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katherine_wilson98

Simple, peaceful space? Help?

last month
last modified: 12 days ago

I updated my photos after I moved the club chairs in front of the tv, moved the couch in front of our fireplace and changed the direction of the dining room table.


I really could still use help.


The entryway rug is still up in the air. I am having a hard time finding something I like in a 4 x 8 size. We did move the secretary, so you see the windows and lots of light when you walk in our front door. I had the picture, so put it up because I like its size. Any help here is appreciated!


We moved into this new house la last year. I’m trying to create a simple and cohesive space. What’s the matter here?


The huge tv was left by the previous owners. I am now planning to move it and will be looking for a console table to coordinate with the coffee table currently in front of the huge tv.


The pictures I took are of our entryway that leads into our open living room.

Before


Before




Before


Before


Before


Before


Sketch of the space (it is on pink paper)


Before


Updated photos below…







Front entrance into the living room. I moved the secretary and am using a shorter piece here. Would it still be better with nothing to the left as you walk in? I am also looking for a different light suggestion. This one is original to the house.




This is a hanging light that I once thought would look good somewhere in my space. Please give me opinions.




Comments (43)

  • last month

    here are a few more photos. 😊If we pish the sofa back, it gets in the way of our walkway…Hope these photos give a bit more perspective!




  • last month

    What a tricky space. To me it doesn’t seem well utilized as is. I know you’ve set up different zones and have the access to door so it seems to make sense but the TV is such a negligible there without a base to tie it down

  • last month

    Behemoth not negligible!

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Those windows are so nice!

    I would try moving the sofa way back-- where the club chairs are-- and arrange the club chairs in front of it on each side...or just one on each side. Then find a large rug for the arrangement.

    I would rather lose your "walkway" for correct sofa position...rooms don't need to be navigated in wide straight lanes.

    I would like to see the mirror horizontally there so it can reflect the windows from the door. The entry rug is an underwhelming design.

    Katherine Wilson thanked tracefloyd
  • last month

    The wicker chair doesn’t work. Rearranging the sofa and club chairs will be better for conversation or TV - follow tracefloyd advice. Welcome to the ranch doer really welcome unless you have cattle and horses near by.

  • last month

    I would get a Samsung Frame TV to replace the "free" TV. Bonus: the matte screen of the Frame TV will help with the glare.


    My 75" Frame TV, with 3" DecoTV frame ...


  • PRO
    last month

    Judging from your picture, the sofa seems to be too close to the TV. Can you post a floor plan with dimensions? you seem to have a grouping of 3 or 4 armchairs behind the sofa so a floor plan would really help.

    Katherine Wilson thanked lisedv
  • last month

    Perspective is very hard to tell from photos, so measurements would be very helpful.

    Guessing on whether it will fit, but I suggest the sofa against the window, where you now have the wicker chair. Put 2 of the bucket chairs where you now have the sofa. You can move them back into the traffic path a bit, since they are less bulky than the sofa and won't create a pinch point at the fireplace. The TV should be at eye level, so move it down. Add a narrow shelf underneath, wider than the fireplace.

    Find another place for the cabinet which constricts the hallway, and visually interrupts the beautiful view when you enter the house. Its style seems out of keeping with the rest of your furnishings, and with the house. I prefer the mirror over the ranch picture. Nothing under it.

    Which side of the double doors is operable?

    Katherine Wilson thanked partim
  • last month

    Will do a floor plan

  • last month

    Size of sofa and bucket chairs would also be helpful.

    Katherine Wilson thanked partim
  • 29 days ago

    No welcome to the ranch artwork. You need a better rug in the foyer that is more connected to the colors in the living room. A different lighting fixutre might help the area too.


    I await others' suggestions for furniture layout based on your floor plan.


    Would you be happy with a smaller TV?

