Beautiful, Multi-Functional Lounge Design

Hi Rachel!
The original rugs we liked have sold out, so here is my final shortlist based on what I can get right now.
I’ve also found a chair for the wine area that fits within the budget and has a couple of colour options that will work I would love you thoughts on this!
Thank you,

Lisa,


I hope everything in the package makes sense! Let me know if you have any other questions. Also, I just saw the email forwarded to me with the tigerlily rug. Looks great. I love the pop under the white table.

Again, if you have more questions I would be happy to answer. It has been a pleasure working with you. Thank you, and safe travels on your trip!

Rachel

Hi: So confirming:
Wine rug: 200 x 280
Dining Rug: 160 x 230
Lounge rug?????

Thanks
Lisa

Hi: I've got to quit looking at rugs. Problem is, the stock seems to change. If you can, take a look at current cut/paste. Do I have my eye right? I am worried about wine rug if I go to that tigerlilly in dining area. But, I also don't want to spend a fortune either....so I like tigerlilly in the dining as good value.

I can't find the lounge square rug at the moment....which is making me nervous.

Hi Rachel: Some good rug sales on! Are you able to give me the dimensions of the rug for the wine and lounge area? I know dining is 160 x 230, correct?

I may go rug shopping tomorrow as the sales end before I get home.

Hi Lisa,

You should be receiving the final package here soon once Decorilla approves it. I completely understand the new color scheme was probably overwhelming. For this package I went back to referencing the renderings you originally approved of...with exception to what we have discussed. I believe once you approve of the final package we can still go back and forth on here if you have questions later on.

*Note* the rug I used in the final moodboard is different from the rendering. I was looking on the site and I could not find that striped rug anymore, so I am curious if they are sold out of it now? You might have better luck finding it if you liked it. I used the new tigerlily shag rug in the moodboard to show you how it would look. The shopping list will guide you to everything.

I am happy to continue going over things even after we conclude the package. It has been great working with you and I am excited for you to start putting everything together. It is going to be a great space for you and your son!

Thank you,

Rachel

Hi Rachel:
Got your message. A bit overwhelmed by the new colour scheme! I really love the original scheme, so am going to not shop online until I get back and then see what is available in lounge suites/chairs. I am in no real hurry.

I know you've invested heaps of time, so happy for you to conclude. I don't know if you are able to do me a simple schematic with the new colours? I just cant see more of the raspberry or pink, so think I will stick with the the one with the burgundy chairs. Goes better with the S Africa art. You've been more than helpful, so happy for you to tell me what we need to do to finish off.
Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Okay, with everything we have I put together a document file for you of what I think you should go with. These groupings go more maroon then red now but i think with everything in this file the whole space will look consistent and great together.

Here are my thoughts on rugs as of right now. While I like all the patterned ones we previously thought about I am thinking minds change over time and with the groupings in this file you are about to see, these ones will stay in style in my mind and go with probably anything you choose for the space.

Lounge.... the only things in this document that I think are not from the stores in NZ for you to actually get is the tufted coffeetable and the arching lamp for over the sofa, both from westelm in the lounge, which we could find one similar or maybe while you are over here (depending on assembly packaging maybe you could buy it while you are over here in the USA if you like it enough. I looked at the 2 rugs you saw and liked. I actually really like the shag one for the lounge if you like it. But I also showed the red one in the grouping just in case. I think for the prices you should go with those 2/3 seater tufted sofas in the cream leather. It would help keep your space still pretty light (not heavy looking). I think you should buy those two cheap chairs that the owner said were more "raspberry" colored. (It will bring in the color from the wine area) And if you go with the cream sofas then I think you should go with the "bark" color shag rug from nood. And then if you want more color then you can find colorful fun pillows for all the seating.

Dining......Kingsbury Cabinet from JS Interiors. Lamps from Paulas.co.nz 2 Table Lamps on either end of it. Chandelier hung above dining table. Make sure it is hung where you can either have the dining table running horizontal or vertically. I am not sure what you are willing to spend for a buffet but I LOVED this one from JS interiors that is shown in my file. And I think it will look great with all the modern pieces yet. Wither keeping with the current lamp you have or going with these table lamps for on the buffet would look very elegant in my opinion. And the chandelier is elegant yet somewhat modern and would not block the view.

