HELP ME: Interior design ideas!
By ukmusicfreakWhen we moved into our home almost 5 years ago we just used my furniture and didn't go out and buy new stuff. It looks pretty good, but I'd really like to make it more user friendly. Right now we have a fairly oversized sofa, chair and ottoman, as well as a too large armoire/entertainment unit in the room. Our problem is that really only two people sitting on the sofa can see the tv. That's fine, since it's only my husband and I (and our 11 month old baby) at our place. However, when we have friends or family over it becomes an issue. And as you can see from the pictures, we don't even have one solid wall in the room (which is the both the living and dining area). 
So here's what I'm thinking about doing, but not so sure about at this point. I'd like to get rid of the sofa, chair and ottoman. Also the entertainment armoire and the coffee table will go. I would replace it with the following:
Pottery Barn Square Left 3 piece Sectional with a slipcover and covered in Sunbrella fabric (for baby and dog protection). Exactly as shown in the picture. It would be placed under the 3 windows where the existing sofa is.
Where the entertainment armoire is now, I would replace it with a corner entertainment unit. And instead of the current coffee table I would get a tufted leather storage ottoman on casters, the same size as the current table. It would be used to hide our little ones toys.
So does anyone think this will look horrible? I normally wouldn't put a sectional in such a small room, but it seems like the only way we can have more people able to see the tv. Also does anyone have other ideas on how to house a tv and entertainment equipment in the room? A sofa is fine in front of the window, but i just don't think a tv would look right. Any help would sure be appreciated.
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wiggleswirl
hi, if you would like my help pls send me an e-mail, thanks!
thedecoratingdiva
Hi again - I think it will look beautiful once all done. You have some great ideas. Please do share the "after" photos.
The armoire sounds plenty big to accomodate a 32 to 37 inch flat panel. Which is a good size screen for viewing from about six to eight feet away. Here's a great link to help when designing with a flat screen in mind: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-ezRh3INjrWk/learningcenter/home/TV_placement.html .
Carmen
DesigningMom
What a beautifully decorated home you have! I love everything about it.
I think a small sectional will solve your seating dilemma wonderfully. As for where and how to put the TV, have you concidered looking for one of those flat screen TV cabinets that allows the TV to hide inside and pop up when you need it? That could easily be placed in front of the window between where your chair and armoire are now. If your shades were room darkening you'd have no trouble viewing the TV any time day or night.
I love your style and am sure your room will be just as beautiful as it is now. Please share pix when finished.
~Becky <><
ukmusicfreak
Actually the sofa I am considering is going to be made to somewhat look like the PB Square Sectional except that it will not have a skirt, will still be slipcovered and will sit on wood legs. Also, to give the illusion of more space I will be redoing the window treatments. I'm going to get rid of the curtains next to the armoire and chair, as well as the bamboo shades over the couch. Instead I am thinking of doing a box valance over both sets of windows with shades. I think it will unify the room better and make it a bit airy feeling.
As far as a tv...we'd like a flat panel something or other. We're not super audio/ video people. We just want a good picture and nice sound..doesn't have to be the best of the best. And the corner armoire I'm considering is 43x30x80 so a new tv would have to fit those dimensions.
thedecoratingdiva
Hi,
This is a difficult design dilemma, considering the space plan.
I think a small sectional and the other furniture and decor you want to add will work. I would only suggest that you purchase a sectional without a skirt - this will help give the room a more open appearance - one with a skirt looks heavier and will probably give the room a smaller feel.
What size television are you considering? Is it a flat panel?
Carmen
ukmusicfreak
Thanks for the help Deborah...There's just a few issues with a flat screen tv that would make it impossible to get one. We have definitely considered putting one over the fireplace, however since we can't place a sofa directly in front of the fireplace so that you would look straight onto the tv....that means you would be watching tv by turning your head to one side AND the tv would be pretty high up on the wall over the mantle. This would cause MAJOR neck strain and make it very uncomfortable indeed. Believe me, that's what we'd like to do, but the room just isn't big enough to place the furniture so that you can be comfortable in that configuration.
Deborah
hi ukmusicfreak,
you might want to consider getting rid of the corner furniture unit (armoire or entertainment center) entirely, and buying a flat screen tv. you could hang it up over the fireplace and be done with the room, or you could still purchase the sectional if you wanted to. that way the tv and fireplace aren't competing as focal points in your room, you'll have just one and i think it would look really good.
kestrel
Just a quick thought on the TV in front of the window. While you won't get any glare from outside you will get a contrast between the outside light and the TV. So if you are watching the TV during the day and the movie you are watching is taking place at night you will have trouble seeing what is going on.
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