You might try the shorter piece pushed into the corner at the recess by the balcony door as a reading nook. Then float the longer piece in front of the TV. How large is the TV?

We will buy a new TV so that's not an issue. Here is the layout with sectional separated into two pieces.

So this or this ? We can decide which one once we move in . Don't get confused. The green is representing my sectional, I just couldn't find the right size of furniture in the Ikea planning tool so I had to combine it with a chair.

I don't think I mentioned that we are moving overseas and there is no way I will be able to sell the sectional over there for more than a few hundred $$$ if it doesn't work. That's why I need to decide while we're still here. So my original post about yellow and brown turned into layout and sectional dilemma . :)))

Okay.....we are getting information in drips. How long will you be there? Is this a permanent move? How often will you have visitors?

You obviously care a lot about how this will function and look. I will be honest: even with the light color, a piece of furniture that large (the sectional) is going to consume the space visually.

I would sell it, cut my losses and buy a light-colored leather reclining sofa and back the table up to it. You can get one that is a wall hugger. They sit in the frame and move forward when reclining.

Just something to keep in mind while planning your furniture layout: people feel best eating at tables/surfaces where they can see outdoors. So an eating area near the terrace doors or windows would be best.

I think the simple easy and less expensive things like paint pillows and some accent pieces would change the look and feel.

Maybe my phone will let me post pix today.

I would sell it. Lugging furniture oversees is an expensive proposition - especially since it is very large. JMO.

Do you have room in your current space to dismantle the sectional and try it in the first config above? If you can "tape off" the room with painter's tape, then you can move your sectional around and see what works.

If you're doing all of this in another country, then I'd seriously consider taking the loss and selling the couch. Just the cost of moving it, only to (possibly) find it's wrong for your home is expensive. Going without a couch can be very freeing. Then we can all help you buy a new one!

Hello all,
We sold the sectional, arrived overseas and going LR furniture shopping today.

Our main dilemma now is sectional and one chair vs sofa and 2 armchairs.

MCM...

Update - how large is your home / apartment? I saw December 25 layout and for instance the sectional didn't face the entry... would the sofa/chairs be more flexible?

Here is the layout

We bought these two floor model pieces ( sofa and armchair ) and finally we have a place to sit ! The colours will work with my area rug that’s supposed to arrive in a few weeks .
For now we are not planing to renovate, so the dark wood pieces are staying, except coffee table and wall paint.

Looking for suggestions on a new coffee table, curtain panels, dining set , wall paint ...

How much room is there behind sofa (under light) for a dining set? Looks narrow from photo views. Not a pro, but I'd go neutral on the walls (warm white?) and bring in the chair color with art and accessories. metal and glass coffee table to break up all the wood?

There is a room for a 3 or 3 '6" dining table . Here is my first mood board with my actuall rug.

Are you changing the light fixtures?

@RL Relocation LLC I would like to change the light fixtures, they are not my style but if they look ok once we make other changes they might stay. My hubby is asking: "What is wrong with them? They are good." LOL

Well, the pendant lighting hanging in the living area seems out of place, I think a semi-flush might be better and actually throw more light around the room. Are you painting the walls? The furniture you bought plays into the wall color, not sure if that was intentional or just what you like? Because painting would really change the space a lot.

I think the rug needs to be a lighter color with that color of their bold share if you keep in that chair

My phone added the word share

I can't return the furniture, that was a floor model. I love that area rug so I hope I'll make them work together. The rug has not arrived yet but I think it's the same colour as the chair. The char is darker than in my mock up.

Eventually we'll paint the walls, I can't stand that gold colour. Probably warm white walls and curtains as per @Gcubed suggestion.

It’s been a long while. Here is the updated space but still a work in progress. Need new coffee table , wall decor etc.

At this moment I’m struggling to figure out additional seating in the LR. I was thinking to add a square ottoman but I’m unsure of the colour.
Same fabric and colour of the sofa ? I may not be able to buy the same fabric though.

What is the colour / fabric that could work well in this space?

Thank you

Forgot to attach the photos

Hi. There is no place for an ottoman in your room. As you know, one huge challenge here is lack of space. So, buying smaller scale items is the key.

Is there a reason you bought such a large chair? Can that be returned for 2 smaller chairs?

The chair looks nice. But, there are always limitations in a space. Sometimes, you cannot have both large furniture and extra seating. This is one of those cases.

Since one large chair was chosen, then added seating is not a choice.

Yes, you can always pull the dining chairs over for extra seating when needed.

First, the house looks great. Love the rugs. Second, auntthelma is right. Think if your dining area chairs as understudies for the living room - use them as needed for extra seating. The current layout is comfy for your everyday needs. Very nice!

