, which seemed like good base but now I don't know. Did I pick colours all wrong or is it that I don't know what to do next? Do you have some advice?





Comments (39)

  • 3 years ago

    Do some google searches for "small paris apartment interior" for inspiration


    My Houzz: Feminine Chic Charms in a Chicago Rental · More Info


    Paris Apartment, The Marais, Paris, France · More Info


    Paris Apartment · More Info


    a+b kasha · More Info


    HU-707336822 thanked mytwo cents
  • 3 years ago

    Will be very stylish when softened up. A piece of art between the sconces….am leaning something tall and narrow for the space, but not greatly taller than the sconces. Colour wise steer clear of a piece which is cool in tone, but you can’t go 180 and go into warm colours totally either. You don’t necessarily have to do modern art, a quality print of a classic piece would enhance a Parisian feel.
    I spy some drapery rods in place over the slider. A textured or velvet like material drape that pulls all to one side for a lux look, with a little pooling on the floor if you can stand it.

    HU-707336822 thanked kazzh
  • 3 years ago

    Thanks. I did research Parisian style prior but now it feels like I'm stuck. I can't imagine what color would pull this space together and I also feel like I can't go 180 to warm because it will clash too much. I was thinking about adding rug to cozy my tiny living room up but then.. what kind of rug, what color.. should I maybe repaint, reupholster? I'm confused.

  • 3 years ago

    I think it may not seem like it in photos but my apartment is rather small, so if I were to put the couch in front of sconces, it'd need to be 140cm wide and would cut this space off, so I had to drop this idea. I think the arrangement I have now is the only one I can have. Unfortunately, it's one of those awkward spaces that's really hard. I agree with pendant in general, it's got to go - I will be replacing it with an invisible ceiling lamp.

  • 3 years ago

    You have a great start. You can use rugs and accessories to tie the three colors of the room together and add some of your personality. Look for rugs, art, and a couple of pillows with gray, brown and cream.





    Rug


  • 3 years ago

    What a lovely space with such beautiful flooring & light from the kitchen side. First thing I thought of is — Needs art on walls! Between the sconces & over the small chest of drawers. As for colors - maybe doesn’t matter as long as they’re softer & not bold & striking. That small chest looks like a drop spot for entry which must be in that alcove. I’d think about hanging a taller mirror on that wall - it would reflect light & it’s always nice to have a mirror near entry for last check. The dining area - not clear on that part of space since no full picture of that corner. That corner with the taller counter stool - is that a spot for a comfortable reading chair? A rug might be nice - maybe a rectangle shape in the L where kitchen is or a round shape under dining table. Add throw pillows in colors from art that’s between sconces. What about that outside area? Is it your private space? Do you use it? I’d add seating / tables to expand living space both visually & functionally. I do see the rod over french doors but not sure about hanging drapes - might take too much space but if needed for privacy then they should slide away from kitchen to keep the counters & clear. Maybe just a top treatment to add color & softness? Very cute kitty - seems to like its spot on sofa.

  • 3 years ago

    The floor is my favourite feature, so thanks and yes, my cat has taken residency on this sofa! So you think I should move chest of drawers and put tall mirror instead? It won't fit by entrance door but perhaps in front of it, next to bedroom doors...

    I've added some cushions just to give a homey feeling and took some photos to give you a glimpse with the table. What are your thoughts?



  • 3 years ago

    You might want to flip your spaces and put the table and chairs in the little alcove area. Right now, it is taking up far too much real estate! I would move the couch on to the wall beyond the kitchen in the corner where the plant is now perched. Perhaps place the tv on the wall between the sconces. A “Frame” tv that can function as art when not being watched might be an option. An extra lounge chair, a Louis chair?, could be placed on an angle with its back to the entry where you have the tiny legged cabinet, bridging the space and adding seating with a french flair. No rug in the dining area. A Persian style rug where you place the couch. There is a wall that we aren’t seeing….

  • 3 years ago

    (Sorry, I didn’t see the long kitchen wall or the slider photo. But…I still think you should swap spaces!)

