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Design DilemmaApartmentLiving Room
michael_rebong

Help with rectangular dining & living area w 1 side open space

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Hi,

I've got the following area that's driving me insane because 1 side opens up to the kitchen and toilet (not to mention the walkway cuts through it as well):




Kitchen and doors to the right:





My primary concern is the TV placement.


I don't really like the condo recommended layout because i feel it constricts what is already a tiny space:





The best layout for me is when the sofa hugs the wall




But then there is no room for TV :(

Some other designs i created:

1. Using the recommended layout - i feel by placing the sofas like this i effectively block the area into 2 small sections (living and dining):




2. I could ditch the arm chairs, does this count as opening the space?






3. Circular or rectangular dining table, i dont know which one makes more sense:



4. Another sample with the dining area directly in front of the kitchen:



But the couch is fronting the toilet and guest bedroom doors:




5. Another "all lined up" layout that i feel works best for the space, except TV is gone again :(


This is probably the best layout in terms of opening up floor space.


Any thoughts? Appreciate the comments!

Featured Answer
  • 8 years ago

    This is a tiny space and 3 ft has to be left open between the living and kitchen for people to move from the front door to the back of the home. This leaves you roughly 7 x 12 (84 sq ft) for the living room. It's difficult for me to read the dimensions on your plan so you might have more space.

    I'm confused because your plan shows a fireplace and one of your photos shows a fireplace. But, most of your photos show no fireplace. I hope you do not have a fireplace because that demands too much space.

    The first thing I recommend is that you buy chairs rather than a sofa. Look for chairs with narrow arms such as Danish Modern. Swivel chairs might be helpful if you wish to use the area both for conversation and TV watching, but any chair is easily moved to make the most of an activity.

    Second consider adding a bookcase screen between the living and dining areas. A TV could be hung on the back of a [CABINET SCREEN[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kentfield-contemporary-contemporary-dining-room-san-francisco-phvw-vp~19624746) so it faces the living. Cover the cabinet back with fabric. Or, a TV could be placed on a shelf of an [OPEN BOOKCASE[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/magnolia-gardens-contemporary-living-room-seattle-phvw-vp~1223972). Just make sure the cabinet/bookcase is properly sturdy so it can't fall over.

    Houzz is not cooperating right now so I'm providing pictures as links in the above paragraph.

    Comments (6)

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