Creating an Entertaining Space

Ally
I'm the author of the interior design blog, FROM THE RIGHT BANK. When I'm not rearranging the furniture in my own house, I consult on interiors projects and contribute to various shelter publications and websites. You can follow my adventures in creating a global modern home at http://www.fromtherightbank.com
I'm the author of the interior design blog, FROM THE RIGHT BANK. When I'm... More »
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Happy holidays and welcome to my living room! Throughout the year, this room is used mainly as a library and to host small parties. But the holidays mean bigger gatherings and here's how I rework the room to accommodate them while still keeping it presentable.
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eclectic living room Living Room
Here is what the living room normally looks like. With this configuration, it seats six people comfortably.
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eclectic living room Living Room
Here's another look at the room as it looks most of the year. The antique piano belonged to my parents and sadly it doesn't get played very much in our house. All those years of lessons were apparently a complete waste! Luckily it can play itself. :)
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eclectic living room Living Room Rearranged
The piano not only provides live music for parties but it also serves as the perfect serving station. (My mom would be horrified at what's become of her beloved piano!)
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eclectic living room Living Room Rearranged
When it comes to seating, I have three goals: 1) to provide as much as possible; 2) to create different conversation areas; and 3) to do all this while keeping the room balanced. Here, this ottoman was separated from the lounge chair and it's wide enough to seat two.
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eclectic living room Living Room Rearranged
By separating the chair and ottoman in a corner with a side table in between, it creates a great little conversation area.
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eclectic living room Living Room Rearranged
I also bring in these extra chairs which are normally in the dining room. I usually like to keep this area clear but it's a good way to expand the central seating area and accommodate more people.
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eclectic living room Living Room Rearranged
Here's another view of the chairs and as you can see, their backs are to the entry to the room. If you're struggling to add more seating, look for spaces like this where you normally wouldn't place furniture.
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eclectic living room Living Room Rearranged
The last piece I add to the room is this bench which is normally in the guest room. "Shop" your own home for small pieces like stools, benches and ottomans that can serve as seats. With items like these, I always like to add pillows for comfort.
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eclectic living room Living Room Detail
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Comments

Love all of these ideas to create a more intimate space for entertaining.....
6 months ago ·
artgirl62 says:
terrific ideas and love that just right amount hit of orange!
6 months ago ·
Love the idea of splitting the chair and ottoman to create a conversation area.
6 months ago ·
mbsr says:
Love all your holiday changes Ally.
6 months ago ·
The multiple seating/conversation areas is a great idea, especially if a lot of people are invading your home. All 15 of you are not going to join in on one huge conversation all the time.
6 months ago ·
I like the idea of using the piano as a table!
6 months ago ·
From the right bank does everything right! Lovely.
6 months ago ·
st2f says:
Love love love Ally!
Want to be part of all holiday parties in that very room.
xoxo,
&2
6 months ago ·
Love utilizing the piano not only for music but as a table!!!!
6 months ago ·
abport says:
I love citrus at holiday time and these happen to work well with your orange chair and ottoman!
6 months ago ·
mvgirl1 says:
Always love "From the Right Bank"!!! Cheers to the holidays.
6 months ago ·
Such a gorgeous space. I love the pop of orange!
6 months ago ·
laurasp says:
I like the idea of being sneaky to add extra seating w/o looking like you did. Great tips, shopping your own home for extra seating! Happy Holidays!!
6 months ago ·
Great space! I love all the different types of seating as well as using the piano as a serving place for drinks!
6 months ago ·
Two Ellie says:
So very beautiful!
6 months ago ·
shannona says:
fantastic! nothing in my mind better than a piano used for live music.. ESPECIALLY around the holidays! Let it snow!
6 months ago ·
This is awesome! It's good to see a room that has plenty of seating for the holidays without overcrowding it (after all, you have to leave some room for the people!)
6 months ago ·
amybs says:
i really love all the extra little ways of creating seating in this space. and all while keeping a beautiful design.
6 months ago ·
trisstal says:
I definitely ADORE this space!! So many different uses available in one room and it's so versatile. I love the pops of color and the use of different styles of furniture, they all end up working so well together.
6 months ago ·
ccsf says:
Beautiful! I love the piano idea.
6 months ago ·
So, so pretty! I think I might be compelled to hog that fabulous orange chair :) I can imagine sitting there for hours drinking champagne and listening to the piano!
6 months ago ·
lt33 says:
I love how simple all the changes are.
6 months ago ·
I love Aly's orange chair! The seating is very versatile and looks very comfortable. Lots of options for small, intimate conversations or one big party.
6 months ago ·
I love the pop of orange. I also like using the piano as a place to serve as well as the potential for some great music!
6 months ago ·
Love all the orange bits in the space...feels like an ode to Hermes...who can one resist?! Great styling Ally, comfort and casual elegance...perfect for the holidays!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

