I received this letter from Laura who was in dire need of decorating advice for her awkward living room layout in her new home.

My design dilemma is that we have an empty living room (just moved into new home) from a one living area apartment.  I would like to furnish it but I have no sense of space or furniture placement - especially since we have a fireplace in the corner and three entryways into the room.  I've seen some layouts in magazines for ideas but of course the magazines don't tell me the size of the rooms or the sizes of the sofa/chairs/rug in the room.  I'd like it to be versatile so I'd be  able to change up the floorplan.

My goal for the room is to pick the right size furniture for the room that could seat about 8 people, but will mostly be used by 4-6 people.  At first, I thought two shorter sofas facing each other with an accent chair near fireplace and two smaller chairs...but then, I thought a larger sofa with two comfy chairs facing each other...then I began my search for your help!  I'd like recommended furniture sizes to include sizes for a rug, a coffee table.  Plus I'm open to side tables, floor lamps, ottomans, or those square small ottoman looking things (can you tell I'm NOT a designer?), and other accent tables to set keys, family photos.  I would also like fabric recommendations for a slipcover and family friendly fabrics. We have two young sons (6 &8) and will be getting a puppy this summer.  
I'd like the room to be filled with enough furniture so not to be sparse nor filled to the room where it looks totally crowded.

 Laura's Awkward Living Room Layout

The room has several challenges:
1. It is a small space 14' wide by 18' long
2. It has a total of 2 entryways and a door opening to the patio
3. It only has two wall placement options for furniture
4. The room will serve multiple functions

Laura also mentioned the family will use the room to watch TV, which will go above the fire place, play games and entertain. And she would love to have a reading area.

Since Laura would like a versatile furniture floor plan I have put together 3 different furniture plans that she can choose from that best suits her family's needs.


The most important factor in designing a small and awkward space is the scale (size) of your furniture. I have carefully selected furniture that will keep the room feeling open, airy and keep it fluid so you're not bumping into furniture. Also, because the kids are of a young age, I made sure to use soft edges and surfaces. 

Floor Plan A

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In Floor Plan A, I propose Laura use a small scale sofa with narrow arms along with two small scale side tables with table lamps. This will create a sense of balance in the room and make the room bright when they are playing games, or entertainig. 

I have included two accent chairs, one adjacent to the sofa and the other next to the fire place, either can be used to cozy up with a good book. By using chairs with legs and open arms, they will have a light feeling and can easily be moved around. The ottoman and ceramic stool I propose next to the fire place can also be used as extra seating when needed. 

Across the sofa, I propose two small scale lounge chairs that make a great conversation area and also give this awkward room a sense of balance. Using a large 9x12' rug, grounds the space and makes the room feel larger than it is.
The round and oval shapes in the lamp shades, cocktail table and stool, give the room visual interest and make the room feel soft and airy.

Small Space Tip: Avoid using sharp angles in tables in a small space. Using rounded edges or upholstered ottomans will make the space child and pet friendly while making the space more fluid to walk through.

Floor Plan B

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In Floor Plan B I offer the option to use two small scale sofas facing each other and an multi purpose upholstered storage ottoman between them that can serve to store throws, pillows or the kids toys/games. 

The ottoman can also serve as extra seating and when used with a tray can be used as a cocktail table.

Small Space Tip 2: Use furniture that can serve multi purposes like the storage ottoman proposed here.

Floor Plan C

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In Floor Plan C, I propose a more traditional furniture plan using a sofa and love seat facing each other. I incorporated two armless chairs to keep the room feeling open and airy. 

Glass bunching tables as a cocktail table keep the room feeling open and give the illusion of more space. I added nesting tables next to the larger sofa to offer additional surfaces for entertaining. 

The storage bench near the fire place can serve as additional seating and emergency storage when unexpected guests arrive. With kids, I find you always need an emergency storage solution.

Small Space Tip 3: Use glass and mirrored tables, it's reflective qualities will make a space feel larger and airy.

Family & Pet Friendly Fabric Recommendations

Because Laura has two young boys and a puppy on the way, it is important that the room have textures and materials that are low maintenance and be able to widthstand many "oops" moments.

I recommend mixing different textures to create a unique, sophisticated, harmonious space that the entire family can enjoy, even Fido.

Family friendly fabric Tips & Suggestions:
  • Ultra Suede, it's virtually indestructable and always looks tailored. It comes in every color under the sun and is versatile to work in a modern to traditional space.
  • Outdoor fabrics, stain proof, water proof, fade proof, and are machine washable, need I say more.
  • Faux Leathers, also called Vinyl. They have come a long way since the 70's & 80's. They now look are offered in great textures and look like the real thing. They don't stretch or crack like real leather and are water proof.
  • Crypton Fabrics, these are the high durable materials used in restaurant and hotels. They are now made in beautiful patterns that are appropriate for homes and are machine washable and flame retardant. 
  • Have your dining chair fabrics laminated before they get upholstered. You'll never have to worry about sauce stains on your chairs again.
  • Instead of a wool or cotton rug, use an Indoor/Outdoor Rug. Not only are they low maintenance, stain proof, water proof, they are super affordable and come in wonderful styles perfect for a family spaces.
 


Comments

Mrs Walker

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:15:42

Thanks so much! I have this identical floor plan and have not been able to make heads or tails of it. I just bought new furniture and was scratching my head on how to place it. Thanks to you I will be ready when the truck comes!

 

Ben Dicosta

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:19:33

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