Why does this corner look unfinished??

4 years ago

Hi, we've recently done a kitchen knock through and created a lovely family room with a cosy seating area. Only problem is it just doesn't look finished! We're adding a window sill soon and I'm thinking maybe the curtain pole is too high? We've painted the walls white too as we have white splashback tiles and white quartz worktops but I'm wondering if this looks too bleak?
Any suggestions are welcome!

Featured Answer

Carolina

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Will the sofa fit the other way around? Under the map? That will give the map and pictures a solid base, so to speak. And it will open up the area. Looks a bit cramped now. The map and photos are sort of floating in the space now. And then the chair with the floor lamp? I don't think your curtain pole is too high. Personally I would have gone for lighter coloured curtains. I think these are a bit too heavy looking.

Perhaps paint the map wall a light blue to reflect the colour of the sky in the photos and to give them a less contrasting background.

Beautiful space, gorgeous floor and lovely kitchen though :-)

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Comments (34)

Monica
4 years ago
Caro is spot on, perfect height for curtains lighter colour might be better. I also think that chair is far too heavy for that space. It will look better doing what Caro suggested switching the sofa and put the chair if you have to keep it next to the lamp, it seems it will have more room there and might not look as bulky.

Gorgeous space it will not take much to make it sing <3
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Lots of ideas....couldn't resist adding my two cents. i copied your photos and did a little cut and paste- it's messy, but hopefully gets the main idea across. i'd put your sofa in front of the large book case, chair by the fireplace, tv on the stand on the wall opposite the fireplace - so you can either look at the fire or the tv. Someone suggested using frames of one color for your photos - an inexpensive way to do that would be to spray paint them all a dark color-black goes with everything. Since your shelves are a medium tone wood, display things that are dark or light so that they contrast against the wood. Limiting your display items pallette to a few values usually helps to unify things. (I think that's why so many people want to paint the shelves or put inserts in the back to help your nice things read more clearly...some get lost). If you want to "splurge" -you may consider having a carpenter make a few solid tall cabinet doors to provide a visual break in the shelving. I'm showing 3 doors - 1 on the right side of the fireplace and 2 on the left to leave two open vertical shelves for display on each side - with things arranged to frame the fireplace as the focal point. To add some height to your big vases, consider stacking some books beneath them. Enjoy experimenting untill you get something you're happy with - good luck!
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That wall paper doesn't go at all.. and you don't need wallpapers.. how about a cream shade on the fireplace part of wall with oxblood coloured (from your curtain flowers) horizontal band below mantel, while the rest of the walls be lilac? Ever considered stoenwork similar to your fireplace on that wall? Also lower the hung photographs.. should be at least four inches below the windows' top edge.. Your sofas are quite dark. they seem aubergine.. is there any way you can at least place one of the sofas across from a window so that light falls on it? right now it is in the shadows backed against the windows, therefore more dark (does it seem so when you're in the room too?) The mirror (though nice) is too solid and thick for the mantel. can it go on a clearer stretch of some wall? fourth wall? What is the fourth wall like? idk how the fourth wall is like but how about angling large sofa at 90 degrees to the window with the single seater also angled in the corner where the lamp is.. and place the side table with lamp infront of the window (i-e at the corner of the 'L' made by t he sofas).. If possible get lighter lamp shades (cream).. Love the cushions.. place two of these cushions on the single seater to relieve the large sofa.. Please turn the rug lengthwise along the length of the sofa.. get a glass/metal table (if tots allow) or cream ottomon as center table.. The TV is too large for the rack, no? The vase is being wasted under the tv.. Florals and stripes can be mixed depending on print.. but if you bring anymore florals in this room, it would be best to match the flower shape to those in the curtains. I find the curtains too short...
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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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Monica
4 years ago
Also I think your gallery wall needs to be tighter with less spacing, the small frames do look like they are floating on that wall <3
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks, I think you're both right, the curtains are too heavy and the pics do need a bit more of a base. We've thought about painting that wall a different colour too, we'll start looking for options.
We'd thought about changing the sofa around but had resisted as there is a TV on the opposite wall. I think we'll have to bite the bullet though!
Thanks again.
Carolina
4 years ago
You're welcome. Keep us posted!
Monica
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Yes would love to see progress pics, I guess you would still have the same number of seats facing the TV if someone seats on the chair? one lucky person will still get to stretch their leg in one of the seat positions. Try it and live with it for a few days, you will know if it works for you as a family.
E D
4 years ago
I have nothing to add to the excellent suggestions already given but just wanted to say well done on opening up your space. It looks great.
E D
4 years ago
Just curious, what’s to the right of the window? Some sort of bay; opening doors?
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi E D, it's our dining area! Thanks for your comments :-)
PRO
Weave Interiors
4 years ago
Hi Emily

Your kitchen looks gorgeous, you must be really pleased. It's a great idea to have a seating area there and I agree with Monica and Carolina that the curtain pole is fine at that height. I wouldn't rush into changing the curtains initially though, because of the kitchen being dark- I would wait until after you have made the other changes first and then revisit it.

