Room with a view

So you have just bought an apartment - “a room with a view” - maybe a sun-drenched living area with a fabulous outlook. The real estate agent didn't need to point out the view - maybe the outlook is so good that you didn't notice the room at all.  Now, how to make the space work in a way to enhance the view, and create a truly successful living room. 

We recommend furniture & accessories that work in harmony to create a comfortable relaxed space.  Here’s how to maximize this great asset.

Colour:  opt for a pale neutral tone, not bright (appliance) white - With the amount of natural light that the room will capture, vivid white is too harsh and brilliant.  Try Whisper White, ¼ strength White Duck or ½ strength Buff It – all by Dulux. Grand Piano is a great colour too (as used in this example) - with a green / khaki base.  

Wall coverings:  go for stripes that lie horizontally only on one wall.  These can play on the horizon outlook, make sure there are no bold colours, mild neutral tones are best.  See some inspiring and clever designs at www.wallcandy.com.au. 

The palette:  generally a neutral palette which has been layered – ie taupe, beige, white.  Then use highlight/accent colours to change the desired mood or season.  Think about Teal blues, pale lime greens as these will also highlight the colours from outside + bring them inside.

The interior:  clever positioning of a console table with a large mirror to reflect the view, if this is not an option – try at the entry.  It will create a strong entrance.  

Solid timber furniture to incorporate a natural element, teamed with a sisal rug and interesting lighting, you can’t go wrong.

Try to frame the view - use table and chairs of different styles and colours if possible to create an interest in each corner - while still giving the room a sense of balance. Think about proportion, height, scale and size. 

Floor coverings: Add an extra dimension to the space by using a gloss level that can reflect the light (and part of the view). Traditionally, floor boards should run towards the biggest light source (as pictured). This owner has used Walnut Bamboo, and has installed a higher heritage profile skirting board to add to the age and formal feel of the room. 

 Before -

After -

Window coverings: Important to the success of the room, window treatments need to be thought through - block out blinds are either up or down - and will block out the view when the sun is shining through, or at night - not great if the view is interesting at night. Shutters are a good option, as they can be tilted and opened right up, as with Venetian blinds. Dual rollers (with one block out and one transparent) is a good alternative, as they allow full block out for privacy and sun control, as well as shading. 

(In the example above, the owner has since installed sun shade blinds in white).

This scheme: 

Walls 1/2 Grand Piano, Dulux

Trims - Vivid White, Dulux

Decor: 

Scatter Cushions by Great Divide 

Trojan Horse by Boyd Blue

Glazed pot by Great Divide 

Walnut Semi Gloss bamboo flooring by Style Plantation 

Plantation Shutters by Style Plantation 

Colours / Scheme by Fofi by Design