Living room design help

9 years ago

Hi- Here is our livingroom. We recently moved in. We have little kids and no den, playroom or family room. We do have a finished basement where a lot of the toys belong but they usually end up playing in our livingroom. The previous owners had the room split into a "foyer" with a mirror and console against that small wall facing the front door and then where the couch is now they had a living room area with a rug, 2 sofas and a chair but it looked cramped. I want as little furniture as possible since it is a small area and we want room for the kids to play. I also want some type of toy storage, but was thinking of something that looks nice,endtables or a console doubling as a toy storage. We have books somewhere else in the house so we dont need real bookshelves in this room. The walls are "edgecomb gray". One more thing, the windows are low, and while we do need more sitting space in here, another couch would block the bottoms of the windows. Is that OK? Please help me with space layout. Should the rug just be in the sitting area near the couch or extend the length of the room? The room is approx 20 feet long from couch to stairs. width is about 10 feet. I think its a tricky space and some advice would be appreciatedThank you!

Featured Answer

Carole Morey

9 years ago

I don't think that couch is going to work in this room and given the traffic flow, it makes sense to split the room into 2 areas. I would move the small bookcase to the stair wall and purchase a colorful rug to anchor this area as a toy/play area. I would put a console table on the wall that faces the door with matching lamps, a tray for keys and mail and a mirror above for a welcoming view as you enter the room. I think you may decide to remove this wall at some point to open up your space. It looks like you have a roomy closet in your entry way, so I would try to keep coats, shoes, etc. contained in there. I love this idea (picture) for your front window. Your little ones can pull up small chairs to the coffee table or otherwise use it as a play surface. You can add extra storage under the window seat. If you don't want to do built-ins, you could create a similar look with an upholstered bench under the window, flanked by two tall shelving units with closed storage on the bottom. Add 2 comfy swivel chairs with a small table in between which can either face the windows or turn to face your television angled in the corner. Add a coordinating rug for this area, framed children's art and you have a space that works for you now, with versatile pieces that can be placed in different configurations as your children grow and play more independently in your finished basement.

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Comments (19)

Amber Lynn
9 years ago
Looks very tricky and I think it will take some time to figure out what will work for you. I don't really have a solution but some advice to get you thinking. You mention this as mostly as a playroom, but what other uses? It seems to be near the entry way so guessing it's the room guest see first? Maybe checking out some of the Houzz articles on entryways will help with the transition from entry to family room. I like the advice of having a place for people to sit to put on shoes. Seems like a long narrow room, so you may want to consider some separation between what each space does. Like the area near between the stairs and entry way as the area for you and guests to unload and such. And the rest of the room is the playroom for your kids and maybe for play dates? Good luck!
Shira thanked Amber Lynn
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Storage tables already posted / casual texture if you like- but $195. Rounded like sofa arms. Same color as sofa could leave interest for its lamp, and art....
Rattan Storage End Table · More Info
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Carole Morey
9 years ago
Do you need to fit a television into this space?
northpoint2
9 years ago
I'm also curious about the other planned uses for this space (besides playing and toy storage). It's very tricky because it is the first thing you see when you enter your home. I would try for a large area rug, definitely...
Shira
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all for the ideas. To clarify a few points- I am not putting a T.V in the room. We won't be eating here as we have a diningroom. While the kids do play in here, I dont want it to look like a playroom, I want it to look like a livingroom/familyroom where the kids can play too. We don't have to keep the brown couch or the small bookshelf that is there now. Carole, your idea is really nice and the picture is beautiful but I think my space is too small for all that, but I would consider putting a cosole, lamps, mirror on the small wall for a "welcoming view". What else? Please help also with colors. Thank you havingfun and everdebz for the storage pieces.
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sofa looks practical, and does fill a wall that isn't to me right for storage. For instance, if my round table were to hide the pile of toys in the corner [maybe stored in a less expensive container], you'd have 2 storages so far...

how many children? do they have separate ages... or same toys?
everdebz
9 years ago
If in the plan the low bookcase works, might be ok since it seems color of the floor. How many adults do you want to seat in the room?
havingfun
9 years ago
are you saying you did not like the colors or furniture i put in here? do you wish for me to toss?
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Idk what colors you like, but wouldn't 1 art piece work with your sofa? $184. I noticed it could work with havingfun's lime pouf for casual. Nature art appeals to all ages.
"Misty Pine Forest" Fine Art Canvas Print, 60"x30" · More Info
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
A simple relaxed look 35 x 47" maybe with more a teal palette?
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everdebz
9 years ago
40 x 60" and would catch sunlight...
Contemporary Silver Metal Wall Decor 50269 · More Info
everdebz
9 years ago
How wide is the center wall [backing up to kitchen I think]? What about a unit with no base, to not clog up visually [which cases might, but wouldn't have to]... chairs like these: one near DR if possible and a smaller type near window?
Seating area · More Info
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Maybe the Ikea cubes a-plenty would be ok as you walk in the door, and see them. Toys could be inside the baskets [that they sell in neutrals]... you think what?

If your layout goes for it, what about cubes under staircase instead... foot traffic would seem ok going by them ?
Meriem
9 years ago
Is there any way you could replace your sofa with an L shaped sofa? That would fit both in front of the window and where the sofa is currently. If it's not all the way up against the wall, then it's ok if it's a bit higher than the window sill. A little area rug, and you have a nice living space. I agree with the console and maybe a big decorative mirror over it on the wall across from the front door.
Shira thanked Meriem
Amber Lynn
9 years ago
Saw this picture of seating/storage under a window and thought of your space. https://instagram.com/p/BSMkhdnBKJU/
sheilaskb
9 years ago
Perhaps you could make a play nook or indoor "play house" along the L-shaped walls of the stairway and then have the other part of the living room for the adults.
User
9 years ago
Your space is very difficult for many reasons. So I sympathize with you there.

Just some ideas here. I like the idea of the storage area being exactly where you have the kid's toys now, near the stairway.

I think trying to work with that large sofa is difficult.

A sectional with a lounge on the right so that it goes where the window is might be a solution.

As you enter the house from front door, as you said, a console with cabinets and lamps and a large art piece would be really a nice visual.

Think of getting two separate carpets, both with some softness for kids to sit and play on too, and one for your living area.
Shira thanked User
User
9 years ago
kids ruin things. This is what I'd do for now.
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I don't like the tv with the kids toys--I would keep them far away from your sofa and t.v. A separate place just for them. Like a mini living room. Lamp and carpet and a small square table. Why not? Kids need their space too.