Which living room design suits a neutral country Cotswolds style best?

[MerryRobin]

Hi all

We are renovating our living room and my designer has come up with two similar designs for our living room and I can't decide between the two and wanted people's opinions as that may help me.

I was aiming for a country Cotswolds style with an elegant feel and in neutral colours.

I like both so much and can't decide between the two I like the first option with the eucalyptus tree because it feels cosy and warm but then I like the balance and elegance that option two brings with the matching sideboards which do you prefer out of these two?

I prefer the second. I agree that it looks more balanced.

Definitely the first one. I think the second is too matching, which doesn’t fit the relaxed country vibe.

Are you set on having the TV over the fireplace? I don’t think that suits the style (and on the first one at least it looks like it would be very uncomfortable to watch!).

Your designer used AI/Gemini. I hope you're not paying them a lot of money.

Sorry, that wasn't very helpful of me. I think i prefer option 1, as option 2 might look quite beige/washed out, just in terms of colour. I added an option with two trees, no wreath, and all a bit lighter (not sure if it will show the photo - if not, you'll have to imagine it!):

The first, without a doubt.

Do you need two sideboards?

A whole unused sideboard seems a lot just for decoration.

I agree with @NoMoreCoffeePlease on all counts.

I prefer the first image. I also think that IRL this much beige is likely to look a bit flat- I'd keep the basic neutrals but have some colour in places to add depth and draw the eye, eg the below (this is just chatgpt's first stab- obviously you could get it much better).

I prefer the two sideboards. A plastic eucalyptus tree sets my teeth on edge. Don’t really like the TV over the fireplace. Also feels like there isn’t enough seating for the size of the room and needs a little more colour to break up the beige. Duck egg blue?

Also you're all going to get cricked necks if you put your TV that high.

TV is too high in both and I don't like artificial plants.

I like the 2nd one better

I like no. 2. Not keen on faux plants. Can I be super cheeky though and ask where the lampshade is from? It’s just what I’m looking for!

The second but without the naff wreaths.

I would put the TV on a stand i one alcove and a drinks cabinet/sideboard/console table in the other.

Ah, found it! Next!

I prefer option 1. They look lovely.

I like the more casual feel of the first one; the second is much more formal because of the balance. Agree it’s ChatGBT.

Same here, avoid TV above the fireplace as a top priority. I don't like the wreaths either.

That’s so much nicer. OP needs a refund.

Prefer the first one.
Not keen on the ceiling lighting - too large and dominating imo.
Needs more colour as others have suggested.

There isn't really that much difference! And both have been very obviously styled; there is nothing of you and your personality in there.

I agree that having the TV over the fireplace is wrong.

First one, but with real plants and not with the TV right under the ceiling. Nobody can comfortably watch a TV that high up, it should be eye level when you sit down. I think your designer isn’t very good to be honest.

Is that really the best your designer could come up with? A bloody great big TV above your fireplace? I’m sorry but that’s poor
interior design in my book. If you’re going pay somebody, the least they could do is come up with something like built in cabinetry which hides the TV so you don’t have to look at a big black box when you’re not watching Tv.

Ok thank you all , I didn't know they were AI she just came to me a few days ago with these images on paper to look at and then I asked her to send them over to me through email so I had them on my phone so definitely not happy with that so shall bring that up at our next meeting.

I didn't want to mention this but I think it's only fair since your all trying to help me which I appreciate you all so much thing is the reason I do beige only is because I'm autistic and I hate colour like my brain just exploded at the image @2msoundsright made hubby loved it but my brain just said no I just can't do colour unfortunately and it's why I struggle with interior as I want to be cosy but not too old fashioned or colourful.

We actually do currently have our TV on a stand but she suggested having it on the wall which we are not sure on as our necks would be look better looking up with where it would need to be above the fireplace which is tall or at least I think it's tall our fireplace comes halfway up the wall so not much space we currently have a portrait of our boys above the fireplace at the moment and this image isn't out entire living room it was just this one wall I needed help with the wall opposite the fireplace wall has put sofa.

In terms of space I just need at least one sideboard for space two would come in handy but space wise I only need one I was thinking of putting the TV on the sideboard on the right side alcove as that's were it currently is but the designer said it better on the wall above the fireplace as everyone has there TV on a wall nowadays.

I have really appreciated all of your opinions and help and enjoyed reading all your replies.

And yes @friedaddedchilli it's from next can't wait for it to arrive

I originally wanted built in units however then my husband reminded me that we won't be able to fit our Christmas tree in the left alcove if we go with built ins and we can't fit the tree next to a built in unit either because it's not a large living room so I decided against the built ins and I know that may seem stupid to some but Christmas is very special to me it's the one time I feel the closest to my dad who made Christmas so special for me as a child so I can't replace the tree it means a lot to me.

I'm learning that I didn't even know they were AI I thought she did them based on what I wanted so reading everyone's comments has opened my eyes that I'm being ripped off so I thank everyone for that and hope everyone here can help with design ideas