Empty spot what to do?

10 years ago

I have an akward living room, where the kitchen counters stretch far into it. Makes placing furniture very difficult. I have an oversized sofa that I plan to replace with a smaller size soon, but it looks akward behind the sofa near the backyard door and windows.

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Veronica Lawrence Interiors

10 years ago

You have a lot of stuff in the room. Don't be afraid of having an open space, if you must put something there, a plant in a nice pot would be best but then I'd take out the pot with the grass

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Comments (37)

Angel 18432
10 years ago
Can you give us a few pics the other way so we can see counter, doors etc.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
A few more photos
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Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
One more photo
kandacekb
10 years ago
a perfect spot for a plant
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Julie Bradshaw BRADSHAW DESIGNS LLC
10 years ago
Yes a plant would be nice. Or it looks like the sofa and recliner can be pulled back closer to the Dining Room.
This might help fill that space.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
I tried pulling it back a bit more but then it blocks the path because of the kitchen counter sticking out like it does
groveraxle
10 years ago
Orient the sofa at an angle so it faces the fireplace directly. Turn the rug parallel to the fireplace, the sofa, and the angle on the breakfast bar. Pull the chair back so it's 90 degrees to the sofa. Put the end table between the sofa and the chair. Get rid of the sofa table; you don't need it and it clutters up the space.
linlac
10 years ago
Your furniture needs to be moved back. Your chair and table shouldn't block the fireplace. The area rug should be turned and the sofa just on the edge. If the chair is back towards the window you won't have that big void.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
We had it at an angle before but found the placement of the carpet awkward as it didn't fit right
linlac
10 years ago
If it blocks the path you may need to use the sofa table elsewhere.
groveraxle
10 years ago
Oh, I see the chair already has two tables of its own. Get rid of two of three end tables. It will give you a more spacious look.
groveraxle
10 years ago
Don't base your furniture arrangement on an area rug. You can get a new, different sized rug. The fireplace is the focal point of the room (no, it's not the TV, except when you are actually watching it) and, as such, the furniture needs to be oriented toward it.
Darzy
10 years ago
gorveraxles' ideas seem just right to me! I'd also try just removing the sofa table, turn the rug 90 degrees and move the sofa back 12" or so. Also, if you can move the recliner and take the side table off the hearth and put on the other side. Furniture on the FP hearth makes it look over crowded. Very nice space you have! Just a little too much nice stuff. :)
linlac
10 years ago
I think your furniture has to face the tv to watch comfortably. I would remove all tables and position couch and chair. Then see what can be added to the space. Too many tables.
luxilove
10 years ago
Can you remove the sofa table, it is pretty but crowding the space. Then pull the sofa back just a few inches. Place the sofa table in front of the window if space allows.
luxilove
10 years ago
Since you already have a table between the sofa and chair how about removing the square table beside of the chair, this may free up a little space and make it feel a little less cramped.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Ok, we moved furniture around a bit. We didn't move the rug yet as it's heavy. It looks better for flow, but not for TV viewing. I realize the red table looks a bit small and insignificant
groveraxle
10 years ago
Looks much better. Now, how many watch TV and from what positions? With this arrangement, I would watch either from the recliner or I'd lounge on the near end of the sofa. Maybe you could put a swivel chair opposite the recliner for a third to watch.. Also, if you could lower the TV to just above the console, it will improve your viewing angle. Another option: mount the TV on an articulating arm so you can pull it out from the wall and position it for viewing.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
Only two of us watch TV.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
Here's another view (don't forget, we didn't move the carpet yet)
linlac
10 years ago
I like the chair placement but still think it would look much better with the sofa facing the TV. I think the angled look would work if you had more space. If you go through Houzz family rooms you will normally see the seating facing the TV. The difference in some of them is they have an L configuration with a sofa and loveseat where one is facing the fireplace and one the TV. Try taking a picture of the couch turned toward the TV and see which you like best. You could try sitting from this position and see if you like watching TV at this angle.
abbyjean
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I really like the way you have it now with the couch using the angles in this room.......counter and tv. Measure once the rug gets moved to be sure the couch is at a perfect angle/distance. Only two of you to watch tv makes this work just fine.

I would take down the three small things on the wall next to the tv....I find them distracting and only want to see the tv.

Also, just wondering if that small console table could just move around the corner from where it is now and maybe move the two stools from beside the tv to that wall, sitting side by side.
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Marc Russell Interiors
10 years ago
A sofa with a chaise will eliminate the need for the chair. An upholstered ottoman can be used instead of the cocktail for the other person to put their feel up. Looks very cluttered with under scale accessories. Another option is squaring off the rounded part of the counter top if you don't use it. What material is it? Good luck!
abbyjean
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
The chair does not need two tables beside it. I am wondering if that end table that was beside the couch before could return as it is small and it might help the couch not seem so much like an island there.
Vicky Toshach
Original Author
10 years ago
The counter is made of Corian and was part of the house when we moved in. We don't really use it. As for the console, I think we kept it there because that's were all the cables are. But I thought about putting a floating shelf there instead as we only use the DVR. We don't use CD's or stuff like that as we don't buy movies.
Angel 18432
10 years ago
Hey - Just getting caught up on everything. We have a home in FLA with the same kind of set up re the counter.
We don't use it for bar stools. Hubby has his recliner right next to it. Just wondered if you reversed the positions of the sofa and chair it might work?
Vicky Toshach thanked Angel 18432
Joy Anderson
10 years ago
I think it is important to angle the couch to face the fireplace. Ditch the table behind the sofa, if necessary.
janeinfo
10 years ago
If you get rid of the table under your t.v. keep the angled arrangement and bring out the two stools side by side in front of the tv for extra seating. I would take out 1/3 of things you don't need in your room. You will be amazed how open your room will be. When we sold our first house, our realtor told us to do this and our house looked incredibly spacious. Good luck
Vicky Toshach thanked janeinfo
janeinfo
10 years ago
I think I need to clarify,,,,,When you bring out the stools, try them parallel to the recliner. Now I will say, Good LUCK!!!
Vicky Toshach thanked janeinfo
Joyce E
10 years ago
Have you talked to a kitchen contractor to find out if the Corian could be reshaped? Or, if budget allows, maybe even look into replacing that top edge with a wood surface instead?
I am enjoying this discussion, because we have an open concept kitchen/living area with almost identical floor plan, and I also have that open space between the table area and the seating area.
Moxiemom
9 years ago
I like the new overhead view so much more! Agree with finding a new, smaller rug. The view from the kitchen still bothers me. I think it's because we see so much stuff. First, the deer head is in a very small space that should just be left bare. I'd find a new home for it. Second, if you leave the placemats on the table all the time I'd stop that practice right now. You don't need the yellow and it adds too much clutter. The little red table is all wrong. Remove those things and then take the same picture. It might help. Your room is beautiful and you have a warm inviting look. Just keep tweaking.
Moxiemom
9 years ago
I just realized I did one of my pet peeves. You didn't ask about removing clutter. You asked about your angle. sorry! I'm blushing.
Moxiemom
9 years ago
Is it possible to rewrite and put the tv over the FP? That would cost less than changing the island.
Angel 18432
9 years ago
moxie - this thread is 10 months old.
Moxiemom
9 years ago
Angel. I thought it was on the timeline. Not sure how this works I guess. I wonder if it's because I searched for empty spaces? Thanks. I'll try to be more aware of it.
Angel 18432
9 years ago
No problem. Didn't mean to be mean. If you type in "empty spaces" in the box above and click the little box to the right, there are options as where to search for an enquiry, but you do have to be aware of the dates of the discussions if you want to add a note.