The mixed wood and pale blue on the divider with the glass (artwork?) could be primed and painted the color of the walls. You could do a two tone theme with the walls, painting the top half a crisp white and the bottom half a pretty rice paper, off white, to give the room shape. you could go with a berry red for the rugs and couch, that would keep it warm, but still crisp. Berry red, as opposed to a Christmas red, should work with the Alvarado fridge. I would go with oversized, square white pillows. You could use a white paper lantern by the door, and on either side of the couch, maybe line the back wall with shelves and books. old books would bring a nice earthy feel to the cold atmosphere and tile.
that's the best i can do on a thursday night at work. hope you get something out of it!

Oh you poor thing. It looks like office space!

I like the fridge color - and it's a comforting color to work from. You said you can paint anything, does that include the walls?

First - rugs and more rugs. I'm not a fan of layering rugs generally, but in this case, I think it can only help matters. What about covering as much of the floor as possible with a woven grass floor rug and layering two rugs on top: one to define the living area and another to define the dining area?

Second - Slipcover that futon pronto. Perhaps something with more of the fridge green and creams.

Third - Cover the walls. I would find some great fabric you like and stretch it over a frame of 1x1's or artist canvas stretchers. If you are artistic, you could even buy large artist canvases and paint them - it doesn't have to be a painted scene, even solid blocks of color could liven the place up.

Fourth - Consider fabric covered folding screens to hide both the glass panel and the fridge/oven from the living room. Or even shoji screens.

Good luck to you!

P.S. - This is an example of the colors I was thinking of: olivey greens, creams, tans, dark browns, with maybe a pop of orange or yellow to brighten it up: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=fh_color_hiddenPage&np=public_site%2Fapplications%2Fcolor_collections%2FCFYH2009#/view_interiors/imprint_livingrm/2145-30/

What does your floor plan look like? Where is the kitchen in respect to the refrigerator and dining table? Is that natural light at the far end of the room?

The avocado fridge makes me think earth tones, like rich brown, cream, a matching green with highlights of dark/berry red and orange/yellow. Darker wood tones would go well and allow you to make good use of the handicrafts available locally. A wooden screen to make a little kitchen corner in the living room, fabric wall hangings for color whether you paint or not or get a custom painting done at a place like Baigongfang.

I'm thinking skip the rug for Beijing's humidity and pollution, the tiles are so much easier to keep clean even without wearing shoes inside.

Hard to tell, but would it be possible to use some wood to frame out the area around the glass partition and then fill the now square area with thin wood on either side or wood on one side and fabric on the other?

And a futon cover for sure.

You should really just take a trip to Ikea...

Paint the walls, get a rug, slipcover the futon, get a coffee table, add some lamps, add cute cushions and I think you will be OK.

I think the obvious color theme would be avocado green and cream.
It would be cool if you set up a mini bar where the toaster oven is located right now.

Oh I feel your pain. My advice goes along with what everyone else said. You should get a piece of art you really like and place it somwhere central. Your eyes will shift towards something you find pretty and it'll motivate you, I tested it!

My first though was that you should paint the walls a bright color that contrasts the Avocado fridge. But on second thought, you might get interesting results by embracing the darkness of the space. I think the wall by the door would be nice in a dark, charcoal grey, and then paint the rest of the walls a light dove grey.

I think if you use the yellow from your chair as an accent to carry through (e.g., that cart by your fridge would be great painted a bright yellow!) along with some crisp whites and maybe a touch of pale blues. As others have suggested, a nice rug, some cushions, a futon cover, and some nice lighting, & you'll have a pretty space. I also agree with the two-tone suggestion for painting the frame around the glass fixture (I think I would go for the dark grey for all of that).

Reading that you're in Beijing, the room/colors make a lot of sense. I would go with earth tones (if you like them) mossy greens and browns, a few bright reds and yellows (fall leaf colors) and a warm rug would bring some warmth to a room with linoleum floors. It would also pull the room together with the wall divider there... You could get a screen to separate the fridge from the rest of the room so that it's not a consistent conversation piece.

