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Home Decorating Renovating Design Dilemma

First time buyer - please help :)

First time Buyer

3 years ago

Hi all probably the first of many questions here :). Just bought my first flat walked in and freaked out as not sure what to do. As an initial question any ideas how the living room could be set out? Floorplan and pictures are attached. I personally dont like the floor at all so siggestions around that would also be welcome. Also hate the fireplace so suggestions welcome :). This is not a forever home for me so whilst I want a good finish im not looking to go mental. Sorry if this is a bit vague but literally any thoughts welcome :)

Featured Answer

Jonathan

3 years ago

All this might sound daunting but if you do these things first before anything else you have a better starting point for decorating.

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Comments (9)

User
3 years ago
Congratulations on buying your first house. I know it can seem daunting at first, but just take it one step at a time. First deal with any structural issues that may have been reported in the survey. Then make your way through the house from top to bottom, or bottom to top if you prefer. Look for ideas on how you would like the room to look, and try to work with what you have to minimise costs. Maybe the floorboards could be sanded and made into something beautiful. Good luck with it, and keep us posted.
First time Buyer
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you Sarah ... literally thought id happy and dancing around and wasnt expecting the anxiety and regret haha
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Wow, I didn't expect so many responses, thank you so much for your time and ideas. I do know that the art is wrong but had to put something up from our last house while we settle in. I do find the fireplace a bit un-friendly and so I would consider changing the colour of it even just the border of it like one of the photos shows. I'm not keen on the small computer cabinet or the ladder shelving I have to admit. I was thinking more of putting 3 full width cherry wood shelves, bottom one being wider and desk height, changing the light fittings to down lights and maybe having a wallpaper or painted backdrop behind the shelves?? I realise I would have to get rid of or change the wallpaper on the other wall and change the curtains too. I take your point, many of you said it, about the curtains needing to fall straight, but I will need a wider pole to do that. Again many thanks, AnnaMarie ps we are in Ireland now but lived in australia for many years and that picture over the mantle is of an old aussie shed with moon light on it.
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annabellaamy
3 years ago
Wow..! Lovely blank canvas.... My first thoughts would be to lighten up the flooring downstairs. If the boards are in good condition you could get them sanded and restained in a lighter colour.

It looks like you have a log burner there - are you wanting to keep this ? If so you really need a good hearth. There are quite a few options to do with the brickwork depending on your style. It could be painted or if you like the more rustic look it could be left as is but add a chunky mantel piece the bricks won't clash with the floor if you re-did the flooring). It could also be rendered for a more clean look.

Have fun !
First time Buyer thanked annabellaamy
First time Buyer
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank Annabella - yes want to keep the wood burner but maybe just render the floor
Jonathan
3 years ago
I think not having a plan is the anxiety inducing problem.

I think you need to work out your style by looking at pictures on Houzz and saving your favourites. When you have a few I’m sure you will notice some common themes and have a better idea of what you want the end result to look like.

If it were mine I would have the picture rail out, replace the dining room radiator and move it to an alcove open up the chimney in the dining room to slightly reduce the intrusion of the chimney breast into the room. If you want extra sockets mid is the time to do it- I would also consider if you want better lighting in the kitchen. Then you get a plasterer to skim the chimney breast and any poor plasterwork, consider adding coving, paint the walls in your favourite colours and then go shopping for a hearth, flooring and a sofa an chair for the living room.

All this might sound daunti
Anthony (Beano)
3 years ago
@Jonathan just pm’d you
First time Buyer
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Jonathan ... agreed re planning for sure. Love all your suggestions and will be looking into these along with my own thoughts from my houzz browsing. Thanks so much for your feedback. super super appreciate it!!
keiblem
3 years ago
Don’t rush into anything. Take your time. Deal with any pressing problems such as plumbing issues, door locks etc and live in it as it is for the next six months or so. Longer if you can manage it.

As each day goes by you will become familiar with the space and how you best feel comfortable living in it. You will discover where you like to sit of an evening, how easy or hard is it to make a cup of tea, how you instinctively keep reaching for a light switch that isn’t there. It’s the small changes that often make a big difference to creating a comfortable and functional home.

Gradually ideas will begin to take shape but will just as easily slip your mind so make notes. Have a notebook for each room and write down the good, the bad and the ugly.

Don’t over stretch yourself work out what you can practicably do within your budget. Some changes cost very little but add value, some changes cost a lot and add diddly squat!

Spend the time to start thinking about colours and styles that you like and bring them together on a mood board or scrap book whichever you find easiest. You will likely change your mind a million times before it all falls into place but it will all be worth it in the end.

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