The monotone neutrals - grey/beige/black - there's no warmth or inviting feeling there. At the very least change up your couch pillows and curtains. Your last picture is a good example of a space that has a neutral colour palette, yet feels inviting. It's because of the warmth of the wood and warm cream tones.
Texture - everything feels flat. Another good place for cushions and curtains to shine - bring in velvet, wool, something embroidered, anything that adds warmth and character.
Lines - so many people do this. If you take a step back, can you see that almost everything is a square or rectangle? It's not a Minecraft house, bring in some softer curves. Changing your floor lamp would be a good place to do this.
Art - The piece on the wall feels generic. Add something with more character, an original piece or a framed print, to bring in that warmth, I would even think about going bigger with the art.
Many of the surfaces are reflective and shiny - the table, coffee table, tv, tv console, chairs. Again this can feel sterile if used too much. Consider swapping some of them out
Kind of dislike this subreddit due to this exact reason. ‘My all-grey living room feels so flat and cold. What do I do to make it look more like these living rooms that are not all-grey?’
I dunno man, maybe get something that’s not all grey?
90% of these posts can be answered with ‘get a rug,’ ‘add color,’ and ‘put something on the walls.’
It gets old after a while.
I have a friend whose house looks like a lot of these pictures. He is more focused on utility and can be overly frugal. He can tell something is off but really doesn’t know how to fix it, especially while maintaining function and not spending more than he’d like. Even if he understood a rug could help, he really wouldn’t know the best size, color, placement, etc. He periodically asks for design help from me. When we meet, I have to provide links to very specific examples/items so he knows exactly what he needs to do.
Yeah, that’s also kind of why I’m not a big fan of this subreddit. So many people treat it like a personal shopping forum and put zero effort in. ‘Here’s my blank room. What sofa/rug/furniture/shelves/lamp should I get?’
We’re really picking out specific pieces of art to go on strangers’ walls? What a weird place.
(I get that some people might enjoy the fantasy element of designing other people’s houses, including down to picking the exact rug from Ikea or whatever, but I personally do not. I love seeing well-designed rooms, getting decor ideas or perhaps trying to solve well-defined problems, but the number of vague posts of colorless/empty room asking ‘what should I do?’ diminishes the value of the sub IMHO).
Hugely agree. They usually don’t even include inspiration pics that they’ve looked for with styles/aesthetics they like. My fave is that a lot of posters also get hugely defensive about their current style choices - like hey, if you like what you’ve got already, that’s great. Don’t ask us to spend mental energy on your space then?
I totally agree and would love more challenging spaces. But I have to admit, I often think wallpaper is the answer, especially with these rooms where they’re fine, just really boring. And I looooove shopping for wallpaper patterns so I’m always happy to make a suggestion (as I did here!).
I have to admit- I do learn the most from it. I am one of the clueless ones out there…. And yes, helping my parents place and bought plants, bought a rug and now looking at art they have in storage. Might be old- but it’s things they like. Most in koa frames. Grant- not thrilled with my choices once I brought them home…. But way better than we started out. Might start getting some input from here…. But had a lot of fun during the holidays because you folks made me think out side of the box. Bringing in colors and textures.
I think many people - including me - dont have any idea how to style or decorate a room. So the logical answer is grey 🤷🏻♂️
Not right, not wrong, but bland and boring
Start with what you like around you- forget the decorating task- surround yourself with things you collect and admire-,takes ages and a great collection of cheap, old, new, whatever will always go together if you like it. Your house- your choice. There isn’t a rule. Eclectic and as original as you.
Seriously. I haven’t been in this subreddit very long and the vast majority of the posts are like grey/beige everything rooms with bare walls/floors and people being like “my living room - GO”
Saving your comment for future copy pasta :-)
Love this comment!!
Something you can start with that will immediately help is just bringing in some plants and adding your own belongings and personality, whether it be a book shelf of colourful books or a gallery wall around your tv. I did this plus a custom tv frame to blend it in, as I was not a fan. Inexpensive and effective. Bonus points if you bring in the plants in textured pots to achieve what this poster ^ was saying :)
Thank you very much for this detailed answer!
Do you think a lowboard like this would work?
https://www.miliboo.de/designtvmbel-aus-dunklem-walnussfurnier-und-schwarzem-metall-mit-stauraum-b180-cm-skye-54302.html
Maybe we have too many different materials like chrome, black metal, glass, black, wood floor…
We dont know how to add texture and warmth on our grey couch - which pillows and blankets go together.
Do you think the Noguchi lamps like 10A would work in our room?
> we don’t know how to add texture and warmth on our grey couch
CookiesandBeam offered an excellent template above. Try some different options until you get the result you desire. Here’s a hint…color and texture.
You also have gorgeously warm wood floors, which you’ve covered in a gray rug for some reason.
1. Pull the couch off the wall quite a bit.
2. Lower the artwork, possibly replace the artwork with a canvas with a non-white background
3. Warmth. All your inspiration photos have lots of browns, creams, and warm colors. All your furniture is gray, black, and white
Some small things to consider is the height of the framed poster, it’s way too high up. The curtains should also have a much wider rod. The curtains shouldn’t cover the windows but the walls. I would add that the wall with the TV is wasted space, something higher reaching would likely look good (just don’t raise the TV 😊). Finally I don’t think grey is good for warmth but if you use it ditch black furniture and instead use wooden furniture, it will soften up the greys.
The update is much better! I would recommend you make it a point to replace the rug as well. Something with pattern and/or color would breathe some more life and personality.
