Conquering the Intimidating Room
Do you ever go "trying out houses?" When my son was just 7 years old, we were in the market for a new home and spent many a weekend walking through homes that were under construction. We would look for those that were far enough along, you could tell how they were going to look when finished…but not so far along that they were locked and no longer open to those desiring a peek inside.
One Saturday morning my son looked up from his breakfast and eagerly asked, "Are we trying out houses today?" House hunting was great adventure for a little boy used to rooms filled with furniture. Suddenly, there were wide open spaces...spaces just right for dashing and twirling. There were unfinished, carpetless floors...ideal for racing Hot Wheels and Micro-machines.
Large rooms and wide open spaces are truly fabulous concepts...that is, until you move in and find yourself struggling to find just the right plan for filling them. Do you have a large room in your home that has you a bit perplexed? Have you puzzled over furniture placement and wondered how you might make it feel more warm and cozy? Take a look at some of the layouts and designs these homeowners and designers have used to fill those large and sometimes intimidating spaces.
One Saturday morning my son looked up from his breakfast and eagerly asked, "Are we trying out houses today?" House hunting was great adventure for a little boy used to rooms filled with furniture. Suddenly, there were wide open spaces...spaces just right for dashing and twirling. There were unfinished, carpetless floors...ideal for racing Hot Wheels and Micro-machines.
Large rooms and wide open spaces are truly fabulous concepts...that is, until you move in and find yourself struggling to find just the right plan for filling them. Do you have a large room in your home that has you a bit perplexed? Have you puzzled over furniture placement and wondered how you might make it feel more warm and cozy? Take a look at some of the layouts and designs these homeowners and designers have used to fill those large and sometimes intimidating spaces.
Instead, of looking at a large room as one space, break it down into 2 or 3 "rooms." Rugs are great for helping to define a "room" within a room. This space has been broken down into 3 distinct areas, making use of the architectural features in the room. One "room" is centered around the fireplace, while the rest of the space is divided down the center to create two distinct areas for seating and conversation. This room is truly a "Great Room" in every sense of the word.
Here we see another large space that appears to be longer, than it is wide. Again, the designer has created 3 distinct areas, but this time using one very large rug. You even get a glimpse of a 4th area through the open doorway.
There are so many ways to utilize the space in a large room. How about one large seating group on one side of the room, with a cozy little conversation area consisting of two chairs and a small table on the other. Again, rugs can help create the invisible walls for your "room" within a room.
Or, maybe you would prefer to start out your day reading the paper while stretched out on a velvety chaise lounge, having just finished your morning cup of hot tea. When you're sizing up that large space, think about how you plan to use it...what activities will take place there.
Your large space should be designed to meet YOUR needs. Maybe it's a seating area designed to accomodate your large family, with a cozy spot just perfect for "dinner for two" when the kids are all out for the night with friends. You could even save a corner of your large room to display a work of art or special piece you've acquired..
Basements or Terrace levels are known for open, expansive spaces. This homeowner turned it into a fabulous place for entertaining with one space for t.v. or movie viewing, another for dining and a third for a game of pool. The plaid carpeting is brilliant...it really gives this space the warmth and playfulness it might otherwise be missing.
Maybe you would like to have friends over for an evening of Beethoven and Bach. This large space has been designed beautifully for entertaining and a night filled with enchanting music. Every grand piano deserves a "grand" space.
I had to include this room in a discussion of design for a large space...it feels both modern and retro to me. I have images of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing around that gorgeous circular sofa. Again, we see at least 3 distinct seating groups, one around the coffee table, another sofa facing the circular seating and a third small seating area created with the two chairs on either side of the fireplace.
I love this wonderful bedroom design...it takes full advantage of the architectual features of the room. We have an inviting area for reading and sharing our day in front of the fire, as well as the perfect sunny spot for a morning breakfast with a view.
Now, here's a different take...a seating group on either side of the room with a large round table and chandelier dividing the two areas.
Bonus rooms over garages are always good size. They often, have unusual ceiling angles that can prove to be a challenge for furniture placement. So how do we fill this quirky, delightful space? This bonus room is serving multiple functions as a bedroom with an adjoining seating or t.v. watching area. I even see a desk, perfect for letter writing or a laptop for checking out the latest Ideabook at Houzz. :-)
I saved my favorite large space for last. Actually, it isn't that large, but it's a beautiful example of how to divide a space up for different needs. There's a seating area with a sofa on one side of the room...most likely facing a lovely fireplace. There's a spot just right for a game of cards or for working on that 1000-piece puzzle of the Eiffle Tower Aunt Gertrude gave you last Christmas. And, when you're cross-eyed from puzzling, just grab a classic off the shelves and head for that leather wingback tucked into the sunny reading area.
Hope that large space in your home is looking a little less intimidating now, and that you've been inspired by all the beautiful homes you've visited today. I had fun "trying out houses" with you! Now, where did I leave my Hot Wheels car?
Hope that large space in your home is looking a little less intimidating now, and that you've been inspired by all the beautiful homes you've visited today. I had fun "trying out houses" with you! Now, where did I leave my Hot Wheels car?