    Katherine Wilson thanked Kendrah
  • PRO
    29 days ago

    The club chairs sitting in a space that is just odd is the first thing I see A huge TV sofa way too close , the wicked chair belongs somewhere not in this space move the sofa back if possible in clude the club chairs in the whole space betweeen the DR and the LR . Yes we need the to scale floor plan for sur e

    Katherine Wilson thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 29 days ago
    last modified: 29 days ago

    I will agree with most. The couch is much much too close to the tv. A floor plan with measurements would be helpful in suggesting rearrangement of your room.

    I don’t think you have enough room for two segregated seating areas. Are your rugs forcing your current furniture setup?

    I don’t care for the ranch picture. Do you live on an actual ranch in Texas/Wyoming etc?

    You have a pretty home and nice furnishings. I’m a sucker for caramel-colored couches.

    Katherine Wilson thanked littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
  • 29 days ago
    last modified: 29 days ago

    My ideas:

    Keep "Welcome to the Ranch" if you really love it. (It's not my style at all, but why should it be? It's your house, not mine. If you live in a ranch house, and not on a ranch, it's a cute play on words, and I'm a sucker for those.)

    If you don't really love it, let "Welcome to the Ranch" go. A mirror hung there would be practical for a quick zhuzh before you leave the house, or to check your hair when you take your hat off on entry. Or hang a piece of art that you do really and truly love.

    Hang a narrow shelf under the mirror or picture for dropping off keys and maybe mail. If you use it as parking for things like gloves, make sure the parking is temporary or that area will quickly look cluttered instead of welcoming.

    Katherine Wilson thanked amystoller
  • 29 days ago

    I will do measurements today, but this is a ohoto of the sitting area behind the couch. its in front of our fireplace.


  • 29 days ago

    What is your traffic path from kitchen to deck? Past the fireplace or the door in the front hallway?

    Katherine Wilson thanked partim
  • 29 days ago

    We would probably go out the kitchen through tge front hallway to the deck, but either way works

  • 29 days ago

    I tend to agree that the space isn't quite large enough for two distinct seating areas. Looking forward to your floor plan. You'll get great advice here!

    Katherine Wilson thanked katinparadise
  • PRO
    29 days ago
    last modified: 29 days ago

    Put the 4 swivels where the sofa and coffee table are now. Do some kind of entertainment center or, at least, a good sized console for t v wall. Add an ottoman, so that feet can go up while watching t v. (A tray for the ottoman would turn it into a coffee table).



    Sofa, coffee table, face toward the dining area. Good spot to sit with a drink of choice and an app before serving dinner.



    As for the framed print, I say no...and also to the mirror and the 30's drop front desk, the hall rug, the wicker chair and the floor lamp.

    Do a long mirror, instead of the drop front desk.



    I get your vibe about ranch...how about something like this canvas across from closet door and the new, longer mirror?


    Nice reflection.

    Katherine Wilson thanked oncape
  • 29 days ago

    Try swapping chairs with sofa. Chairs can be either be swiveled to watch tv or for conversation. Place sofa and coffee table facing fireplace. I also agree that tall cabinet in entry way blocks windows and view when entering the house. A large piece of art could replace it. Looks like the ranch picture doesn’t match your style but art is personal so….

    Katherine Wilson thanked lisalane
  • 29 days ago

    1. How often do four people sit in those chairs at the same time?


    2. What is the size of the TV measured on the diagonal from one corner to another? Do you love this TV? Just because it was left here doesn't mean you need to keep it. How many of your watch TV here regularly?


    3. Curious why you decided for the dinner table in the current orientation rather than in turned 90 degrees.


    Katherine Wilson thanked Kendrah
  • 28 days ago
    last modified: 28 days ago

    Due to certain factors, we ended up with our sofa perpendicular to the fireplace. There is room to pass in between. The person seated on one end has the fireplace to their right.

    The arrangement works out well for us....does not feel weird like this. It could work for you according your floor plan.

  • 28 days ago

    I added a picture of our floor plan.

    I will move furniture around per all of the great suggestions Thank you! I always had a vision of a cozy, conversation spot for 4 people in front of the fireplace, but if this is too much, I am open to a different arrangement. I just purchased the 4 swivel, club chairs, so…


    The entire, open room feels so full of furniture, (looking at our dining room, too! Yuk!) and right, now, so light beige. I used the Welcome to the Ranch picture in our last house, but do not absolutely love it.

