I am totally stuck. i want the living area to feel like a comfy place to hang out but the dining chairs I’m using to hold that space next to the fire place are just not cutting it for me. Also i don’t know how to put rugs in this area because i can’t place them under the large furniture due to having to put them in the wash (thanks dogs!). obviously the side table and small items are placeholders for more stylish and appropriate items…that I’m afraid to buy. i have the most random taste. It’s like i see something that’s cool and get it but then it doesn’t fit with the other cool thing i got a month ago. halp!

A large rug that the furniture sits on (front legs at least) would go a long way to warm up and connect the space - have you seen Ruggables where just the top layer is tossed in the wash? I think looking at lots of rooms for inspiration would help you figure out the common themes of what you like. It will save you tons of money in the long run to have an overall design plan and then purchase items for the plan (a designer can with that - either a local one in your area or there are lots of online designers) - you have fabulous windows and loads of natural light so you have great bones to work with!

At first glance I'd guess you merged two households and the furniture selection shows it. What pieces must be kept? Which ones are you ready to get rid of? What is in the corner by the window on the kitchen side of the space? Are you the fan of blue? Seems the fireplace has a very industrial look to it, but then the blues and whites take over and are very feminine and bedroomy. Start an ideabook here for interior looks you and your partner agree on. That will help us help you find a coherent look.

Nope it’s just me. My hubby just wants me to be done. I did the lighting update and paint. I regret the sconce style and wish I had done a simple minimalistic The ceiling used to have black beams and orange toned t&g boards with black trim…and I hated it. I intend on restaining the doors and cabinetry eventually with something less offensively orange. I wish the sliding doors were not prairie lites. But I can’t change that. I’ll post more pictures.

The mystery area behind the sofa

It looks like you have two curtain fabrics. With that wonderful view you don’t need curtains for privacy. I also have a fabulous west facing view with no curtains anywhere.

It’s like i see something that’s cool and get it but then it doesn’t fit with the other cool thing i got a month ago.

This is so me. You'll get great help from the designers here. The good thing is you've got a nice space to work with.

I wish we didn’t need them but I get blinded by the sun starting at 3pm and it causes the whole second floor to be an oven - we do not have central a/c. Also you absolutely can see us from the neighbor’s houses- gotta have privacy. :(

Hello Doodle,

May we have a hand drawn sketch of the room with measurements that include the fireplace and windows? That would help us put the room together for you.

Also:

How many people use the room daily?

How many guests do you want to accommodate?

Hi Mae! Three humans, three large dogs, and one lizard use this space every day, and we often need to seat an additional 2 humans but never have a place for them to sit other than the dining table. We need to be able to seat an additional 4 humans - so seat 8 at the table. That is why there's an extendable table and it ended up closer to the stairs, instead of near the sliding glass doors out onto the balcony.

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/great-room-phvw-vp~184705868 collected

Hello doodle,

My head is working on this and I realized I need a couple of measurements from you. It looks like the fireplace is 8 feet wide, is that true? The section of wall to the right looks like it is about 7 to 8 feet and then on the left about 8 to 9 feet. Is that correct? Also may I have the measurement of the wall between the two sliding glass doors. And we don’t have a picture of what is around the corner where the glass table is located. Just wondering what that half wall with the window on it measures and how high from the floor is the window sill? Sorry about all of these questions. It’s so much easier when we can walk onto the property and get the answers ourselves but we count on you to help us. Thank you. MAE

Correction; it looks like the walls on either side of the fireplace it’s about 5 to 6 feet. Please let me know. Thank you.

7’3 to fireplace starting from the sliding doors then 5’9 fireplace and then 6’6 along solid wall. Sill height is 35.5” head height is 82”. 20” to the sliding door jamb then the door is 7’10.5” then 49.5” black wall with sconces, then another door same size and 21” to the corner in office zone. Does that help?

I’m not great with dimensions and stuff like that but I think you have a great room and some fabulous colors already in place that need to be picked up on more.
For instance those blue chairs! Need more blue!
My thoughts but a lot of personal preferences here: one large curtain rod that you can attach to each other to go around the entire room like a big U, I would actually raise them from where they are now to be under those triangle windows. and I would do black or wooden rods, I see black track lighting and it might pick that up. Alternately wood could blend nice also with the wood in the room. I think the white looks cheap no offense I just hate white curtain rods lol!
Next matching curtains, maybe with a thicker fabric if privacy and lighting is a prob. With the curtain rod that big you could have them stretched far from windows when not needed then bring in when needed. I’m thinking a lux taupe or grey (can’t tell whatever the fabric is of the couch) or another shade of blue to play off the chairs.
Def missing an area rug!! Gotta get one of those. If you do dramatic curtains a more neutral rug.
You could throw in blue accessories like books on the coffee table and maybe a brass house accent for the coffee table to pick up the brass I see in the track lighting?
I honestly think just a few things like that could really transform the space what a cool looking house!!!

