What to do with living room?

9 years ago

I've been remodeling my 1961 ranch style home (1,300 sqft). I did some major projects before moving in, but didn't have the option of replacing the furniture at the time. Now that I've been here several months, I'm trying to sort out a better layout for my living room.

I'm attaching a photo of a floorplan of what it looks like currently, along with a 3D view. I'm new to all this so there are probably minor mistakes or whatnot from learning the software program :)

I'm struggling with what to do with the tv, with the small desk, and with the idea of replacing the current couch with something the SO thinks is more comfortable/more conducive to watching movies together (maybe something with a chaise?). There is also the dog's kennel in the living room which I'm okay with removing to the garage...but need somewhere to put a dog bed since the floor is tile.

I will eventually have to replace the windows in the living room which look out onto the backyard. Everything else is 'done'.

Any ideas would be appreciated!!

Living Room Floorplan · More Info

Living Room 3D View · More Info

House Floorplan · More Info

Featured Answer

PRO

CLARICE SMYTH DESIGN

9 years ago

There are still several measurements not accounted for but these are the suggestion I would recommend. You are losing floorspace with the sofa's position. Your traffic flow path should be where the tv and console are current positioned. Think of your traffic flow/path as the most direct path between any 2 spaces. These paths should be kept clear of obstacles. Allow 36"-48" if possible 30" minimum.

I would suggest that you mount the tv over the fireplace, move the desk/chair to the left of the fireplace. Place the sofa facing the fireplace with it oriented closer to the window. If you get a new sofa with a chaise make sure the chaise is along the window side. Place the upholstered chair to the right of the fireplace opening. You can angle it as needed to balance the seating arrangement.

Create an art wall where the tv is currently mounted. This art will visually anchor the wall and make it part of the room but will not obstruct the traffic flow/path.

I would suggest you select a buffet, dresser, or console with storage close to the height of the sofa back . Place this piece facing the dining area but backed to the sofa. You can place lamp(s) and accessories on it that will look good from both spaces.

Hope this helps.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

havingfun
9 years ago
I would put the tv to the left of the fp as said. i would move the couch closer to the fp. i would then put the desk where the tv is now.
Related Professionals
Washington Interior Designers & Decorators · Sedalia Interior Designers & Decorators · Woodward Interior Designers & Decorators · Clarksburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Lincoln Interior Designers & Decorators · Miami Architects & Building Designers · Rockford Architects & Building Designers · Utica Architects & Building Designers · Kenosha Architects & Building Designers · Santa Maria Architects & Building Designers · Fort Collins Architects & Building Designers · Hays Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Somerset Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Natchitoches Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Queens Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
groveraxle
9 years ago
Could we have photos of the actual room, please?
Ashley
Original Author
9 years ago
Here's one of the space I had easily accessible. Can get something better /different view later if needed.

Initially I didn't want to put the TV over the fireplace (personally hate it there), but that might be the best option.

Thanks for the feedback so far!
groveraxle
9 years ago
Thanks. The fireplace. wall is exactly what I wanted to see. I suspect your TV will take up all the space between mantel and ceiling and that always looks super ugly and unbalanced.

If you did turn the sofa to face the fireplace/TV, you could put a combination sofa table/desk behind it.
groveraxle
9 years ago
Clearly, the only option is to demolish the fireplace surround and build a new one with smooth stucco. Then you'll have room for the TV left of the fireplace.
groveraxle
9 years ago
With a TV:
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Q: how wide is the tv? and would it fit currently, even with an arm [that tucks away from view]?
Ashley
Original Author
9 years ago
The TV (46") is about the same size as the current space left of the fireplace. Without making the fp smaller it seems most practical to put the TV over the fireplace.

Love the addition of the dog, grover!
everdebz
9 years ago
Said on houzz: "15. Take the focus off the TV. If your room has a beautiful fireplace, let that be the focal point. And if your living room is the only space where you can put the flat screen, position it to the side on a swivel mount, rather than above the mantel. That way you can still comfortably watch TV when you want, but when it’s not in use, the screen can step back from center stage."