Need help decorating an empty apartment?

Question

I just moved yesterday and sadly have realized that I don't own any furniture (and am very grateful I bought myself a bed a few months ago). Since the move is unexpected I only have about a $2500 budget to furnish the living room, dining area, and bedroom. I have decided to go with IKEA since I know that I can get everything within budget. The apartment has wood floors and tan walls throughout (including tan tiles in the bathroom). I like the modern/contemporary styles. I found a couch that I like that comes in both dk. brown or white and would like to build off either. I want something that will flow nicely into the bathroom. I need to figure out a color scheme that will go nicely with everything. For example, could I use the white couch with black and pink accents and then go into the bathroom and keep the pale pink scheme? Or should I go with the dk. brown couches and go with greens or something. Since I am starting from scratch I would like the colors just the right way...THANKS

Here is a pic of the couch I like

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15585&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=25682&langId=-1&categoryId=15944&chosenPartNumber=S49807322

Answer 1

How nice to start fresh! I think that it would be sensible to pick the dark brown sofa (white is a nightmare for staining/showing bits of fluff/hair etc.) and this would probably save you from having to paint (if you are liking the tan coloured walls). You might consider using orange (ranging from deep to paler shades) as an accent along with touches of blue (ranging from deep turquoise to paler shades). You could pick that up in lamps, throw cushions, accessories and in towels, etc. for the bathroom.

You can also buy large, primed canvases at art supply stores and simply paint a base colour in a soft neutral colour (or leave them white) and then splatter on whatever accent colours you are using to have unique and interesting art on your walls that will tie everything in. You can buy small bottles of acrylic paints (very inexpensive - around $2 per) to splatter the paint. You don't even have to frame them and that will keep the cost down for you and give the space a very contemporary and unique look.

I don't know where you live, but Winners often have the neatest accessories - candle holders, wall hangings, vases, etc. - that are very reasonably priced.

Enjoy your new space! In no time at all, it will feel like home!

Answer 2

Every one seems to think brown is the way to go, but I disagree.

White (or light colors) will make a small apertment look larger than it is. It is also a neutral than works with EVERY color palate.

Several mention the dirt factor, that is really not an issue since we are speaking about a rather inexpensive piece of furniture that you are more than likely will only have a few years before you upgrade to something more substantial. Even if you do hold on to the piece beyond normal IKEA life expectancy, Ikea also sells slip covers.

Another thing you should know about, Ikea has design professionals who can advise you, FREE of charge. Make use of them. They of course will try to sell you other items, but you can use them just for their ideas.

Answer 3

I would like to recommend Overstock.com. They have lots of neat things, including sofas, chairs, etc., and the shipping costs are very low, about $3.95. for anything, even furniture. As the color goes, both ideas sound nice. Pink is more youthful, green is more sophisticated.

Answer 4

Lucky you! Wish I were starting over....

I would go with the dk brown, I'd add white and just a touch of tan and turquoise.

Enjoy!

Answer 5

I would go with the dark brown, you could work with all the shades of natural colours in the brown family with dirrerent shades of greens, very modern.

Answer 6

This website will help you with decorating and color schemes.
Also has great stores listed. Its a great site, and I have recommended it heaps since stumbling onto it. Its great for all ages.
http://mariesmanorbedrooms.com/decor-accessories.html