I also usually never recommend this but I wonder if the tv could be mounted over the fireplace? Yours seems low and wouldn’t be much higher than where it’s sitting now. That could free up those windows and chairs could go over there. But could be a big pain in the butt to go through whatever gorgeous fire surround you have. But I do think it could go with the style of the house.

Are there two tables? Looks like one by pantry and another dining area? Are they both needed? Maybe the one by pantry getting removed could free up space.

Thank you doodle. Yes that helps a lot! See you tomorrow. 👍🏻🙂

without dimensions, here are a few NTS furniture layout options both with TV above FP. Your best bet is to use painters tape to lay out exact furniture dimensions on the floor.

Thank you Julie! I also dislike white curtain rods! These are bloody awful but was the only finish option aside from silver and I just gave in. Thought maybe I could spray paint them? The previous curtain rods were in fact black. Sadly they were also sagging and didn’t allow full opening of the curtains due to the middle support. This curtain track is a very recent change. There are several supports along the track…do they need to be black too? I was considering custom curtains with pinch pleats that will cover them when closed (the little hooks are adjustable up to 3 inches)… The curtains are a purchase of necessity from the heat wave during 2020-desperate to get some relief from the sun. The trapezoid windows are going to have thermal auto blinds on them (maybe?!) and I have to pick that trim and shade color too. I’m not excited about choosing it - such an expensive purchase! I’m scared.

Blue and green are favorite colors! I chose sw quicksilver for the walls for that reason. Something soft but still reads cool even during golden hour. The inside of the oven in the kitchen is cobalt blue - was like that when e we bought the house. Do you think deep rich blue works for the room though? I tend to like neutral with pops of color rather than fully saturated rooms. We are stuck with this dumb sofa…it’s griege microfiber. it came from the den which is now the main bedroom. Our gorgeous leather sofa was totally trashed by the dogs and failure to maintain it. Sad. No more expensive sofa for me!

Ok. Rugs. I had two surgeries on my foot and have an ankle implant. I’m almost a able to take care of the house on my own but the rugs have consistently been a huge problem. I love rugs. I have bought many Ruggables and other washable types. But. When a dog pukes or pees…you can’t just take the cover off and clean it. You have to pick up and move every single heavy item that sits on it. And…the two layer ruggables also have to wash the heavy mat underneath. No small task. I’ve done it many times and finally gave up a few months ago. Now I ask: can you pull a room together with small rugs 5x8 or smaller? Can it be done without looking like a boho chic party house? The reality of life is that while I love texture and softness and comfort, I also have to figure out how to maintain things. What am I doing wrong? Do others have the same problem or am I just not doing things right? It’s very possible - I grew up rural in a rather dirty house so this is new to me. Help!!!

Alright - the tv. Sigh. Hubby wanted a tv that didn’t suck. They only make them starting at 55”! That’s basically 4 feet across. The tv has been quite literally in every possible location in the room and I finally broke the don’t block a window rule in order to get it on a wall that was vaguely proportional. The fireplace is covered in a beautiful tile that was hand selected and really one of my favorite things…and though I too have given it thought…I can’t bring myself to cover the tile. I don’t mind the height of the media cabinet- maybe looks too low but in person it’s comfortable. The curtains are there to block the neighbors and reduce glare. Not sure if the curtains should be that long. Was thinking maybe no lower than the sill? I know blinds feel more mid century modern, but you’ve probably already noticed that I am no purist! The windows are sliders, and horizontal blinds got in the way . Anyway…. I’m probably over thinking this. That’s why I’m here! Save me from my self.

Thank you adalisa! In the first layout: Where would you put the kitchen island? It’s on casters. If the furniture between the two sets of sliding doors was removed, could there be a tv watching (mostly gaming actually) chair there and the tv stay where it is now? In the second layout: does this only work if the tv is above the FP? Would you recommend adding a mantel?

Apparently the dining room table is in the wrong place? I’ve also had it in front of the sliding doors. It felt too heavy and claustrophobic to me. Right place, Wrong table? Omg my poor husband will hit the floor when I explain this one haha!

Hello Doodle,

The measurements were very helpful! I have been working on the floorplan for a few hours. So the work is in progress. It is almost ready for the furniture.

Curtain rods: When something like that isn't the color I want them to be I rattle can them the color I want them to be. It works great.

Dining room: Yes, I can see why it would feel cramped with the dining room table there but with a different layout, a more open layout it may not feel so cramped. Also you have several large pieces in that area that add to that feeling.

Den/Bedroom: Is that room being used as a Den or a bedroom? can the office desk go in that room? Or, elsewhere?

Rendition is on it's way. See you real soon.

Yes I can remove the desk items. The den is now the primary bedroom.

