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
.jpg)