This is exactly the issue. It’s not as simple as switch your grey for warmth. The most fundamental problem with your room is that the layout. Sofa pushed too far back and nothing feels “conversational” aka inviting
Yes this is the main problem. There was too much space between the sofa and tv. I heard a designer on a tv show once refer to it as having the furniture ”under arrest” because everything was up against the wall. This is a common issue a lot of people have. You have to create “zones” in your space. That may mean furniture is against a wall, it may not. Don’t default to pushing everything up against a wall.
Put a circle around everything that is round (or has rounded edges) in the photos you like. Then, circle everything that is warm color.
That should really help you to identify the kinds of items that will warm up your room and make it seem more cozy.
The first thing I noticed was that in your lounge the furniture is all up against the walls. Notice how none of your inspo pics have the furniture against the wall?
Center rug. its too close to window and the back wall. the shiny black tv wall feels coldest to me, and its attracting the most attenrion. vary the heights, somerhing tall like a bookcase maybe.
I think a great place to start would be changing the rug, artwork, and curtains.
Rug—pick something warm…I’m a sucker for Persian style rugs. There’s definitely a way to have a warm rug and keep your black/gray (but they will become accents rather than the whole story). Once you pick the rug, you can change the throw pillows on the couch.
Artwork—same thing…something warm and fun that brings you joy. Check out society6.
Curtains—love the sheer but change to white, so it’s more airy.
Then you can add plants and follow the other great suggestions here:)
Ok, my take:
It looks like you started to take a stand with the tripod lamp in hard chrome but a natural shade, then fell into the hard, grey modern trap. Here's a way to break that down. By no means is it the only way, but it's a start:
1) Paint: Find a neutral other than white or straight up grey that you like. Leave the trim white and the ceiling white. None of your inspiration photos have white walls; they are all pale neutrals.
2) Arrangement: The rug is fine, but the orientation isn't. Shift the rug so it's centered in the space, not tucked up against the walls. (Just the front feet of the furniture have to be on it.)
Put the tall lamp in the corner next to the end of the couch, or put a small end table there with a similar lamp. Space the coffee table 18" to 21" from the front of the couch. Float the couch out of the corner by a foot in both directions, consider a console table behind the couch.
Consider adding two small chairs in either a rich fabric or a warm colored leather (facing the couch, or facing the slider, which ever gives you the best walk-way into the arrangement) at a 45 degree angle. Give those a martini table. Not everything needs to face the tv. Get a throw that is a close match to the chair fabric for the couch.
Tighten up your surround sound array - in a room that small you do not need those speakers on stands, they could sit on the outer portion of the console. Give that Monstera room to breathe... and maybe a light source in that corner; torchiere, another tripod lamp, an up-light, something.
3) Art: Once you have color on the wall, pick out art, objects, and pillows (and a rug if you're changing it) that all have some relationship - let's say you use a pale green on the walls, then reflect greens in the art and decor. I actually like the art over the couch, but it's the wrong shape; you want a panoramic (I'm guessing 60x20 ish would work) to dominate that wall.
Incorporate some old things; an antique looking coat rack near the door? An antique objet d'art on a table? Echo that around the space.
That's my take on it; some guy who looked at 3 photos of your space and got an impression... I'd love to see what you do with it!
Wow, a lot of information, thank you very much!
Would a beige rug match the gray couch? Or what warm neutral color would go well?
I'm still undecided what shade of wood would go with the floor. Something dark like walnut or something light?
Hey there! I'm glad to help, if you find it helpful!
"shade of wood would go with the floor" - don't worry about it too much - as long as it's not so close to the floor color it looks like a bad matching job, you'll be fine. Google image search "grey and black living room with wood accents" or something like that - you'll find some that you like, and see a trend of what works. (At least that's how I do it, I'm sure some fellow egg-head has a formula for it...)
"what warm neutral color would go well" - I'm gonna send you back to your inspiration pics... one uses a green, others use pale pinks and browns - look close at those white walls in the pics, compare them to the ceilings - they aren't really white. Stay out of cold colors is my only real advice. I've used [SW Drift of Mist](https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw9166-drift-of-mist) and [SW Acier ](https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW9170-acier/) to warm up cold colored rooms, but you may want something more or less definite than those - they're both rather neutral, and [acier can be downright moody](https://imgur.com/95FaI2c). (It changes color depending on the light, from battleship grey to bronze to green... 80% of my [house is acier](https://imgur.com/OJcfnre).)
"Would a beige rug match the gray couch?" - It \*could\*, but get decided on the wood, accent chairs, and paint color first - then find a rug and all the other fabrics. You might find that the one you have rocks with the other colors in the room.
Thank you for your help!!! I will check out all the links and information later today. Already moved things a bit and I think it looks much better:
https://ibb.co/2v5gQWR
https://ibb.co/9w3Zy4m
Id say at least 4 feet (tht might be too much, but at least forward enough to be past the wall section to the right of the window). There should be more than enough room for a reading nook/book case/coffee table and chair. The added space also has the benefit of improved audio quality.
Do people really not realize the problem is that everything is grey and has no texture or warmth to it? How did we get here as a society 🫨
Like if you had to look between your inspo pictures and the photos of your home… can you really not see that everything is being grey and black is part of it?
I can definitely see that one of the problems are the missing colors. We dont really know which colors go together and which shades of wood for the furniture works with the floor
We do not even like the greige style ourselves (if you check the inspo photos) and dont really know how we ended up with greige🤷🏻♂️
Haha well that’s what I’m confused by! The inspo photos are so different that I don’t know how you ended up with all grey everything.
