SOLVING A GIANT LIVING ROOM PROBLEM - Page 3

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

@Oznell Maybe the idea with this setting was that if one were entertaining, the open center would allow people to stand or move around to the different seating areas to socialize with those guests. I think there has to be a somewhat open space to move smoothly through the room.

I agree with having a chair with it's back to the fireplace, so strange.

Mindy D · ‎05-23-2010

I have had this issue in a couple of places and I used large area rugs to divide up the space into different conversation areas. I've also used furniture that functioned as room dividers. A couple of the example photos do what I did. In my current home, the space is ample, not giant sized, but my original 86" couch looked lost in the LR when I first moved in. I just used oversized furniture, including more pieces of upholstered furniture and many occasional pieces. The room looks full now. In fact, I think I over did it because the LR looks deceptively smaller than it is.

faeriemoon · ‎03-14-2010

@ECBG wrote:
@faeriemoon

I didn't go to "design school" either. Living in the Appalachian mountains growing up, I only knew the "big" names (Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill) when it came time to choose a college; I also worked my way through college working in the summers.
Although, I picked my major to allow the student interaction I wanted to give, Interior Design was part of the major. I spent all of my time in those classes as well as the art department.
I was able to teach all of the design classes in my department.
As a child, I was constantly creating color displays from items all over the house, under a dinning room table.

I use those color theories now as a fashion stylist.

@ECBG I'm so glad you were able to make it work. As a child I did those things too, as well as moving furniture around my parents' house. (Surprise, mom! I think this looks better!!) As far as my very limited wardrobe, I made a chart of all the outfits I could make with individual pieces and accessories so it never looked like I was wearing the same things over and over again.

I wish I had prusued the design avenue once I was an adult. But I'm not one to look back. Onward!!

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@faeriemoon

You would probably shine as a fashion stylist working with your knowledge. As spring is coming around, the smaller stores, not department stores, will be looking for a staff member or two.

You might want to register on "Indeed" for your area.

Duckncover · ‎07-16-2021

Our living room is 23x21 with the same layout. Fireplaces with tall windows on each side. We put in tall curtain panels that are open but really warm up the room. I put them higher than the windows, about 18" from the 12 foot ceiling. They extend to the floor and the difference is amazing. Also put two sofas facing each other in front of the fireplace, sometimes I have them in an l-shape. We put my writing desk in from of the side double window. It has morning light so is a great place to have a nice plant and also write or use the iPad in the mornings. A large rug helps define the space. I think most of these photos have too many small pieces of furniture in them. Larger pieces in our room like two reading chairs and ottomans helps. Not crowded, but doesn't look too empty now.

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

We don't have any large rooms in our home. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have more space, but then I realize that means spending more money to fill up that space.

I like the idea of dividing up a large space with 2 seating areas at both ends and a table with chairs in the middle.
I currently have an upright piano, but if I had a huge living room and lots of money, I would add a grand piano to help fill up a huge space.

I don't like the back to back sofa idea. I don't like the looks of it, and I'm not sure that would facilitate 2 different conversations at the same time.

godi · ‎03-09-2010

First thing I thought two seating areas. Then I scrolled down and saw that in a few of the pictures. Not sure what else. It is a beautiful room.

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

This room is designed horribly.

First and foremost in the forefront.....the two *Timeout* chairs--they serve no purpose.

The couch they are backed up to doesn't *face* any other seating. The beautiful blue (velvet?) couch is at a break neck angle, so no comfortable *indoor voice* conversations.

Then, there's the one armed settees or chair and a halfs (I guess you'd call them?), so only 2 people could sit and converse there. But it seems the blue velvet couch is somewhat behind one of them, so awkward if someone is sitting there trying to join in the conversation. You'll be talking to the back of someone's head!

The other two blue and cream colored chairs need to be angled toward each other.

The window seat behind them is lovely. But not functional seating. At one home I did have window seats and for large gatherings we brought in a wrought iron table from the patio and it seated up to 10 people around it using the window bench also.

Seating needs to accomodate people to face each other for good conversations. All the different pieces of furniture in this room could accomplish that. But it doesn't. Instead they put furniture against walls and chairs next to each other, but facing straight ahead.

I love seeing several intimate seating areas in one room. My latest home doesn't afford me that luxury, but that's not the end of the world.....