help with living room entry no foyer

6 years ago

As in most homes, we don’t have a foyer. It opens into an unused living room. I have a faux mudroom to the side of the stairs that functions well for us. I don’t want to buy new furniture, but new artwork, pillows,etc. would be fine. I’m open to ideas! The current art can go. I have a casual California/beach theme in the dining room, kitchen, and den. I also have young kids. Any ideas? I’d like it to be beautiful and functional at the same time. I’ve thought about built in bookcases and fireplace mantel but have no idea where to begin. I’m stuck with what to put over the couch. Thanks for your help!!!!

Featured Answer

groveraxle

6 years ago

New larger rug, new large African batik, your original mirror's big brother, a bigger plant in the corner. I moved the ottoman onto the edge of the rug and got rid of the brown pillows. I'd like to see a beefier task lamp, but I'll let you look for that.

Rugs are from World Market. Batiks from Novica:

Fair Trade Batik Cotton Wall Hanging - Woman From the Farm | NOVICA · More Info

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Comments (50)

PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
6 years ago
Have you tried completely turning the sectional and adding a sofa table behind it so you can create a separation..what is the length of the back of the sectional? What is the room size?
PRO
Home Interiors with Ease
6 years ago
Seems that sectional is much to big for your space.
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I disagree with the above comments. If you're open to big changes, especially if you plan on replacing the fireplace, you could install a lower mantle, and install the TV above it on a swing arm. This way, the TV and fireplace will remain the focus in the centre of the room, while still being able to view the TV wherever you deem most comfortable on any given day. I think the oblong shape of the room would allow for a couple different seating arrangements. Looking at the second image (fireplace on the right), imagine a compact love seat with it's back facing the double doors. Across from the love seat, 2 accent chairs, backs facing the photographer. Add a coffee table of your choice, and you now have a conversation space in front of the fireplace that is also ideal for watching TV. Thinking about the space behind the love seat, closest to the double doors; a half-height, full-width bookshelf would be lovely along the right wall (left of the fireplace), or even a cushioned bench seat with storage underneath, or both! One orientation to the right of the fireplace, and one to the left. Behind the love seat you could place a console table with lamps and accent decor that would create a visual division, making each seating area seem more intimate and purposeful. Add a full-width, floor length set of drapes on either side of the double doors and area rugs under each seating area and Bob's your uncle!
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Susan Davis
6 years ago
Possibilities?

Have sofa face fireplace as suggested to give a new vibe and an entry area.

Buy a carpet that is big enough to have the sofa front legs setting on it.....maybe 8 x 10 or 9 x 12 are standard.

Select a color from the rugs and paint the fireplace area in a variations of your selected color....mid tone or light.

Hang curtains in a pattern that works with the carpet.

Add pillows in all colors from the rug.

Narrow depth consoles with drawers on either side of fireplace with mirrors above and a lamp on each table.

Baskets for odd storage of throws, books, etc.
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
Here are some photos.
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
I added some photos to show how much more space there is. I had a smaller couch before but it’s seemed to float there alone...I could try to buy something else down the road. It’s pretty small, I’ll measure it.
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
It looks too big this way ...
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
I think it only fits this way. I need clearance to open the door. The console tables with lamps are a great idea! Maybe some new art. I haven’t found anything yet I love...
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
That last post had photos from when I switched to sofa and after I moved it back
PRO
Anglophilia
6 years ago
It's just too big and nothing will change that. Sell it and buy a 72" sofa and a couple of nice chairs.
groveraxle
6 years ago
The sectional is a bit too large, but you can make it work if you adjust the rest of your furnishings for better scale. Your art is too high and too small, and your rug is too small, as well. I'd probably replace the ottoman with a chair, and maybe a chunky mantel would give the fireplace more presence to go with the couch.

Let me see what I can do. Back in a bit.
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
That great! My husband goes to Africa a lot for work and brought the masks back...but we could always put it somewhere else. I love the rug! And love World Market/Moroccan travel chic. Not sure about the wall hanging but it’s a great pop of color. He also bought the lamp...but it was cheap. It needs something for sure. I think it works though. Later I’d like to close it off and make it a study or board game room/homework room. Or something like that.
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
https://www.worldmarket.com/product/gilded+world+map+wall+art.do

Maybe something like this? We’ve traveled quite a bit around the world...
groveraxle
6 years ago
Deb France thanked groveraxle
everdebz
6 years ago
hmm.. oh hello... the map with the rug, not so much... map does seem gold like mirror and fp, some? But a brighter rug, then?
everdebz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I know! put tacks where you've travelled - well, maybe not. :)
everdebz
6 years ago
Let's say you buy the map - over fireplace, yellow tree art [might be a blend with your curry/ gold rug] ?