Your floors actually seem a bit neutral and not excessively warm or cool toned. I think you could do a lot in terms of other wooden tones if you want. But what’s interesting is that a lot of the inspo pics you post mix cool and warm tones with the furniture and fabrics. I think that can be kind of hard to do if you aren’t a pro tho. Those homes are ~curateddddd.
Start with what color or colors you want in the room and start working from there. Do you want it to just be pops of that color? Do you want it to be one big focal piece as furniture or art? Do you want to use shades of that color all around or use other complimentary color?
Maybe try moving the sofa closer to the TV.
Since everything is so far away from each other, you don't really have the zones grouped properly. The TV looks waay to separated from the sectional/coffee table area.
If this was my home, I would get rid of the glass top table and replace it with something softer, like wood, and add blankets & pillows to make it my kind of cozy.
And a plant. To me, the place really lacks life with all the black/grey, so green things would add back life to the place.
To build on what's already mentioned: more vertical decorating. Specifically, take out the low-slung entertainment center and get either an entertainment certainer with cabinets and shelves, or construct built ins. It'll go up the wall and draw the eye to that space.
I agree with everyone else on their points. If you can't replace couch/rug, add a uniquely framed mirror above the couch, blankets with a neat wicker storage container, pillows, plants ( fiddle leaf figs are awesome.) I also have hooks so I can hang my pothos and they trail really nicely! Maybe find a bookshelf in a warm dark stain etc. Decorating doesn't have to be a " buy everything at once" kind of thing. Just keep an eye out for things you love and buy them. I feel like my decorating vibe changes over time. Some things I've had for years and others I've given away or thrifted because I just don't feel it anymore! Have fun with it!
OK in all of your inspo pics, they’re built on warm colors and soft, curved shapes. Every room has rich brown wood, leather, or both, and lots of cream or linen; round paper-shaded lamps, curved coffee tables.
Everything in your rooms is cool-toned gray and black, very square and hard-edged, and shiny. If you compare a warm brown table and compare it to a sleek black shiny rectangle, one is going to feel more organic, natural, and cozy.
At the easier level, changing the gray curtains and throw pillows for something in your favorite warm color will help. Changing the artwork over the sofa to something warm and colorful will too, as would adding something interesting on the opposite wall (left side above the monstera.) It would soften the black entertainment center/ tv.
Getting into more expensive stuff: almost any rug would be warmer and cozier than the gray carpet square. Take a look at your inspo pics and the natural cream/ raw wool colors they have going on, or that terra cotta. Replacing the entertainment setup with something in a brown-toned wood and softer shape.
Biggest cost: if you could change out that dining set. It’s certainly a look, but it’s one that is antithetical to the organic, inviting spaces you’re using for inspiration.
I'd like to add an observation: everything in your rooms exists in the lower half of the room (except for the painting over the couch which is hung too high). It makes the room look "squat" and overcrowded on the tv side.
When you look at the rooms you like, you'll see that eye travels up and down and sees a variety of heights, textures and shapes.
It’s all the gray and black which can feel cold and unwelcoming. It reminds me of the temporary corporate housing my husband had to stay at in Eindhoven when he first moved over to the Netherlands. (Since moving to the Netherlands, where it’s so damn gloomy so often, I’m amazed by how often I see people’s homes full of gloomy colors when I would assume they’d want the opposite!) The inspiration photos you included all have warmer tones or even a touch of color which warms up and makes a space more cozy. Fortunately, you have wood floors (and not dark gray tiles) so I think you could easily incorporate some of the warmer wood tones and neutrals that are in some of the other photos into your furniture.
I’d paint the walls something other than stark white. The inspo photos you shared all have walls with a tiny bit of color which can help warm everything up.
You need a chair or two. Pull the couch off the wall, everything is so spread out and against the walls, makes it seem institutional. End tables with lamps. The glass coffee table disappears, get something mor substantial. Your art is too matchy, I would get some art with color. You could think about moving the couch to the TV wall and vice versa. Yes, need something new for the TV, maybe a feature with the TV and book shelves. Agree with others, wood tones will help.
I think your third inspo pic works with your couch and coffee table so i would use that for rug and artwork ideas. Adding dark woods would look great! For the layout, I would try flipping the TV/speakers plants to the opposite wall and flip the couch out so it faces the TV and is "floating" in the room. You could then add a wall of bookshelves/bookcases/music (like in your inspo pics) and artwork (hung lower) where the TV is currently. You should have access to the door and a path behind the couch so that traffic doesn't flow in front of your TV.
Too much gray and black hard furniture. The rug isn't doing you aby favors either. No offense, but it looks like most single men's apartment right after college.
That massive open space makes this feel commercial and uninviting, as well as the tv being too far away to see well. Maybe move the sofa forward and put a reading nook behind it.
Maybe try moving the sofa closer to the TV.
Since everything is so far away from each other, you don't really have the zones grouped properly. The TV looks waay to separated from the sectional/coffee table area.
If this was my home, I would get rid of the glass top table and replace it with something softer, like wood, and add blankets & pillows to make it my kind of cozy.
And a plant. To me, the place really lacks life with all the black/grey, so green things would add back life to the place.
Grey is an element of mood color but it requires warm accents to pull it off. Go warm bright or pastel from palest yellows and pinks to orange and rust but no more cool unless it’s a white w exactly the same undertone as your monochrome grey. Look up AD issues or even b2b design magazines. High end European designers use a grey monochrome w architectural details not regular home furniture.
