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Home Decorating living room Design Dilemma

HELP!! Awkward floor plan needs a spruce!

last year

The layout of my main floor is THE WORST. The living room/dining room/entry/kitchen are pretty much all the same room and I don’t even know where to start with decor! The designated dining area is right next to the living room rug for example🤦🏼‍♀️
Help me! Color scheme? Rugs? drapes? Accent furniture? Upgraded light fixtures?
It was a new build and I was Bummed we didn’t get a chance to make any of the decisions regarding layout, fixtures, etc. because of how fast it all happened, but thankful we got in a home at all ❤️

Comments (18)

P Banos
last year
Do you have a budget for decorating? There's a lot you might do, but some items are costlier than others.

At first pass I'd say a new larger LR rug, runner by front door, LR floor lamp, LR ceiling fixture, curtains, wall art, ottoman or coffee table, end table. $1000 is gone very fast. $2000 can do a fair bit if you are frugal. If you have more, we can help you spend it! If less, time to look into used items.

Can you make an idea book with photos of homes you would like to live in?
decoenthusiaste
last year
First thing to do is to upgrade the builder special light fixtures and go with 3500-4000K LED bulbs. That will be very helpful in correctly selecting colors to enhance to your home. Is there a bonus room upstairs or in a basement where the bulky man cave sofas would be more at home? Do you have an extra bedroom to turn into a media room for them?
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Agree that the "official" names of,the rooms mean nothing, notice how the PO used the first room as a home office! We rarely see people want to gather in a formal LR, but in the cozier room. You could do as I have seen done by many families: the dining room becomes a playroom (handy to the kitchen, toddlers love to watch the cars and bikes and dog walkers go by, and look at that wonderful windowseat you have, just toddler-height!). Then the room to the left of your front door is the dining room. Between playroom and dining you could put in a door or, more easily, hang a curtain (I'm picturing a drop-cloth curtain). As baby gets older, like school and teen years, you might even turn this into your own sitting room/mom central/"butler pantry". The cozy room is for family tv and reading time. I'd put the TV next to the fireplace so you can see it from the kitchen. And the sunroom is for everything, reading, gathering, playing. My friends' boys had all their Lego bricks in the sunroom, they loved the light, and there was no furniture to get in their way! The flat floor was good for building, spilling, rolling trucks. And when moms gathered, the kids played happily in the sunroom while we chatted in the connecting family room. I,really expect that even if you want to entertain in the LR, you will be shooing people out of the FR and kitchen, so why fight it?
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Comments (17)
Staceyneil and I were thinking along the same wave length, as you'll soon see, but I came up with an island plan, not a U-plan. I've got 3 for you, one with only slight mod to the pantry and 2 with changes to the bathroom/pantry area similar to staceyneil's. One change I made to all of them is shifting the basement door to the right by 8". If you can't do that, you'll need to adjust the cabs to the left of the fridge by 8". All of them require closing up a window to place the range on the window wall (it is against code to place a range below an operable window in most places). I'm normally loathe to lose up a window but since you're opening up the wall between DR and kitchen, you won't be short on light into the space. Windows flanking ranges is a popular look at present, btw. The reason I did not move the range to the island is a) it's more expensive to vent an island range (island hoods are expensive and require duct work to be installed in the ceiling) and b) I wasn't crazy about the possibility of an open oven door when kids come roaring up the stairs for a snack. So, here are a few more options for you to mull over: I moved the pantry door 6" to the right so that you could run standard depth cabs and counter to the wall. If you want a 29" pocket door, you'll need to enlarge the wall to the left to 30". Plans B & C are variations on each other with changes to the bathroom/pantry area but with the same kitchen lay-out as Plan A. You'll see that the bathroom is moved as Staceyneil suggested. A "skinny" 2 x 4 wall is 2 x 4s turned sideways. It takes up less space, gaining you 2" so that the 24" deep pantry cab only protrudes into the aisle by 3". This cab gives you 42 sq ft of storage (assuming 84" height). And finally Plan C: I enlarged the back hallway to gain a mini mudroom - room for hooks and shoes but not a bench. Sort of like this: [traditional laundry room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-laundry-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_753~s_2107) by toronto general contractor HARDROCK CONSTRUCTION Because of that change, I needed to shrink the pantry cab to 12" deep. To make up for that loss of storage, I added a 24" wide, 12" deep cab across from the DW. These 2 cabs give you 35 sq ft of storage.
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Are you planning on a total redo? I would put the sink under the window and move the fridge to where the sink is to fix your fridge location, but at that point, you need new cabinetry and new counter tops on two of your three walls. Alternatively, you could just put a tall, narrow cabinet on the outside of your fridge where it is now to help it link in with the kitchen without doing a total reno. Now, to diminish the openness... You don't have enough room for a stationary island, but putting something functional between your dining room and oven will help make it feel less like your oven is the focal point of the room and make your kitchen feel more closed off. You could do a peninsula. If you do a peninsula, have it extend from where your sink is. Again, though, this involves replacing cabinetry and counter top. Alternatively, you could do a mobile island on wheels in the middle of the room without doing a total reno. Additionally, if you're doing a total reno, I wouldn't use such a high contrast palette in an open floor plan kitchen. It's hard to compliment all around the room unless you're committed to the black and white motif and it definitely draws the eye to the kitchen. Without doing a total reno, you can also help the visual appearance of closedness vs openness by just replacing the open shelves with cabinets.
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You can easily set a TV on top of the buffet. It will sit a bit tall, but nowhere nearly as tall as sets placed over fireplaces. The problem becomes placing seating so TV viewing is comfortable. Most sofas are between 6 and 7 feet long and about 3 feet deep, so there is room to place your sofa facing where you want the TV, then place the two chairs opposite each other in front of the sofa. Buy a small coffee table to center between the chairs and sofa. This provides up to 5 places for you and guests to sit. The chairs are easily turned if you wish to view the TV. A small rug will pull the area together. Sorry, but the putting green will have to go elsewhere.
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PRO
Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
you need art, lighting, a lighter tv console, wall mount the tv, and most of all, window treatments.

