Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_674526

Small Living Area Ideas Needed

11 years ago
I just found out that I am allergic to a chemical in my leather couch. So, it is time to buy a new couch - and really plan the room. This couch was given to us when my mother in law downsized and isn't really our style - we don't want another sectional. Personally, I love an updated shabby chic or French country style, but that might not be practical with two young boys.

As you can see from the pictures, this is a very busy room (sorry about the mess!) My older son has his computer here, and the younger one has most of his toys here. We do most of our living here. It opens up from a kitchen that isn't our main kitchen - the house was a duplex so we have a second kitchen. This side is used for drinks and snacks only, not cooking. I'd love to tie the two rooms together.

I'm not in love with anything you see here, but I don't have a huge budget, either. I would love any ideas on how to make this a more inviting, tied-together space that is family friendly. Thank you!

Comments (22)

  • 11 years ago
    That is definitely something I'm willing to consider, although it would have to be over time. I don't know why the past owners broke up the flooring the way they did. I would need to redo all the flooring to make that work, right?
  • 11 years ago
    I would remove the kitchen. Sell the whole thing as one piece on craigslist, appliances, cabinets and all. Your electric bill will thank you for not running two fridges!

    I don't think there is a problem with keeping the tile because I suggest you make the kitchen part of the room be the kids' half of the living room. I'd find an area rug to put down on the tile but it would look fine if there were still a border of tile visible. I would get some kind of storage going on that half of the room for their toys. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, it just has to be practical and something they would actually use. Again craigslist is a great place to find things like this.

    For the main current living space, the piece of furniture that the TV is in strikes me as pretty large for that space. Could you mount the TV on the wall and have some kind of credenza under it? Then get a sofa you love to replace the leather one.
  • 11 years ago
    The TV cabinet is huge, that is true. It was another hand-me-down. Almost all my furniture is. My husband does want to mount the TV, but we have video game systems, games and movies that are hidden away in there. So we will still need some storage.

    Assuming I can get the kids stuff out of there by changing the kitchen around, I still need color/style help. I'm hopeless with that because I have always had a mish-mash of other people's things. Here is a picture from the other end of the room. The color is awful - it sucks all the light out of the room. Do you think we could fit in a smaller couch with 2 smaller chairs, maybe one on either side?
  • 11 years ago
    Don't won't to seem rude but I wouldn't mount hubby until he got rid of the monstrosity of a cabinet lol
  • 11 years ago
    Sorry couldn't help myself
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    hahaha........ that was funny! anyway, we will be here to help you, I think selling the whole thing is a great idea, plenty of peopl want this kind of stuff, and it would be an upgrade to someone, or good for a flip project, as its not bad stuff. honestly, get a new sofa for your allergies, and then buy other pieces once the kitchen is out.
    Heather S thanked User
  • 11 years ago
    Flair lighting - Do you agree that I can leave the flooring as-is, with a decent sized rug, and use it as a playroom?
  • 11 years ago
    To get a French provincial start on your room go with a slipcovered sofa in tan or natural or even a blue denim. And make it a regular size. Keep your eye out for a used French provincial buffet with lots of storage for the components and games that you can antique in white finish. I found a client a used comfy French chair and ottoman in an antique mall. The two chairs needn't match and you can bring in color or pattern. Consider a large ottoman instead of a table. Less damage to the kids and it's all about comfort. A large mirror to the left of the TV will widen the room and bring more light in.

    I love the idea of removing the kitchen to have a kids play area in the same room. FLOR carpet tiles might be the way to go over that floor. You could even put up a wall with big French doors to close off the play room. Or big curtains on a big rod to just partially close off the kitchen for now and later. Good luck To!
    Heather S thanked Craig CraigMDesigns
  • 11 years ago
    Thank you, Craig. I love those ideas. Something like this, maybe, with the doors removed? (I don't mean this one in particular, just a quick search.) I'd have to remove the doors so remotes work.

    http://cdn-s3-2.wanelo.com/product/image/470185/original.jpg
  • 11 years ago
    I would consider removing the appliances and upper cabinets only. Keeping the lower cabinets would give toy and other storage possibilities. You may even be able to DIY a desk for your son by removing some lower cabinets. I agree about finding an area rug for the kitchen area. Craigslist, garage sales and thrift stores are your friends!
    Heather S thanked Anne
  • 11 years ago
    There is no reason you can not have shabby chic with kids, just not too much light furniture, I would sell off your kitchen to extend area, pity you could knock out the wall, I like the idea of splitting room with a divider bookcase, one side for living and one for playing
    Heather S thanked Irene Morresey
  • 11 years ago
    That bookcase maybe a bit wide of course, but you will get the idea, then you don't have the toys all in your face
    Heather S thanked Irene Morresey
  • 11 years ago
    Just noticed wall don't cover your kitchen, so easier still to divide somewhat, maybe able to put tv on that, or else use that monstrosity of a cabinet, now that's an idea and hubby will be happy lol
  • 11 years ago
    And paint back of it chalkboard black for the kids to draw on. Lol enough from me, love to see finished room and hubby
    Heather S thanked Irene Morresey
  • 11 years ago
    The hubby is all for getting rid of the cabinet :) He would also love that study-like style.

    He is going to think I am crazy when he gets home - "I thought we were just getting a new couch?!" But isn't that the perfect time to make a long-term plan? ;)
  • 11 years ago
    You will save money in the long run if you plan your look ahead instead of piece by piece. It doesn't mean you have to purchase everything at once, just think about your long-term vision. If money is the issues, consider how much you could get for the big cabinet on consignment or craiglist. Sorry if I sound like a broken record about craiglist. I have just scored so many amazing deals and sold so much through there.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    oh study/ play area... I think you should match the floors up. just be done with it.
  • 11 years ago
    Since you're buying new furniture, you can save some money in the kitchen for now. Sell the stove, hood, and cabinet above it. Move the existing TV cabinet in its place and shove all the toys in it (you can organize it later). Buy a sofa and 2 chairs. Since you like shabby chic, you should look on Craigslist for unique chairs and have them reupholstered. Also, look for a dining room buffet/console on Craigslist to use as your TV stand.
  • 11 years ago
    Do you use the door to the right of the sofa?
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    No, we don't use that door. It is the front door and there is another one on the other side of the wall next to it, which we also don't use (converted duplex.) We use the side door that opens into the tiled area. There are 6 exterior doors within 35 feet of this room, so I would have no problems with blocking it.
  • 11 years ago
    I was just thinking you could carry the curtains over the door (install a traverse rod). This would give you a larger area to work with without looking like you're blocking a door. Have you found a TV stand/buffet/credenza for your TV?