mel_in_japan's Profile

Doesn't look like the Target I remember.

I say we are surrounded by enough screens. Do yourself and our human race a favor and enjoy the outdoors for what it is.

Seems pretty neutral to me. The only things that dominate are the refrigerator and the brown strip above the cabinets. Maybe you could paint that brown strip a similar color to the cabinets. I don't have experience painting refrigerators but I think it can be done, or if you put a white board or something on the refrigerator to break it up it might loose it's strong presences.
To unify it I would take out the little knick-knacks and put in a few but bigger accessories using just a few dominate colors or a monotone scheme. GOOD LUCK

I would put the sofa perpendicular off the space between the window and door facing the opposite of where you have the TV now. I wold also put a console table with some lamps and plants behind the sofa. Then I would put two chairs floating facing the window and the move the TV to the opposite wall. The space where you have the TV now would make a nice work space with a desk. This would make a nice conversation/TV viewing area that would not be interrupted by traffic flow. I would also put something nice to look at outside the window. GOOD LUCK you are lucky to have such a big space.

I'd mix 2 or 3 modern patterns on throw pillows and throw in a solid color like dark brown.
Stripes, plaid and maybe a geometric print would work well. Try and vary the scale on each pattern (S, M, L) this tends to work when mixing patterns.

I agree with changing the curtains, maybe a dark brown. I love brown in interior, it feels so warm and inviting.

"The vast majority of my day is now taken up by "menial" tasks related to either baby care or cooking". I hope that the quote marks around menial are because it reflects what today's society might think and not that you find taking care of your baby menial. Sorry, but if you did intend to express that you find those sort of activities menial, then as a stay at home mother and homemaker I am truly offended.

What a coincidence, I just moved my furniture around to make room for a sewing table in my tiny-Tokyo-apartment living room. Now I have a spacious (enough) work space with a great city view. Just waiting for the muse to drop by. Thanks for the inspiration.

Fabulous!!! I so want to drink wine in that dining room.

Where's the garlic?? I use the same ingredients plus garlic and sometimes I'll substitute the lime with citric acid powder which gives it a nice tang without being too sour.

Window film will give you privacy without blocking the light or having to cover the beautifully designed door and windows.