skip to main content

Home Decorating Design Dilemma living room

What to do with this empty space...?

Stephanie Hockrow

6 years ago

I have a large loft family room that I'm having trouble decorating. Behind the couch is a large open area that I'm stumped on. The sliding glass door to the deck is next to it so I'd like to still keep it fairly open. Any ideas are appreciated. I've attached some pics. We are moving lots of chairs benches around trying different things so nothing in pics is permanent. TIA!

Featured Answer

PRO

Flo Mangan

6 years ago

I could see a little desk/home office set up in that area. Perhaps set the desk so you could gaze out the slider door. Then some bookshelves and perhaps a file unit. You can use the two chairs for seating as well. Lots of options.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Sammie J
6 years ago
Can we also get a pic of the area of the space that houses the sofa?
beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
6 years ago
In the top picture, is the area off to the left meant to be the dining area?

The sliding glass door to the deck is next to it so I'd like to still keep it fairly open.

How often do use this sliding glass door if it has a curtain hanging over it? Is there another place you can feed the dog?

If it were my house, which has lots of books : ), I'd be tempted to place several bookshelves along the wall, between the windows and to the right of the window at right. And a fabulous Persian/Oriental rug in front.
Stephanie Hockrow thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
Related Discussions
What to do with this empty space?
Q
Comments (11)
I tired to find the best view to show it all in hopes you'd be able to understand how they work. I just found a video that shows how easy they are to install, though this one is slightly different than ours as they don't have the changeable magnetic trim. We actually prefer the white as it blends with the ceiling. Ours look more like the thumbnail for the video sixth down on the right side of the page. Here is a link that might be useful: Vidoe of instaling LED retrofit bulbs in can lights.
...See More
Need ideas for empty space in rental
Q
Comments (2)
If the FP is not wood burning, cut logs to fit and treat them for insects. If your FP burns wood then don't treat them and plan to use.
...See More
EMPTY SPACE BY KITCHEN BAR
Q
Comments (14)
The area behind the barstools does look empty. Can't tell exactly the space that you have there. I would put a nice storage (maybe for glasses or bottles of wine). I think the reason you did a overhang on the kitchen counter is for someone to sit there to eat breakfast or for entertainment. Putting another high table behind for you to move chairs around every time someone wants to sit at the bar or the high table doesn't make too much sense. Just put something decorative that you can also use for storage. Don't think a nook table with benches would fit and hopefully you have another area that you can make a dining room area.
...See More
Remodel of Awkward Master Ensuite Bathroom - Help with Shower&Vanity
Q
Comments (3)
Unless I am missing something a townhouse is an attached home and not stacked on top of other homes. It is not generally considered to be a multifamily dwelling - i.e. having multiple units within four exterior walls with shared plumbing stacks. Therefore plumbing lines aren't shared and bathroom and kitchen models are generally constrained in the same way detached homes or semi-attached homes are - i.e. most people for budgetary reasons keep toilets in same place and try to avoid major changes in pipes and drains. FWIW, I am in a high rise condo and converted my tub/shower combo to a larger walk in shower that followed the footprint of the original tub.
...See More
Stephanie Hockrow
Original Author
6 years ago
To the left is a wet bar - our dining is downstairs. We are thinking of doing a round table there. We do use the glass door a few times a day. I do like the idea of adding more book shelves. Would you make it a little reading nook?
chispa
6 years ago
Pool table?
PRO
Century Billiards
6 years ago
Game Table (poker/dining), Shuffleboard table, or pool table would be nice. How much space do you have form the couch to the wall? And how long is the room?
sheloveslayouts
6 years ago
Why don't you turn the sofa 90' counter clockwise and use the whole space as a lounge? It's difficult to know without seeing more photos, but I had a place once that I similarly divided with a sofa. It felt really awkward until I turn the sofa to face the slider and put the TV on a section of wall between the slider and a picture window. Then it totally worked.

Related Stories

LIFE Empty Nesters: Some Upsides to Downsizing

By Joanna Tovia

Moving to a smaller home can come with unexpected challenges along with a bounty of benefits

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Bright Space With a Bold Blue Island

By Becky Harris

For soon-to-be empty nesters, a designer creates a white, wood and blue kitchen accented with woven textiles

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Modern Style Converts an Empty Concrete Box

By Becky Harris

From raw wasteland to fab living, sleeping and storage space, this snazzy basement now covers all the angles

DECORATING GUIDES Inspired Ideas for Your Empty-Nest Makeover

By Laura Gaskill

See how 10 couples reconfigure their living spaces after their children move out

FEEL-GOOD HOME Empty Nesters: 8 Ways a Spare Bedroom Can Enhance Your Lifestyle

By Tailorly, Professional Home Organizing

Your kids are grown and their belongings (ideally) are out of the house. Here are uses for the space they no longer need

Turn a Forgotten Space Into a Place with Purpose

By Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

DECORATING GUIDES 12 Smart Ideas for Decorating Empty Corners

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Fill a neglected corner with something useful, attractive or both, using these dozen thoughtful decorating strategies

DECORATING GUIDES The Power of Negative Space in Interior Design

A design element that’s not even there can forever change how you view your home

SMALL HOMES Ask an Expert: What Is Your Ultimate Space-Saving Trick?

By Luisa Rollenhagen

Houzz professionals share their secrets for getting more from any space, small or large

MOST POPULAR Small Wonders: 9 Space-Saving Broom Closets

By Erin Carlyle

Check out these efficient ways to store your broom, mop and cleaning supplies

Sponsored

Mary Shipley Interiors

32 Reviews

Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 10x Best of Houzz

More Discussions

Pillows selection for a chartreuse sofa.

135

Need advice to arrange furniture in small narrow room

4

help, what should we do with our fireplace/tv wall?

9

the right color area rug to go with a warm grey couch

0

Any recommendations for a low profile subwoofer, wireless maybe?

1