skip to main content

The importance of planning for furniture in the space....

8 years ago

This is a whole house remodel done years ago, on Home Again with Bob Vila. The couple is shopping with their designer and looking for furniture, including the family space in their kitchen. If you don't want to watch the 7+ minutes, scroll forward to 5 minutes and enjoy!

And I believe this guy is/was an architect and designed his own remodel....but maybe should have added a few more feet in the kitchen :)

My mom and I always say MAKE SURE YOU CONSIDER FURNITURE PLACEMENT...and it's mainly because of this clip! LOL It's a classic...

http://www.bobvila.com/sections/tv-shows/projects/31-ranch-expansion/episodes/392-installing-blinds-and-carpet/videos/1161616743001-furniture-shopping#.VWU2t1JRrIU

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

sheloveslayouts
8 years ago
Oh, bless Bob Vila. I love that he suggested an ottoman would be great and then the sweet purple suit lady broke the news that even that was too big for the space. Womp womp.

OT: Lavender, have I seen you mention bunnies? I think it was you. I just saw this while searching Houzz for galley kitchens (for the millionth time) and saw this darling thing:

Lavender Cottage - Kitchen · More Info
Lavender Lass thanked sheloveslayouts
sheloveslayouts
8 years ago
Ha! Look at the name of the project--Lavender Cottage :-)

I decided you must then have this dish rack, but it looks like it was in the UK (of course) years ago and it appears no one sells them any more.

womp womp. again.
Lavender Lass thanked sheloveslayouts
Related Discussions
Furniture layout help – game plan
Q
Comments (87)
Recently, I had a custom-made entertainment center built in for my family room. I used the same cabinet maker who made the cabinets for my kitchen. I'm still researching seating options to replace my aging couches. My room is smaller than yours, 13' x 15'. As part of the remodel, I removed a wood-burning fp from a corner of the room. I had planned to replace it with a linear, direct-vent fp under the TV, but omitted the fp. Direct-vent needs no flue or chimney, but it does need to vent to the outside. Here are some inspiration photos with a linear fp. Layout below has 2 chairs on the window wall. TV, fp, and matching bookcases on long wall. 2 floating couches. I think the TV is too high, but there is storage space and seating is a comfortable viewing distance from the TV. Layout below has 2 chairs on the window wall, TV on the left, short wall, and 2 floating couches. But that would leave you with one long empty wall. Sectional with fireplace, TV, and one bookcase on long wall Below, the TV and fireplace are on the same wall, but separated. Not much storage in this one. I decided to go with a layout similar to the one below - without a fireplace under the TV. You may have enough room for something like this layout below. I' don't like seeing the back of a couch when I enter a room - but I think it looks OK if there's a sofa table behind the couch.
...See More
Arranging furniture in a small open plan space
Q
Comments (5)
All I can advise is to look for occasional chairs to set around a central coffee table or among side tables. These are easier to arrange in small spaces and allow movement between them. You might have room for a loveseat, but anything larger will be a wall impeding traffic. The one feature that is absolutely misplaced is the door to the balcony. Had it been flipped to the edge of the room (in blue below) your living room space would be more clearly defined.
...See More
Outdoor Space, Furniture layout ? Floor plan included
Q
Comments (6)
So I've been to a few patio stores, and trying to decide on furniture based on thinkdesignlive (thank you!!) 2 of the in store designers felt a sectional would work well in this space... I never gave that a thought. Any thoughts on a sectional vs sofa/chair set?
...See More
space planning advice for reading area in bedroom.
Q
Comments (5)
I would need to see the furniture and also all th mesurements of the space where the entry door is . from what I can see the only spot would be in the corner between the closet and the french doors and I can’t imagine any more than one chair and a small side table with lamp and the bed on the right wall.But I would need pictures of the whole space and all the other measurements .
...See More
Lavender Lass
Original Author
8 years ago
It's perfect! Too bad it's not available...and from Lavender Cottage...LOL
Texas_Gem
8 years ago
Certainly no bash on my lovely friend LL, but this has been a source of contention between me and my mother.

When we were planning the MIL quarters for her to be built on to my home, she had little scale pieces of her furniture that she insisted on laying out with each floor plan.

None of this furniture is heirloom, or even old for that matter just what she currently had (5-10 years old).

I kept trying to explain, as gently as possible, that there are MANY different dressers, beds, sofas, etc with different measurements and that we shouldn't build it to fit her current furniture, we should focus on a good layout.

She basically ignored me because she has been obsessed with keeping things the same.

This has resulted in a (very poor IMO) layout that I will eventually have to redo in the future. For now though, it wasn't worth the fight.

IMHO, unless it is an heirloom/priceless piece, you should NOT design a room around it!
Lavender Lass thanked Texas_Gem
Lavender Lass
Original Author
8 years ago
LOL! Sorry, that is annoying, but it sounds exactly like my mom, when she bought her last home :)

It doesn't have to be specific pieces, just an overall idea. Like...will a sofa depth piece of furniture fit between that kitchen island and the fireplace...and still have a coffee table?

That's a lovely entry, but there's no way a chair can fit in that space, so do you want nothing on that side of the fireplace?

You do realize that you can't have any end tables if you get a larger bed? That kind of thing.

Or....we have three kids (who will grow much bigger) and we can only fit a loveseat and a chair in our 'family room' space of the kitchen.

Related Stories

MUDROOMS Room of the Day: A Most Important 5- by 14-Foot Space

By Mary Jo Bowling

This busy mudroom is a lifesaver. Here’s how the designer found the space and made use of every inch

LIFE You Said It: ‘It’s Important to Wait’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

REMODELING GUIDES 4 Key Space-Planning Considerations

By Vanessa Brunner

Before you head full steam into a remodel or furniture update, heed this advice from the pros to put your space on the right track

STORAGE Clever Storage for That All-Important Spare Room

By Lara Sargent

Make the most of your guest room with storage space you can use year-round

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS Key Measurements for Planning the Perfect Dining Room

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Consider style, function and furniture to create a dining space that will let you entertain with ease

REMODELING GUIDES 8 Architectural Tricks to Enhance an Open-Plan Space

By Tugman Studio

Make the most of your open-plan living area with the use of light, layout and zones

Space Planning Your Way to a Cozy Living Room

By Niche Interiors

KITCHEN DESIGN Optimal Space Planning for Universal Design in the Kitchen

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Let everyone in on the cooking act with an accessible kitchen layout and features that fit all ages and abilities

VALENTINE’S DAY The Real Importance of Valentine’s Day

By Alison Hodgson

Even small traditions celebrating love can carry through an entire life

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Pick Your Important Kitchen Appliances

By Vanessa Brunner

Find the ideal oven, refrigerator, range and more without going nutty — these resources help you sort through your the appliance options

Sponsored

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

18

contractor chooses kitchen

15

Need help with countertops!

11

coffee maker on quartz??

2

KraftMaid Vantage Cabinet Quote Sticker Shock

1