Wine.... I showed my two top picks for the wine seating. Probably a different color (possibly a leather bringing in that "bark" color from the rug in the lounge?) Or the maroon chair from hunter furniture. I agree on having a taller back and arms, much more comfortable for sitting in. I definitely agree staying away from the tub chair is a good idea now. (Especially if you tried it out and did not like it) I really love this rug from for the wine space from signature rugs. I think it is beautiful and feminine and a perfect fit for the space. There is also a smaller version of the chandelier I show used for above the dining table that I think would look great to hang in middle of the wine space.

I am writing a lot here but I hope everything makes sense. It is a lot to take in because there are quite a few great pieces we have found. I hope you like the new groupings I made. I feel pretty strong about this grouping, but you are the ultimate decider! And I am looking forward to your feedback. I grouped everything by room. :) I know you mentioned traveling to Vietnam and maybe its possible we could finish before Thursday but I know its coming up soon!

Rachel

Okay: Here is the list of furniture compiled so far. I am off on Thursday to Vietnam with my son - so I will have to stop looking for two weeks. There are some items on sale - so if you feel strongly there is something in my doc that is 'perfect', then let me know and i can try to action.

At the very end are the trademe items for auction. Those two pink chairs are intriguing. She says the colour is more raspberry - not pink. I am keen to go for them if you think the style can work in the lounge. I would cap my spend at $600 and if the auction goes beyond...oh well!

Okay: I promise last website. Just found this place on line. They do reproductions. Look at this link - quite like this sofa and on sale if you buy the beige leather. Do you think worth going to have a look at?? The price seems reasonable for real leather. Would mean a move away from brown though...

http://jsinteriors.co.nz/procon.asp?id=2424&BigUrlPath=|0|64|91|&SmallUrlPath=|0|64|91|126|

Hi Rachel: Thanks for your detailed mail with the pieces you like from the various sites. I am compiling a word doc with the stores/items so i can keep my head straight.

I've had a look through the Freedom Furniture site. Can you give me your thoughts on the following?
Astrid Chair
Hilton Couch
Oregon Couch
CBD Coffee table
Ghost coffee table (do you think rectangular glass would work in lounge?)
Ghost nested tables

Thanks

Also, I sat in a couple of tub chairs today. Not very comfortable as they don't come up high enough on the back.

My preference to go for something more like you originally had - more an armchair. The Bronte from the Kiwibed company site below could be good.

A couple of other shops to explore for NZ furniture:
www.freedomfurniture.co.nz. They have quite good value lounge suites.

www.kiwibedandsofas.co.nz: They custom make couches and chairs here in NZ. So, I could pick the fabric. Here are the ones that caught my eye:
1. Florence Armchair (for either lounge or wine)
2. Bronte armchair (for either lounge or wine)
3. Bianca Button Style couch - without the piping.

Prices are reasonable for new, custom made furniture.

Hi Rachel:
I went out furniture/rugs shopping today. Some good sales on at the moment.

I think I need to start with the rugs. Then I can build from there. Would that make sense?

Two rugs caught my eye today:
http://www.nood.co.nz/living-room/rugs/roma-rug.html Reddish roma wool rug - $349.50. It is 160cm x 230cm

http://www.nood.co.nz/living-room/rugs/pelludo-rug.html. Tigerlily colour. Comes in two sizes: 160cm x 230cm $249.50 and 190cm x 280 cm $349.50.

For the price, they seem good value.

The Roma was probably the better coloured of the two and was a flatter rug. The Pelludo is more a shag.

Hi Lisa,

Here is all my feedback looking at all the furniture stores you suggested to me.

For the wine area I really think the lounge chair from Hunter Furniture would look the best. What do you think?

From Danskemobler.co.nz. I liked these pieces....
1.Pasto 3 seater and 2 seater suite sofas
2.The Vivaldi Chair
3.Goccia coffee table

From www.ifurniture.co.nz I liked these pieces....
http://www.ifurniture.co.nz/views.asp?hw_id=1585
http://www.ifurniture.co.nz/views.asp?hw_id=1364

From Paulas.co.nz
Go to lounge->Domani -> Knox 3/2.5 seaters in a brown leather.

Lighting from Paulas.co.nz
Go to Home Decor->lighting->LeForge ->
1. Boston Tripod Floor Lamp Black (for floor lamp in corner)
2.Rococo Chandeliers for possibility over dining table area/wine area if you decide you would like some pendent lighting.
3. Lyon Chandeliers (same thing as Rococo)
4.Mercury Lamp DSGT12012 (if you wanted to go for that two lamps on the buffet idea I thought these were beautiful lamps for the space that would draw in the brown used throughout the space in those shades.)