Katie I feel for you as I've had the same problem with the flats here in Hong Kong. I'd embrace the retro and darkness and create a "Shanghai chic" 1930's feel. Go to Shanghai Tang, the China Club, Iulichang Jie and Panjiayuan Antique Market for inspiration. Dark wood, mix of antiques and modern pieces, lots of random art on the walls, bright pops of bright colors, lots of lamps. Skip Ikea, you'll find better bargains at the Silk market and a tailor to make slip covers and cushions as well as artwork and handicrafts.

I would suggest the following:

- storing away the hideous furniture (even paying to have them stored away) and get your own.
- covering the floor with rugs
- for the window pane, i guess you cannot do much with the entrance but i guess behind it you could put like bookcase there. at least that way, the living room area would look a little less hideous
- for the walls, paint them and hang up some artwork
- try to get a new apartment!!

Tsai Ming Liang's film "The Wayward Cloud" - tian bian yi dou ren or something like this...is the only place I have seen one of these Chinese (or here, Taiwanese) cut-rate interiors really work. Check it out. You have to embrace it.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews37/wayward%20cloud/wayward%20cloud%20PDVD_003.jpg

Love the challenge!

Just one color palate to suggest--I love brown and white with the avocado color.

And about the gross glass partition: hang a rod from the ceiling and put a set of curtains up, one panel on each side of the divider. Even if it only hangs half way down (looks like there's also a half wall there?!), it'll add some color and texture to the space.

Good luck!

PS--Please send your "after" pictures to AT so we can all see what you ended up doing. :)

wow! what a place!
ideas:
- the hideous glass divider = get 2 big artworks of the same size (bigger than the hideous glass), put them back to back, secure to the wall/ceiling, bottom part = cover with slim shelves/ikea plastic shoe cabinets for extra storage
- loving the fridge
- cover some wall space with bookshelves, create textures with storage baskets/books
- cover some wall space with narrow shelves, install them low and let big posters/artworks stand on them, you can also use low bookshelves
- rugs
- futon = cover with a nice fitted bedsheet, maybe something with retro pattern?

all the best ^_^

i live in hong kong and constantly struggling with limited space and hideous curtains "with a/c openings" from landlords ^_^

that fridge is amazing! Wish I had one...

Recently on AT someone had wallpapered their fridge (although most commentators didn't seem to like it). If you papered it the same colour as you are going to paint the wall it might disappear. I'd love to see how you finish the room. You must be able to pick up some unusual stuff in Beijing and is there really an IKEA there?

hi Katie,
Heres what I would be spending my money on, if this was my place.
local market finds:
- some kind of floor cover, bamboo matting is cheap at local markets.
- floor cushions and a low dark wooden table, for eating at with freinds, and cushions go under when not in use, use top as a display surface, great with a large decorative bowl, with local fruits, photo albums or books, candles etc
- white cotton bedspread to cover sofa, with red brocade bolster cushions, and small pillows from local markets
- paper lamps in a grouping on the floor, possibly in the corner, 4 or 5 in varying shapes and sizes
- hanging asian style drop paper lamps, at least 2
- framing something interesting local, vintage matchbox covers? ciggarette posters? vintage magazine ads?
all these should be available at local markets.
Also you will see at local markets you can really cheaply commision copies of famous paintings, or new paintings ina famous style, these guys are really talented, so Id be taking some of my ideas and getting them to make them real.
IKEA
- 3 Molger mirrors, http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/30149165 these are a great window replacement to bounce light round a room, and look a lot like windows, they come in square or rectangles with a great inset frame, so you can put stuff on them, prop photos or create mini dioramas
I would definatley go shanghai vibe as earlier reader suggested, which would mean keeping the wood trim, but I would probably darken the wood trims to be more asian chic, it just looks a bit dated currently.
I would consider painting the walls either dark - I loved earlier suggestion of a charcoal, or even a rich dark red, the space sounds large enough to pull it off, red also rocks with that Avocado shade.
I just painted my hall charcoal, and it looks amazing. Not everythign needs to be light and white.
I really dont know with light tones, but me Id probably stick with a cream.
You might need to lose the 2 beech color chairs if you go with yellow.
good luck! we look forward to seeing the update.

