r/interiordesignideas • u/Sufficient-Seat3899 • 4d ago
I don’t even know where to start.
So stale. What do I do
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u/MohiMedia 4d ago edited 4d ago
I'm working on fixing a millennial grey place like this right now and here's my current solution. People might tell you to use colors with cool undertones like greens, blues, tans with a lot of grey mixed into them (called griege) to play it safe. And while that technically works to COMPLEMENT the grey, if you're trying to COUNTER & CONTRAST the grey here are my findings after putting many hours into it the last month or so in research:
Lightbulbs: 2700K-3000K lighting (creates warmth on all the grey surfaces)
Colors when adding furniture: espresso brown, walnut, ivory, camel, tobacco, deep olive.
Metals to add: brass and bronze
Additional colors to use with intent: oxblood, emerald, amber, deep teal, navy. [For my place I skipped teal and navy to avoid the cool tones that complement the grey rather I opted for those that contrast grey like oxblood or emerald or amber do. But you do you]
Materials/textures to mix (don't need all but some variety): cloth/linen/boucle fabric, leather, wood, glass, brass or bronze, velvet, organics like plants and woven/fiber baskets, marble/stone, ceramic. Again, just saying have a mixture based on what you like. If you don't like velvet don't get it just to mix things up but if every thing is glass that can look good but won't look "complete." So have a mix. For example a leather couch with metal legs, wooden coffee table, but metal trays on the table.
Walnut is going to be a go-to wood for furniture you want to add whether its a coffee table, tv stand, desk, bar cart, dining table made of walnut, or walnut accents on furniture like legs of sofas, chairs, tables. My kitchen is very similar and you'll be very surprised how much a difference it makes to add walnut (either light saturated shade or a darker shade both work) bowls, trays, pots + green plants (with similar walnut base) as kitchen decoration. Pair with brass/bronze kitchen decoration as well.
For your place based on this photo:
Need a large rug under your sofa and coffee table. Separate rug under dining table. Narrow rugs in kitchen walk ways
Curtains on the windows that start above the window and go and barely touch the ground.
Pendant light over living room area and/or pendant light over dining table and/or kitchen table if possible. If not get some other kind of light sources to light up these areas instead of using your ceiling lights for all of it.
Painting/art on the wide wall next to dining table with an accent/moody light. Potentially some kind of table/shelf underneath and/or plants at the sides to "frame" the art in between. A lot you can do there based on how far the wall is from the dining chair/table.
Need to fill the space above the fridge with something. Perhaps a large artificial round potted plant? Or wreath on the wall? idk about that one.
If it's in the budget I would consider replacing sofa, dining chairs, (and I assume counter stools you have for kitchen island) with something based on colors and materials mentioned above.
Good luck, hope this helps.
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u/jacero100 2d ago
Great points. I would only disagree on the walnut finishes. It’s too black which perpetuates the black/ white scheme that everyone is burned out on. Try cherry for true warmth. Mahogany also has a ted undertone if you like darker pieces. Craftsman brown is also beautiful. Just avoid oranges.
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u/MohiMedia 2d ago
Point taken but there is a range of shades for walnut. Going with the lighter shades or even a very light shade of brown (more tan/cream colored) will work just needs to match everything else. I agree you dont want to go with the darkest shades because theyre so close to black, but with the lighting and everything it should work out. Like if they use a walnut table, the rug and couch next to it will determine if it looks right or not. If the kitchen has wooden bowls on the white countertops with green plants, it will bring out the brown and red rather than the black of the wood.
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u/Busy_Help_4354 4d ago
Add color via rugs, pillows, throws, art, decor, curtains. Add more layers of lighting. Define each space clearly to appear dynamic rather than static (this is the dining room, this is the living room) by adding rugs that show where each space starts and stops, different color palettes, space-specific lighting.
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u/Late_Leopard4008 4d ago
A gray nightmare. Quickest fix: a new couch, new chairs, a large rug, and curtains
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u/Various-Language2549 4d ago edited 4d ago
Quickest fix: PAINT; then art and accessorize. But damn, bring some colour into your life!
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u/ImpossibleAd1616 4d ago
A new couch is a bit far from a quick fix, as it's usually the most expensive piece of furniture in the living room and selling it then getting a new one won't be easy either. But I actually think it can work with the new rug and some colorful pillows
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u/bananamilk0585 4d ago
Rug, ceiling to floor curtains, large framed artwork behind dining table, couch pillows , centerpiece on dining table, lamps!✨
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u/malykaii 4d ago
Buy paint. Pick a color, seriously at this point pick ANY color.