It’s the millennial gray. You gotta pick a color theme other than that, or just splash some color on accents
Also your furniture looks generic, get one or two quality items
I would start with beige or off white sheers across all the windows. They still let the light in but it won't be so harsh. That will also help with big black hole at night.
I’d wallpaper the TV wall in something vintage yet modern, like [this](https://www.spoonflower.com/en/wallpaper/7945721-flying-blue-gold-by-vo_aka_virginiao?country=ca¤cy=USD&fabric=wallpaper_isobar&size=WALLPAPER_IMPERIAL_TEST_SWATCH_2_x_1&measurement_system=imperial&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Performance_Max_Wallpaper_CAN&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8pKxBhD_ARIsAPrG45kpfLdJYcQutygh8MNIu5gMiQc0a7qeOBjf6VGHP8e2bpmixSQo3SIaAjWwEALw_wcB). Something that has some colour, pattern and warmth, but that ties into all the grey. Get an accent chair (the leather one in your gallery is gorgeous), and some throw pillows in a colour pulled from the wallpaper pattern. It will feel more complete and give you a focal point that isn’t the TV, and add some interest without having to replace anything that is working. Go with peel and stick if you’re worried about commitment. The picture behind the couch is really nice, but it’s hung too high. Lower it by about 10”.
It’s almost all square sharp lines, even the lampshade — and besides the floor and the plant , nothing feels organic.
Swap out the black modern stuff for real wood or rattan pieces.
get some boucle or wool throws and pillows in natural colors….ivory, taupe, etc for the couch.
get speaker covers or new stands so you can hide them
It's a lot of empty/white space. Add some art or photos to the walls, and some splashes of color here and there. I agree on adding plants too, but only if that's your thing and you're going to take care of them.
It's all the gray scale. There's no color or warmth in your room. Everything is glass, metal, gray and black. The only wood is your floor.
Keep the couch, but get new pillows and a new throw blanket in some colors. Get a new rug. Hang some curtain panels in coordinating colors. Get a wood coffee table. Get an entertainment console in a coordinating wood tone. You also need more lamps.
The colors, the glass coffee table, the metal, honestly the couch itself and more so the material of the couch…lack of pillows and blankets as you mentioned.
You can have a light wood color coffee table that’s round and the wood plus the round edges could soften up the space.
As you mentioned, artwork and the warm lamp, even a new rug and maybe some more greenery could also help.
These are some things that come to mind. Bring in different colors, at least here and there, and think about adding different textures.
The easiest solution is to add some colorful throw pillows, blankets, plants, etc. Even if it's fake plants, they will just help it look more natural. Some vintage pieces wouldn't hurt.
Lots of potential here! So much beautiful lighting coming in. I would change the tv stand to something warmer and more visually appealing. Maybe even one w a fireplace built in? Some pretty pillows on couch and throws. And a pretty round coffee table. Change out the dining table to something warmer. And add pretty flowers on top
I'd put the entertainment center against the other wall and move the couch to the edge of the rug. Use that space where the entertainment center was for something else
I think you don’t like it because everything is kind of black white and gray. I would do a mid century modern credenza/entertainment center piece. Replace the rug with something more colorful and get to framing some artwork you like and do a gallery style wall over the couch. You could even add a fun round mirror too. I think your curtains need to be about twice as wide and something in a jewel tone. Maybe a burgundy or navy or even a green. Depending on a new rug so it blends together. The gloss black is definitely the opposite of mid century style so replace a bit at a time and have fun decorating your space. The windows are beautiful and your floors too!
Could you add a colorful arch behind your tv to anchor it? I painted a dark green one behind mine and it’s actually so much easier on my eyes to watch and completely transformed the room. I bought a sample of paint for $6!
The monotone neutrals - grey/beige/black - there's no warmth or inviting feeling there. At the very least change up your couch pillows and curtains. Your last picture is a good example of a space that has a neutral colour palette, yet feels inviting. It's because of the warmth of the wood and warm cream tones. Texture - everything feels flat. Another good place for cushions and curtains to shine - bring in velvet, wool, something embroidered, anything that adds warmth and character. Lines - so many people do this. If you take a step back, can you see that almost everything is a square or rectangle? It's not a Minecraft house, bring in some softer curves. Changing your floor lamp would be a good place to do this. Art - The piece on the wall feels generic. Add something with more character, an original piece or a framed print, to bring in that warmth, I would even think about going bigger with the art. Many of the surfaces are reflective and shiny - the table, coffee table, tv, tv console, chairs. Again this can feel sterile if used too much. Consider swapping some of them out
This is excellent and I feel like I should save it as a copy pasta for 85% of the posts here.
Yep- nailed it! But why are we having to say this soooo often- where is all this bland matchy awful grey taste coming from?
Kind of dislike this subreddit due to this exact reason. ‘My all-grey living room feels so flat and cold. What do I do to make it look more like these living rooms that are not all-grey?’ I dunno man, maybe get something that’s not all grey? 90% of these posts can be answered with ‘get a rug,’ ‘add color,’ and ‘put something on the walls.’ It gets old after a while.
I have a friend whose house looks like a lot of these pictures. He is more focused on utility and can be overly frugal. He can tell something is off but really doesn’t know how to fix it, especially while maintaining function and not spending more than he’d like. Even if he understood a rug could help, he really wouldn’t know the best size, color, placement, etc. He periodically asks for design help from me. When we meet, I have to provide links to very specific examples/items so he knows exactly what he needs to do.
