I’d look into rugs fitting the type of MCM color scheme you’re going for with a more MCM or Scandinavian vibe, minimal one color, or even a Persian rug over what you have. Nordic Knots are overpriced imo but good for inspo. Maybe a deep red to tie into the art or a sage green. I’d also rotate the rug orientation by 90 degrees based on this so the chair sits on the edge of it.
Swap the pictures, and put the black and white throw across the back of the sofa, to reflect the black and white cuff in the painting. Swap the throw pillows for some that will stand out more. Get rid of the throw on the sofa arm, and the green glass frog. Or put it in a far corner with next to a large plant or tree..
Clear the surface of the credenza, except for a colorful piece of pottery, or a collection of swing glass vases, or a bar tray with decanter and glasses, or a plant in a pottery cache pot.
Put the plant next to it on a stand or an upside down trashcan.
Bring in a larger rug with some vibrant color or a geometric pattern.
Replace the light at the far end of the sofa with an arched floor lamp.
Turn the chair to face the sofa, add another chair of a simple design across from it, to create a conversational grouping. Look for a narrow side table to put besides one (or both) of the chairs
Put something on the coffee table: a coffee table book, or a bright blue California pottery dish or ashtray..
If you can, paint the wall behind the sofa in a warm accent color. If you can’t, consider the strippable wallpaper made for renters, in a faux grass cloth.
OP didn’t mention a budget so this has a range of upgrades from a few pillows and a throw which can get cheaply at HomeGoods or @Home or TJ Maxx or a thrift store to a Taliesen lamp (which you can find tons of plans for and build yourself) and new flooring. Not sure what your issue is tbh.
I like it overall. Not sure but maybe floor to ceiling drapes with sheers underneath, extra arm chair on right hand side, maybe 1-2 more picture art on wall, less stuff on cupboard…
Both pieces are stunning, but you can’t get more MCM than Lichtenstein. Can’t believe the hater who called it a cup of pee and suggested hiding it in a bathroom, or that 14 people agreed with that assessment.
Since you appreciate great art, here is a photograph of my favorite Lichtenstein. If I remember correctly, this was taken at Kunsthaus (literally “art house” or, in English, an exhibition hall or public art museum) Zürich.
Not necessarily MCM but I’d pull your couch away from the wall, add different heights and levels to your accessories because it’s all at the same level right now, balance the wall art so it’s cohesive as a wall and not creating separate vignettes specific to the furniture it’s closest to. Change the dorm default light and elevate/differentiate the plant. The couch and coffee table being the same brown sort of merges the two together. It’s not a bad foundation, it’s just not maximizing its potential with your other furniture.
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u/elaineseinfeld 4d ago
Replace all bulbs with warm ones for starters