Help with my family room layout.

7 years ago

Hello All,

I'm trying to figure out the right layout to fit my rectangle family room. The room is a 21x11 with only one entrance way. the previous owner built a wall shelves which is neat at first but limits the design of the room. I tried keeping the current layout for a few years but the space always seemed cramped. please note the rug is a bit to big but we wanted to try it out. we are looking for something a little smaller.

I'm looking for some advice on the follow.

- Which layout fits best. i'm open to hearing other options?

- If I get rid of the wall shelf, ideas on making the room feel cozy yet functional?

- Playing off the last question, additional furniture like end tables, book shelves, wall art, etc?

- Color and trim. While the wood looks nice, I would like to paint the trim white and walls either a dark brown or light gray. open to any other color ideas?

Current layout ( we moved the table out and relocated the chair and ottoman ). my kitchen is to small to have a informal eating area. I do have a dining room but most of

our time is normally in this room.

Idea. space seems more open and good flow. the wall shelf is still up for now in case we want to go back.

Thank you for looking and i value everyone's opinion.

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Comments (4)

Olychick
7 years ago
Wow, that's a tough room, width wise!

I like the original arrangement better, with the tv on the shelves, although I think I'd remove the loveseat and put in another chair. I think that would really open up the space and give you more arrangement options. As it is, I'd try it without the coffee table, as that makes it much more crowded looking. You could do end tables where you need them most; maybe one a set of nesting tables, which can be pulled out when you actually need them for guests.

If you use the coffee table for feet, then I might look for some smaller round or round edge square ottomans/tables that won't take up as much room visually or physically and can double as tables when needed.

I would probably paint out the wainscoting the same color as the upper wall. I think it adds to the visual clutter. It also adds another of very many small square/rectangular elements...the trim in the wainscotting, the shelves (which I would de-clutter by paring down what is displayed and probably also paint them the same color as the wall), and now the rug. I'd look for a quieter rug that is not geometric to bring some softer, cozier elements in (thus the rounder ottomans/tables, too). Maybe more like these:
or these:

I'm not usually a drapery fan (at least for my own home) but I think if you hung draperies around your windows, generous with the width and height and amount of fabric, it would really cozy up that wall and soften two more rectangles. There are some great window covering experts here who might make some recommendations as how to do it in the best way.

And no to dark brown walls. I think in that space I'd want to bring in more light, in paint, draperies and a rug. Your furniture is already dark, as is all the wood. I'd look at pictures online and find rooms with colors that make you feel good while lightening up the space, whether a warm, light gray, a tan or taupe, or even a soft, light gold color, like the one in the room above with the yellow ottomans and brown couch.
James Lindholm thanked Olychick
Olychick
7 years ago
I just noticed your floors...is that an inlay? If so, it might be nice to figure out how to feature it, but maybe the smaller rug you're suggesting would allow that?
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James Lindholm
Original Author
7 years ago
Yes the flooring has some inlay. I agree, the current rug that is in this room now was previously in the larger living room (we've been in the house for 5 years and wanted to play musical furniture and brainstorm ideas). We knew it was too big for the room so temporary we wanted to see how it would feel & determine the proper size.

Kiko - here is a few photos.

before any furniture

this was the original layout before we removed the table. since the kitchen has 6 points of entrance, we really wanted a informal sitting area so we tried putting the table in the family room. while it worked, we kept feeling cramped.

we previously tried a smaller table and different furniture.

we moved some stuff around and remounted the TV on the long wall to get a feel of a different layout. we didn't want to remove the shelving in case we didn't like how it looked so unfortunately when you walk in the room your eye catches the back wall and makes it feel weird.
Olychick
7 years ago
those new pics really help get a better view of what the room is like. Those floors are gorgeous!
James Lindholm thanked Olychick