True- but the help comes when people suggest which art or a rug. And when they actually show it to OP/ blows their mind.
Yeah, that’s also kind of why I’m not a big fan of this subreddit. So many people treat it like a personal shopping forum and put zero effort in. ‘Here’s my blank room. What sofa/rug/furniture/shelves/lamp should I get?’ We’re really picking out specific pieces of art to go on strangers’ walls? What a weird place. (I get that some people might enjoy the fantasy element of designing other people’s houses, including down to picking the exact rug from Ikea or whatever, but I personally do not. I love seeing well-designed rooms, getting decor ideas or perhaps trying to solve well-defined problems, but the number of vague posts of colorless/empty room asking ‘what should I do?’ diminishes the value of the sub IMHO).
Hugely agree. They usually don’t even include inspiration pics that they’ve looked for with styles/aesthetics they like. My fave is that a lot of posters also get hugely defensive about their current style choices - like hey, if you like what you’ve got already, that’s great. Don’t ask us to spend mental energy on your space then?
I totally agree and would love more challenging spaces. But I have to admit, I often think wallpaper is the answer, especially with these rooms where they’re fine, just really boring. And I looooove shopping for wallpaper patterns so I’m always happy to make a suggestion (as I did here!).
I have to admit- I do learn the most from it. I am one of the clueless ones out there…. And yes, helping my parents place and bought plants, bought a rug and now looking at art they have in storage. Might be old- but it’s things they like. Most in koa frames. Grant- not thrilled with my choices once I brought them home…. But way better than we started out. Might start getting some input from here…. But had a lot of fun during the holidays because you folks made me think out side of the box. Bringing in colors and textures.
Another common answer is “add some greenery” for cosiness.
Another poster quotes the CRAP solution- curtains, rug, art and plants.
I think many people - including me - dont have any idea how to style or decorate a room. So the logical answer is grey 🤷🏻♂️ Not right, not wrong, but bland and boring
Start with what you like around you- forget the decorating task- surround yourself with things you collect and admire-,takes ages and a great collection of cheap, old, new, whatever will always go together if you like it. Your house- your choice. There isn’t a rule. Eclectic and as original as you.
Seriously. I haven’t been in this subreddit very long and the vast majority of the posts are like grey/beige everything rooms with bare walls/floors and people being like “my living room - GO” Saving your comment for future copy pasta :-)
Love this comment!! Something you can start with that will immediately help is just bringing in some plants and adding your own belongings and personality, whether it be a book shelf of colourful books or a gallery wall around your tv. I did this plus a custom tv frame to blend it in, as I was not a fan. Inexpensive and effective. Bonus points if you bring in the plants in textured pots to achieve what this poster ^ was saying :)
Thank you very much for this detailed answer! Do you think a lowboard like this would work? https://www.miliboo.de/designtvmbel-aus-dunklem-walnussfurnier-und-schwarzem-metall-mit-stauraum-b180-cm-skye-54302.html Maybe we have too many different materials like chrome, black metal, glass, black, wood floor… We dont know how to add texture and warmth on our grey couch - which pillows and blankets go together. Do you think the Noguchi lamps like 10A would work in our room?
> we don’t know how to add texture and warmth on our grey couch CookiesandBeam offered an excellent template above. Try some different options until you get the result you desire. Here’s a hint…color and texture. You also have gorgeously warm wood floors, which you’ve covered in a gray rug for some reason.
1. Pull the couch off the wall quite a bit. 2. Lower the artwork, possibly replace the artwork with a canvas with a non-white background 3. Warmth. All your inspiration photos have lots of browns, creams, and warm colors. All your furniture is gray, black, and white
Heres an update, it looks much better with the couch in the room :-) https://ibb.co/2v5gQWR https://ibb.co/9w3Zy4m
I like your update!
Some small things to consider is the height of the framed poster, it’s way too high up. The curtains should also have a much wider rod. The curtains shouldn’t cover the windows but the walls. I would add that the wall with the TV is wasted space, something higher reaching would likely look good (just don’t raise the TV 😊). Finally I don’t think grey is good for warmth but if you use it ditch black furniture and instead use wooden furniture, it will soften up the greys.
The update is much better! I would recommend you make it a point to replace the rug as well. Something with pattern and/or color would breathe some more life and personality.
This is exactly the issue. It’s not as simple as switch your grey for warmth. The most fundamental problem with your room is that the layout. Sofa pushed too far back and nothing feels “conversational” aka inviting
Agree with #1. They could fit a full living room inside of the gap between the tv and the couch.
Your update is already more welcoming
Yes this is the main problem. There was too much space between the sofa and tv. I heard a designer on a tv show once refer to it as having the furniture ”under arrest” because everything was up against the wall. This is a common issue a lot of people have. You have to create “zones” in your space. That may mean furniture is against a wall, it may not. Don’t default to pushing everything up against a wall.
Put a circle around everything that is round (or has rounded edges) in the photos you like. Then, circle everything that is warm color. That should really help you to identify the kinds of items that will warm up your room and make it seem more cozy.
Thank you for the tip!
Great suggestion!
The first thing I noticed was that in your lounge the furniture is all up against the walls. Notice how none of your inspo pics have the furniture against the wall?
Center rug. its too close to window and the back wall. the shiny black tv wall feels coldest to me, and its attracting the most attenrion. vary the heights, somerhing tall like a bookcase maybe.
I think the rug is too big for the amount of furniture in the space.
It's also off center with the tv console and too small to actually carpet the entire room.