  • 3 years ago

    Wow! What a great space! Thanks for showing us the rest of it - makes a big difference in getting ideas. On mirror - I meant to hang mirror over dresser & a rectangular shape - taller. Dresser is perfect in that spot. But, I see you have mirrored closet doors in your entry & I see the lovely detail of molding trim on the wall. Plant looks nice there but a bit large. Now I’m thinking a grouping of several smaller items of art on wall over the dresser - a mini gallery if you like - the smaller framed pieces & shapes would add lots of interest to that space & the scale of them would match the small dresser. Your dining area - I think that wall would look fabulous with a very large art - maybe an unframed canvas - a park or landscape image - whatever speaks to you & draws you in when looking at it, Then, a round rug under table & no other rugs. Over the sofa - 1 piece of art between the sconces. The green & white pillows are perfect colors! Your greenery / plants add to that feeling of nature - include them in both art. Maybe a soft throw for sofa in the green color? A very nice & cozy space to curl up & read or watch TV. That’s a lovely apartment!

  • 3 years ago

    This are much better photos. It looks very nice.


    How about a flokati or shag rug to warm up the space?


    I think you could use a little table on the outside edge of your sofa.


    I would try swapping the big tree with the chest with the plant on top. Put a wine decanter or pitcher on top of the chest, and some glasses, and your candlesticks, like a petite buffet. Keep napkins and other kitchen things is the drawers.


    If the chest isn't precisous, I think you could paint it a warm color, but I am also thinking that a chic look for your space might be olive green or moss as an accent color, or even a dark park bench green.


    If you are bringing in an electrician to remove the pendant, I'm wondering if it is possible to use both pendants together over your dining room table with 2 different lengths of chain? They both need to be closer to the dining table.





  • 3 years ago

    Thanks for notes! I thought about swaping spaces but wall behind the table has rediator and the balcony door (left to dining table) opens inwards, so no sofa would fit there (plus I need sofa-bed for guests). I was thinking of switching table to a larger one though - still round but bigger diameter perhaps - what do you think? I like your suggestions about green color variations but won't there be too much green?

  • 3 years ago

    Could be nice to have a mirror between the sconces



    GDF Studio Detroit Circular Wall Mirror · More Info


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    So now I am thinking you should paint the TV/book cabinet built in a great color. Whatever you like that you think would really offset the rest of the room. And then stuff the cabinet with books and a few select objects.

    Put a mirror between the sconces and a complimentary big piece of art behind the sofa.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Oh -- I see now that the petite chest has the tour eiffel on it. Now I really think it belongs where the tree is by the dining table, with a decanter.



    Twisted Horn Wine Decanter Lead Free Crystal Wine Breather Carafe Holds 35oz. · More Info


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I can’t get past the sectional in the nook because I struggled with a similar issue in my home. If it works for you, ignore the rest of this post. I really needed more open space and elbow room. Although if you settle in that corner section it might not feel as cramped.

    Could you take the sectional apart and make it a long couch and float it in the middle of the larger space? Then maybe put the TV on the opposite wall? Or even have the TV between the sconces and float the sectional outside the nook as an L somehow? it’s hard for me to tell what would work from the pics.

    You could invest in a drop leaf table to replace your dining table so that it shrinks to desk size. Maybe put it in between the sconces. Or behind the floating sofa to use as a console table or island. Something like this (functionally):

    https://www.wayfair.com/Canora-Grey--Sakamoto-Drop-Leaf-Solid-Wood-Pedestal-Dining-Table-X117222754-L147-K~W006111643.html

    I had one that shrunk to about 20”x40”.

    Dining chairs could be stored in another room or corners or you could find some nice folding or stackable chairs to store in a closet.

    Another thing to look at to replace the dining table is a counter height pub table that can be used as a kitchen island, maybe behind the floating sofa. For seating you could get backless stools that fit mostly under the pub table.

    As far as guests are concerned, you could always buy an inflatable bed and put it wherever you have floor space. I got this queen size one from Walmart (about $70):

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-Dura-Beam-Deluxe-Ultra-Plush-Headboard-with-Built-in-Pump-18-Mattress-Height-Queen/1971864026

    It’s really comfortable and has a builtin pump and a headboard. It fits in a large plastic bin (or a bag) and I take it with me to visit family overnight.

    A lot of what I described can be purchased for a few hundred dollars on overstock or wayfair or target.

