Would it be horribly outing to ask for a picture of your lounge?

[TheGirlWhoLived]

I’ve recently moved and mine is just not looking right. My 8 year old summed it up saying it’s just not ‘homely’ enough- whereas the furniture really suited my previous house.

I can summon some cash to throw at it, but not huge amounts, and I have the added bonus of not being able to paint/wallpaper as it’s rented. I’ve tried looking in Instagram and Pinterest, and all the magazines (living etc.) but I would love to see REAL homes, not show homes. So if you please wouldn’t mind, any chance of a picture?

[Honeyroar]

Might it be better to post a picture of your own lounge? People could suggest ways to make it look more homely..

[NotGreenNotKeen]

Yes it would 🙄

[TheGirlWhoLived]

No need for the eye roll @notgreennotkeen ; I had to give it a quick tidy first and then I had to refill my wine... I didn’t realise you would be so keen!

[freetony]

Both of ours are really different, what natural/immovable features does your sitting room have?

[TheGirlWhoLived]

I’m just over 5ft so I can’t do any decent pictures.... it just seems a bit - blah

[TheGirlWhoLived]

Curtains are the first port of call. But I want to get the mood right before I get spending

[rubyroot]

You're asking for pictures of other people's lounges but won't post your own. I don't think this post will get very far, do you?

[Drizzzle]

I think you need some warm colours, cheerful cushions, throw, pictures on the walls ....

[Sarcelle]

It needs more colours and curves. Everything is boxy, cubed, even the rug.

[pinkpantsrock]

Different curtains, go for ones that reach the floor in a really warming colour. Change the rug, mirror or photos up.

plants, oh and some throws

[TheGirlWhoLived]

Ah, I did try and post them @rubyroot ... sorry!

[MooKnee]

I think you need some more colour, curtains or artwork 🖼 maybe

[barnun]

It’s all different shades of brown, not much art on the walls, no real “features”.

I can imagine that you might not be able to hang anything on the walls if you’re renting, but other options to add pops of colour or break up the “furniture around the edges of the room” would help.

[rubyroot]

Oh sorry didn't see the pics

[Napqueen1234]

I would suggest:

Floor length curtains and matching rug in a colour (maybe mustard yellow) to brighten it up a bit
Some nicer brighter pics on the wall (if allowed)
Some nice decorating bits for the mantelpiece (I think that’s a mantle?!) Sainsbury’s home have some lovely things. Maybe a nice vase with fresh flowers

Some coloured cushions

It’s not bad just as you said a bit plain!

[lboogy]

You need some colour. And get a proper built in unit for your tv. Ikea does a lovely unit

[TheGirlWhoLived]

I’ve not had laminate before, would a really big rug work? Going under the longer bit of the sofa? Maybe something geometric or autumnal?

[barnun]

Yes @Sarcelle is right, it’s got so many straight lines!

[BarbedBloom]

I think you need some colour, different textures and definitely some art on the wall. You can look on pinterest for inspiration

[Volluto]

For evening homely i prefer lamps rather than central ceiling light

I have tall bookshelves which 'decorate' the wall and art on the walls.

[Sazquatch]

Plants, cushions and a few lamps will solve your problem. It’s too cold/stark and boxy as it is but will be lovely once it’s been softened a bit.

[RolytheRhino]

I'd go with a red accent. Red curtains and rug (you can get a decent one from IKEA fairly cheaply), red pillows and maybe a red throw. Really warm the place up.

[ssd]

I think your house looks nice and homely op. Of course if you had loads of money you could do it all up, throw a load of cash at it.
But who has that?!?

[LeekMunchingSheepShagger]

You need a bigger rug with a bit of colour

[AllDaySnacker]

If you’re on a budget, Ikea would be good for:

• tall bookshelves on one or either side of fireplace depending on how you view symmetry
  
• much larger rug perhaps with a less eye catching pattern
  
• small lamps for the floor / low shelf
  
• a coffee table
  

The armchair arrangement all against the wall makes it look a bit strange - it doesn’t matter too much if the armchairs aren’t identical in material but if you put the brown chaise longue nearer the window and rearrange the black armchair / footstool so it is roughly an L shape at the far end of the room it might look more inviting. Cover in slip covers / throws and some cushions.