Or great travel photo onto a canvas? :)
"Japanese Maple Trees" Floral Photography Canvas Print, 40"x30" · More Info
[https://www.houzz.com/products/japanese-maple-trees-floral-photography-canvas-print-40x30-prvw-vr~67702867[(https://www.houzz.com/products/japanese-maple-trees-floral-photography-canvas-print-40x30-prvw-vr~67702867)
everdebz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Might be photo - color problem. But are sofa and rug not ideal colors, close together?
everdebz
6 years ago
"Autumn Maple Tree" Landscape Photography Canvas Print, 40"x30" · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/autumn-maple-tree-landscape-photography-canvas-print-40x30-prvw-vr~67703302[(https://www.houzz.com/products/autumn-maple-tree-landscape-photography-canvas-print-40x30-prvw-vr~67703302)
everdebz
6 years ago
I have felt like this I think. Might be too drastic/ emotional for entry viewing - it seems like for den, or exercise-pain room.
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[https://www.houzz.com/products/deliberation-by-mario-sanchez-nevado-giclee-canvas-print-28x28-prvw-vr~52232971[(https://www.houzz.com/products/deliberation-by-mario-sanchez-nevado-giclee-canvas-print-28x28-prvw-vr~52232971)
everdebz
6 years ago
Poly. Also a cream/brown color.
Safavieh Serenity Collection SER208 Rug, Cream/Turquoise, 8' X 10' · More Info
[https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-rook-woven-rug-cream-and-turquoise-8x10-prvw-vr~43142244[(https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-rook-woven-rug-cream-and-turquoise-8x10-prvw-vr~43142244)
therightlook
6 years ago
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add color blue
everdebz
6 years ago
Fireplace?
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everdebz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
If no furniture is in front of the window, this might work well - and with mirror too. 52 x 84" poly.

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everdebz
6 years ago
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everdebz
6 years ago
Just checking - this with those curtains?... like a far away place....
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everdebz
6 years ago
There are more of these:
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everdebz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
As to travel treasures - do you want the spirit of them? with lively influence of their culture - in color and/ or pattern?

or just the neutrals of the masks and other items?

here's a neutral:
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[https://www.houzz.com/products/harrow-abstract-cut-velvet-upholstery-fabric-yard-bittersweet-prvw-vr~66475344[(https://www.houzz.com/products/harrow-abstract-cut-velvet-upholstery-fabric-yard-bittersweet-prvw-vr~66475344)
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
I love the landscape and abstract art! Thanks for the suggestions!!! I think we will try to find something from a place we’ve visited or are from. I see where you are going with it. I love the blue pillow and blue abstract art. This has been very helpful. Especially the photoshop. Thank you!!!!
everdebz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Absolutely! great to re-live what we knew and lived through on our travels! :)

Good to group - I think grover put 3 close together...
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes! Grouping along that wall closer together is much nicer. I’m very excited where this is going! Thanks so much for your help!!!!
User
6 years ago
If you want it to be a game room, why not aim for that now? You could have a table with four chairs (comfy upholstered chairs), a bookcase or storage for games and puzzles and books....maybe a curl-up chair to read a book and have a cup of tea...
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I really like the fireplace in grover's last picture. White mantel is removed along with all the doodads on top. The white mantel just seemed out of place. And I like the BIG plant in the corner, too. Small numerous pieces seem clutter-y to me, like several things set down in a pile till you have time to put them in their proper places.

I think I'd put your most important art piece (large, maybe colorful) over the fireplace.

