?how to divide up these spaces.

4 years ago

any thoughts on whether a divider would work here... very narrow tiny space.. thought I might be able to get the island moved down a few inches. this open plan room is driving me mad with crumbs from breakfast landing under the couch... and a young family.. want to make the sitting down section more relaxed... also it's a bit dull and tired looking...any thoughts on paint colour/curtain/blinds/cushions or throws appreciated.. there is a sun room with dining and small seating off the kitchen too..

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Comments (4)

PRO
Dale Loth Architects
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
It's a bit hard to judge from the photos, but I would initially focus on the living room furniture and its arrangement rather than anything else - particularly the sofas. For instance, a sofa with an easy-clean finish and its back to the kitchen area could itself or with a narrow console table behind form a divider and look rather less lost than the cosy-looking but awkwardly positioned one next to the door. If the sofa had a big gap or no gap beneath, cleaning under it wouldn't be such a nuisance. There's also a perennial issue about the height of sofas. High-backed ones tend to be more comfortable but are harder to arrange without making small spaces feel congested.
PRO
RLDC
4 years ago
Its hard to judge without seeing the fireplace elevation but you could also consider trying the smaller sofa floating infront of the door and using the large sofa as a kitchen divider. A throw over the back of it will potentially help crumbs/sticky fingers. The space will feel more grounded if you then invest in a large rug (Ikea have some large natural sisals at good prices) which fit under the front of both sofas (as opposed to float in front). The walls look quite pink at the minute. I would be inclined to tone them with the kitchen cabinets or go a more stone colour to tone with the work tops/floor (Paint and Paper library do a great stone colour in varying depths).

I would suggest you 'play' with the furniture layout initially; afterall, its not glued to the floor!

Good luck

Helen
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I have a long room and then a step into my kitchen. One end is the sofa and TV, the other end is where the computer and fire place are. This area I feel is wasted space. There is then a step down into open plan kitchen, this is at right angle to the living area. The main issue is there is a TV in the living area and one in the kitchen, one the same side. It can be noisy if both are TV's are on. Any ideas ?
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It's a lovely room. Are you buying new furniture or trying to make your existing furniture work because an L shaped sofa might work well in the space and allow for two separate zones. Also, how many people do you need seating for? Can you get away with a small dining table for every day that extends for visitors?
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Flo G
4 years ago
You could try out a screen but if you have kids you need to keep an eye on while cooking a row of open shelfs could do and if you are afield of kids mocking ornaments just put a bit of bluetack on the base and it's enough to steady it
PRO
Rodrigo Pissarra, Building Technician
4 years ago
I am afraid a room divider would crowed the room, I would go with the tips above and focus on the rearrangement of the furniture. If you have the space, try putting the smaller sofa next to the larger one in a L-shaped arrangement.

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?how to divide up these spaces.

Comments (4)

Dale Loth Architects

RLDC

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Flo G

Rodrigo Pissarra, Building Technician