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manuel_mas

Need help with living room

12 years ago
Hi:

I'm just moving in on my new apartment. Already have sofa and dining table set but I can't settle for a rug or table for living room. Any suggestions?

Comments (165)

  • PRO
    12 years ago
    It could definitely work but it will take the design in another direction which isn't a bad thing but it might not be what you want either.
  • 12 years ago
    I agree with Lydia, it could definitely work. I love a more ecletic look and the last photo Lydia posted shows it being used in modern setting, which is what you have. It would also allow you to be more flexible with other furniture pieces you choose in the future. I say go for it and add more color! (:
  • 12 years ago
    Well, Lydia and lynsibee your arguments may have helped. We are very close to buying the Moroccan style coffee table. We continue to ponder if it would look well with that dining table (glass/steel). Care to address this particular point? Or can the living room be considered independent from the dining room area although they are right next to each other?

    On a side note, today I visited IKEA and saw the Lovbacken in person. I loved it. Would that look good as a side table if we go for the Moroccan table or do we need something more rugged (Lovbacken has very clean lines contrasting with Moroccan style coffee table).

    As for the TV, today at IKEA I saw the Besta with the dark bamboo brown Besta Tofta doors. They look quite dark in person. Would that still go with the coffee table? Here's another option included.

    And last but not least, I saw some art I liked at IKEA for that wall in the dining room. Only problem is it continues to go with the monochromatic, no vivid color, look:
  • 12 years ago
    I like the darker better than the lighter wood color for your TV area. Can you get one with color instead? If not, I would go with dark. I also suggest another print. While it would work in your area, color would be better. Especially if you decide to go with the moroccan coffee table. How similar is the side table wood and the moroccan table's wood? You dont want to have too many different types of wood going on. The shape is not a problem..the wood finish, however, is.

    I will have to let Lydia address the two different style tables since the rooms are so open. I am tempted to say yes, this will work. But, only if you connect the two in other ways such as the print. Does that make sense? - If you decide on the print above i would stray away from the moroccan coffee table.
  • 12 years ago
    I think we are set on the Moroccan coffee table. I'm just waiting for the current sale at West Elm to end so the 20% off on coffee tables return this Tuesday. I visited IKEA once again and saw the dark bamboo for the TV furniture. Again, it looks very dark, not brown at all. Don't know if any of you have seen it in a store/house, not on photo. Here's one I took (looks darker in real life, compared to picture I took). Still undecided on that area.

    If we go with the Moroccan table, care to recommend some throw/decorative cushions on the sofa? You can recommend from IKEA to your heart's content!
  • 12 years ago
    Will buy the carved wood coffee table (Moroccan) tomorrow. Any ideas on colors for cushions and throw? I could do something like this but my carpet has no red like in the picture.
  • 12 years ago
    Lynsibee you say go with color for TV furniture. You mean for the front doors? IKEA has glass, white, dark brown, gray, orange.
  • 12 years ago
    You could go with white for the TV furniture. That way in the future you can use it however you like and you won't be restricted to a particular color. However, if you like to be bold maybe you could do orange. Then you can add this throughout the open area in a print for the dining area, pillows, and throws.