I totally second tinafrog01's suggestion!!!

Embrace the darkness. I'm thinking that fuchsia on one or more walls would be a good color to offset the avocado and yellows of the space. An fuchsia would be a great backdrop for an Asian theme. You should be able to find some cheap pillows with cheap but pretty Chinese floral coverings that will liven that futon up. And silk lamps. When buying lamps and plants to add ambience to your space, buy two of a kind. It's a really easy way to amplify a look.

I agree with the earth tones.

You also need to play with rearranging the place because right now everything is stacked against the wall and looks like an awful fluorescent office.

A couple more lamps (not uplighters, but REAL lamps) could do the trick.

I'd also think about that avocado fridge, with a cover for the couch in a neutral beige to lighten up the space

Dark colours are not my thing, because they make the room look darker, and it doesn't reflect light well.

Do lighter colours (paint one focal wall a fuschia, like Jennie K. said, or maybe a bright dandelion yellow), put the avocado fridge against it, and re-cover the chair in beige

Then like I said, re-arrange and some artwork on the wall would help.

I'd also put a large, sturdy dark wood table (I like dark woods) beside the door entrance where your mirror is, get a HUGE mirror to reflect the light and make the space seem bigger, and you can throw your keys and cellphone on that table when you walk in. Or whatever.

Then I'd get a rug for the floor to cover up that nasty tile and add some colour, and some wild, bold artwork over the radiator with avocado dandelion yellow or fuschia colours ...whatever you decide..

(Just don't do RED and avocado. It's not some morbid Christmas theme you're trying to go for)

First and foremost, I am totally embarassed to say that I spelt the word palette wrong. No excuses! A total brain fart.

Secondly, thank you for not just telling me to find a new place to live. I like to think of it as my greatest decorating challenge. EVER.

Okay, onto a few questions.

1. Kelleyk, alas, my kitchen is about fourteen miles away from the living. I actually mean it's along the hallway by the door (not that tiny patch of natural light that is a tiny room with a window in it) about 40 feet from the living room. Cooking is an issue. It's SO not practical, but there honestly is no space to put the fridge, unless I add it to my bedroom. Sigh.

2. There is an Ikea in Beijing. It is massive and crazy and somewhat like most Ikea's I think.

3. I'm heading to some of the local markets tomorrow, and thank you SO much for people who offered local choices here - I'm new to the city and am still finding my way around. That being said, there are some fabulous fabric and older furniture finds in China, so I know that will play some sort of role. Also, huge thanks for the ideas to cover the horrific glass object that smacks you when you walk in the door, much appreciated.

And lastly,

4. Thank you for all being remarkably kind, considering the slightly terrifying nature of this living room and for all offering great suggestions. I am feeling like I can tackle this now, and I will be sure to post photos when it's all said and done!

Cheers (and thanks) to all,
Katie
www.katielewis.ca

Sorry I didn't read the other comments, so I may repeat.

Don't worry about trying to figure out a color palette with the existing pieces because:

1. The Fridge: You can place a table runner like piece of fabric over the fridge. Something neutral. You will still see the front when you walk by, but I doubt you will notice it while you are sitting. Yes, you could put some sort of sticker (like contact paper) over it, but will your landlord go for that? and/or can it be easily be removed?
AND/OR
You can get a standing screen that covers the fridge and cart area.

Oh, and there is always repositionable rubber cement. It should not harm the fridge. Cut some fabric or paper out to fit each panel of the fridge then dab the rubber cement in spots to affix it. The cement should be easily removed later. Test it in an inconspicuous area first. Hopefully you can easily find a craft/art store there.

I saw another idea taking magnetic sheets and putting them on an appliance. Depending on their size, you may have to do a tile effect. There a few different colors, but you might be able to glue something on them or paint the sheets.

