Need decorating help! Pics Included

[shepav]

Hi Ladies!!

My family and I downsized in October from a four bedroom house down to a two bedroom duplex. We found a GREAT deal, and we love our place, but I don't love how outdated it is. My forte is NOT decorating, and am looking for some suggestions to spruce the place up. We plan on living here for another couple of years, so we'd like it to feel like home. I don't love the colors, but I don't know what colors to choose?

Anyone have any suggestions on inexpensive decorating? Any help is appreciated!

http://flickr.com/photos/24008655@N0...7604097324855/

[zersha]

I guess I'd be no help since it looks good to me.

[octobermoon]

congrats on your new home i really like the colors, it is very warm and mellow. i have a suggestion. the thing that jumped out at me was the living room lacks a focal point. even your nice windows can become a focal point. it is common to push all the furniture up against the walls and leave a great big space in the center. however bringing the furniture in and closer together around a focal point can add a lot to a room. play with it and see what works. also, i think some larger floor plants would look nice.

[shepav]

Originally Posted by zersha

I guess I'd be no help since it looks good to me.

Thanks... I guess I just feel that something is missing... or my color scheme isn't right... especially in my kitchen where everything is so outdated.

Originally Posted by octobermoon

congrats on your new home i really like the colors, it is very warm and mellow. i have a suggestion. the thing that jumped out at me was the living room lacks a focal point. even your nice windows can become a focal point. it is common to push all the furniture up against the walls and leave a great big space in the center. however bringing the furniture in and closer together around a focal point can add a lot to a room. play with it and see what works. also, i think some larger floor plants would look nice.

Hmmm... I never thought about the furniture, good suggestion! I guess my next question would be... what furniture should I move, and how would I make it look decent? I'm really not good at this decorating stuff.

[AngieB]

I think it looks great, but since you want to make some changes here are my ideas.


I thought the livingroom was lovely. The only thing I noticed was that the blinds were kinda ugly. You could take them down and put some nice curtains. In the kitchen the wall paper was a little funky and the green cupboards were a bit to much for me. Could you take it down the wall paper and paint. I would do a white or off white for the cupboards and a brown or redish color for the walls. Maybe add a big rug under the kitchen table just to break up the floor since it also has a lot of green in it.

I would love to see the after pictures to see what you come up with.

[octobermoon]

o'h yes some flowing curtains would be lovely!

[shepav]

Originally Posted by AngieB

I think it looks great, but since you want to make some changes here are my ideas.


I thought the livingroom was lovely. The only thing I noticed was that the blinds were kinda ugly. You could take them down and put some nice curtains. In the kitchen the wall paper was a little funky and the green cupboards were a bit to much for me. Could you take it down the wall paper and paint. I would do a white or off white for the cupboards and a brown or redish color for the walls. Maybe add a big rug under the kitchen table just to break up the floor since it also has a lot of green in it.

I would love to see the after pictures to see what you come up with.

Oh, those are great suggestions! I think our landlord would love it if we painted... I mean, he must have REALLY liked the color green, right? I like the color for the walls, too! Thanks!

[stayinghome]

I really, really like it! The view outside looks appealing, focus on that. I think maybe the living room wall color could be a bit wamer tone, like a creamy, buttery tan maybe? Also some more fabrics to even up the hard surfaces (wood walls, uncarpeted floors. Like an earthy-type tapestry or rug hung on wall maybe? Plants too, as someone suggested.

The kitchen lighting seemed harsh. Maybe new light fixtures?

[gun]

I thought curtains too. Adds a little softness. Maybe an area rug and a few coordinating throw pillows. These can be pretty cheap and add lots of color.