From Kiwibedandsofas.co.nz
1. Bruno Armchair (either in maroon or brown fabric if available)
2. Lorenzo 3 seater sofa
3. Trinidad 3 seater sofa


Let me know your thoughts and if you are sold on anything yet! :)

Thank you,

Rachel

I just noticed the email crossover too! haha glad we both agree on it! They could certainly work in either the lounge or wine area. The lounge area has more of a red tone to it (as of right now) so I am thinking maybe that chair from Hunter Furniture would look the best in your wine space? It is more feminine looking and I think 3 of those would look great in that space, especially with the rug that is there. Or maybe it comes in a different fabric where it could work in the lounge area as well?

I will look over these furniture sites later today when I have a good amount of time to search! :)

On the lounge suite from trademe that you last posted.... I think the legs/structure of the sofa and lounge seat are exactly what we were going for. It looks, from the pictures, that the cushions need some major TLC and fluffing. So if you are up for that I think it would be a great set, and if that price is correct it would be an amazing price for a fixer upper and possibly even get the whole thing recovered if its within budget!

Any merit in this lounge suite?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=747216031

Hi: Another website. This is the place my dining table and chairs came from. Their sales are good...

http://www.danskemobler.co.nz/catalogue.pdf

Hi Rachel:
This is an online cheap n cheerful chinese import furniture place. Any merit in this type of glass coffee table for lounge?

http://www.ifurniture.co.nz/views.asp?hw_id=1796

Hi: Another site: www.paulas.co.nz. Some chairs and couches

How funny: My email about the chair from Hunter crossed over yours. It is the same chair! Great minds...

AN idea: I am in the USA in October. I am traveling back business class so if we found a coffee table that we loved that could be packed up and be under 23kg, I could bring it back with me.
Lisa

PS: Where are you based? USA?

Check out this lounge chair from Hunter Furniture...
http://furniture.co.nz/our-products/all-products/lounge-chairs/kubric-lounge-chair/#dimensions

Hi Rachel:
For commercial shops, Hunter Furniture: www.furniture.co.nz always has nice things. Also, just saw online kiwi bed and sofas: www.kiwibedandsofas.co.nz - more chairs that could be custom made.

Lisa

Also, I do not know if you were still possibly interested in them but these are the original wine area chairs I had chosen for your space. They are from a store you recommended to us I believe. They could still work in the space, but I know you wanted more neutralized. But just incase here is the chair!

http://furniture.co.nz/our-products/all-products/lounge-chairs/kubric-lounge-chair/#information

Hi Rachel: Thanks for trademe link. Have asked them a question re colour as can be deceiving.

Now, can you look at this link? For the wine chairs...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=747543027

Here is a tufted coffeetable from westelm that I love and if we found one close to this I think it would look great in the space..
http://www.westelm.com/products/tufted-dining-bench-flax-h655/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables&cm_src=coffee-side-tables||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

Hi Lisa,

Yes, I found different items. In the shopping list phase I can show you some possibilities as options if you would like for the coffee table/different style/tufted versions. But they are companies from here so they would only be references. As for the trade.me. site here is one option that is rectangular that could work. But I am thinking the space might feel too heavy with this. That is why I went with a lighter/simpler coffee table. Plus it hides the the rug a lot. http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/lounge-dining-hall/ottomans-footstools/auction-745802133.htm

I think staying with a square (or round) coffee table would be best for the lounge. At least with how the measurements came out for me. And the rug in there that you liked has a great pattern to it and I would not want to hide it too much.

If you do see a rectangular coffeetable either simple or tufted I would recommend moving the long sofa you get to where your current sofa is. Then having the coffeetable align with it. Then keep the seats where they are and move the loveseat to where the sofa is in the rendering. That could also offer up the possibility of moving the arching lamp to the back corner again.

