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Home Decorating

Help convert family room to formal living room!

18 years ago

Hello! We would like to convert this room into a modern, formal living room. When you open to front door there is a small entry, and it opens right into this room. The room is slightly long and narrow. There is a door to a bedroom on the left and a sliding glass door to the patio on the right. We may be able to move the computer. Please send any suggestions/tips on how we can arrange this room! Thank you!

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Comments (5)

annzgw
18 years ago
Clue,
If you post your question over in discussions you'll get more responses. People tend to forget to come to the gallery.
Do you have another photo showing the entry way?

If you need a photo added on the discussion page, let me know and I'll add your photo.

Here is a link that might be useful: Discussion link
clueless_in_ca
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks, I put it here because I can't get the picture up on the main page...
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Is the soffit which divides the two spaces painted a different color or is that just the lighting? The built ins are beautiful. I love the paint color! Can you tell us what your style is? Do you like straight lines? Do you like color? Of the top of my head I would say rich color rugs, curtains and lots of lamps. Those are the things I always want in my home. Not to mention art. The rest falls into place. I guess to suggest we need to know what you like and the feeling you want in the space.
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I have this, also off the entry. I’m not into “formal” rooms in houses considering I actually live there! I’ve designated mine as the “casual room”. My house is still being painted right now but this room will have a daybed, some casual chairs, all of my plants and possibly a bar car or cabinet when finished. My style is more boho/eclectic though so my dining room furniture is not formal whatsoever. Your room looks like a good candidate for a sitting/conversation area. You could put a large bookshelf or bar cabinet on that back wall. Depends on your lifestyle. Do you have another eating area? Will you actually be using the dining room? If not, I would eliminate the idea that a dining table has to go there and look at the two spaces as one big space and find a purpose for it that way. Of course, this is lifestyle dependent and needs to function the best for your family. I will say, however, that carpet in a dining room is not ideal in the slightest.
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Need a bit more info. Is this home on slab or is there a basement? If basement, is it finished off? Getting plumbing to create a bathroom would be biggest challenge. Multi- generational homes are becoming more and more popular with today’s aging population. So if you are in good location, resale should be fine.
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You do realize a garage is not built to be a living space so not as simple as just using the space and decorating it. This is basically a new addition to the home so permits and do it right .You need an architect to design this so it does not scream garage conversion which is more difficult than you might imagine Here you need to post pics of the house and this sapce and how it relates to the new garage.
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teacats
18 years ago
Well -- start by clearing the room completely -- that move alone can really help you see the whole space in a new light or form!

Also: what items do you currently have to furnish it? What do you need? How about painting the room?

I like the rug -- and the shelves. Clear the shelves -- and simply add some books -- and modern clean-lined glass or silver/plate items -- like bowls. For a modern touch -- add a gallery of black-and-white photos -- mat alike and frame alike too.

If you plan to keep the TV in the room -- then consider angling the unit into the corner at the left-hand side of the far window. Then step back and really look at the space -- would a sofa work against the wall where the computer desk now sits? Then add a couple of armchairs and an ottoman/long coffee table. Lots of lamps too. Maybe roman blinds at the windows.
clueless_in_ca
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you for the suggestions, Teacats. We haven't picked out furniture yet, still trying to figure out what exactly we want. And we are definately open to painting the room, just again not sure what color to go with.
annzgw
18 years ago
Can the shelves be moved or are they built-in?

I'd try to use the sofa & TV near the fireplace and make the other end your roffice area...............with desk and bookcases concentrated in that end of the room.
Again..........if you want to post in 'discussions' I'll be happy to add the photo into the thread.

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