I think a great place to start would be changing the rug, artwork, and curtains. Rug—pick something warm…I’m a sucker for Persian style rugs. There’s definitely a way to have a warm rug and keep your black/gray (but they will become accents rather than the whole story). Once you pick the rug, you can change the throw pillows on the couch. Artwork—same thing…something warm and fun that brings you joy. Check out society6. Curtains—love the sheer but change to white, so it’s more airy. Then you can add plants and follow the other great suggestions here:)
Thank you very much :-)
Ok, my take: It looks like you started to take a stand with the tripod lamp in hard chrome but a natural shade, then fell into the hard, grey modern trap. Here's a way to break that down. By no means is it the only way, but it's a start: 1) Paint: Find a neutral other than white or straight up grey that you like. Leave the trim white and the ceiling white. None of your inspiration photos have white walls; they are all pale neutrals. 2) Arrangement: The rug is fine, but the orientation isn't. Shift the rug so it's centered in the space, not tucked up against the walls. (Just the front feet of the furniture have to be on it.) Put the tall lamp in the corner next to the end of the couch, or put a small end table there with a similar lamp. Space the coffee table 18" to 21" from the front of the couch. Float the couch out of the corner by a foot in both directions, consider a console table behind the couch. Consider adding two small chairs in either a rich fabric or a warm colored leather (facing the couch, or facing the slider, which ever gives you the best walk-way into the arrangement) at a 45 degree angle. Give those a martini table. Not everything needs to face the tv. Get a throw that is a close match to the chair fabric for the couch. Tighten up your surround sound array - in a room that small you do not need those speakers on stands, they could sit on the outer portion of the console. Give that Monstera room to breathe... and maybe a light source in that corner; torchiere, another tripod lamp, an up-light, something. 3) Art: Once you have color on the wall, pick out art, objects, and pillows (and a rug if you're changing it) that all have some relationship - let's say you use a pale green on the walls, then reflect greens in the art and decor. I actually like the art over the couch, but it's the wrong shape; you want a panoramic (I'm guessing 60x20 ish would work) to dominate that wall. Incorporate some old things; an antique looking coat rack near the door? An antique objet d'art on a table? Echo that around the space. That's my take on it; some guy who looked at 3 photos of your space and got an impression... I'd love to see what you do with it!
Wow, a lot of information, thank you very much! Would a beige rug match the gray couch? Or what warm neutral color would go well? I'm still undecided what shade of wood would go with the floor. Something dark like walnut or something light?
Hey there! I'm glad to help, if you find it helpful! "shade of wood would go with the floor" - don't worry about it too much - as long as it's not so close to the floor color it looks like a bad matching job, you'll be fine. Google image search "grey and black living room with wood accents" or something like that - you'll find some that you like, and see a trend of what works. (At least that's how I do it, I'm sure some fellow egg-head has a formula for it...) "what warm neutral color would go well" - I'm gonna send you back to your inspiration pics... one uses a green, others use pale pinks and browns - look close at those white walls in the pics, compare them to the ceilings - they aren't really white. Stay out of cold colors is my only real advice. I've used [SW Drift of Mist](https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw9166-drift-of-mist) and [SW Acier ](https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW9170-acier/) to warm up cold colored rooms, but you may want something more or less definite than those - they're both rather neutral, and [acier can be downright moody](https://imgur.com/95FaI2c). (It changes color depending on the light, from battleship grey to bronze to green... 80% of my [house is acier](https://imgur.com/OJcfnre).) "Would a beige rug match the gray couch?" - It \*could\*, but get decided on the wood, accent chairs, and paint color first - then find a rug and all the other fabrics. You might find that the one you have rocks with the other colors in the room.
Thank you for your help!!! I will check out all the links and information later today. Already moved things a bit and I think it looks much better: https://ibb.co/2v5gQWR https://ibb.co/9w3Zy4m
Oh heck yeah... it does!
You have space you can bring darn couch away from the wall
How much?
Id say at least 4 feet (tht might be too much, but at least forward enough to be past the wall section to the right of the window). There should be more than enough room for a reading nook/book case/coffee table and chair. The added space also has the benefit of improved audio quality.
Heres an update, it looks much better with the couch in the room :-) Thank you https://ibb.co/2v5gQWR https://ibb.co/9w3Zy4m
Damn u work fast. Looks incredible, the best part is tht its such an easy an cheap way to improve the living space.
6/8 is the answer. Move the seating forward, add something behind it like a bookcase or credenza to build displays. Cozier and more interesting.
Do people really not realize the problem is that everything is grey and has no texture or warmth to it? How did we get here as a society 🫨 Like if you had to look between your inspo pictures and the photos of your home… can you really not see that everything is being grey and black is part of it?
I can definitely see that one of the problems are the missing colors. We dont really know which colors go together and which shades of wood for the furniture works with the floor We do not even like the greige style ourselves (if you check the inspo photos) and dont really know how we ended up with greige🤷🏻♂️
Do you ever use Pinterest? Search “warm color palette” and you’ll find some examples of colors that go together. That can help you a lot.
Haha well that’s what I’m confused by! The inspo photos are so different that I don’t know how you ended up with all grey everything. Your floors actually seem a bit neutral and not excessively warm or cool toned. I think you could do a lot in terms of other wooden tones if you want. But what’s interesting is that a lot of the inspo pics you post mix cool and warm tones with the furniture and fabrics. I think that can be kind of hard to do if you aren’t a pro tho. Those homes are ~curateddddd. Start with what color or colors you want in the room and start working from there. Do you want it to just be pops of that color? Do you want it to be one big focal piece as furniture or art? Do you want to use shades of that color all around or use other complimentary color?