those solid white shades along w/the white wall just disappears. it's blah.

Everything is dark. the table, chairs, sofa, console, book case. the floor is beige. the walls are white. that's it. you have no color anywhere.

trim out the windows w/casing, add some woven wood blinds, new lights, hang the tv, do this console (It's an Ikea Besta hack. cheap and easy) add something w/color like a plant. do lighter chairs around your table, some kind of rug. paint that dark bookcase. add some art over on the dining wall.

get rid of the dark stuffy sofa, and do something like this for the sofa/chairs. (notice the lower back. this is better if you float your sofa in the middle of the room) See how much lighter and brighter it looks? Notice the blinds in this picture too. Get some potted plants.

Get rid of the boob light and do a semi flush ceiling light.

The light over your table is hung too high. if you don't replace it, lower it.

put something like this jute rug under your table.

If you like dark, then go dark. but get a warm wood console. this is more mcm. paint your chairs or get lighter ones. art. plants.

if you like the white, then how about this? do a lighter table w/some colors on the chairs

two other examples.
arcy_gw
last year
Are you planning to paint? I am rather surprised to see the sheen there is on your ceiling. The fixture in the living room is unnecessary since you have a few cans and will no doubt want lamps near the seating. Curtains will add a ton of warmth to the space. Make sure they are a color you embrace --not just buy because someone tells you its 'in'. Chances are you will work with/around them for years to come. The dining room fixture is hung so people don't hit their heads before the furniture arrives, should be extra chain evident to lower it. I would not bother with a rug under an eating area but invest in a larger one for the living room that will really anchor and define that space. Dining tables tend to expand with larger events and a carpet here could give you fits. I find rooms that are built around the story of your lives are more welcoming and satisfying than rooms shopped for to give off a certain look. Think about what you have and build your art array from there.
wsea
last year
I think switching your dining and living area would work best so as not to block of the middle section. havng the table where you currently have the couch would make your space flow better i believe.
Andi
Original Author
last year
@decoenthusiaste unfortunately no. I would love to have even just a ittle extra space for our never ending toy problem.

those couches have done us well through 3 moves and 2 babies! They are showing their age and looking worn so i have no plan to hang onto rhem.

ill look into the lighging you mentioned, thanks!
Andi
Original Author
last year
@Beth H. :i love all of those exmaples! Yes, im aware of the over whelming dark trend, it snuck up on me. but thats the reason in here; to get some good tips/ideas on how to improve it!

i really love the light and natural feel of the last two examples you posted. im hesitant to do light colored couches with kids, but maybe theres a way to keep with that overall theme but use a slighty darker and more forgiving color.

the dining table placment is just awkward but a round table may work better? The lights, especially the ones over the dinig area have been on my to do list but havent had anh idea what to look for.

mounting the tv has also been on our long to do list, but fifured wed be getting a new console and didnt know the height. i really like the gallery wall/calage behind the tv in the pic with the wooden tv console.

what fabric is that on the window treatment? would you do the same light fixture above the table and in the LR since they are so close?

is there a recommended height foe plants/trees? Those in the corners of your pic seem fairly large?

also, what overall style them would you give this look? it may help me narrow down my searches :)
Andi
Original Author
last year
@arcy_gw i love that perspective! im super indecisive so Im terrible at making big/long term decisions like that :/ what color? what length? what fabric?

if that rug is close about 8x10, would the next size up be large enough?? the dining fixture is just off in general. if i center my table under it, the chairs stick out into the walk way from the front door.

