Kristin Drohan Interior Design

Free Advice Friday Furniture Placement

A reader writes:

Please help me create a family room layout that works - I am continually moving around our existing pieces trying desperately to find what will work but we are at a complete standstill, not able do anything until we figure out what the right layout is, what type of furniture, window treatments, lighting etc.  Until we have a layout that works, we can't do anything...Please Help!!

Your photo for a family room layout might be perfect -

Desperately seeking an inviting, cozy, chic, family hangout room with plenty of seating for company - a place that draws you - with a few fun interesting pieces and a place that welcomes you to put your feet up, relax, visit, read etc.  (I know, I'm asking for a lot :-))

Problems to overcome:

1. 15 x 21 size with no wall space (flanking windows by fireplace, french doors toward living room, Large door wall leading to deck, 1/2 wall by kitchen)

2. Love an open flow from the kitchen to the fireplace but sofa in front of fireplace cuts room in half (making the rest of room unusable) and separates kitchen & Family rm)

3. Love sectionals but most block either fireplace, or walkway to kitchen

4. Like 2 matching sofas facing each other but no room for any sofa table behind them plus one sofa would sit in front of french door way (maybe that's okay?)

5. Room has no over head lighting (a cool hanging chandelier over the leather ottoman?)

Thanks so very much!!

Sheila 

 

 

 

I understand why Sheila thought the inspiration photo from my protfolio might work.  It was a good attempt.  What you don't see in the inspiration shot, is the angled wall opposite the loveseat that has the flat panel TV on it.  In general, I don't love angled furniture.  You have to be really skilled to make it work.  This long room isn't the right shape, nor does the furniture work with an angled space plan. 

 

 

 

Here is my solution for Sheila:

 

 

These are "to scale" plans.  The premise is to create two groupings.  The piece along the wall is a bar console.  I created two options for a cocktail group along with a conversation or lounge seating.  The first one uses her existing matching lounge chairs and a dining height hard surface table.   The second, uses smaller chairs (27"D x 27"W) arranged around a 32' cocktail ottoman.   The smaller chairs could easily be pulled up to the conversation area when entertaining bigger groups, while being perfect around the ottoman for an intimate number.  A chandy over the rectangle ottoman and hanging curtain panels at the ceiling will complete the room.

Eco Friendly Kitchen and Bath Products

Okay, so long time no post.  What can I tell ya.  I took a little sabbatical.  Not at Cirque Lodge or anything.  I was on vacay and I'm spending time with my kids.  I've found that all work and no play makes me, dull, pissy, and no fun.  I'm working on balancing work and life.  Recently, I started working on  a whole house update for an eco friendly client.  My research for this project has uncovered some cool stuff, so I thought I'd share.  Part of the project includes updating the kitchen and three baths.  That means cabinets, flooring, tile, counters, fixtures etc.  My cabinet company of choice is Wood Mode.  Most of my clients lean more traditional, so bamboo or some of the other eco options just don't work atheistically.  The great thing about Wood Mode is that they are ESP ( Environmental Stewardship Program) certified.  They use sustainably forested wood and a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer which virtually eliminates VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the finishing process.  That means when cabinetry is installed, there won't be any off gassing to effect the indoor air quality.  

 
Here is the product design board.  I have blogged about ECO by Consentino before.  This is a countertop material made from 75% post industrial and consumer waste.  It is heat resistant, doesn't need to be sealed, and doesn't scratch or stain.  Some of my favorite color ways are featured above.  Priced similiar to granite, it comes in 10 1/2 ft slabs, which eliminates the need for seams when installed. What more could you want?  I've also included WaterSense faucets for both the kitchen and bath.  This is an EPA designation that reduces water usage by 20% but does not sacrifice performance.  Lastly, I have featured Forecast Lighting's Organic Modern grasscloth pendants and Ben Moore's Aura paint.  Aura is low VOC not zero VOC which is their Natura line.  Even though Aura is a bit pricier, my contractors think it has superior performance.  There you have it...My client's Coastal Inspired Eco Friendly Kitchen and Baths.  I'll keep you posted on our progress.