Oh, and I think your sectional is crippling you. It is just not the right furniture for this room.
mom2hsm
6 years ago
really cool pieces!! It's hard to want to spend much in a room you don't use. An inexpensive larger rug, as others have recommended, would be good. Also, just rearrange a few of the pieces you have--candles on the fireplace mantel off to one side (buy one taller candle) and put one of the drums (?)from the floor on the other side of the mantel, move the plant closer to the fireplace and get some inexpensive curtains and the room will feel warmer and not so staged. Something larger over the sectional - a mirror? - and stagger the masks. It's okay if they don't stay together. And of course, a throw for texture on the sofa!!
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
Everdebz I checked out the world market website—loved all your ideas looking for a piece large enough. What do you think of this? I agree the map isn’t enough. https://www.worldmarket.com/product/cactus-with-gold-frame.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
I hear you all! I had a table with 4 upholstered chairs before and it felt weird. The room is oddly small. You can’t tell in the photos but the couch seems to fit in there. I agree I wanted a much smaller sectional sofa. My husband is the other factor and he likes the couch for now. The only other thing to do with it is make it a large mudroom I guess. We are in disagreement about the room in general. Again it’s weird because it is the room from the front door and I don’t want it to be too crazy and jarring, more neutrally pleasing. Other than greeting someone at the front door, we don’t use this room. Sometimes we sit there if a friend comes over or neighbor.
melle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I didn't read all the posts, but I think the room has a peaceful feel. If you install built-ins around the fireplace you could store books or games. It could be your game room /reading room. If you have space a console table is nice for defining the emery a little more. And maybe a color on the walls/area rug to ground the space. But it's quite nice as is, too.
Deb France thanked melle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/
PRO
Amelia Vallone Interiors
6 years ago
i can't see the distance between the fire place wall and the window, but if there is enough room stationary panels would brighten up that wall and create the perception of a larger window. Area rugs help define spaces. The idea of a console table behind the sectional would define a foyer area.
Deb France thanked Amelia Vallone Interiors
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I don't think the sectional looks bad at all; gives off a nice, cozy vibe. It does seem a waste not to use the room more. If you're thinking of a game room option, why not put a drop leaf table under the window with several chairs? It can be extended when necessary and you could have 2 additional folding chairs if you need them. (Slide them under the sofa...:) A good place also for projects, computer time etc too if the need arises in the future. Depending upon the games, it wouldn't even need to be a drop leaf if you don't need a ton of room. A simple rectangular would work well when pulled out. You could construct your own pretty inexpensively. IKEA is great for that type of project. Rustic top, clean, more contemp legs? https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS745US745&biw=1024&bih=472&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=_tZxWp7-JMzGjwTbooyYDQ&q=ikea+table+legs&oq=ikea+table+legs&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l7j0i8i30k1l3.110257.113337.0.113485.15.13.0.2.2.0.169.1373.2j10.12.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..1.14.1391...0i67k1.0.SfjcwncGj_g
Deb France thanked User
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
We have also tried a couch facing the fireplace with a sofa table behind it, it didn’t work either because the room is so small, the couch was way took close to the fireplace. Here is a photo of the dimensions, not drawn to scale.

I have thought about some sort of rectangular table to sit at in front of the couch to play games/homework and/or a sort of thin row of desks under the windows for homework. I never thought about a drop leaf! That could be interesting. Maybe a rectangular table would be best with some Billy shelves from Ikea along both sides of the fireplace? They aren’t very deep...I’ve seen people do crazy things with them for faux built-ins online...or just keep it open with the drop leaf/narrow desks along the window?
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
Not sure if last photo uploaded correctly. Thank you All for your comments and help! I appreciate each and every one!
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
One more time...
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
It’s 140” along the wall with the back of the couch that keeps getting cut off. Ceilings are standard height 8’ High. The sectional on the right side extends the hallway and goes right along the line where the hallway ends, closing off the room and giving more definition to the area without closing it off. Even with the door open, there is enough space to walk between the couch and door. The door is about halfway in line with the couch sectional/hallway line
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
Jama7 your link didn’t work for me for some reason. Could you post again please? Thank you!
njmomma
6 years ago
Watching :-)
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Replace the bench with two comfy chairs which coordinate with the sectional. Don't turn it.

Move the wood masks to a smaller wall so they are not so spaced out from one another.

Select artwork for over the sectiona

Artwork or three-dimensional assemblage for over the sectional.

Get a floor lamp that spreads the light in the room
Deb France thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
Deb France
Original Author
6 years ago
groveraxle I loved the rugs you suggested! They are out of stock of the larger size of both! :(
always1stepbehind
6 years ago
You can definitely make your sectional work. Love grovers mock ups.
Cole Cross
2 years ago
It's been 3 years, I need an update :P Hope you added larger artwork and more color <3
Deb France
Original Author
2 years ago
I moved!