2. The Futon: Then you can choose a futon cover that you like. This is how you can come up with a color palette.

You should have an Ikea there. You can get some low budget items like rugs and fabric there.

3. Lighting!!!! Lots of it.

4. Create a faux window. You can get a much bigger mirror than the one next to the door. Hang some drapes around it and you have the illusion of a window and the mirror will reflect some light

Please do post some "after" pictures! What a challenge!

Fabric my dear! Textiles would really warm up the space. Rugs, pillows, throw, cover the futon. Even a curtain somewhere.

Lamps. A lot of ambient lighting would combat the sterile feeling.

Paint the walls a cozy color. I think even a dark rich color would be nice..

It really depends on what you're going for... something cute and airy, something a little more sophisticated...

For something cute, I'd just tell you to get some glossy metal spray paint (Like Rust-oleum's), maybe a cherry red, pink or lime green, for the fridge, or for something less "kawaii", painting it with chalkboard paint would be a great way of making it both, usable and yet kind of camouflaged.

Incorporate some mirrors to reflect the light that you're getting from that little window.

For the glass partition:

Get some great lightweight patterned wrapping paper. Separate one or two eggs and paint the egg white onto the (clean) glass partition. Apply the wrapping paper; the egg white works like a glue but it can come off easily. Trim the top with a sharp craft knife. Do the other side. Get some stained glass copper finishing tape and apply it to the top of the partition. You can mail order the copper strips if there are no appropriate places to buy locally. You can also use a watered down paper glue like Yes! but it will be more difficult to remove when it's time to leave.

Here's something easy to do with the fridge that I don't think anyone has mentioned (and I've done it myself in the past): get some nice rice paper (or any paper you like) and use double-sided tape to attach it to the fridge surface. It's pretty easy to remove when you vacate, though you may have to scrap off some of the tape. (Just tape the edges.) I've also done this with hideous cabinets, and it makes a huge difference.

I'd paint the walls (sticking with neutrals), get simple, frosted or colored contact paper for the window divider thing, make or buy a new cover for the futon (cream, perhaps), and acquire a few accent pillows in contrasting hues. Some art on the walls, lighting (a cluster of paper lanterns would work well) and a few plants will do wonders for the space.

The floor is ugly. If a traditional rug would be problematic, why not get a large bamboo floor mat? They're as pleasant underfoot, easy to clean and cooler for humid, sticky weather. They should also be readily available in your area.

I would also try to rearrange the furniture so that it's not all grouped along the walls with the big empty space in the middle. I'd turn the couch so that it's perpindicular with the wall and use it, the chair and TV to form a little living room area.

I'd put the taller table (that is currently against the radiator) behind the couch and use this second part of the room as a kitchen area. Then you can leave the little rolling cart where it is and have an additional prep space (or buy a couple of stools and use it as a dining table).

Find a little table or chair to put by the door to use as your 'landing strip' (I hate that term, but it's convenient, I'll give you that, AT). Demarcate the area further with a little mat and a place for shoes.

Tada! Home!

Oh you poor thing... I had to deal with a similar situation in Hong Kong. Avoid Ikea, it's not a good deal in Asia compared to the amazing stuff you can get at the markets (and those ominpresent Japanese housewares stores). Here's my plan:

First, I second the rec to check Shanghai Tang for inspiration. Think also 70's expat Boho vibe and that might help a little with coherence and will work with what you've got.

1) LAMPS. Get some lamps, pronto, so you can avoid using that hideous overhead. It will make an immediate difference. Woven natural fiber lamp shades will help tone down that nasty trim on the walls by adding more warm wood tones. You can get old ginger jars turned into lamps really cheaply and they will look great if you can't find anything you like in stores.

2) Rugs. Get some cheap woven cotton and bamboo mats and start layering. Since you are about to be in Beijing in the summer, I would stick with cool-feeling blues and greens (teal, avocado, forest), creams and whites, and natural neutrals (think bamboo, rattan, jute), again to tone down that trim and coordinate with the refrigerator and the door.