I was thinking about getting one of those longer fixtures so i can pull my table closer to the window and not feel thrown off by the light being no where near us.
Andi
Original Author
last year
@wsea the first thing we discussed during our walk through was the way they set up the dining area.

are you suggesting the table go where the love seat is? near the end of the island? If so, would you leave the tv in same place? Would the couches face eachother?

We asked if the light could be moved and if tv hook ups could be added to the wall behind the table, but we were obviously told no.
freedomplace1
last year
last modified: last year
I think your current shades are good. But if you wanted to change, I would suggest bamboo or woven wood shades. No drapes. Adding drapes would be too formal with your leather furniture, imo.

https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-timeworn-tribal-washable/Rust/200BIRV07A-P.html
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
Because you mention options -- I'll ask, was there any liking for color, for the materials used inside or outside? could any of it be a direction, a help for the room?

The flooring's color - could this be good... or warmer like your dining table the 2nd one.

16-Light Octagonal Chandelier, Driftwood/Brass Dust · More Info

16-Light Octagonal Chandelier, California Walnut/Classic Black · More Info

Greenland Poetry Quilted Throw Blanket, 50x60 inch, Classic · More Info

Cora Niele 'Leaf Orange On Blue' Canvas Art, 22x32 · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
A greyed green set is good with sunset, dusty warms in peach/coral/brick family.

But not too dark-earthy, cause you want it to look good with white walls.... this type?

Pillow Decor - Kilim Hearth 19 x 19 Tapestry Throw Pillow · More Info

Unique Loom Multicolored Crumpled Outdoor 4' 0 x 6' 0 Area Rug · More Info

Bloem Chevron Throw Pillows, Set of 2, Marina · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
If sofa is at all green, this blackberry could soften into almost sweet territory.

The bright one zingy smile.
Super Mink Faux Fur Throw Blanket, Blackberry, 50"x60" · More Info

Surya Shoop Shoop 20" x 20" Medium Rectangle Pillow Cover SHP001-2020 · More Info

Safavieh Nantucket Collection NAN438 Rug, Multi, 8' X 10' · More Info

Elettra Adjustable Vintage Table, Elm, Gold · More Info

vidaXL Nightstand with Drawer Reclaimed Teak Wood Living Room Storage Stand · More Info

Air Brushed Colleen Oversized Faux Fur Throw Blanket, Burgundy, 60x70 · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
A bit bright, but what I could find:
Mongolian Lamb Fur Poly Filled Throw Pillow, Eggplant, 12"x20" · More Info

Shabby Chic Balochi Alfonso Hand Knotted Wool Rug - 5'1'' x 6'7'' · More Info

D Art Collection Mahogany Baronnes Curved Table · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
On large sofa, can have large and bulky/ textured throw.
Tweed Knitted Throw Blanket, Lemon Curry, 60"x80" · More Info

Global Linen Pillow II, 15"x24" · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
If you consider buying natural and hefty/ bulky seagrass... lamps in this type color -- maybe a throw like this?

runner idea for kitchen or entry.
Cozy Tyme Kaley Throw Wool-like, Yellow Acrylic 50"x60" · More Info

Loloi II Spectrum Ivory/Multi, Blue/Multi, 7'-9" X 9'-9" · More Info
everdebz
last year
last modified: last year
Before I retire, posting refreshing cool blue for entry -- ??
Marina Suzanie Indoor/Outdoor Rug, Blue, 3'11'x5'10" · More Info

Metal and Wood Side Table · More Info
wsea
last year
You don’t really show the room you have the table in and without dimensions it would be hard to give full suggestions. the lights are simple but i would likely have an electrician move them if you dont have an comfort in that realm. I’d put the table where the couches are but turn it 90 degrees from the way you have it set up now. for the tv id likely put it on the wall that is parallel to the table. hard to truely see that space though.

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