The shape of the main living room dictates the layout of furniture, so there are no decisions to be made there.  I would concentrate on the largest areas such as the windows, walls and floors.  Decide on a colour scheme/theme for the entire flat and add the smaller finishing touches later when the budget allows.

I personally, would advise against blinds.  The windows are too large for one horizontal blind and multiple blinds tend to flap about.  Vertical venetian blinds look too much like an office, and fabric panels (although an option) would do nothing to ‘warm’ the room.  Have a look at the curtains in Ikea.  They come in long lengths and are very reasonably priced.  The one below is velvet stripes of cream, grey, beige and black which would pull together all the colours that already exist in the room.  Use two pairs at each window to create enough fullness and hang on a black pole.

The walls must look very bare at the moment and this can be remedied by creating a feature wall in each room.  A darker colour paint can be all that is needed, a feature wallpaper or even a wall mural.   A cityscape mural in the living room would look fabulous and would echo the scene outside the windows. 

Wallpaper Direct

Something as simple as an oversized clock would add interest to the blank wall in the kitchen.  Later on he can add open shelves either side of the clock.

Heals

A rug at the sitting room end of the main living area will separate the space and create a cosier feel. 

Keep the colour palette neutral.  Greys, black and white and the odd touches of red as an accent colour.  I see that he already has a union jack cushion and this is an excellent starting point.  Limiting the colour palette also limits the choices.  Sometimes too much choice can be overwhelming.

Remember to inject touches of humour to reflect his age and personality.  Oversized lamps, film posters, a few more touches of red, white and blue patriotism maybe……….

a cockerel alarm clock……….a Trafalgar Square shower curtain……….

Rockett St George

Lots of ideas for future birthday and Christmas presents there!

Dear Designers impression of finished room

Sources:  Living room – wall mural – wallpaper direct, sofa – John Lewis, oversized anglepoise lamp – iconic lights , union jack cushion – Marks and Spencer, red cushions – Feather and Black, black cube side table – Dwell, rug – Argos, coffee table – DC Place, mugs – Debenhams.

Sources: Dining area – Scarface film poster – Amazon, pendent light, dining table and chairs - Dwell, black tablemats – Cargo Homeshop.

Sources: Bedroom – wallpaper – Clarissa Hulse, chrome anglepoise lamp – Haysom Lighting, leather headboard – John Lewis, I can do it – notonthehighstreet, duvet set – Blome Lifestyle, fur throw – Sainsbury’s, bedside table – Dwell, cockerel alarm clock – Argos. 

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If you would like design advice from Dear Designer, email deardesigner@hotmail.co.uk  sending photographs if possible, room dimensions and details of what you have, what you need to keep and what you desire.