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joyunspeakablejoy_in2019

Help designing living room and from scratch

10 months ago
last modified: 10 months ago

Here are pictures of the model home, the actual room (Agreeable Gray 😔), and the furniture and art I like. I want a staged look. I'm not sure how to tie in colors from different pieces and I'm concerned the art is too playful for a mid forties woman? I work remote so the design needs to elevate my mood when I come down stairs.Second, my rooftop terrace. Is there something waterproof I can add to each side for more privacy from neighbor's terrace?























Comments (34)

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    May we have measurements of the room? A hand drawn sketch works well. Please include windows and doors. Congrats on your new home.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    OMG I ma 78 and love my fun art . Age has little to do with any decor .A staged look is always a bit contrived and not really liveable unless that is how you always live. I do as a matter fact like my spce but many think it is staged . I do not like the top pics at alll too much clutter and seems to be working hard to look lived in and failing . The botom pics look like a hotel room where no one lives . IMO we need a lot of info from you as to which of these looks is actually how you llive . This is my LR we live here dialy I am a miniumlist so I hate clutter and am a clean freak. You need tounderstand how you live and feel in your space The bottom pic is a realtor photo nad the one above is about as messy as I even get.. We need a to scale plan posted here in a comment DO NOT START another post or we will lose you Houzz is having a few issues



  • 10 months ago

    No matter what age you are, this is your space and it has to reflect your personality. Be totally true to you! I like a lot of color in my wall art and accessories. That's where I put my color. Go wild!!! Regarding window privacy, get white sheers for all your windows. Boscovs online has good prices and selections. Measure twice, buy once!

  • 10 months ago

    If you like the staging of the model home, you could ask for a referral to the stager/designer.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Patricia Colwell Consulting Your place looks great. I'm the same. I'll do most of my lounging in the loft, so staged is okay.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @apple_pie_order I don't like it lol.

  • 10 months ago

    I like some planter options at the railing, or a privacy screen with planting hanging from both sides .. look at garden supply. The use of drapery to make the windows in the window wall seem to be larger is a good approach in your living room - note that drapery covers most of the rest of the wall. The feature wall behind the art is worthwhile . .

  • 10 months ago

    The only person you have to please with your choice of art is you (if you live alone). Art can make the room no matter what your budget is.

  • 10 months ago
    last modified: 10 months ago

    I like your decor choices so far.

    Reed 4' rolled fencing for along the balcony rail if allowed.

    Bamboo wood or shoji free-standing folding screens act as outdoor furniture and can be strategically placed for privacy.






  • PRO
    10 months ago
    last modified: 10 months ago

    I'm almost 60 and I love color and fun artwork!

    Your key to this space is to find something that you really love - a photo of wildflowers, a beautiful pillow, a colorful blanket. This will help you draw colors from . Then find items that make you smile ( not too many! ) - a cute little glass squirrel, a bowl with pinecones, a figurine of a dancing woman, a red shoe - it could be anything.

    Get some good quality furniture in a neutral pattern if you are afraid of something bold. Find some interesting side tables and a coffee table. It may take some time to bring it all together if you are on your own. You have a blank canvas in big space. Don't rush it or force it.

    My favorite thing to do when I moved, was to go to consignment stores, flea markets, local art shows and just walk around until something caught my eye.

    Don't forget some plants!

    Don't be afraid of color or even whimsical things! It's all part of you.

    Good luck! You got this!

  • PRO
    10 months ago
  • PRO
    10 months ago

    As Apple Pie Order said - ask for the name of the interior designer who put together the model home. If you like that style you have a ready made example in your building to use as inspiration.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Norwood Architects - I love the furniture placement, but dislike the style. lol

  • 10 months ago
    last modified: 10 months ago

    The decor/accessories (wall color as well) can tie a room together and take your time choosing your art especially, as the size/location need to be considered.


    Regarding adding privacy on balcony, consider 1) how it will look from inside looking out 2) using height 3) creating an inviting place overall.


  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @MAUREEN I only gave that limited info because I was asking for help tying colors together and choosing bright colors to elevate my mood since I work from home. To answer your question, I'll be working from the home office and loft.

    I do like the furniture placement in the model, but not the style, but I shared those pictures to help you envision where the pieces I chose would go.

  • 10 months ago
    last modified: 10 months ago

    Adjusted my comments, as I hadn't realized the layout and furnishings had been decided on and you were only looking on color suggestions to elevate the mood. Suggest first adding your main pieces into room and then slowly test/choose accessories that resonate with you and in the room.

  • PRO
  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design Yes to TV. I'm looking at 2 sectionals. One is 118 x 118. The other is 113x113.

    Their sofa is 91. Chairs are 31, end table 24.

  • 10 months ago

    You may want to search "maiden home" on here and do some reading. There have been numerous threads over the last few years.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design Thank you so much for doing this. Have a lovely night.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design - Hi - I decided against the lulu and georgia (first link) after seeing real life pictures. Could you please try some configuration of this one instead? https://www.cb2.com/faible-6-piece-u-shaped-white-performance-fabric-sectional-sofa-with-right-arm/s647750

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design It's just me, I don't have many guests, maybe one at a time. I love the style of that one but the blue is too vibrant. You mean the 118in maiden home is a hard fit?

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design I suppose blush could work. How about the other maidenhome L-shape ? There is 107x107 and 118x91

  • PRO
    10 months ago
    last modified: 10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design The other model has a smaller sectional but i don't like the extra space beside it. See below. I may like it if it were pulled toward the kitchen more so that the extra space is by the balcony door




  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design Okay thanks! That will help me see the placement

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design Hi!

    Thanks so much!

    The first two have a staircase where the accent chair is. Also, id sit too far away from tv. my eyes hurt now lol

    Third and fourth - I think the patio door and window are on wrong wall. That wall is the length of the room (20 ft.). Still sitting too far from tv.

    Fifth,6,7,8,9, 10 - Patio door wall should be longest - 20 ft

    But the reason i like the model home set up of the sofa/sectional sitting in middle of room is because I can see tv better without straining.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    Maybe it's that the patio door appears to be on the 16ft wall. It should be on the 20ft patio wall. The staircase wall whewhere the model has the tv is 16ft. Here is the floorplan again. You can fix only if you really want to but no pressure. This is time consuming


  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design I actually wanted a sectional for the corner piece so that I can lounge there. Id either sit there stretched out watching TV or on the end next to the kitchen. I also feel like lounging on that corner piece will preserve the other cushions. Id also hate to spend money on accent chairs just to look at because I'd never sit in them because I'd have to turn my head to watch TV. I have a sofa now and I don't like it. I may think about a sofa with a chaise, but I had my heart set on a sectional. I didn't know they are uncomfortable in the corner. Maybe since mine is a modern low back that you can rest your arms on top of, it won't be uncomfortable?

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design The location of the door is fine but it looks like it's the 20 foot wall when it should be the 16 foot wall. Thats what I mean when I saw wrong wall.

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design thanks for all your help. Unfortunately, the only sectional I can find in sky blue doesn't come with double chaise. I can do single arm chaise or the 107 or 118 in sectional or 91 inch sofa which I don't really want.

    Im not really a fan of the TV on that big wall - is like walking into the living room with the view of the coffee table rather than the back of the sofa. I really love the models layout, just using a sectional instead of sof

  • PRO
    10 months ago

    @Mae Day Organizing and Interior Design Thanks - I just downloaded a room planning app and will try to get the model layout using a sectional. Thanks for presenting your recommendation.

  • PRO
    8 months ago

    Here is the sectional! I love it!