Ideas for the living room

Angela Cm
by Angela Cm
Hello folks, I'm new in the site, I'd like to claim for help!! I just bought a new house, we're moving in a month or so, it is an old fashioned place, that I'd like to refresh at moderate cost... We will definitely change/cover the floors and paint here and there, I was thinking of white, turquoise and light grey for the walls, combined with our dark grey couch. For the rest all is a blank page. I appreciate the ideas of the community :D
I'm uploading a few pictures of the actual house, and a virtual projection with a few elements I have in mind, still I don't know if everything works together or not, I'm looking for an stunning house & the WOW! effect hehehe
Help!
(The virtual projection isn't very accurate, in terms of colors and actual shape, but the essence is there)
  7 answers
  • Elaine Elaine on Mar 21, 2016
    By asking for help, Angela, I'm assuming you're referring to paint colors. I love your fabulous doors & windows; it looks as though there'll be plenty of light coming in. First of all, take your time and live in it for a while. Sit in the room at different times of the day. What kind of sun does the living room receive - morning or afternoon? Be wary of following the trends too much as you have a gorgeous room. I've always loved aqua (even when I married in 1959 - that plus orange were hot colors). I still use touches of it and am sad to see so many others using it as I like my home to be different and not a cookie cutter. I'm seeing a lot of grey, aqua and yellow and while they are nice, try to be unique. I strongly advise going on Houzz and type in "paint colors for living room/grey sofa" (or something similar) and you'll be amazed at the numerous ideas. Warning: it's very addictive!! A rich plum is a nice accent with grey and I must add ... I LOVE the fireplace!!! I have mostly browns, cream, a bit of aqua but also icy blue, with no grey, otherwise, I'd gladly give you my B. Moore paint colors. Take your time & enjoy the process! If you paint the walls a grey, please go with a fairly light tone (just my opinion) so the room doesn't look dark & depressing. Good luck!
  • KatAych KatAych on Mar 21, 2016
    Love it all! The turqoise is a great pop against gray, and I like your seating, as well. You're going about it the right way - sketch or use an app to virtually decorate the room to see whether or not you like it. You have a great eye! :-) What's your plan for over the fireplace?
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    • Nancy Gramm Nancy Gramm on Mar 22, 2016
      @Angela Cm I like this mock-up, but I agree with the poster who proposed you go lighter with your wall color. I've heard decorators suggest opting for a shade a couple of degrees lighter than your original choice because paint looks darker on the walls. I always add color in accessories rather than in items more permanent, but I tend to be a bit cautious, and, after all, you're young, and paint is easily changeable. Have fun with making this place yours. It's a lovely spot.
  • Cindi Cindi on Mar 21, 2016
    Love all the windows, and the space, but really love the fireplace, although the updated version looks good too, especially if you're going for a modern look. The space next to it is a little awkward, I think I'd put a place for wood, or maybe a bookcase, and a chair in front of that somewhere.
  • John John on Mar 22, 2016
    You are in a great position to have as much work done before moving in. I'd put the painting aside for the first part of getting ready to occupy the home. Depending on the age of the home, I'd first have a bonded electrician go through the entire house and make sure the electrical is good, including fuseboxes. (I'm speaking from experience here.) they can do work without upsetting too much as you will patch and paint after the work is done. Next plumbing and water lines. Ask neighbors if they have experienced any flaws from the builders over the years, and take note to have it checked out. consider modern lighting, and fans. Paint should fit your tastes. Soft tones, beige and grays, celery greens, off white, and possible white-white on window woodwork and frames, and doors. crown molding really finishes off a room. You can do a lot with little cost by using paints. Best found looks can be found in magazines like "Better Home and Garden" or even pain store sample pictures. Unless you have a show next month, take your time and make sure everything flows. Some paint stores will have someone that can help design what you have. Take them pictures of all the rooms. Not to be a snob, but the inner doors should be replaced or removed all together. get rid of the type floors, unless you enjoy cold floors and echoes. Good wood floors will work, or cover it in rugs or carpeting. It's a big project, but have fun, take your time, ask questions, and enjoy.
    • Angela Cm Angela Cm on Mar 22, 2016
      Hi @John thanks soo much for your comment. You're totally right, there are many things to check carefully beyond the esthetics. We looked into that already, it is a 20 years old house, and all the electricity is up to date, we may need some extra isolation on the roof, but for the rest is in optimal conditions :) For sure we are not in a hurry, but we'd like to do some big work before actually moving in, after placing the furniture in place it won't be that easy to redo. Paint is the key you're right, also floors, I can't stand the tiles, is too cold for me, wood vinyl will cover it all, and a couple rugs for extra coziness. The door definitely need an urgent refresh! Thaks for the pictures too, those rooms look great! (I'm jealous to see all those xmas presents) Hopefully I'll be sharing the progress of the project in real circumstances soon :D
  • Lily White Lily White on Mar 22, 2016
    Don't use white....it is too harsh. Check out Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. People will see it as white, but it is much softer. As for the turquoise, I think that will wear thin rapidly. Look at the swatches at the paint store. You may want to go with one or two colors lighter.
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    • Elaine Elaine on Mar 22, 2016
      Swiss Coffee looks very nice - just be careful it doesn't have warm beige in it (see photo). You mentioned your couch is charcoal grey and grey is a cool color as you know so it might look a bit off with Swiss Coffee IF that particular paint is a warm color. The photo shows how nice S. Coffee blends with the warm browns/beiges in the photo. Have fun!
  • Biscuits & Burlap Biscuits & Burlap on Mar 22, 2016
    I love the space! So are you actually going for a super modern look, or is that just the way the app makes it look with all the clean lines?
    • Angela Cm Angela Cm on Mar 22, 2016
      Hi @Biscuits & Burlap I do really wanna go modern, but not THAT much hehehe, I want to keep wood and warm colors. I gave another look to the virtual project yesterday. I like it more now, we're definitely changing the spirit of the fireplace to something more neat
  • John John on Mar 22, 2016
    Then go have fun. Enjoy your research and project.