3) Cover the futon with a white or cream textured king size cotton blanket, or have a slipcover made if that's in your budget. Add some bright pillows in Chinese silks (cheap at the market!) that pick up the greens and blues and maybe the berry red or orange in that hideous divider.

4) Glass divider thing-- see above, and in general avert your eyes.

The colors will help with the grimness and the natural fabrics and rugs, etc. will help tone down the industrial feel and give it sort of a 70's boho feel, which will help with your lovely refrigerator.

If you're there for a while it's worth it to paint-- maybe a nice cream to warm up the industrial-ness of the tile floor. I would avoid serious color on the walls as you have that fridge to work with. Get rid of the ugly printer cart thingy. And finally... rearrange your furniture so the TV isn't the focal point (put it in the corner maybe?), get a coffee table (again, bamboo or rattan, try old junk shops), and make *that* the focal point. Maybe some big floor pillows or ottomans to add some confy seating, add interest and soften the room. Finally, art on the walls-- you can get old advertising and propaganda poster cheap at the markets-- don't pay more than a few dollars-- and they have metal hangers already, so you won't need frames. You can also get painted hanging scrolls for cheap, or big paper umbrellas, fans, etc... you should have no lack of options! Some big mirrors will help the light situation, esp. placed behind lamps. This is where Ikea might help you. And get some plants! You need a nice low light palm and maybe some pots of that ivy-like stuff that every restaurant has a pot of in China. =)

Finally, don't worry too much-- as you live there for a while and accumulate more stuff it will start to look homier in an organic way. Relax and have fun-- anything you do will be an improvement!

Agreed - go to Panjiayuan - not just for inspiration, but to pick ups some cool antiques and such. I'm sure you can get a simple linen or cotton slip cover made for next to nothing. Buy an oriental rug for the floor (or FLOR tiles, but I don't know if they have those in China. A navy would look nice on the walls - I'm all about enhancing the caviness if it's already cave like. Get some incandescent lighting. And maybe hang back to back scrolls from the ceiling to cover the strange screen.

What brand and make is that refrigerator?

The brand of the refrigerator is Wanbao, model is the 155. Looks like one of the earliest models (they started producing fridges in 1980, apparently).

Probably a total energy sucker, but it does work very well.

http://www.wanbao-fridge.com/english/profile.asp

Ok, I LOVE the fridge, might not want it in my living room,though.

If I'm not mistaken, Beijing gets a little hot in the summer, no? How about not covering the floor with rugs, I feel like that would be Bug Haven with the food storage situation.
I'd go for covering the floor with outdoor patio squares (they have them at IKEA, but surely that could be found in other stores as well). That way it is easy to keep clean (simply lift and wash), but also provides a nice texture.

Rest / hang a large mirror on the wall opposite where the square of light is to maximize the natural light.

Cover the divider using any of the great ideas that people have mentioned (again personally, I would stay away from lots of heavy fabric because of the potential bug issue).

Find a light weight, light colored cotton to cover the futon.

Agree with marie516 on re-arranging the furniture and getting rid of the printer cart. Use the table in stead, perhaps with a bamboo runner so the landlord doesn't freak.

I wouldn't paint. White is a good canvas where you can hang up splashes of colors.

ps. to keep the patio squares from sliding around on the floor simply attach those little rubber anti slide whatevertheyarecalled that one attaches to the inside of drawers to keep them from slamming.

PS2
this type of wood tiles:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/top-ten/top-10-wood-deck-tiles-024438

I had a little avocado fridge in my travel trailer. I used yellow and lilac with a bit of teal to brighten and ease into the avocado green.

On the color wheel yellow is between orange and green.
I am at a loss of words, but that would give you a bright harmonious kind of look.

You could go with blue, green and orange. Mellow with a bright spot. My favorite option myself.

Red , orange and green which gives you a vibrant look.

Green, orange and purple is the opposite of red, blue, yellow.

I agree with the rugs I would get some plexiglass to put sandwich the weird glass and Paint it in some way to match your decor.

mirrors, mirrors, mirrors to reflect the light around and maybe bring the outside in. Especially in the corner by the window.