If you would like me to give some better recommendations with items you can buy I would gladly look at some furniture stores that you like from there. If you wanted to give me a list of a few and I can either comment on here my recommendations or put them in on the shopping list. :)

Rachel

I also saw these for the wine/lounge space if you like the darker leather for in that space. I am not sure if there would be a way to buy them in a set of 3. But I think for your space 4 could still fit. http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/lounge-dining-hall/chairs/armchairs/auction-744906383.htm

Lisa,

We don't get to the shopping list portion until we pass through the rendering phase but looking at tradeMe.co.nz here are two chairs I just found on there that could work for the space. The color I am not sure, but maybe you could get them recovered? http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/lounge-dining-hall/chairs/armchairs/auction-747038259.htm Just saw the pair and though it might be a good price as well.

Also, check out the new screenshot I took of the space. I wanted to show you the sofas/wine chairs in a chocolate brown..I think this color looks great in the space, I especially love how it goes with the colors in the wine space. What do you think? Should I go forward with the chocolate brown for both space?

Lisa,

I am happy to hear you are loving where the design is going!

The buffet I used in the space is from Ikea. It is the "BESTA" Storage cabinet. And I used the two door option. Looks like this without the middle section and is a dark brown/black... http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19023662/#/S99019454

Is the metal cabinet you have a more gray color? From the pictures it looked more metalic goldish color on my computer and that's what I have used in the space. I do need to make the doors/hinges on it more like yours. What is the height of it? That will help make it look more realistic in the rendering.

Thank you,

Rachel

Hi Lisa,

I just uploaded a new round of images for you to take a look at. The rendering process can take awhile so I didn't want to finalize everything before you had a chance to look it over and decide on some things...

A few notes about these images.

1. IN the lounge area, I am wondering what you would like to see displayed on the shelves? Are there any decor items you would like me to put on them or maybe I should just find some books/vases to display there?
2. I have most of the frames for artwork to be painted black or a dark color to tie in the black from your kitchen. The frames above the buffet by the dining table that you see in the second image will be housing all your smaller prints (still have to photoshop those in) and the round half spheres are to represent the wall masks you have.

Overall I would just like your opinion on if you like where everything is placed. I went with three rugs you had chosen in your pdf file you sent over to me. All showing in the floorplan the sizes that the website says are available in them.

Thank you,

Rachel

Please let me know the colors you would like. Originally we had discussed blues in it to bring out the blues from artwork. Are you just wanting it all neutral now? I am trying to find the right kind of rugs and having difficulty knowing what to exactly look for. Thank you,

Rachel

Also, I show you cabinet painted a dark charcola gray in this.

Hi Rachel: Yes, I will try and get you measurements for the art pieces. Was going to try over weekend, but I will see if I can get it done today.

Lisa

Also, Just checking....but will you still be putting together your new art pieces in a pdf for me to add to the final images?

Thanks!

Rachel

Hello Lisa,

Just letting you know I have read all of these comments :) I am going to put some new images together for you to look over in the next two days to get your feedback on them. I am going to be out of town without access to working on this friday- monday so after that I can start finishing it all up for you taking from feedback. And yes, I will use your son's recommendation :)

Rachel

Hi: Dining table with 'leaf' in is 2.2m Long x 1m wide. Without leaf (takes from 8 seater down to 6) table is 1.7 long. We mostly seat 6 if guests, so I could take leaf out and reduce to 1.7m.

I know what you mean about dining/wine/lounge. Lots of furniture in the middle! If we can, let's work to wine/dining/lounge. See my note below with comment from my son! He prefers wine/dining/lounge so the parents cant listen in to kid talk!

Re blue chairs in lounge and burgundy in wine area - I guess I am open. Will depend a bit on the throw rug? I quite like the design in floorplanner, with the bold pattern in muted colours. Does that impact chair colour? I am open to your recommendation.

Re dining chairs - I am going to be limited to keeping what I have for now. In future. I could put upholstered chairs at head of table, but for now can leave as is.

Also, one final thought: I have explored the idea of knocking out the slider door from the lounge into the kitchen. It is a cavity slider so if it went, it would double the size of the entry between kitchen and lounge. It is not on the budget for the ear future, but would that influence our design choice if it was an option?

Rachel: My 12 year old son had one comment on the design. He prefers the wine/dining/lounge format as it separates the 'adults' from the kid space by the tv. The kids, when we have guests, either congregate in his bedroom or in the lounge. Food for thought.

Hi Lisa,

Okay, so looking at the layouts you provided to me it looks like there is definitely space to move the dining table vertically. To me, in the layouts with the wine area in the middle, it looks like there is a lot of furniture going on but are you okay with it all close like that? If so I think it will look great still, just wondering :)

A few questions. Did you like the blue chairs I suggested for the lounge area? And keep the magenta chairs for the dining area?