The wall could be painted, pictures would really pop on that wall if you went for a darker colour (I can see from the kitchen that you're not afraid of using dark).

For the wall, I agree that the pictures need to be closer together and perhaps varied in size and frame type also. I love the map idea, but feel it's not really working here. @lisadawson is great at a gallery wall for a bit of inspiration (one of her walls is seen here on white, and looking great- so I'd try it without painting the wall first) and on Pinterest there are also some gallery wall layouts that could help.

I also agree that the seating area looks a bit cramped, can you do away with the armchair?

I love the leather sofa and the rug adds to the cosiness of your seating area.

It's hard to say without seeing what is to the right of the kitchen (whether you have other dark window frames, or dark furniture elsewhere), but could you paint the window frame, either in a dark colour, similar to the kitchen units, or white? I can't see that dark wood elsewhere and I think this would create a more cohesive look.

In terms of the sofa position, I think it can work either way and I would try both if it fits- Monica is right, I think you will find the layout that works best for you and those you share your house with.

I hope this is helpful. I'm envious of your beautiful parquet - that is a stunning floor that goes perfectly with your kitchen.

Keep us posted on your decisions, I'd love to see progress pictures too!
Monica
4 years ago
OH WOW !!! this is the best angle <3 Looks amazing Emily. Nice one ED glad you asked <3
Carolina
4 years ago
OMG, that fireplace wall!!!!! I LOVE it!
E D
4 years ago
Yes. Classy. And there is more (passed the doors) :)

Tbh the gallery pictures are not in the same class.

That wall needs a rethink imho.

Perhaps ‘less is more’.
Ellie
4 years ago
Lovely space! Yes, definitely try turning the sofa round to make it more open as it does look cramped. Also, if you were seated on that sofa just now would you actually be able to watch the tv?
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
This has been our first house renovation project so it's so nice hearing all these lovely comments! Makes the stress of the building work all worthwhile!

Unfortunately we do watch TV from the sofa most nights, although I think it could still work if we were to rearrange like you're suggesting. The picture wall was a bit of a compromise as my partner likes it so I think it will have to stay.

We'll have a go at it over the next few days and post some pics!
Monica
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I think introducing some bigger frames and a tighter spacing is all you need to make it right, currently the scale is a bit off against the bigger pieces in the room. Weave Interiors made a good point about the map, it would make that arrangement more coherent if it wasn't on that wall. Could you not centre the map on the fireplace wall? or are you saving that space for something else? I feel it would look better there and not fight for attention.
minnie101
4 years ago
Beautiful kitchen and floor, that fireplace and wooden cupboard are absolutely stunning. I agree with earlier comments. I've attached photos of Pearl Lowe's kitchen where she's mixed old and new. Maybe a slight cull on the gallery wall including the map and add in some eclectic prints as she has? Also agree with spacing and perhaps the frames are a bit chunky although appreciate they must be new? I can see a pair of faux horns on the chimney breast? If the sofa doesn't work on the other wall, can you try pulling it forward a bit (losing the chair) and over to the right (the edge of the wall makes it look as if the sofa is just a bit too big for the space but moving the sofa should help). The curtains would then also hang better, I'd move the footstool and lamp to the other side and maybe consider a large plant (faux) behind the sofa
minnie101
4 years ago
I meant to add, maybe add a throw and some plumper cushion inserts?
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
Haha now you mention it I can see how pathetic those cushions look! The frames are actually left over from a gallery wall I had in our previous house so it's not out of the question to replace them altogether.

That kitchen you've posted is the dream! Maybe in my next fixer-Upper ;-)
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
Do you have any suggestions for what kind of throw would work there?
Jules Mc
4 years ago
Nothing to add re layout of the, room to the, fab suggestions above. Gorgeous room/a, very jealous.
Just wanted to add that I've seen that wall, map before with the pictures around it in a very similar layout. There it was featured with pieces of coloured string (ribbon??) coming from the photos and attached to different areas of the map (presumably to indicate where the pics were taken) it looked quite fun and effective. Now obvs if all your photos were taken in Wigan it could be a non-starter.......!! :-)
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi Jules, yes that's exactly what we were going for! Just haven't got round to putting the string on yet...

