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Furniture Design Dilemma living room

Large Boho Eclectic Living Room

6 years ago

There is so much I love about this living room - the brick fireplace, french doors, beautiful floors, and exposed beams. Yet at the same time it's been a design conundrum and furniture placement is difficult because of the multiple doorways, windows, walkways, and the awkward fireplace position. My fiance and I have finally landed on an arrangement that we really like. It includes a seating area next to the fireplace, a whimsical spot for our record player, and a desk for him to work and create in a central spot in our home.

My dilemma lies in the empty space in the center of the room. My instinct is to add a rug to cozy up the space and bridge the desk and record player console that are opposite each other, but will this feel ungrounded if it's in the center of the room with no furniture on top? Does the chandelier seem untethered to the room since it's above the empty space? Do we need to add more furniture facing the grey sectional in front of the french doors to balance the room? Or should I embrace the open flow and leave it as is? I'm not opposed to adding more furniture, but am not keen to remove any of the furniture that is currently in the room if possible. What would help this room to feel balanced and complete while preserving the bohemian, eclectic feel and practicality? Help!

Note: We plan to paint the fireplace white, add a wood mantel to the fireplace, and add an 8 ft runner in front of the french doors if that makes any difference. :)

Featured Answer

decoenthusiaste

6 years ago

I would raise the drapery rod a bit so the drapes aren't sweeping up dog hair all the time. Then give everything in the FP end (including the rug) a 1/4 turn so your sofa takes the loveseat's place and the love faces the window. Use your two chairs to flank the window. That way, all your seating for conversation is arranged together. I wouldn't paint the FP, although you might install a big rustic mantel all the way across it. I think you can create a "foyer" by putting a round pedestal table on a rug straight out from the door. The right table can do double duty for entertaining. You can actually just rent chairs for a dinner party. As for art, you'll need a big piece above the sofa and another above the desk and the record player area. I think the two posters you have flanking the window might do better flanking the sliders.

Square rug

Round rug

Get a table that can do double duty as a dining table.

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Comments (10)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The ceiling fixture is way too small for the space. I realize you don't have height, but you should take advantage of the width.

I would move your sectional to the large wall on the left & place the loveseat in front of the window.
Peyton Smith thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
sofikbr
6 years ago
Lovely room. I think all you need is rearrange existing furniture. I woul put light couch across from sectional and white storage to it back like sofa table.
Peyton Smith thanked sofikbr
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PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
My suggestions:

1. Move sectional about 5' to the left and angle it toward the FP.

2. Place the chair that is shown to the right of FP, to left of sectional, facing FP.

3. Do not paint the brick around FP. It is lovely the way it is. Instead, highlight it with spotlights mounted in the ceiling, perhaps a track light.

4. The rug currently shown with the sectional will remain in that area, angled along with the sectional.

5. Do not use an 8' runner in front of the French doors. Instead, place the loveseat there with a rug in front of it, possibly a 6 x 9' or 8 x 10'. The loveseat will probably have its back to the French doors. I can't tell whether it should face the doors or have its back to the doors. Give it a try both ways.
Peyton Smith thanked Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
Kim
6 years ago
Agree with decoenthusiaste...my first thought was the area in front of the french doors needed a rug and a tulip table (or any pedestal table). Cute place!
Peyton Smith thanked Kim
Peyton Smith
Original Author
6 years ago
Love all your ideas! I will look into a wider light fixture, raise the drapery, try some more furniture arrangements, and LOVE the tulip table idea! Thanks so much, everyone.
Peyton Smith
Original Author
5 years ago
I wanted to post an update since we have made quite a few changes to this room. Thank you all so much for your help! We love listening to music, reading, and being creative in our bright and functional living room.
Hansen
5 years ago
Wow. Great job.
Peyton Smith thanked Hansen
Hansen
5 years ago
Can you share a pix toward the french doors?
Hansen
5 years ago
oops, just saw it. Awesome.

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