Looks fabulous! What a transformation, love the furniture. You could do an xtra large ottoman in place of the coffee table, or tuck smaller stools in corners if you want more seating. Also if you put white dishes, in the glass cabinets and or light pieces along with plants on the living room shelving, you’d see a big difference.

I love it too. Bright, fresh and new. Enjoy your space

I don’t have any experience with ottomans used as coffee tables . Is that practical ? We always have stuff on the coffee table. Usually coffee mugs , drinks ...
How practical is to use a tray for that ?

Ottomans are good for people with young children- no sharp edges. I prefer coffee tables. Yours looks just right in your room. Your upholstered dining chairs can definitely serve as additional seating when needed.

It looks like the mirror in the dining area came with the apartment. Is the art propped up against the wall going to replace the mirror? I hope so :)

Btw I love your armchair!

@carolae The frame is affixed to the wall. It came with the condo . It’s not a mirror :)
We’re going to put some art piece(s) inside .

The reason I wanted to add an ottoman is to have an extra seat as well as to use it as a leg rest for daily naps . Right now only one person can nap on the sofa . If I had an ottoman it could serve as a chaise portion of a sectional .Something like this

I would just replace the coffee table with a long, narrow, rectangular wood coffee table. You can pull your dining chairs over if you have extra guests, and put your feet up on the coffee table. If you want the ottoman instead of the coffee table you can use a smaller square one, but then you need an end table at the end of the sofa and another small one on the far side of the chair (away from the door).

I am looking at Ekornes Stressless furniture right now, love the design, hate the price, but I am sure they are not the only ones who make an ottoman like their double ottoman that can be used as a coffee table or ottoman.

https://www.smartfurniture.com/products/stressless-double-ottoman-by-ekornes.html

The center can be paced between the cushions, over the cushions or stored under the cushions.

We have a small space for our main sitting room/ dining room/ office. We use an ottoman as a coffee table. I was wary, but it works. And it’s awesome for naps when needed.

I would simply replace the coffee table with a large ottoman. Make sure it has legs, as you need the airiness in the room. Buy a very large tray for the ottoman for drinks.

We recently moved to a retirement community. I was challenged with making a smaller family room feel larger and having appropriate seating when our two children and their children come for a visit. I also wanted to keep it as safe as possible for the youngest who is 3 yrs old. I came up with two square leather topped ottoman/coffee tables that are open underneath. They are light enough to move individually so they not only allow for extra seating but also for "feet up" as well as room for the 3 yrd old to play with train tracks when we are baby sitting. The padded leather also takes away the shop corners. Items on top are very easy to remove or slid over if not needed. I have a tray on one and I have another larger tray on the entry table if there is a need. The leather color may not be what you want but these types of leather/cloth tops come in various colors. Your room is lovely but I do understand your need for extra seating as well as wanting be comfortable while reading and watching tv. Hope this helps you.

I removed the back cushions from the sofa to test them as ottoman.
@ Flo Mac I love those ottomans!

In case we decide to go for a
coffee table / ottoman similar to Flo’s what colour would you guys suggest ?
The area rug has burnt orange , navy , cream and some green .

you have a great space now, what a huge transformation. I love all the sheers. it gives the room such a great feeling. you didnt mention lighting, but thought I would share an idea. the two current fixtures to me dont fit the look.

Agree with Theresa about the light fixtures . They came with the condo and I don’t like them. We’ll be replacing them hopefully soon.

Look at leather for the ottoman. It would blend with your other colors and be a durable surface for your feet.

Petra S. , believe it or not I ordered them from Target. Other places carry them for more and I found one that was charging a little less but I was also looking for something that if someone (grands particularly) accidently did damage I wouldn't have a heart attack because of the price. I don't want any of my family or guest to feel like that can't be comfortable because they are afraid they might hurt a piece of furniture. Our 11 grands are respectful but anyone can have an accident. When the younger ones get a little older then I can think about investing a little more. Plus, if I have to order to get what I want, I would rather return to the store locally instead of repacking and shipping back to the company if I had to return. I have had these ottomans about six months and there has been no problems. Pier 1, sells them and I think Wayfair, Joss and Main and a couple of other places had them too. I Googled for ottoman coffee tables and there were many that came in various colors and sizes. Good Luck.

do the opposite. Choose a theme (French country, Cottage in Nantucket, whatever you like) then go to pinterest and look it up for each room: dining room beach cottage or french country dining room...make a board with everything you "love". Just shop without really shopping but it will give you ideas. Then! try to find similar in your budget. You can do this for paint as well or color palettes. Most humans are visual creatures, see it, love it, copy the style. This works for non interior designer type people.

So what did you end up doing -

We painted all walls white and changed some light fixtures.
Thanks guys