Living room extension and layout

7 years ago

Hi, I am considering extending my living room as the way it currently is presents a great deal of challenges and feel slightly awkward. The only furniture to take into account is a 9ft by 7ft sectional.

I want to know if the extension would be worth it and if it would solve any of the issues i currently have, such as the windows having limited access. In addition, there would be 1ftx1ft pillar left.

Here are the pics:

Featured Answer

Denise Marchand

7 years ago

I think we have tried every way possible for the layout.

My first choice is the sofa on the far left wall when entering (where your white bookcase is now) and the tv on the column. Instead of painting the tv wall a color, paint the wall behind the sofa. If you paint the existing tv wall, it will bring in that wall even closer.

If you don't like that position, the only other place is in the window niche.

It's a great sofa and the room and your apartment is super. Welcome to the wonderful world of interior design! Just when it is totally impossible and nothing looks right, it all comes together. Did you actually move the sofa on to the wall in your drawing?

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Comments (26)

Denise Marchand
7 years ago
Hi Adam, posting your pics would help everyone also. This is a good idea.

The above indicates adding the 4'-0" x 12'0" with an exposed column, correct? Visually it would make an enormous difference, however, you need to evaluate the costs involved. The column doesn't bother me, as lofts have this issue all the time.

Since you are considering this project, can you go all the way to the end of the terrace, gaining as much square footage as possible?
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Some ideas..

The plans would be the finished extension. I can reuse the windows i currentky have so the costs wouldn't be very high as i would glass in with aluminium windows, bringing in a great deal more light too.
What distribution would you go for with the new space?
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Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

Denise, you would gain 3ft x 9ft.
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
TV on the column looks great and the seating is much better in that position. Go for it.
Jonathan
7 years ago
I think you need to cost up the total because I am concerned that the increase in square footage is minor and the increase in value may not justify this work but instead push you to build an additional room.

You should also look into the permit side of things- certainly in the UK this type of development would require additional permits as it is a multiple occupancy building and I imagine there are similar considerations in the US
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
Im in Spain and glassing in your balcony doesn't require a permit although knocking down walls does. It costs around 50€ so thsts no biggie. My 2 neighbours in my building would also be ok with it.

As regards cost, the bulk will be in the aluminium, but as i already have one set on French doors and one individual for the side, we are talking about installation and 2 fixed glass panels more or less. I also have flooring left over, so that would be minor. Its the knocking down and making good.

I estimate around 1300-1500€. Its only gaining 3m2 or so, but opens up many possibilities and makes my living room far less awkward, which is what I hate about it right now.

My reservation is with the TV on the swing arm on the pillar. Would it look odd?
Jonathan
7 years ago
I'm amazed the cost is so low ....if it is this inexpensive then go for it (as long as changing the outside doesn't devalue the block)

I think the TV on the pillar looks great on your illustration. You have also shown a plinth at knee height and it may be better to put the TV on that so the screen is at your eye line
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
Well, as I said. I already have most of the material which cost me near a grand 3 years ago.

The reason its on the pillar is so tjat it can be turned to the dining table too.

I am just worried a big black floating screen will look odd or the light from the windows behind will cause eye strain.
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
In relation to the tv/column, you can always design something interesting so that it doesn't look like a spaceship hovering. Wrap a divider behind the column, which will lessen the glare from the windows and amplify the sound.

This site is so cool. I have the Bouroullec Algue Plastic Elements in Red (on page 2), and this one is fantastic too. Good design element to add to your space.

http://www.betterlivingthroughdesign.com/category/accessories/room-dividers/

Classic MCM:

http://barbmama.nl/product/90s-fritz-hansen-labyrinth-room-divider-zeldzaam/
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
Not sure if it would close it in a lot. I mean, i can always put the shutters down..

Seems so hard to have access to the windows, room for a big sofa and a wall for the Tv without being on top of it.

Do you have any other layout options with the extension, Denise?
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
I like ignoring the confines of walls, It always makes the space more expansive. If this were my place, this is how I would do the layout. The sofa can be closer to the windows if need be. The tv wall can be as you have posted and I would switch the floating shelves for your art. You can add two lounge chairs similar to the pic below by moving the bookcase down into the dining area and have one chair there and one chair on the other end of the coffee table, or both together.
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
Will give it a try and post some pics. Although it still seems to limit the flow of things.
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
There won't be the open feel without the dining wall extended to the terrace. You can definitely get the look you want when that is done.

The sofa can be brought closer to the window allowing more space between the sofa and wall as entering. Before you move everything, visualize it. Creating zones in an open plan helps the function and coziness when using the spaces. Lining up all the furniture on the walls, while opening the flow, will look like a store. It's not how one lives. Trying something different than what you would expect, needs to be lived with for a few days.
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
I tried it and you walk pretty much onto the sofa even after pushing it up to the window, plus it feels like its on top of the TV. Feels quite claustraphobic...

Maybe i made a mistake with the sofa. My other one broke and I rushed into it and thought the only distribution that would work was this and hoped it would feel cosier with it.

