Posted in General Decorating, Livingrooms, Decorating, Colors |
I need help with an African-Style livingroom.
September 27th, 2007
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Full Question:
I just bought a merlot color, but looks almost dark brown leather couch and recliner. I am so disappointed because it doesn’t look as nice as the uncomfortable couch I had before. My coffee table has a stone grey/pink top design with fairly thick wrought iron legs. I have African American art on the walls and African mask going up my fireplace. I have a throws from Nigeria that I’ve put on the sofa and the chair but room still looks drab. I believe I need an area rug but am allergic to wool and the table is very heavy and would possibly rip the African woven rugs that I’ve seen in magazines. I have a bay window where I have two large plants and the couch is in front of the plants.
For some reason this is just not working for me. My living room has lot it’s WOW that’s nice factor.
Almost forgot, my living room has an open plan with few walls and high ceilings. In the dining area which connects to the living room has a glass table with bamboo back and wrought iron legs.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
My Answer:
Your timing is perfect! I have just completed an “African-Style” decorating article. I hope you find some of these ideas usful:
This is probably one of the least discussed decorating styles there is. I have only done this style once. Here are things I did:
* I used scarves over lampshades - these were animal themes.
* Tall artificial plants were plentiful - hiding stuff like TV antennas.
* I got a woven shawl off E-bay that became wall art.
* I got another one that become a furniture throw.
* Drums were used as side tables. Other ones were used as the legs of a coffee table.
* Mosquito netting, hung from the ceiling on cup hooks, was draped over the two sides and back of a comfy chair.
* Naturals like raffia, stones and branches could be used for lots and lots of things - tie raffia around the base of lamps, use stones to make free standing art, and stand branches in a wicker umbrella stand.
* A great fabric of choice for this theme is muslin. Curtains, pillows, furniture covers (it’s not the greatest for the last one because it wrinkles).
* I found a really cool rainstick for this room - it sounds just like rain in the rain forest
Your Frugal Decorating Diva,
Nancy
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