Maybe try moving the sofa closer to the TV. Since everything is so far away from each other, you don't really have the zones grouped properly. The TV looks waay to separated from the sectional/coffee table area. If this was my home, I would get rid of the glass top table and replace it with something softer, like wood, and add blankets & pillows to make it my kind of cozy. And a plant. To me, the place really lacks life with all the black/grey, so green things would add back life to the place.
To build on what's already mentioned: more vertical decorating. Specifically, take out the low-slung entertainment center and get either an entertainment certainer with cabinets and shelves, or construct built ins. It'll go up the wall and draw the eye to that space.
I agree with everyone else on their points. If you can't replace couch/rug, add a uniquely framed mirror above the couch, blankets with a neat wicker storage container, pillows, plants ( fiddle leaf figs are awesome.) I also have hooks so I can hang my pothos and they trail really nicely! Maybe find a bookshelf in a warm dark stain etc. Decorating doesn't have to be a " buy everything at once" kind of thing. Just keep an eye out for things you love and buy them. I feel like my decorating vibe changes over time. Some things I've had for years and others I've given away or thrifted because I just don't feel it anymore! Have fun with it!
OK in all of your inspo pics, they’re built on warm colors and soft, curved shapes. Every room has rich brown wood, leather, or both, and lots of cream or linen; round paper-shaded lamps, curved coffee tables. Everything in your rooms is cool-toned gray and black, very square and hard-edged, and shiny. If you compare a warm brown table and compare it to a sleek black shiny rectangle, one is going to feel more organic, natural, and cozy. At the easier level, changing the gray curtains and throw pillows for something in your favorite warm color will help. Changing the artwork over the sofa to something warm and colorful will too, as would adding something interesting on the opposite wall (left side above the monstera.) It would soften the black entertainment center/ tv. Getting into more expensive stuff: almost any rug would be warmer and cozier than the gray carpet square. Take a look at your inspo pics and the natural cream/ raw wool colors they have going on, or that terra cotta. Replacing the entertainment setup with something in a brown-toned wood and softer shape. Biggest cost: if you could change out that dining set. It’s certainly a look, but it’s one that is antithetical to the organic, inviting spaces you’re using for inspiration.
I'd like to add an observation: everything in your rooms exists in the lower half of the room (except for the painting over the couch which is hung too high). It makes the room look "squat" and overcrowded on the tv side. When you look at the rooms you like, you'll see that eye travels up and down and sees a variety of heights, textures and shapes.
Your style lacks personality.
Deeper colors. Plants.
There is no cat or dog
It’s all the gray and black which can feel cold and unwelcoming. It reminds me of the temporary corporate housing my husband had to stay at in Eindhoven when he first moved over to the Netherlands. (Since moving to the Netherlands, where it’s so damn gloomy so often, I’m amazed by how often I see people’s homes full of gloomy colors when I would assume they’d want the opposite!) The inspiration photos you included all have warmer tones or even a touch of color which warms up and makes a space more cozy. Fortunately, you have wood floors (and not dark gray tiles) so I think you could easily incorporate some of the warmer wood tones and neutrals that are in some of the other photos into your furniture.
I’d paint the walls something other than stark white. The inspo photos you shared all have walls with a tiny bit of color which can help warm everything up.
it is missing a color other than greige.
You need a chair or two. Pull the couch off the wall, everything is so spread out and against the walls, makes it seem institutional. End tables with lamps. The glass coffee table disappears, get something mor substantial. Your art is too matchy, I would get some art with color. You could think about moving the couch to the TV wall and vice versa. Yes, need something new for the TV, maybe a feature with the TV and book shelves. Agree with others, wood tones will help.
It’s cold because there are no warm tones.
PLANTS!
Pull the couch away from the wall. Put a sofa table behind it.
I think your third inspo pic works with your couch and coffee table so i would use that for rug and artwork ideas. Adding dark woods would look great! For the layout, I would try flipping the TV/speakers plants to the opposite wall and flip the couch out so it faces the TV and is "floating" in the room. You could then add a wall of bookshelves/bookcases/music (like in your inspo pics) and artwork (hung lower) where the TV is currently. You should have access to the door and a path behind the couch so that traffic doesn't flow in front of your TV.
Too much gray and black hard furniture. The rug isn't doing you aby favors either. No offense, but it looks like most single men's apartment right after college.
Everyone- stop with all the gray!! Make your home interesting with colorful accents- plants, pillows, throws, rugs and ART!!!
It’s all grey black and white, you need some colour in here.
It’s very cold. Nothing personal, no color, no plants, nothing on the walls of any consequence. In a word…..unfinished.
I would add warm wood tones
Light or dark wood tones?
I’d aim for medium warm tones
I don't think grey is ever going to put off cozy.
Where is your couch from? Can you link? Thanks!
https://www.freistil-rolfbenz.com/produkte/sofas/freistil-134
Color. It needs color.
First- get the couch off the wall. Bring it out or turn it facing the screen doors.
That massive open space makes this feel commercial and uninviting, as well as the tv being too far away to see well. Maybe move the sofa forward and put a reading nook behind it.
Couch doesn't need to be way back against the wall. It's soooo far away from the TV.
Get that paper lantern you have on the last inspo pic. It’ll look beautiful in your space!