Another measurement that would be good for me to have is your dining table? Also, are you wanting me to show in the renderings a different set of dining chairs? Something more formal and upholstered? A muted tone would look good.

Sideboard: Looked at the photo. Happy with the idea. Given the kitchen/bathrooms are quite modern, would like to see more modern sideboard concepts? Also, initially, as I won;t have a lot to spend, perhaps we could retask my metal cabinet in the original pics to act as a sideboard? Could add a light and it could become the wine cellar and be placed in the new location for the wine area? (Dining/wine/lounge)!

Photos of Art: Hi, I will create a separate pdf with the various art pieces, so I can add in their size so you have a detailed list of what I want to work with. This will take a few days, but will try and sort by next week. I am open to repainting any/all of the frames.

Hi: File just emailed to you with detailed measurements and two layout concepts I have played with: Wine/Dining/Lounge and Dining/Wine/Lounge. Let me know your thoughts.

Re dining table and angled wall: the angled wall is 1.8m, the dining table with the 6 seater leaf in (can be removed, but we normally seat 6 if friends over) is 2.2. It is currently positioned there and would work, but feels a bit like bolted on, so would need to find ways to integrate it into that space (light, art, rug?)

Rugs: See my floorplanner. There is limited choice - but I realise I don;t liek Turkish/traditional design but instead like bold design in more subdued colours. Some ideas on my floorplan to give you an indication, but keep in mind floorplanner very limited.

Reading Nook: Ignore this now. If we move to layout Dining/Wine/Lounge, the wine area is there the reading area was. Just like the thought of chairs there to take advantage of the view. Wine or reading = same.

Ottomans/Bench vs Chairs/Couch with a Back: I am thinking I want to stick with pieces that have a back to them. I find it hard to sit relax on bench, sit as can't really lean back. So rather than ottoman/bench, can we start by trying furniture pieces with backs.

All sounds good. I will get you some "rough draft" layout options and visuals/screenshots, prior to final renderings to look at over the next week or so so that you can get an idea for the space. That way we can go over those and finalize what you prefer. I will look into options for the reading nook space and chaise ideas for it as well. Hopefully you will have internet to check these when you are not working on the road but if not then I look forward to going over everything once you get back!
Safe travels!

Hi Rachel : Final comments, I promise! Have emailed the decorilla woman the additional pics. I've got to run shortly. Also, I wanted to review your design again for any final comments.

Love the mix n mingle space. Warm, inviting, bold and yet funky. Ideally, would want to explore 3 chairs if you can make it work + we need a table for the wine glasses.

Love the reading space tucked away. The corner window there gets LOTS of sun, especially winter sun, so we need to think about some kind of chair/chaise in that corner too. (I think Michele proposed a swivel chair - which was interesting). All else good. Love the pop of coluor; love something a bit bold. Can it all work with the curtains?? Thanks. Boping to have email on the road.

Hi Rachel: I've taken more photos of the lounge, external facing corner window. I had always envisioned a window seat there (the bookshelves look to be removable) but no one seemed to be able to make the idea work. Not sure if you can work your magic? The cheaper solutuon is to leave the bookshelves and just add a chair. Gets lovely after noon sun. How can I upload the doc with the new photos? Don't see an upload option any more.

Hi: The major changes on the measurement was the interior wall where teh yellow chair and lamp are sitting in the photo. I had that way too short. So glad you got the new updated measurements.

Re reference to the white - NO! I picked you because of your eye for colour - and the colours you used. The drawing to the white was more around the layout of the lounge - I thought it was interesting to have the couch set that way and out from the wall with a small buffet cabinet behind. That's all.

Ideally, if possible, I like a bit of choice - so some layout options (couch/table/rug) placement would be good so I can see an array of layouts before you finalise would be appreciated. And, I am open to the thought of a run under the dining table. Will leave the detail to you. Thanks Lisa

Lisa,

Just letting you know that I got the pictures and new room measurements now. I will be working on a concept including everything you have mentioned in those as well.

Hi Lisa,

I looked at the measurements given now and they are the same as previous. Can you see if the new measurements on here are what you just uploaded? I am also not seeing pictures of the fireplace idea from Rinnai that you mentioned.
Thanks!