    I will get on ikea to have a look and see what items they have! I really think you can add whatever color you like. What colors are you typically drawn to?
  • 12 years ago
    I think the white TV cabinet (Besta) with grey door would go well with your current sofa, rug and the Moroccan coffee table IF you put some texture and interest in by adding pillows (such as the birds on the modern display of the table shown above) and art. I hope you can find something that works for you in neutral colors (or a blue) that has an ethnic/eclectic feel.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hey Manuel! You finally decided on the Moroccan table! I'm thinking the wood doors on the cabinet wouldn't go with the table because of the different wood finishes. White (glass) doors would keep in line with the simple design of the space. The artwork you like from IKEA could work. The flowers mimic the carving of the table. I posted some images earlier of neutral spaces to show that you don't have to have colour in your room if that's what you prefer. The side table from IKEA is quite nice but unfortunately wouldn't work well with the Moroccan table. As for pillows, I also had posted some from IKEA. These have an ethnic feel.
  • 12 years ago
    Hello all. Lydia and all, I like that pillow. Yet I thought with the Moroccan coffee table, it was time to add some color somehow perhaps with cushions that are more earthy. Was thinking along side golden browns/dark red. Do you think that would work or is it unnecessary? Will post a picture with the coffee table today.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    The space is very neutral so any colour would work. It's of course not necessary if you don't want any. It's really a matter of personal preferance. Can't wait to see the table in your living room!
  • 12 years ago
    I'll post the picture today. Have to buy the tV furniture at IKEA pronto. I get married on November 9th and want it all ready for that date!
  • 12 years ago
    You have come a long way. And have made some great choices. Love coffee from West elm. Good job. Ikea cab in Orange would add that pop of color. Then add orange in prints to pillows. Remember some big bold art on dining wall. Congrats on up coming marriage.
  • 12 years ago
    Well, as promised, here's the pictures. Thanks for all your help so far! We still have a ways to go but you all have aided in making this a beautiful living room.
  • 12 years ago
    Here's two more. Now I have to buy the TV Furniture. Hoping I can decide with your help today or tomorrow at the latest. I'm set on Besta white TV furniture, yet still in doubt over the front doors. White would be, well, too much white. The dark wood isn't as brown as expected. Gray/blue would be too much of that with the sofa/rug. So for now it's the glass ones. Yet won't that show all the media equipment anyway and look ugly?
  • 12 years ago
    The room looks great and congrats on your future marriage! Only a couple of weeks. (:

    I really don't think the white would be too much. Then again you're talking to someone who currently has mostly white furniture pieces. You have done really well with what you've go so far so just go with your gut.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I could do this one with white instead of black. Would need to see how to add that frosted panel look since I think it comes in glass:

    http://ikea.pr/productos_IKEA/detalle.php?id=09866733

    Or this with light wood (don't know if it mixes with table now):

    http://ikea.pr/productos_IKEA/detalle.php?id=19930074

    http://ikea.pr/productos_IKEA/detalle.php?id=49930096

    Or this one:

    http://ikea.pr/productos_IKEA/detalle.php?id=79905750

    The glass adds price but it's the most neutral of all.
  • 12 years ago
    Oh I liked the last one you posted! Is that white with blue/green doors? It would add color and go with your red you already have!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Good job.....you look so happy!! I just noticed the wall of the stairs is also grey.....nice touch! Your choice of pillows is perfect....just a bit of colour and some textures. I like the way the texture of the bigger one mimics the carving of the table. They compliment the couch nicely. You're getting the hang of this.....lol! I looked at your media wall again and I think the white cabinet would look nice against the grey wall. It wouldn't stand out but rather blend in letting the table take center stage. You're right about the glass doors showing too much of the media equipment. The grey doors might be too many different greys. The blue doors are nice but I find there would be too many colours (different greys, white, red, blue). Your fiancée will be very happy! Congrats on your upcoming wedding! :))
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hello there! I would DEFINITELY get a warm shag rug, preferably white, and I would do a clean square coffee table perhaps a transparent one to continue the clean modern look and continuation of the eye. The room definitely needs some warmth and texture, and a nice shag rug is the perfect way to achieve that. Also, some throw pillows and cool, fun, colorful accessories would finish it off nicely! Good luck!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I totally apologize, I didn't see the updated photos until now...and it's so funny because I have that exact coffee table in my home and I have that black/white aztec pillow from Ikea as well!!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Now that I see the red that you picked I'm thinking some artwork would look nice. The first three could be options for over the A/C in the dining room and the smaller one (ticket art) could go on the wall next to the couch. Art is very personal but these could be just for inspiration. I only looked at IKEA. I know......you just decided on a table and now I'm throwing art at you......lol! ;)
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks Lydia. I wouldn't have made it without your help and all others who have posted. Now I'm going to continue posting and riding my luck. Next step is buying the TV furniture probably tomorrow. Here's a closer look at the TV area to see if your choice of white cabinet in combination with current Moroccan coffee table still stands.
  • 12 years ago
    Lydia I will look on what art is available at the IKEA in Puerto Rico. I like your pics. Do you agree on the red? Is that the way to use a throw on the sofa appropriately?