  • 3 years ago

    If you could use a bigger round table it looks like you have room for it.


    On my screen your sofa pillows look moss.


    This is an interesting apartment in Paris with some ideas to steal in miniature

    https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/lecoadic-scotto-paris-apartment

  • 3 years ago


    just showing you how a combo of some cool blue tones, some greens and earth tones and gray end up looking together not suggesting these strong lines and blacks


    I'd be considering take the blue hue out of the existing wall paint and intensifying it for the TV wall built-in and then making green the accent elsewhere in the fields of hazy blue-grays



  • 3 years ago

    so frenchy to do something like this on the wall behind the dining table, large



    But I do like your palm there despite saying I want to move the chest there.



  • 3 years ago

    i think something like this would be useful near your sofa for having a snack while TV watching, etc




    You can also find acrylic stools that are strong enough sit on, ut they would be higher than the level of your sofa, maybe.


  • 3 years ago

    or this might be useful for sitting on the sofa, use it as a combo coffee table and a something to put your feet on (with a pillow on it). Extra seating if you have a guest, and might be smail enough to sit most of the time at the edge of the sofa, but light enough to easily move around



  • 3 years ago

    Thanks for advice! I know Parisian is about mix&match but my mix is vintage rather than modern, so acrylic tables are not my cup of tea. Colour wise though, do you think I should repaint? Go with let's say slightly warm white? Do you think it will work with grey couch and kitchen or do you think (I hope not) I should change them too? In the end, how do you think I should toe this space together?

  • 3 years ago

    Your apartment is already white. I wouldn’t go to trouble & expense of painting basically the same color. The molding detail in couch / built in shelving area shows up well in current color. I’m sticking to my original suggestion - add art! That will provide the color needed & the white walls will show it off well. The spaces for art - over sofa between sconces, behind dining table & above cute eifel tower chest. - maybe in kitchen on wall next to french doors too. The green toss pillows add so much to the sofa area that it convinces me you’re on right path to adding color & building on your base decor of warm wood, clean white, simple lines, life with the greenery in plants - now add more greens with other colors in a throw for sofa & ART!! That alcove is a perfect guest sleeping area - some bit of private feel. Your idea of a slightly larger table is good if space permits. A table with extendable leaf would give you the most options, A rug under the table would work - I’d have it the same shape as the table & I’d also want a ’flat’ type weave - not a thick or fluffy rug. I’m not nuts about the 4 place mats on the table as a permanent thing. Stack them & place in middle of table or store away. Last but not least - I’d asked about your outdoor space - if it is as usable as it looks, I’d be spending some money furnishing it with seating & tables to expand enertaining area or just for my own enjoyment. The curtain rods are still a question - top treatment only or a drape needed for privacy? If drape needed I’d match wall color & when open stack on side away from kitchen - in that corner.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Great space! Tons of terrific advice above

    I wonder if you need a bit of black to glam it up a bit and provide some contrast? I am always (always!) recommending the paper tapestries from Anthropologie but they can be an answer to large walls (and they are quite inexpensive) not sure of the dimensions on your large wall but I wondered about this one hung horizontally? they have other options if this isn’t your thing - just an idea



  • 3 years ago

    I do like the tapestry la_la Girl shows - would be great over sofa!

  • 3 years ago

    Thanks guys! You know when sometimes you start doubting your design choices and need sb to shake you up a bit..

    Area behind french doors is mine and it's up for general renovation, so time will come for it (definitely lots of greenery, some warm lights). Suggestion about black is good I think and I will try to add it here and there. I was thinking e.g. tiny decorative bowl on coffee table that's yet to be found (I want a vintage piece or two vintage small round tables, so search continues).


    Space above dining table definitely needs some art and I agree it should be something large and in charge. My idea was either big oil painting/framed print (something from impressionism, for example) or wallpaper filling in molding frame. I used to have an idea about big distressed mirror but then I thought my space may be too small for that and no color on this wall then..

    I thought about spacing dining room with a rug but wasn't sure it's a good idea to have it there and not under the sofa, which is usually it's natural place. Maybe you're right and it will better define spaces - do you think solid or vintage with color?

