Software
Houzz Logo Print
roo7va

Great room seating area, help me create cohesion please!

8 years ago

We just moved into our newly built home with an open floor plan/great room and I am ready to purchase some furniture. I have acquired a few pieces over the years, which must be incorporated (Japanese hutches flanking the fireplace, step chest, tall red asian console, possibly the red asian coffee table, but that one is negotiable because it needs to be repaired due to moving mishap). I created a raised fireplace with a simple mantle and mixed mosaic tile. I am using copper accents throughout the attached kitchen and living space. Because this will be a tv and entertaining space, and I want to keep the fireplace as the focal point, I have relented to my husband to put the tv over the mantle, but insist on the Samsung "The Frame" tv (so that it looks like art when not in use). I'm including photos of pieces that I'm drawn to. Husband has his mind set on an Eames style lounger, which I thought to put by the staircase and I'm thinking high leg recliner for the opposite side of the room with a sofa centered in front of the fireplace. Input greatly appreciated. The sectional is going into the finished basement rec room. Also need window treatment suggestions!













Comments (39)

  • 8 years ago

    Since you have so many Asian pieces you might try a sisal area rug to echo the tatami mats of the east. Bamboo shades would add to that ambiance too. I'm not sure I would do tufted seating with the Asian pieces. They are too complicated for the look and don't appear as though they would be comfortable. How many max do you need to seat here on a regular basis?

    roo7va thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 8 years ago

    Decoenthusiaste I have a puppy, so sisal is not going to happen, plus I still want the room to look inviting and comfortable. I appreciate the suggestion. Bamboo shades are a consideration. I would like enough seating for six, so maybe a love seat instead of the one chair? or two chairs on that side?


  • 8 years ago

    I want the room to be more eclectic/transitional with a touch of elegance, if that makes any sense at all! I don't want the focus to be asian inspired.


  • 8 years ago

    Groveraxle: Can you be more specific about editing my tchotchkes please? I am looking for advice on what to include and exclude or update. Thank you.

  • 8 years ago

    I think grover is referencing all the little items on the tansu and on the hall piece. I'm sure the seasonal stuff is already gone. Better one large impressive item per shelf than lots of little unrelated items there, and not every step of it needs something.


    Audrey Brandt · More Info

    Entry · More Info

    roo7va thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 8 years ago

    I hung a chandelier in your dark dining area, simplified your tansu, and added art.


    roo7va thanked groveraxle
  • 8 years ago

    Groveraxle, thanks. I was asking for input about furniture and window treatments. The decor items were merely unpacked and not place with any real thought yet. Art has not yet been hung because we still have punch list, but I do appreciate the thought. The dining area has recessed lighting.


  • 8 years ago

    The tv will look good above the fireplace. The space is big enough that I would have the sofa pushed back a little more toward the kitchen. (no table behind it). Then I would place a love seat to the right of the sofa (when you are facing the fireplace) creating an L shape. In front of the 3 beautiful windows I would put two matching chairs with a table. I would try to find window treatments that do not hide the top part of the windows. Maybe just have some kind of shades that roll down for privacy with lacy tie back drapes.

  • 8 years ago
    I agree with other that the tufted pieces aren’t the best fit for what you are keeping in the room. I think you could do a sofa facing fireplace, but suggest choosing more of a clean lined style, then two chairs similar to the ones in the photo below could be placed in front of windows, and the eames chair in front of stairs. I think chairs with wood arms and details will suit the existing furniture better. I love the area rug in this photo too.
  • 8 years ago

    I just put down a plain rug for now so you could see the furniture, and I'm afraid I can't reorient it so I just plunked it in the space, but here is the seating you've selected from above:

    IMO, this is too much tufting.
    The Eames could work with your Asian furniture, and the traditional sofa could also, but I don't think all three work well together.

    roo7va thanked groveraxle
  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Get a nice, traditional style 72" sofa - two big cushions. It will seat two people VERY comfortably, and a 3rd could fit in a pinch. If you see a 3rd person on there, do a big SINGLE cushion for the sofa. Then put one or two (depending on size) club chairs with their backs to the window and the Eames chair by the fireplace or at right angle, at the end of the sofa so hubby can see the TV. It will be lovely!

    A 72" sofa is a great size for most rooms. It allows room for end tables and lamps and it doesn't overwhelm the room.

    No tufting unless you go with a leather Chesterfield. It's the only tufted thing that will work with the Eames chair (which I adore, by the way!)

    roo7va thanked Anglophilia
  • 8 years ago

    So what about one of these sofas in 72" and this chair X2 by the window?

  • 8 years ago

    Both of those sofas will go with the Eames. Here's the thing about the Eames lounge chair; it's bossy. It commands the room. I would probably not put it with another recliner, and definitely not with two.

    I would either do two smaller, less dominant chairs like West Elm's book nook chair...

    ...or I'd do two recliners instead:
    Of course, if you've talked Hubby out of the Eames, you are not constrained and can go with a tufted sofa and wing chairs or anything else you like.