    We were thinking of having a continuation of living room to dining area. Don't know if adding some wood color detail somewhere or using the red as you suggest.
  • 12 years ago
    And to be sure you recommend this all white TV furniture:

    http://ikea.pr/productos_IKEA/detalle.php?id=29887579
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hi Sir, why don't you try ng decorative panel I think it will be a good idea po since the place is not big.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    You can even use a panel as design sa tv stand nyo . It will look so neat and faboulos for sure Ive done so many projects before that they use our panel as a stand of their Tv po.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Hi!
    Something like these could work on the dinning room wall. Please check my web site:
    http://www.sylviatroconis.com/#!moodwood/c199t
    These are long and a fun statement pieces!
  • 12 years ago
    What about this:
  • 12 years ago
    I would like more movement and vitality in your art so the letters don't work for me.
  • 12 years ago
    These ones?
  • 12 years ago
    Better but ideally something ethnic or organic which would relate better to your table. I feel it would warm up and enliven your space. I like your inspiration picture showing your table and trees.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    You're very welcome! The art I posted is all from IKEA PR. I saw the alphabet frame but forgot to post it. It's also a good option to bring in a touch of red. I don't suggest going all out with the red. Too much red will look "staged". I agree about bringing in another wooden piece but not sure what else you need. The throw is fine the way it is for a casual look. You can also fold it at the end of the sectional for a more polished look (see image). The living room lets in so much light!! Now that I see it in the daylight I really think the white cabinet with white doors is the best option. I can't see it on the link you posted though.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I like the London poster because it only has a touch of red. That's what I meant about not going all out with the red. To me the other one looks more like it belongs in a kids' room. :)
  • 12 years ago
    Too much red?
  • 12 years ago
    I personally love the last photo you posted. My favorite so far. (: You can definitely add more than one color. Yellows or blues would work well with the red. Try finding a pillow that has a bit of both.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I really don't like that painting.....it's too "floral" for the design of the rooms. This artwork seems "old" for you.....something with a younger vibe would be better. I prefer just a touch of red or the simple beauty of black and white. But like I mentioned earlier, art is very personal.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Just a note......you don't need to choose something that has red in it. If you decide to go with "real" art (as opposed to stock art or posters), then choose something you really like. It will be versatile and timeless and you'll be able to make it work in any design that suits your style.
  • 12 years ago
    I'll see what I can find. I'll focus on the TV furniture for now. That's a mess down there.
  • 12 years ago
    I agree that the picture does not need to have red. The painting you show is nice but it matches too much. Pick something that speaks to you. Your room is very neutral so this would be a fun place to show personality . http://www.art.com/products/p5991468444-sa-i802245/wassily-kandinsky-farbstudie-quadrate-c-1913.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=155704&dimvals=155704&ui=b363ebaa32e74bbcaec73427ba537921

    A colorful abstract, a quirky print ... Lots of possibilities. Your room looks great so far. Is there a local artist or poster you like?
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks for the suggestions. I know nothing about art. So I'm neutral as to artist or type. Prefer modern/abstract.
  • 12 years ago
    @saratogaswizzlestick Love that site! It ships to Puerto Rico. I'll explore it and see what I can find. Thanks!
  • 12 years ago
    I think an abstract will look great. You don't need to know about art, just pick what appeals
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I also think abstract (or graffiti art) would be great! Looking forward to seeing your choices. :)
  • 12 years ago
    TV furniture with and without the doors. With doors it looks like a huge ivory tower! Looks cleaner than before though.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Tv unit is not proportional to tv size. :(
  • 12 years ago
    The modern thing to do is actually colour! Try Pantone 2014 colour family for ideas
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    It might look different in person but I'm thinking I was wrong about the white cabinet with doors. One of the reasons is that the whites don't match (I don't mind the size). No doors is better or if you can try the glass doors. Sorry! :(