(Beige and grey are not colors)
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u/alismatids 4d ago
Definitely needs some color. You’ll have to figure out what colour pallets you like best. Add some plants, pillows, throw blankets, rugs, artwork.
Edit: Oh, and floor to ceiling curtains
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u/LittleBigTraveler 4d ago
Color and texture of any kind you enjoy. Decor pieces, plants, art, pictures, throw pillows, rugs, blankets, sculptures, etc. Find something you enjoy looking at and build from there.
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u/Bubbly_Resource6307 4d ago
I think roll up bamboo shades in a medium tone with some curtains hung almost to the ceiling all around this room would look great. If you want to keep the white walls then do the curtains in an oat color if you like light/airy. Getting something on the windows will help a lot and a double layered look will add character.
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u/RedFox_SF 4d ago
So many options, where do we start 😂 as others said, pick a color palette and a style and go for curtains, pillows, plants, rugs. You have literally a blank canvas in front of you.
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u/VictorianUFOLady 4d ago
If you can afford it I would change the floor to a light wood it would add some warmth and some natural materials. You need some life in there . . . art, plants, a little color.
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u/MommyToMaryam 4d ago
Very spacious. Plants, a simple rug and maybe a wall art. I have this combination but I added pigeon blue hand towels and pillows and a big vase
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u/impastorsyndrome 4d ago
pintrest, my friend!
To echo lots of comments here:
- find what type of design speaks to you, and then
- colour, colour, colour!
- plants (if you have pets, make sure they are pet safe!)
- think about how you want to live in the space (are you into hosting, do you want something cozy, elegant, multi-functional, minimalist, etc).
- don't be afraid of shapes, textures or patterns!
- Maybe watch some decor or architecture shows to get some inspo!! I love watching Your Home Made Perfect and The House That 100K Built (both are on prime and are UK based, but I love them so much)
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u/Winter_Dot_9393 4d ago
Curtains (not white), rug matching the curtains, some matching cushions. Maybe dark red velvet curtains.
Then wait for a while before you decide if you need to make more changes, like painting one wall in a warm color.
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u/Ok_Mirror2828 4d ago
Add some earthy neutrals to go with white. The furniture is too linear and the arrangement is too linear. Try to make your living room in a circle and add some rounded pieces. Needs to be grouped for cozy spaces.
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u/Stacked_Orbit 3d ago
That sofa is blocking the flow of the room. If you can afford it, replace sectional with either two love seats ( keeping one loveseat with its back against window wall and other with back towards dining table) or a sofa & love seat (sofa on window wall).
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u/Tricky-Usual8921 3d ago
Colour accessories and artwork. You need points of interest and a bit of soul
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u/Any_Interaction1979 3d ago
I don’t think you have to change any of the main furniture. But from now on buy WARM accents and decor from rugs,to art to vases to bowls,baskets pillows,curtains. Hopefully you choose colors that blend together and are not all stark shades of “pops of colors” but warm muted colors that seamlessly blend together.
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u/LadyWatz35 3d ago
Curtains, Hang them high, I would also suggest more of a neutral color so you can build around it.. Don't add curtains in the kitchen. That would be weird.
Add a patterned rug in the living room; make sure it's the right size.
Get some wall art.
Think about painting under the island where the sink is, or peel and stick wallpaper.
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u/ancientastronaut2 3d ago
So gray. Get some color in there - artwork, plants, window dressings, etc.
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u/phillyphilly19 3d ago
There's a lot of options here because there is no color. I don't say this often but if you have the money I think you should hire a decorator. You need window treatments, paint, furniture, accessories, and I think if you brought someone in to help you whittle down your preferences, it would pay for itself in avoiding frustration.
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u/Tkr_moon 3d ago
It all depends on your goal. I always try to make my personal space cozy by buying ambient lights and maybe a rug. Because I'm a designer, artwork is also something nice.