To disguise the glass partition (which I kind of like, by the way) I'd hang matching curtains from the ceiling on both sides of it. These from IKEA are a color combo that could inform the rest of the space:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10112016

Use the same curtains (whether these or another design) on either side of your small window to make it look bigger and maybe on another wall where you want to create the illusion of a window.

I would put the refrigerator as close to the kitchen as possible (hallway? bedroom?) (How is it that there isn't room for one in the actual kitchen, don't Chinese keep stuff cool?? but I digress...) and try to make the functionality work better. If it has to stay in the livingroom, put it as near the kitchen as you can and make a tiny dining nook near it.

A few furniture finds, some sofa pillows and a futon cover, some lamps... you will have something lovely.

PS I meant the green version of the IKEA curtains, not the brown one.

Hmmm my PS doesn't make sense because the post it goes with vanished.

I suggested disguising the glass partition by hanging curtains from the ceiling on either side of it (flat, to cover it.)

These (in green) might work.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10112016

offhand, two things: (1)i like the avocado fridge, too. you can work your color scheme on that piece. (2)get rid of that glass partition quick.

Hah! I keep PS:ing my own post. Duh.
Beware, some wood floor tiles contain tannic acid which can "bleed" onto the surface below. Must admit, I don't know if it only happens if it gets wet, or if it might happen even in a dry indoor space.
I've seen this used in a lot of Nordic saunas and dressing rooms, and never noticed any "bleeding", but perhaps it's not the same?

Oh lord, that takes me back! I lived in China for a year teaching and I had that same TV and that same couch - except mine had a zebra patterned cover! I took that off and it was black fabric underneath so I lived with that. My apartment was supplied by my school so I never got to do anything with it and it was like a meat locker in there!

Can we see after photos?

I can understand your frustration with your space. If I was dealing with that space I would look for some vintage (or reproduction) 1970's material with pattern that you like. If you can paint the walls, you could always duplicate that pattern on the wall. As far as the glass divider, you could always buy a curtain rod (even a double one) and hang some curtains either from the vintage fabric or a neutral that matches with it.

Good luck with the decorating, it's part of the fun of having a new place! :-)

OK, BUILD A REMOVABLE ROOM DIVIDER(EASY).USING 2X4's AND PLY-WOOD & PAINT ON WHEELS. OR LINK ABOVE. MOVE FRIDGE FACING CABINETS, CREAT A SMALL KITCHEN(ALL MOVABLE). THERES NOTHING YOU CAN DO WITH THE DIVIDER SO WORK WITH IT. NOW ACROSS FROM THE KITCHEN, A SMALL DINING TABLE. NOW MOVE DOWN TO THE LIVING SPACE AND USE THE HEAT VENT AS SOFA TABLE WHEN NOT USING, PURCHASE GREAT TILE SQUARES AND PLACE ON TOP,A GREAT PLACE TO PLACE LAMPS AND PICS,VASE ETC. OVER THAT A HUGE MIRROR OR PIC WOULD BE AWSOME! BY MOVING THE SOFA AROUND YOU CAN CREATE A LIVING SPACE. NOW ADD RUGS AND COLOR ACCESSERIES. IF YOU STAY NEUTRAL AND USE GREAT COLOR EVERYWHERE ELSE YOU'LL WORK THIS SPACE. ALSO DONT BE AFRAID TO USE LARGE FRAMED PICS OF COLOR ON YOUR WALLS THEY WORK IN SMALL SPACES TOO....GOOD LUCK WISH TO SEE AFTER PICS....

I'm not quite sure why everyone is into the color of the avocado fridge... there is a reason why the color schemes of the 70's were short lived.
I think we need to mail Katie a roll or two of that silver shelf liner to cover the fridge with...

Update?

I love that fridge and I think it would be great to work your color scheme around it.

The most basic solution would be harvest gold and orange to work with the fridge. Also I think navy blue looks good with advocado. I wouldn't paint a wall navy blue but maybe cover that futon thing in navy blue fabric.

I also saw one AT house tour where the person had red with the advocado and it looked good.