Hello AT,
I'm a new reader of Apartment Therapy and I've become addicted to your site. I just moved into a townhouse rental in Silverlake and would love to get some ideas on how to decorate.
As you can see from the photos, it's a blank slate. My boyfriend and I didn't keep much furniture from our old apartments. We have plenty of space--1300 sf total, with half that taken by the living room/kitchen
area.
While we love the open space, the light and the views, we don't love the soulless mid-90s construction. Another issue is the dark corner in the living room next to the fireplace. We're going to go with the lack
of light in that area and turn it into a drinking lounge, but I'm not sure how to do that and still retain the light and airy feel of the rest of the space.
We are allowed to paint and I'd like to bring some bright colors into the room, but I'm not sure what palette to go with. Another issue: my boyfriend is slightly color blind so I have to be careful about combos of red and green.
Any suggestions you may have are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Alisa
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)
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Hey, Alisa. Your place is not completely soul-less; I agree with Alec - your place is bright and airy, and it have tremendous potential. You could start by finding a large rug you like, which will make the place look less more home-like and reduce the echo-y sound in rooms that don't have much furniture. Once you've picked out the rug, you can choose one of the colors in it to paint the walls. Then choose some complementary colors for the rest of the space. I think your quasi-triangular nook is nifty - it would be great to see a custom bookcase in that area. I could also see a television in that space, which would keep all eyes on the view.
That should say, "It has..."
I write the eBay scavenger column for the site. I often see couches in excellent condition in the L.A. area. Let me know what you need, and I'll keep an eye out for it.
Alec, thanks for all the great advice, and Molly, thanks for the very generous offer! We are thinking of getting a curved mid-century era couch, something where guests can sip a martini and get to know each other better. I've seen a few on eBay but they're either crazy expensive or get snapped up really quickly. I'd appreciate a shoutout if you see something that looks good.
Thanks again!
Hi Alisa:
You and your boyfriend should sit down and brainstorm on what you want the place to look like when you are done, how you will use the space as well as your overall budget.
Start with a space plan, use blue painters tape and mark the floor with pieces of furniture, lighting and floor coverings you think you need and/or want in the space and see if it fits. Pay attention to how you use rooms and how often when determining where you need to place things. ie. If you are left or right handed or would you really just sit in a chair facing a view or would the sofa be something used all the time or just when guests come over. Also watch how natural light effects each place in the space. Furniture and lighting are the most expensive items to go into a space, allocate the appropriate money.
Then choose a color palette, not necessarily wall color, but choose primary colors that you like and can live with. From there you can choose shades of colors and fabrics to match or compliment. You can head down to your local paint store to pick up swatches and chips and start deciding on exact wall colors and shades.
These are the basic steps I take when I first meet with clients. It helps me and my client stay on track as to what pieces to look for and what places to shop at.
Hope that helps!
"use blue painters tape and mark the floor with pieces of furniture, lighting and floor coverings you think you need and/or want in the space and see if it fits."
Brilliant idea! That will save us a lot of labor and heartache. Thanks for the great advice!
No problem.
Another great idea for area rugs, is go to a carpet or flooring store that offers remnants or odd sized cuttings. If you want to get a specific sized rug, they will be able to cut it down and bind the edges anywhere from $2 a linear foot up to $10+ per linear foot depending on the binding. Remnants are usually sold way under list pricing per yard or square foot. I once found a wool remnant about 15' X 15', with binding cost around $300. It's a great way to get a custom sized floor covering, in great material and quality for great pricing.
I have a client who is interested in a 9x12 persian rug to go on green slate floors. Do you have any suggestions as far as color etc. She is going for a contermporary western design?
Thank You,
Chris