    FWIW, IMO the Eames is one of the best designed, most comfortable chairs out there and well deserves its iconic status.

  • 8 years ago
    Thanks for the additional input. I also love the lounger so it’s going to be a reality. I was wondering about how it might compete to have 2 recliners and a lounge but do you still think it’s overkill if they are on opposite sides of the room. I don’t know how to do that room thing you’ve done. 72” sofa across from the fireplace, Eames by the stairs on an angle toward the fireplace and the two chairs in front of the windows?
  • 8 years ago

    Roo, I think the arrangement you're thinking is a good one. But I think two recliners AND the Eames are too much and after you measure, they may not even fit. FWIW, I sat in that Spencer recliner a couple of weeks ago; more to the point, a tall friend sat in one, and we both thought it very comfy.


    Take the measurements of the recliners, the sofa, and the Eames (which has a large footprint, BTW) and tape them out on your floor with painters tape. I have a feeling they won't all fit, in which case the decision will be out of your hands.

  • 8 years ago

    I'd stick with a sectional in that room. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Great bones!

  • 8 years ago

    If you stick with the sectional try the TV on the other side of the fireplace, then it would relate to both TV watching and fireplace gazing, better.

  • 8 years ago

    Any other window treatment advice would be greatly appreciated. The screened porch is on the other side of the windows and there will be a sitting area there as well when the weather gets nicer. I'd like to create some separation without completely losing the view.

  • 8 years ago

    Three iterations:




    roo7va thanked groveraxle
  • 8 years ago

    What do you think about bamboo roman shades there?

  • 8 years ago

    Grover, I wish I knew how to use that tool! Would you set the room up with these pieces for me (2 variations of chairs by the window) and show me how it would look with bamboo roman shades? Sofa centered across from the fireplace, two chairs by the window, Eames lounge by the stairs, angled toward the fireplace. Thank you!

  • 8 years ago

    or this chair?

  • 8 years ago

    Asian pieces are tricky, I think they pair best with modern or mission (some). I think you have enough asian already in some nice pieces so concentrate on the modern aspect of furniture and minimize the traditional a bit...maybe (in an effort to tie in your staircase etc) try an art/frame grouping that includes frames and abstract art from all three styles (asian modern traditional) near the three windows or on and over the hall console table. I like the curtains left simple maybe even a light/subtle copper sheen. I would get the ames and a small modern sectional (make sure it's truly comfy!!) An extra comfy chair in the adjacent sitting room can be pulled in if needed. Consider repair to your red table and a new finish in a color that compliments your wall color (changing them or keeping what you have?).

    roo7va thanked rnonwheels
  • 8 years ago

    Roo, I can't set the room up the way you ask because I can't reorient furniture. I have added the bamboo shades, but I had to just dump the furniture in your room. Still, you should be able to get a sense of how the colors and shapes work together. But please, before you buy anything, measure the pieces out on your floor to make sure everything fits and you still have room to walk around. (I love that teal sofa, BTW.)




    roo7va thanked groveraxle
  • 8 years ago

    Thanks so much! It really helps to see the pieces together in the room. I will lay it out using the footprints but there is furniture in the room at present so it's hard to do that successfully. I won't be moving the existing furniture until the new pieces come in. I appreciate your help!


  • 8 years ago

    Thank you to everyone who gave me input. I ended up going with Joybird.com and the free design service. I ordered my furniture and rug between there and West Elm and now I await the deliveries. Photos to come! Thanks again.

  • 8 years ago

    Looking forward to seeing it come together.

  • 8 years ago

    Roo7va, can you tell me where that teal sofa is from?

  • 8 years ago

    It's from Joybird.com

  • 8 years ago
    Update: the furniture is in as well as a few accessories. I’m very pleased with it! Still have window treatments and art to put up bit we are getting there.
  • 8 years ago

    Very nice. I love your gutsy color choices. The only thing I would change is the lamp on the sideboard to the right of the fireplace. I think it needs to be taller. It looks a little squat. I like to see a lamp that comes about 1/3 the way up the window.

  • 8 years ago

    Looks great; original and colorful. Cool rug!

  • 8 years ago
    Grover I was actually planning to switch those out with the ones in my bedroom (photo). What do you think?
  • 8 years ago

    Ooh, roo, that's a GREAT lamp. Yes, try it by the fireplace. But your old squatty lamp will probably be too short on your nightstand, so get new bedroom lamps and send the short lamp to me. ;-)

  • 8 years ago
    Haha! I just bought those two “old squatty lamps” and I love them. I’m going to try them on the nightstands. They go perfectly with bedroom decor.
  • 8 years ago
    Switched!
  • 8 years ago
    Lamps in their new home.
  • 8 years ago

    They look good in the bedroom and they're not too short. Your bedroom looks great. Dog looks grumpy though. I think he wants a weenie.

Sponsored
J.Holderby - Renovations
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars4 Reviews
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!