www.HauteKhuuture.com
6 months ago ·
karlee05 says:
beautiful room! i love the way you utilized the piano!!
6 months ago ·
That chandelier and the hits of orange are just lovely!
6 months ago ·
savvygab says:
I love this living room! The orange accents make it really stand out but the overall feel is so classic and perfect!
6 months ago ·
kristenl says:
This living room is the perfect mix of modern and traditional French. I love it!
6 months ago ·
Your living room space is a fabulous mix without being overdone. Great flow.
6 months ago ·
Really like your changes here. Holidays are less stressful when you can figure these things out ahead of time!
6 months ago ·
Your space looks so elegant! Love the colorful wine goblets on the piano. And the tiny tree, of course.
6 months ago ·
raynaj says:
I love the idea of creating multiple conversation areas in the same space.
6 months ago ·
alexvmom says:
Beautiful room and beautiful updates for the holidays!
6 months ago ·
donna says:
you're my girl. my favorite is the orange chair and ottoman separated. looks like a million. donna
6 months ago ·
Your family piano is what I covet. The injection of orange, neutrals, the chandelier, and your fabulous woodwork, all equate to a lavish but liveable room. Your crystal stemmed glasses on the baby grand, are exactly like the ones my mother owned. Gorgeous Ally..gorgeous!!
6 months ago ·
Very pretty...Love the festive feel with the colorful glasses.
6 months ago ·
huli says:
Everything is just so beautiful. I love all the different glasses and chairs :]
6 months ago ·
Love. Love. Love.
6 months ago ·
Remy Fin says:
Your blog was the first decorating blog that I began following and I have been hooked ever since. You have fabulous taste and a great vision. thanks for sharing your work!
6 months ago ·
katep says:
Pops of color, elegant details, just plain fab!
6 months ago ·
mkboston says:
I absolutely love and am inspired by your style! Love the pops of color.

(I cringed at the piano a bit too! hehe)
6 months ago ·
I love your living room!
6 months ago ·
catmolly says:
The room is really beautiful, and the design is still great with the added seating for extra company. I love the chairs. Happy holidays.
6 months ago ·
Nice job Ally
6 months ago ·
Wonderful space!
6 months ago ·
I love the different seating it goes but isn't too matchy. I love entertaining as well so these ideas really helped.
6 months ago ·
A piano is always such a welcoming element. I love how yours is featured but not in a show off-y way. I also want that chandelier!
6 months ago ·
An ideal home!
6 months ago ·
love love love the orange accents
6 months ago ·
gb73 says:
Big fan of Ally's home---love love love that orange chair and love her idea of using the piano top as a serving station.
6 months ago ·
samipat says:
I live in a small house and appreciate suggestions on extra seating. Other than the pure contrast of orange on white, what I like best about this room are the uncluttered windows.
6 months ago ·
Beautiful!! Love the arrangement on top of the piano and the orange chair and ottoman separated like that. Gorg!!
6 months ago ·
Chedva says:
Looks great, Ally!
6 months ago ·
Love the great balance of traditional and modern in the space. Really lovely, Ally!
6 months ago ·
textiles says:
Adding your bench... brilliant and beautiful!
6 months ago ·
meisen325 says:
Creative and tasteful. Love it!
6 months ago ·
Love love love.
6 months ago ·
8Foot6 says:
GORGEOUS!
6 months ago ·
leahmoss says:
Ally, i love any glimpse of your gorgeous home! you have the best sense of style
6 months ago ·
Love the combination of styles!
6 months ago ·
Laughed at the piano comment as a serving table. My mom would kill me too! (I'm a former piano player as well - no piano at home to practice). I do, as others have commented, love the mix of modern and traditional pieces.
6 months ago ·
Great look Ally and I love the easy change in feel from the additional chairs (which are GORGEOUS!)

6 months ago ·
Amazing! I love the warmth, but modern feel of the room. It's very cozy. I also like the tangerines that match your chairs!
6 months ago ·
LOVE the pop of orange! And beyond the great color aesthetic the functionality is fantastic, too!
6 months ago ·
mvgirl1 says:
Looks like you are ready for holiday company! Always look forward to reading FTRB daily blog!!
6 months ago ·
Those moldings are TDF! So where are you inviting us over for the entertaining, huh??
6 months ago ·
Ally truly gorgeous!! I hope you are the winner!

xoxo

Karena
Art by Karena
6 months ago ·
sydney85 says:
Love your clean line approach to decorating with a burst of color. Looks fabulous.

Good luck.
6 months ago ·
Love it!
6 months ago ·
joelled says:
Love the idea of the bar tray on the piano
6 months ago ·
Lovely!
6 months ago ·
I read your blog every day for great ideas like this and so much more!!!
6 months ago ·
Oh, and please share more photos of your Frenchies! My Frenchies enjoy seeing yours on FTRB!! :-)
6 months ago ·
pieterct says:
The Pop chair from Ligne Roset is perfect! Great space!
6 months ago ·
mvgirl1 says:
Love reading your blog. I want to party in this room! Great ideas for extra seating.
6 months ago ·

LOVE your living room with the piano in front of the gorgeous bay window. Sure you
spend tons of time there. Also love the orange--my favorite color!
6 months ago ·
angelatph says:
Perfect balance of modern, classic, and Christmas cheer.
6 months ago ·
It's very inviting and not overdone. Nice balance and very soothing color scheme.
6 months ago ·
lisami says:
Beautiful room! Lisa Mintz
6 months ago ·
Such a beautiful room! I love the mix of period styles and pops of color.

xo,
cristin
6 months ago ·
I LOVE the bench and the pillows you chose to go with it. It is beautiful!
6 months ago ·
jeepers says:
This is such an informative site.
6 months ago ·
cisco123 says:
Nice!!!!
6 months ago ·
beautiful space, so warm and inviting!
6 months ago ·