So here are our quick fix pictures based on your suggestions earlier, what do you think? Also your thoughts on which end of the sofa the footstool should go on would be appreciated as it's currently a debate between me and my partner!
Jules Mc
4 years ago
What a different e that make already
Great call Carolina et al!
Personally I like the footstool to the left (not under the window, or blocking your side, table ) but I guess it's something you can move around around pretty easily if needed. Great start.
Monica
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Oh it can breathe again :) Wonderful move Emily, my vote is for the footstool on the right or even in the middle so it can be used as a table for someone sitting in the chair and the sofa. It makes for a great conversation friendly spot, pop a tray on it and voila. The little table could sit at the kitchen end of the sofa for that person to have a place for popping a hot drink down. However, Like Jules says it's easy enough to move it as you need.

What do you and the family think of the change? I guess is maybe early days yet :)
PRO
Law Unto Ren Designs
4 years ago
I think it looks amazing now you have moved the sofa. I agree with Jules, the footstool on the left is better as it breaks up the space between the kitchen and seating area. I would put a tall plant in though. This will help to lead the eye out into the garden which will make the space feel bigger.

I would actually change the feature wall to a mirror as this will reflect in more light from outside and make the space feel bigger again. I think the world map wall decoration would lookabove the fire place, pictures and ribbon and all.

I would also agree with the suggestion to change the curtain to something lighter. Note regarding the curtain rail this should either be just above the window line on just under the line of the ceiling. This helps the rail blend in with the existing lines instead of breaking up the space between the window and ceiling which makes the ceilings feel lower than they are.

The kitchen and parkay flooring is to die for! Such an amazing space, I'm sure you're very proud!
Emily
Original Author
4 years ago
We love how it looks in the room, and had a quick test earlier to see if watching TV will work, surprisingly it does! We'll definitely keep it this way now.

We're going to look into getting new frames for the pictures but we will keep the map gallery on the wall its on as its too big for the fireplace wall. We'll eventually get round to finishing it off with the ribbon but if that still doesn't work we'll rearrange them.

Thanks again for all your suggestions. We've got a good few ideas to work with and swapping the sofa and chair has made such a huge difference already! X
PRO
Law Unto Ren Designs
4 years ago
I think the frames work well as is but I would definitely move them closer together (closer to the map). This also will leave more space for more adventures with your family!
Carolina
4 years ago
Glad you like it :-) It does look much better. I've changed my mind about painting the map wall. Think it doesn't need it now. The curtains look better too now. Huh... what a difference a small change makes :-)
Noidea
4 years ago
A simple yet massive transformation! In its initial spot I thought the single chair looked really old fasdhioned - it looks so much better now.
PRO
Weave Interiors
4 years ago
Thanks for showing us the rest of the room. It's beautiful- I love the old and new and a great idea from Minnie 101- Pearl Lowe mixes old and new beautifully. Her house is stunning.

I can see the brown window frames elsewhere now- would be a bigger job to paint them all and I can understand that you may now want to!

The change looks great Emily well done. Law unto ren has good point about a plant.

My vote for the footstool would be under the window (although like everyone says, it can be moved)- I think to the left as you look at the sofa cuts off the seating area and I love the flow between the two spaces, I feel it is zoned enough without the physical barrier.

I really like the improvement already just with that little swap around.
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
I love it! The swap round with the sofa works wonderfully and I love the map/photo wall gorgeous!
I agree that footstool for me works better under the window to stop it shutting off the area from the kitchen, but it all depends on how you’ll use it!

Gorgeous space!
PRO
User
4 years ago
Love the whole thing, and now that the sofa has been turned it looks even better. If you wanted to go one step further, i'd upgrade the armchair, change the rug ( doesn't do the room justice ) and add some more cushions.
bfrobson
4 years ago
I agree with all the comments on how much better the area looks with the furniture rearranged. Since you'll be keeping the gallery wall where it is; rather than repainting the whole wall why not just paint a large rectangle in a colour that tones with your cushions, framed with black like your photos? Then arrange your photos and map on this - pictures within a picture?
E D
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Do you (or your partner) insist on having both the world ‘map’ AND the pictures?

I feel having one of them might well look better.

Why does this corner look unfinished??

Carolina

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Why does this corner look unfinished??

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