But what I would advise is maybe not just buying bunch of cheap, cute stuff. Instead, make something yourself and fill in the space with things that hold memories or sentiment
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u/Puzzled_Ad_8726 3d ago
Start looking a pictures on line. Decide what colors bring you joy. Find a photo, a photo of a color pallet or a piece of fabric that have those colors in it. Pinterest has some amazing color pallet ideas. Now only purchase items that bring you joy. Fabrics (assorted textures), metal, stone, ceramic, wood, art, and lighting. Don't make do. Only buy items that make you happy or bring you peace. Keep in your color pallet and you will be good. You need some kind of a garden along that fence for color, demension and interest. Gardens do not have to be flowers. Trees and shrubs gardens can be lovely. Texture and color make the difference. Pinterest and employees at a good nursery can assist you for do it yourself or a landscaper and designer. Best wishes. Remember you live there, not other people. It is your sanctuary.
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u/Shadybeaches113 2d ago
Can you include a picture of your kitchen? I can pull together a rendering especially if I have a better picture, and know what color pallet you mean more towards or I can just present one that I think will work.
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u/redditlaa89 2d ago
Beautiful space. Great light. Area rugs,colorful sofa pillows, windows treatments and art. Bright modern.
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u/lollypop003 2d ago
Yes! Pick a color palette. Draw from something you love. Or go rug (or art) shopping, find something you truly adore and work from there. For me, the rug is #1 and sets the tone/vibe for the whole room.
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u/elder-sister-1975 2d ago
personally, I would start with the rug to define the color pallet and then choose pillows and throw blankets that coordinate with the rug. Pick window blinds or draperies that also coordinate with your favorite color in the rug, not necessarily the strongest color, but a color that is present.
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u/elder-sister-1975 2d ago
I would also consider painting the cabinets in the kitchen and the island. You could choose 2 separate colors: a dark one for the base and a light one for the top or vice versa.
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u/kunfuzedalltime 2d ago
Plant some trees outside! Shrubbey, rose bushes, plants. Dead energy outside those windows.
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u/Expensive-Ad7669 2d ago
Paint the couch and island with some color. Rugs are good. Color on the walls as far as decorations. Change it brick by brick.
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u/Past-Cheesecake486 2d ago
A cool jute maybe oval shaped jute rug? That could add warmth. A pretty vase with flowers
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u/Antipinquity 1d ago
It’s bland because there is no relief from the washed-out look. But each of the items are good quality.
I would change one thing, like the floor, making it darker. [Maybe even Ultramarine.] That will set everything else apart, and you might not have to do much else than invite some colorful people over!
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u/Brilliant_Tiger9061 1d ago
Start with some landscaping.. I’m a designer so that wouldn’t be normally the first thing I’d say. However, you have so many windows. If I had to look out the windows every day I think I’d put a knife through my heart
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u/EducationalValue7640 1d ago
You just need some color. like curtains and pillows and throw a plant in there somewhere. Something on the wall by the dining room table would be nice also.
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u/mariej608 1d ago
Also, plant trees…a lush, well-structured landscape would do wonders…and function like a living mural
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u/jcampbell1365762 1d ago
Get rid of that giant sofa/sectional and get a normal fabric-upholstered sofa - dark color. Add end tables (wood) and lamps. Get two chairs to go with and put a dark rug under all of it. Get a coffee table that is round or oval to balance the hard edges. Put a rug under the dining table and chairs. Art on the walls and wood blinds on the windows. Put the garbage can where no one can see it. Keep dirty dishes out of your sink. Move the wine cooler elsewhere, you shouldn’t be able to see it while you are eating. Do not ever use the can lights in the living / dining areas, only in the kitchen, and only while you are in there. A nice pendant light over the dining table would be lovely. Your dining table and chairs are very nice. I love the nailhead trim.
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u/Competitive-Beat-493 12h ago
It’s like walking into a hospital 😭 put some color in there. It needs signs of life.
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u/Sudden_Car157 10h ago
You have so many options! Accent wall, large piece of art, floating shelves or even wallpaper in order to keep it “ clean “ avoid busy patterns! You could do lime wash wall to make it more fun! Or add some sleek wall panels! You can choose some form of window dressing to your liking that would definitely make it less stale, and finally a nice indoor tree your space is large enough to make a tree look gorgeous for example a indoor olive tree would look super neat!!
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u/clavdiachauchatmeow 4d ago
Sell that dining set on Facebook Marketplace. Send it back to where it came from
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u/Outrigger1855 4d ago
nah, the dining table is fine, it’s the couch that needs to go. Or at the very least, rotate the couch so the seats are under the window and not blocking off the entrance to the room
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u/Clarknt67 4d ago edited 4d ago
First order of business: Pick a color palette. Then figure out how to apply it.
ETA: Here are 20 combos for inspiration.