Its where i spend most of the hours of the day as i work in my living room 10 hours with clients at the table and then spend the evening in here too. It just doesnt feel right.

It just feels so frustrating! Especially when I have put so much time and effort into it. Maybe move it to a different part of the flat? I dont know..
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Ive just had a brainwave that could solve the issue... Thing is I wouldnt be able to see it until its done.

Also trying to work out kitchen cupboard and draw distribution.
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
What you think?
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
If your layout is either the sofa on the tv wall or the sofa at the window, I prefer the sofa at the window. Not a pleasant layout with the tv in front of the window like that. Did you try the sofa on the left wall with the tv at the wall extension on column/wall yet? Looks good in your sketch, but I still wouldn't put the tv in the middle of the window. TV on the wall/column is a good idea and will eliminate the wall behind the sofa for the glare.
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
Tried it all.. I think the sofa in the bay is the best option and with the panels it doesnt look bad. The idea would be to get some opaque panels for behind the TV to give the impression of a wall or even get rid of one window.

In my drawings you can see the idea. Half of the window can let light through and be opened with part of the unit running below and the other half with the rest of the wall forms a background for the TV. At the moment i put the shutters down in the daytime to watch TV and its ok.

It just feels much cosier and the energy is better by not having my back to the window and looking down the hall.

Having big problems with the sofa distributor now.. claims sofa is in perfect condition and has sunk by sitting on it within 2 days of receiving it.. Trying to make me think im crazy and there is nothing wrong. Always coming across the wrong people i guess...
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
I was having a problem with you looking down the hall from the sofa also. There is definitely something wrong with the chaise part of the sofa. If it's the section you always sit on, it will wear differently, however it has sunk in quite a bit for such a new piece. You are not crazy. It's just going to get worse. Instead of dealing with changing it. the store should come and add a layer of dacron to the seat cushion. That should do it.

I worked with Flexform Italy in NY and had a similar issue with the chaises. The fabric twisted also. That span is too long for it to stay put. What if the store gave you two cushions, one for the seat to match the other seats and one to seem like an ottoman? You would still get the chaise and have the option to switch the seat cushions so that the sofa wears evenly. Just a suggestion. I had my guy put more stuffing in it.

A personal note: I have the tv on all the time, but I don't like the room to revolve around the screen, but most of my friends would want it exactly like you have it.
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
The rep came round and attempted to stretch the material and it is the same as before. He said it would look even worse with more filling and thats how it is supposed to look... Im not sold. I have seen this sofa in the shop and the cushion is just as long with no problems. It is a different material, mind.

It wasnt a cheap sofa and he is refusing to give me a solution. Says as it was custom, I cant complain and cant compare it to a standard model and besides, it is in perfect condition.

If they cant fix it, I would rather they replaced it with a standard model and I could add another piece to make a corner sectional.
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
So I went to the shop and they opened it up and compared it to another model and mine had even more filling in than theirs.. Strange.

However, you can feel mine is softer in some parts to thr touch which is wear its sinking, but they wont acknowledge this.

Something I find suspicious is the colour.. It appears to be lighter where it is sinking..

May this be related? Is this normal? Maybe it has been left out in the sun and damaged...

They say they will give me some dacron to fill it out a bit.. But that wont fix the sinking i guess..
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
Unless you have a sofa custom hand made, whether it is traditional or modern, fillings are not what they used to be. Just like cars, they all do the same thing, and the secret lies "under the hood", the framing, filling, support, wood used, fabrics. When my son first moved to LA, he bought a Restoration Hardware second hand sofa and when we all sat in it at the same time, it bottomed out. There was absolutely no support. It was just one big box.

You can't blame the salesperson, as they rarely know the real construction. Where was your sofa manufactured?

A good sofa has a wood frame with eight-way hand tied springs, the cushions are a high density foam core with a down wrap (in a cotton canvas cover). Even with the down wrap, there will be shifting, especially if you sit in the same place all the time.

I still feel two cushions instead of one long cushion would make you happy on the wear.

On another note, I am visiting my son in LA and he got me a ViSpring mattress. I never thought a fine mattress would make a difference. Holy moly! When you put your head down...clunk...you are asleep and deep and rested. it's incredible like magic.

This might freak you out, but here's good articles about sofa fillings:

http://hadleycourt.com/how-is-upholstery-made-a-primer-on-good-better-and-best/

https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2015/05/12/what-kind-of-filling-for-your-sofa-cushions/
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Denise, will take a look.

The sofa was made locally, Future Comfort.

I dont know if the dacron will be a good enough solution.. i went back to where i first saw the sofa tonight and completely different.

They still refuse to acknowledge there is a problem...
Denise Marchand
7 years ago
There is obviously a huge difference. If I were your designer in Spain, since the store is not acknowledging the problem, I would go directly to the maker. Don't let up. A squeaky wheel gets oiled. lol
Adam
Original Author
7 years ago
I think the seller wont acknowledge it as the rep doesn't. This isn't their first mistake either...