Some other questions I have are...
1. Could you add a picture more close up of the wall/window area on the reading nook walls?
2.You mentioned liking the more white concept, are you wanting me to go a little more neutral, such as changing the rugs I chose, too colorful? And were you saying that you would like a rug under the dining table as well?
3. Do you like the blue poufs around the coffee table still?
4.And Would you like me to still keep the current blue reading chair I chose? An option could be to use two of those in the living space like you mentioned and then choosing two sofas to extend out from fireplace wall. But then you might lose the space for a reading nook next to bookshelf. But that would look really great I think as well.

Okay - measurements all uploaded + some pics uploaded to of fireplace ideas. Rinnai here is NZ does a low profile gas fireplace - just expensive! I would need a builder to box it up and it could flue directly to outside. So doable - just beyond this years budget. But I do want to factor it in in case I win Lotto!
If you need anything else, I am around tomorrow day and then away,.

My ceiling height is 2800m.
Also, I liked the idea played with by the last designer who submitted - the more white concept - but the couch being out from the wall with the thin buffet unit. Was an interesting take...

Now the measurements better, Id love to have you play with some additional layout options. I am not fixed on keeping current couch - bought it used as a stop gap. I do want to explore a gas fireplace on long, solid outer wall. I had envisioned it being rendered in some interesting texture and shelves for art on either side. Not sure if there is a way I can upload pics - I found some from Houzz I had filed a while back. I would like to try two couches extending out from the wall with the fireplace - coffee table and rug in middle plus some added chairs? I would like more lounge seating that what we currently planned for. Love the three chairs idea on wall by kitchen and doing something colourful there. And happy with dining room in middle - on rug? Will set better now I have the right wall measurements there.
Lisa

Hi: Think I might have had too much wine when I originally measured as measuring this time, I think I got a very different result! I've uploaded the screen shots from floorplanner.com. Plus tried to provide some more detail.

Lisa,

It is possible, so just let me know what your thoughts are on it. I have no problem waiting.

Rachel

HI Lisa,

Thank you for choosing my design! I am looking forward to it. I will contact them to see if that is possible but I do not see any problems with that. I am not sure if there are a ton of measurements I still need besides ceiling height and maybe door/window heights. Other than that I know we mentioned moving the fireplace over there and possibly going with different sofas. Was there anything else in the design that you possibly wanted to change? If it is a lot to process before you leave then I have no problems waiting. But in that time I could get a lot of the renderings mostly finalized if I were to still work on it until you came back. Up to you! Just let me know your thoughts!

Rachel

If possible, Im not sure how to do that from the paperwork end....

Hi Rachel: Congrats - you've won. My issue is the following: I leave for a work trip on Wed NZ time. I likely do not have time to finalise all the measurements etc before I can. Can we pick this up when i get back in mid June?

Hi Everyone: My design has now closed and a huge thank you to all for sharing your concepts. I apologise I have been out of communicado - the tsunami ot technology disasters struck so ive been grappling with no website (professionally) and no email (personally). Amazing how much we rely of technology. I wll comment on each design and select a winner within 24 hours. Thanks for your patience. Lisa

Hi Rachel. The tv is absolutely not the focus of the lounge. We watch it rarely, so it can definitely blend in.

Hi Lisa,

I am Rachel and just wanted to introduce myself. I am looking forward to working on your space and hopefully creating the perfect design for you and your home.

My one question right now is...how much do you use your tv? Should there be a designated area for it with all furniture facing it in the living room or would you rather it just blend into the room like art?

Thanks!

Rachel

Hi Eleni: Welcome aboard! The interior sliding door (same side as the wall with the windows and the outward opening french doors - the long wall) does go into the kitchen. The kitchen sits as a square through the doorway.

We use the big white table mainly for entertaining, so I am open to ideas where the table gets moved. It doesn't have to be by the kitchen. My style of entertaining is often girls sitting around and having some nibbles and a glass of wine. If the area adjoining the kitchen could be used as more of a mix/mingle area with comfy couches so you can be connected with the kitchen but not necessarily by the big table...that could actually be an improvement! The formal white table is not all that comfortable to sit at for a long period of time. And some of our wine Friday's go on for a while!! Thanks

Hi Lisa,
I'm Eleni and I'll be also working on your space redesign :)
I'm looking forward to see what can be done in it!
I just have one question; does the interior door lead to the kitchen? Or, to put it this way, is there a reason why the dining table is on the long area of the room or can it be switched with the living room area?
Best,
Eleni

Note: Schematic drawing of lounge area has been re-uploaded to include measurements/dimensions.

