How to make living room feel less bare

4 years ago

Our living room feels really bare and I feel this is mostly due to the combination of the paint colour (just basic trade white that the previous owners used over the whole house) and the low TV stand.

I've included a photo of the sofa - these won't change, same with the curtains, but I'm just stuck for how to make the room feel more like a home at the moment.

We have a brick wall with sleeper mantle piece just to the left of the picture, and the other side of that is too small for the TV, so can't really rearrange stuff too much.

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Comments (4)

Jonathan
4 years ago
I think it all feels cold- probably a combination of having a deep roof overhang over the window, the walls being painted white, the contrast of the white and the terracotta colour of the brick/sofa/curtains- and the down lights are probably a little harsh.
Personally I think the walls need a different neutral, perhaps with a green quality to balance the reds of the brick etc. (Such as Farrow and Ball -James White).
I would also get some table lights, make sure the bulbs in the spotlights are warm white, install a dimmer, put up some pictures and buy an oversized houseplant.
PRO
Johnson Bespoke Ltd
4 years ago
White walls can work well as a backdrop for feature artwork, wall hangings, plants etc. Perhaps introducing some complimentary colours with a few key pieces?

Also I think the lighting plays a huge part, here's a link to an article about lighting and 'temperature' https://www.lumens.com/how-tos-and-advice/kelvin-color-temperature.html
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Hello CG, you can buy some of these and try them on site. From the pictures you posted I get the feeling you have 2 colors with similar saturation both fighting for attention. It's a little too much. I would keep the green but go softer on the red (i.e rust). You can also let yourself be inspired by the grey/silver/bordeaux floral and stripe pillows to create a brand new color scheme using these colors instead. For example, a very soft gray on the walls, gray carpet, grey/bordeaux combo in the curtains and for the sofa accents, pillows similar to these 2. It's decision time. Go for what speaks to you, but do it with elegance :-)
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You can paint the inside of FP opening charcoal and then I would go for a blue/grey and not greige. Those colors tend to be very dark. You have black furnishings and a blue/grey would look very fresh. Your art above FP has blue in it, so replace rug and get some pillows for sofa that will bring in the colors of the painting. Why not just put in some shelves, one big enough to hold tv. That would give a more open concept to room. If you need one enclosed to store components, that would fit also. I would not build up too high on the wall.
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no one? :)
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Juliet Docherty
4 years ago
The wall colour is probably the main problem. The brick and terracotta could be toned down with a warm grey, but you would need to buy test pots. The ceiling lights are highlighting the tonal contrast between the black TV and the white wall which is why it looks a bit harsh.
PRO
Gravel Hill Lighting
4 years ago
Abi, you definitely need softer lighting! A dimmer is an excellent idea. I'd buy a couple of table lamps and try them around the room before painting, simply because I'm not the greatest decorator;) but it is a bit of chicken & egg as to what to do first. I do think the white is too harsh, Farrow & Ball would be a good one to choose as their paints have a lovely depth to them.
All the best!

Jeanette

How to make living room feel less bare

Comments (4)

Jonathan

Johnson Bespoke Ltd

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Juliet Docherty

Gravel Hill Lighting

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