  • PRO
    28 days ago

    Can you take another picture straight-on of your floor plan in a good light (looks pinkish)? It's at an angle and I cannot read the dimensions.

  • 28 days ago

    I like a lot of the suggestions so far. One other option would be to have the dining room in front of the fireplace and all or maybe just 2 of the swivel chairs where the table is now. You might be able to put your china cabinet back there too. It depends on your lifestyle but I could see doing a puzzle on the table in front of the fire and watching tv at the same time. The beauty of your room is that you can move things around when entertaining etc.

    Katherine Wilson thanked Expobaby
  • 28 days ago

    If this were my house I'd probably switch things around every few months LOL. Lots of options, all with beautiful views. I like the idea of the dining table in front of the fireplace, especially on a cold evening.

    Katherine Wilson thanked partim
  • 27 days ago

    An easy adjustment would be to try turning the dining table sideways rather than longways. Looks like there’s plenty of room.

    Don’t force your seating arrangements to align evenly with the fireplace. You don’t have room for that. Allow yourself the freedom to split up the 4 swivel chairs. Maybe put 2 near the fireplace and the other 2 with the couch, all of which are pulled back away from the tv a bit.

    Katherine Wilson thanked littlebug Zone 5 Missouri
  • 26 days ago

    I’m trying a few arrangements based on all the great suggestions. Thannk you!

  • 26 days ago

    Hope you post pictures of what you are trying out.

  • 26 days ago

    Yes, definitely post pictures of each arrangement!

  • 12 days ago
    last modified: 12 days ago

    The new arrangement is fine and I like the sofa under the window, but it seems a set-up for watching TV comfortably is not a priority for you?

    Personally, I would face the sofa to the TV and break up the four club chairs, they are very close to the screen. Perhaps just use two of them. Abut the rugs together to make one seating space?

    Katherine Wilson thanked tracefloyd
  • 12 days ago

    The changes are looking great! I would remove the smaller table near the entry so it’s just nice and open. The set up looks really nice furniture wise, but awkward and uncomfortable to watch tv. Is this the room you’d like to watch tv in? I assume above the fireplace is too high for comfort able viewing? If not, a smaller frame tv would work well.

    Katherine Wilson thanked Meghan W
  • 12 days ago

    Was there not enough space to have two of the chairs in front of the fire and the couch and two other chairs in the tv area?

    Katherine Wilson thanked Meghan W
  • 11 days ago
    last modified: 11 days ago

    Agree with Meghan can you split up the 4 club chairs, I personally don't like the look of the 4 together, or at least not in that boxy orientation.

    Katherine Wilson thanked doods
  • 11 days ago

    I will move the club chairs and try all the suggested configurations. And, I do not love their rather bland look all together and they do look awkward. Although it feels cramped with chairs as is, it has been nice to have a space that accommodates 4 people sitting together!.


    We are planning to move the tv from the wall. It is just way too big! Does anyone have a suggestion for a console table? I love the idea of built in shelves, but a console table could be easier in the short term.


    Also, suggestions for an entryway rug that is 4 x 8 feet would be very much appreciated. I know this area needs design help as well. Thank you!

  • 11 days ago

    Will you be replacing the tv with a smaller sized one? I would wait on a table until you have figured out the furniture layout.

    Katherine Wilson thanked Meghan W
  • 11 days ago

    4x8 is not a standard size, will another size work?

  • 11 days ago

    I think the new configuration looks far far better. The white chairs are quite stark compared. Your other furniture though. I wonder if adding a throw or pillow to them would soften them.

    Katherine Wilson thanked WestCoast Hopeful
  • 11 days ago

    I like the new configuration. Does it work for watching t.v.? Do you need the console by the front door? If not, I don't see a need for it. The artwork in the entry seems enough to me.