Good to know. Thanks

starting on the furniture layout. The way we work here at MAE Day Designs is, we put the furniture in the room for you to see. You tell us what you like and what you don't like and me keep moving things around with your direction or as a suggestion and we keep doing it until you get the layout you like and want.

PS How wide is the credenza on the 6'6" wall?

63” - the ones with solid doors (no glass)

This is based on adalisa’s first layout. What do you think?

Do you use the den as a bedroom? Looks to be a great spot for the gaming set up using the sofa, TV and maybe the lizard's home. I would be tempted to feather in matching hardwood into the kitchen, swinging the peninsula around and under the window to give the feeling of more open space. You can have all the hardwood stripped and re-stained to match.

Yes I had to move our primary bedroom upstairs. I love the idea of getting rid of the tile. I don’t know why they did it - looks to be directly on top of the wood. I am tempted to put the lizard on the north east balcony…she will need more heat that way. But yeah it’s a little awkward. Her cage is 24x48 - an awkward 2:1 ratio.

The previous owner had actually put the island in the garage lol

Still here. Yes, that is better. Are you okay with the TV over the fireplace? Do you use the fireplace? Working on the layout still. Sorry it is taking so long.

I really don’t want it over the fireplace

understood. Here is a layout with the TV over the fireplace. Sorry just got this. See what you think and let us know. We will gladly adjust.

Also, for free, we can link you to a virtual walk through if you would like. We are unable to post the link here because it gives people access to our CAD program but we can send it to your email. That gives you our or my personnal email. We DO NOT sell or use our clients emails for anything except access to the virtual tours and approvals.

Pics coming soon.

Ok this tics all the boxes. Tv is not over fp and the dining area is very airy. Drawbacks are the sofa is rather unattractive from the back in the kitchen since it overlaps the cabinetry. Also to get to the kitchen you have to walk through the living area but that’s no big deal right?

This?

Okay here are a couple of other options for your consideration. Hope this helps. This one gives your family direct viewing of the TV and a lot more room to seat folks at the table. It is also more accessible and open.

MAE :-)

Yes, but to be honest it isn't as pretty but the most important question here is do you like it.

Love working with you. You try it and then let us see the pics. You're fun!!!

How about try this last one to see what you think. Let us know which one works best for you.

So far, I’m in love with the tv at an angle! It’s welcoming and I don’t have to reconnect the cable or anything! I think it really works. It’s a little heavy toward the sliding doors but that’s ok. The only thing I modified was the chair location. I didn’t want to close off the path in front of the fireplace. I can see myself having friends over and then knowing where to sit. Thank you so much!

Perfect! You found what works best for you and your family! I like the two chairs side-by-side as well. The terrarium over by the kitchen works well. This set up also allows you to enjoy the view out your windows. And what an amazing view you have. Good for you.!
You can always put a couch table behind the couch. It’s a nice way to hide the back of the couch, add decorative touches and table lamps. They now have electric/cordless table lamps.
If you ever decide to try the other one I would recommend a couch table if it will fit. That would mean you would have to move the couch a little closer. To the TV. No, a lot of people have to walk through their living room to get to their kitchen. We do and it is never a hassle. If we can ever be of any help in the future please let us know. We can be reached at callmaeday@msn.com

Best Wishes,

MAE

Sadly the lizard cage doesn’t work there because it blocks the snack cabinet. But maybe in the future I can change up her habitat. The one we have is an awkward size thankfully it’s on wheels because it is really really heavy. Might try her between the two sets of doors but I know it’s too deep and we will lose a chair.

Bye the way. You mentioned that you don't have airconditioning. You may want to look into this to see if this type of system would work for you. No, we are not selling them but you can get a local person that could get it and install it for you. Here's a link: https://hvacdirect.com/ductless-mini-splits.html

Again,

Best Wishes,

MAE

She probably likes the sun and heat over there though. :-)

I'm not in the space but have been following along and from the pictures I like the first change you made but without that console as you come up the stairs. As mayday has it in her rendering with the tv over the fireplace. You could do that same layout with the tv on the console next to the fireplace. Of course i see now you are liking the angled couch one and you are the one in the actual space. Lovely views out your windows. You're getting there.

Yeah this works for me. I can’t really do a sofa table though unless we get a new sofa because this one reclines right? When I’ve done that before, the back of the reclining part pushes into the console behind it. They also tend to turn into drop zones. But they do look tidy when nicely decorated. The lizard is facing the dining table which puts the rear of her cage facing the living area…but maybe with some decorating it would be less obvious? What do you think? I know the tv on angle is risky but this is the first time I’ve sat in this space and not wondered where a guest would feel welcome. Thank you everyone so far - it’s been a relief to share with everyone and get positive support. :)

With the reclining sofa, may I suggest you consider "C" tables to replace the coffee table? They slip nicely under the sofa, can hang over the arm and will hold a device or a plate of food.

https://www.houzz.com/products/side-tables-and-accent-tables/type_table_base--C-Shaped?redirectoq=c+table