    Rods are there for privacy since I have neighbors across and I also think they may add a bit of warmth to the space. Pushing them to the corner never occurred to me though.. I'm thinking, if matched to walls, rug should be little something something to make it interesting and not boring..or am I wrong?

    I was also thinking about changing kitchen cabinet pulls to old-looking brass to give them this old vintage vibe. Right now I think they maybe look too modern and come off cold..

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Have the electrician remove the hanging pendant and replace with a recessed light on a dimmer.

    While he is there, have him replace the two sconces.



    https://www.homary.com/item/heye-french-country-candle-square-distressed-wall-sconce-1light-12654.html

  • 3 years ago

    Elcieg, lovely sconce and yes, pendant above sofa will be changed for sure, as well as one above the dining table - this one should be bigger and definitely should be hung lower.

  • 3 years ago

    You have great ideas! Thanks for answering question on outdoors - It would be great to have that space furniture style the same as your indoor space. Love idea of vintage round tables for the sofa area. Good that you’re taking the time to enjoy the search for just the right pieces - you’ll know they’re right when you see them! That’s the fun of the search yes? As for rug in dining space, my vote is for vintage look & with colors & subtle pattern. That will add a layer of texture. If you’re thinking of a larger table, I’d get the table first. I would’t place a rug in sofa area - I think once you add tables a rug would be cluttered. I also wouldn’t want to cover too much of the flooring which is such a nice feature. Hmm- changing kitchen cabinet pulls - not sure. The current ones seem perfect in shape. I’d put that last on list of things to change so you have lots of time to consider as you add in other elements.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Got interrupted before I finished.

    Hang art between the two sconces...something French in style. I'm not a huge Monet fan, but I do love his painting of the Seine River. Very of the time




  • 3 years ago

    I like flee markets and pieces with history. Search is fun for sure, although it can take years!

    You're right with texture argument. I sort of pushed it aside and focused on "rug color should break up the space between floor and table." Definitely will consider.

    For cabinet pulls, I wasn't thinking about changing shape but rather color/material. My oven rod is brass, so that was my thought. You may be right though, I will save it for last. Thanks!

  • 3 years ago

    I don't think you should paint. Definitely ditch the acrylic if it is not your style.


    Are you in the US? Shop online with Chairish for vintage pieces. You can pay to have them shipped (and some vendors ship for free) or pick them up for free from local stores. The search feature allows you to set a price range, so if you really don't want to spend more than $400 for an artwork or table, you only get shown what's in your budget. You can also make an offer to buy of a lower price to see if the seller will accept it.


    https://www.chairish.com


    I think a statement rug would warm up your seating nook, but otherwise be a nuisance in the connected kitchen-dining area.





  • 3 years ago

    Thank you! I will definitely check this website out!

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Can the table be moved closer to the French doors, to make room for a chair and a rug that extends under it, out past the living room alcove walls? That would help with the "squished in the corner" feel of the living area. It would require either moving the pendant light or replacing it with one with a chain that can be suspended from a different point than the electrical box.


  • 3 years ago

    This looks nice! I could move the table a bit but what would be your idea about wall behind it? There's wall molding as you can see and radiator that's centered on this wall, so wouldn't this look off-balance? By the way, did you use pro program to make this visual?

  • 3 years ago

    I think your apartment is lovely and has the basics to build on things you love. A rug and pillows would soften the sofa area. You can go a little vintage with the pillows, maybe prints rather than solids? whatever you love.

    Love the dining chairs. If the table works for you, don’t be in a rush to change it. Find a piece you love to switch out, when you find it. Perhaps a runner by the door running down the hall would help with warmth? Art pieces and accessories. Find things you love and have stories.

  • 3 years ago

    @HU-707336822, balance doesn't necessarily mean symmetrical and centered. The molding and the radiator are the same color as the wall, so they almost disappear and don't need to force a centered placement for everything else in the dining area, it seems to me. The art piece I put on the radiator wall, centered on the relocated table, did leave a space on the right that seemed to need something. That's why I added the three small mirrors that I thought might entertain your cat :). To my eyes, the need for an expanded living area outweighs an off-center table/art/pendant placement.

    As for software, I just use Microsoft's Paint. Takes some patience, but it's free!