HI Michelle: Everything is expensive in NZ - the trade off for living in such a beautiful place! Some options: Hunter Furniture (not high, high end but good quality and stylish); Freedom Furniture (more mid to low end). I've never really invested much in my house - so don't shop much. We have a pretty good online option like e-Bay - which is trademe.co.nz and if patient, some pretty fantastic pieces come up on there. So I am happy to be patient and build as dollars allow as pieces come up. Also, I've replaced the schematic of the lounge with a new schematic with measurements. Let me know if anything else you need.

Hi Tabitha: Sorry for the delay. Re the table....hmmm...for just my son and I every day meals, we use the small table in the kitchen. When we have guests over, which would be every other weekend, we use the big table. My son and friends use it for homework and I use it for work. Have just uploaded a new photo of lounge with a leaf taken out of the table and the table moved to the angled wall and out of the way. It can seat 6,8 or 10 with 0,1, or 2 leaves.

Re style: Is there such a thing as eclectic contemporary?? I love the thought of being eclectic, where it means to me - funky, cool, unique pieces, comfortable, unique, not stuffy. BUt I fear I am not an eclectic person, so it would have to almost be like a paint by numbers for me to 'get it' and do it well. The house itself (kitchen, bathrooms, etc) is more contemporary - so perhaps contemporary with a few unique, eclectice pieces thrown into the mix is more me.

Hi Lisa,

This is a great space! It has lots of light and space, even if the layout feels awkward. There is a lot that can be done here so I'm excited to play it out.

Is there any places that are in NZ that you do like to shop at. I'd like to save to the hassle of excessive shipping costs if at all possible. Also do we have a general length and width of this space so I can get a better idea of scale? It's possible we may want to rearrange furniture but I want to make sure it would fit.

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for uploading your space to Decorilla. I am excited to re-design your space and hopefully create something you and your family will love.

How frequently do you use the dining table? Would you rather have an eclectic space or a contemporary space?

Thank you for the additional info and clarification on preferred style for this space.

Tabitha M.

Hi Vicki: I am really not into yellows, or lime greens. I've just redone my son's room and used some orange as an accent colour, but it works for a teen. So I would probably stay away from orange too. I like pomegranate reds, the colours in the African art, blues. Let me know if that helps. Lisa

Hi Lisa,

I'm Vicki, I'm looking forward to working on a design for you, it is such a lovely home!
I'd like to know if there are any colours you'd rather we not use? Other than that I think I'm pretty much set with your responses to Christine's questions (..for now :) )

Thanks!

A message to all: I've tried amending the brief, but struggling to get it to save. A couple of things:
1. Open to changing drapes in lounge. I have beautiful, heavy white damask drapes in bedroom that could be swapped if that helps.
2. I've now removed leaf from dining table and moved against angled wall. Table can seat 6, 8 or 10 depending on leaves in. I have 6 chairs.
3. Large African art print - there are two of them - as a pair.
4. I am opening to repainting frames on any of the art as requried.

Hi Christine: Nice to hear from you. Sofa is more taupe-grey. The carpet in lounge is taupe and sofa a deeper intensity of taupe. Yes, lounge has just recessed lights. I am open to any/all lighting ideas. Crawl space above ceiling is easy to access so adding pendant, etc can be easily done.
Re curtains - I paid extra for them when I bought the house, but I realise they impact colours/tone of room. I will post a photo of cream damask curtains from bedroom - switching them could be an option. If the current curtains curtail the design and desired result, I am open to new curtain ideas but would not be able to invest a lot of money in proper, expensive drapes. Note: I never close the curtains as back of house quite private and has lovely views.

Hello Lisa,
Your space is amazing and you have some gorgeous pieces to work with! Am so excited to hear you're in NZ as we have a designer who while may not be available for your project, can direct us with sourcing ideas!
I have a few additional questions:
1. From the photo the sofa has a blue-ish tone, is that right? Or is it more of a charcoal gray?
2. In terms of lighting, are there recessed lights? Would you like a floor lamp or something for reading? A pendant over the dining table?
3. How do you feel about your window treatments? Keep the curtains?
Thank you!
~Christine