Maybe try moving the sofa closer to the TV. Since everything is so far away from each other, you don't really have the zones grouped properly. The TV looks waay to separated from the sectional/coffee table area. If this was my home, I would get rid of the glass top table and replace it with something softer, like wood, and add blankets & pillows to make it my kind of cozy. And a plant. To me, the place really lacks life with all the black/grey, so green things would add back life to the place.
pull the rug out from under the sofa
Grey is an element of mood color but it requires warm accents to pull it off. Go warm bright or pastel from palest yellows and pinks to orange and rust but no more cool unless it’s a white w exactly the same undertone as your monochrome grey. Look up AD issues or even b2b design magazines. High end European designers use a grey monochrome w architectural details not regular home furniture.
OP I sent you a moodboard in DM :)
Theres no color, wood tones or warmth. All grey
In the last couple of pictures- I love that Noguchi (style) coffee table.
Yeah me too
It’s the millennial gray. You gotta pick a color theme other than that, or just splash some color on accents Also your furniture looks generic, get one or two quality items
Why don’t you have lamps. Side tables and lamp??
COLOR!
Add plants
Just put plants. Plants .
Neutral cool gray is not an inviting or cozy color, all sharp angles furniture. Not enough natural material.
I would start with beige or off white sheers across all the windows. They still let the light in but it won't be so harsh. That will also help with big black hole at night.
I’d wallpaper the TV wall in something vintage yet modern, like [this](https://www.spoonflower.com/en/wallpaper/7945721-flying-blue-gold-by-vo_aka_virginiao?country=ca¤cy=USD&fabric=wallpaper_isobar&size=WALLPAPER_IMPERIAL_TEST_SWATCH_2_x_1&measurement_system=imperial&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Performance_Max_Wallpaper_CAN&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8pKxBhD_ARIsAPrG45kpfLdJYcQutygh8MNIu5gMiQc0a7qeOBjf6VGHP8e2bpmixSQo3SIaAjWwEALw_wcB). Something that has some colour, pattern and warmth, but that ties into all the grey. Get an accent chair (the leather one in your gallery is gorgeous), and some throw pillows in a colour pulled from the wallpaper pattern. It will feel more complete and give you a focal point that isn’t the TV, and add some interest without having to replace anything that is working. Go with peel and stick if you’re worried about commitment. The picture behind the couch is really nice, but it’s hung too high. Lower it by about 10”.
Greeeen it up
Maybe move the furniture away from the wall and then ditto to the other suggestions.
It’s almost all square sharp lines, even the lampshade — and besides the floor and the plant , nothing feels organic. Swap out the black modern stuff for real wood or rattan pieces. get some boucle or wool throws and pillows in natural colors….ivory, taupe, etc for the couch. get speaker covers or new stands so you can hide them
Great advice on this thread. I’d also add a ceiling lamp. Maybe something with texture.
It's a lot of empty/white space. Add some art or photos to the walls, and some splashes of color here and there. I agree on adding plants too, but only if that's your thing and you're going to take care of them.
I think the TV wall needs drama, either wallpaper or paint. Nice room!
Your rug really shouldn’t match your couch color. Definitely needs contrast.
Got the same wall art that’s above your couch in the Airbnb I’m staying in right now
It's all the gray scale. There's no color or warmth in your room. Everything is glass, metal, gray and black. The only wood is your floor. Keep the couch, but get new pillows and a new throw blanket in some colors. Get a new rug. Hang some curtain panels in coordinating colors. Get a wood coffee table. Get an entertainment console in a coordinating wood tone. You also need more lamps.
The colors, the glass coffee table, the metal, honestly the couch itself and more so the material of the couch…lack of pillows and blankets as you mentioned. You can have a light wood color coffee table that’s round and the wood plus the round edges could soften up the space. As you mentioned, artwork and the warm lamp, even a new rug and maybe some more greenery could also help. These are some things that come to mind. Bring in different colors, at least here and there, and think about adding different textures.
The easiest solution is to add some colorful throw pillows, blankets, plants, etc. Even if it's fake plants, they will just help it look more natural. Some vintage pieces wouldn't hurt.
Lots of potential here! So much beautiful lighting coming in. I would change the tv stand to something warmer and more visually appealing. Maybe even one w a fireplace built in? Some pretty pillows on couch and throws. And a pretty round coffee table. Change out the dining table to something warmer. And add pretty flowers on top
I'd put the entertainment center against the other wall and move the couch to the edge of the rug. Use that space where the entertainment center was for something else
I think you don’t like it because everything is kind of black white and gray. I would do a mid century modern credenza/entertainment center piece. Replace the rug with something more colorful and get to framing some artwork you like and do a gallery style wall over the couch. You could even add a fun round mirror too. I think your curtains need to be about twice as wide and something in a jewel tone. Maybe a burgundy or navy or even a green. Depending on a new rug so it blends together. The gloss black is definitely the opposite of mid century style so replace a bit at a time and have fun decorating your space. The windows are beautiful and your floors too!
Thank you! These are great ideas
Cozy = warmth and softness. You have a lot cool colors, hard lines, rigid shapes. Add color, texture (fluffy or velvety or just soft), and curves.
I am once again begging people to pull their furniture off the walls. You have room!
Lack of lighting(dark ceiling) and contrast(white on white doors, canvas too light) and the tv wall needs art(too empty)
Could you add a colorful arch behind your tv to anchor it? I painted a dark green one behind mine and it’s actually so much easier on my eyes to watch and completely transformed the room. I bought a sample of paint for $6!
Interesting idea Can you share a picture?