    Katherine Wilson thanked katinparadise
  • 11 days ago

    Agree that you don’t need the console in the entry -I think having a straight view to the terrific windows is nice

    Katherine Wilson thanked la_la Girl
  • 11 days ago

    The painting that is now in the front hall, looked really nice above the mayor. I’d move it back and try the one you now have above the mantle on that wall. I think it may fit it better.

    Katherine Wilson thanked Meghan W
  • 10 days ago

    This is a bright, open-concept ranch-style home, with the owner working to create a simple, peaceful, cohesive living area. Below is a balanced, kind analysis of its strengths and areas for gentle improvement.

    Key Advantages (What Works Beautifully)

    1. Exceptional Natural Light & Open Layout

    The large, multi-pane windows and open floor plan are the home’s greatest assets. They flood the entire living space with abundant daylight, create a seamless flow between the entryway, living room, and dining area, and make the home feel spacious, airy, and connected to the outdoors.

    2. Warm, Inviting Foundation

    The warm hardwood floors, neutral wall colors, and stone fireplace create a timeless, cozy base. This neutral palette is incredibly versatile, making it easy to layer decor, furniture, and personal style without overwhelming the space.

    3. Functional, Family-Friendly Layout

    The open design is perfect for daily living and gatherings:

    • It supports multiple seating zones (conversation areas, TV viewing, fireplace seating) while maintaining visual connection.
    • The wide entryway and clear sightlines to the windows create a welcoming first impression for guests.
    • The layout is flexible, allowing the owner to experiment with furniture arrangements to find the best flow.

    4. Strong Potential for a Cohesive Style

    The owner’s goal of a "simple, peaceful space" aligns perfectly with the home’s bones. The existing furniture (leather sofas, swivel chairs) and decor choices show a clear vision for a warm, modern-rustic aesthetic that feels personal and livable.

    Gentle Areas for Refinement (Kindly Framed)

    1. Furniture Flow & Zoning Clarity

    The open layout is a gift, but it can sometimes feel a bit ungrounded without clear visual zones. The current furniture arrangements (especially in the "before" photos) have a slightly scattered feel, which can make the space feel less intentional. A small adjustment to anchor seating areas (e.g., aligning sofas with the rug or fireplace) would help the space feel more cohesive and purposeful, without losing its openness.

    2. Entryway First Impression

    The entryway is the home’s "welcome mat," and it currently has a few small opportunities to shine. The large, oversized wall art feels a bit heavy for the space, and the lack of a defined entry rug can make the transition from outside to inside feel abrupt. A thoughtfully sized rug and a more balanced piece of art would elevate the first impression, while keeping the light, open feel the owner loves.

    3. Visual Balance & Focal Points

    The massive TV (left by the previous owners) is a strong visual element that can draw focus away from the beautiful fireplace and windows. While the owner plans to move it, the current placement creates a slight imbalance in the room. A gradual shift to center the seating around the fireplace (the home’s natural heart) would enhance the peaceful, cozy vibe, while still keeping the TV accessible for viewing.

    4. Decor & Personalization Layer

    The space has a wonderful blank canvas, but it’s still in the process of being fully personalized. The "before" photos show a mix of furniture and decor that hasn’t quite settled into a unified style. Adding small, consistent touches (e.g., matching throw pillows, cohesive lighting, or a curated gallery wall) would help the space feel more finished and reflective of the owner’s personality, without cluttering the simple, peaceful aesthetic.

    5. Lighting Layer Refinement

    The entryway’s original overhead light is functional, but it doesn’t quite match the warm, modern-rustic vibe of the rest of the space. A gentle upgrade to a fixture that complements the living room’s lighting would create a seamless flow from the entry to the living area, making the entire home feel more connected.

    Overall Takeaway

    This is a wonderful home with incredible bones: bright, open, and full of potential. The owner is already doing an amazing job refining the space to fit their vision of a simple, peaceful retreat. The areas for improvement are small, gentle tweaks that will only enhance the home’s natural beauty, rather than fixing major flaws.

    Katherine Wilson thanked perfect jor