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Smaller Homes Design Dilemma Living Rooms

Open plan living room and diner with stairs - layout help!

6 years ago

I am buying a house with an open plan living room with an open staircase. You have to walk through the living room to get to the stairs, which I'm starting to think may cause some problems with fitting in furniture to look right... I don't have much furniture yet (living in a rented property at the moment) apart from a large metal trunk which I use as a coffee table and a tv stand. I do have a dining table and chairs but I'm already thinking that they'll be too large for the room so I don't mind letting them go.

I have also thought about knocking through the wall between the kitchen and living room to create a breakfast bar area. Not sure if I would block off the door from the entrance hall to the living room or the kitchen. Do you think this would be a good idea? At the moment the kitchen is not my taste at all and I plan to replace it fairly soon after moving.

If anyone has any ideas on how to set up furniture in this style of room to make it cosy, stylish but functional please help!

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Comments (5)

PRO
User
6 years ago
The last one of these we had on here threw up a few layout ideas.

One was the under stair storage:-
The last lady ended up putting the table and chairs under the stairwell, which I think is possible in yours as the space is a good size.
I think you've got more room under yours, so i'd go with a cupboard and the table / chairs idea. Plus, your doorway is handily to the left, which will make walking around the table and chairs easier.

I think the sofa placement is harder, and some of these have been overcome by putting the sofa under the stairs, having an armchair and putting the table and chairs down by the patio doors.
laurensbee thanked User
minnie101
6 years ago
I think I’d put the tv under the stairs with a small sofa opposite, you should be able to add a small accent chair opposite the sofa. Round dining table by the patio door and I’d get comfy chairs for extra seating for guests. Use a rug, art, lights etc for zoning the areas. I’ve found this pic with the same layout to what you’ve suggested for removing the kitchen wall. I’d probably block off the kitchen door so you can include tall units on that right hand wall (similar to 2nd pic albeit this is bigger). You may be able to extend the peninsula slightly under the stairs. In any case I think I’d contact a concept planner on here such as OnePlan for your kitchen design! I’d also mark out any furniture with boxes or masking tape before ordering anything, good luck with the move!
laurensbee thanked minnie101
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I would say first and foremost that as this is a large project, you can't do without a concept planner or someone that can draw up your plans in 3D so that you can 'vitually' walk around what you have in mind. You need to pay attention to your access doorways, they aren't marked on either plan. You will need to have the kitchen on the left and access both the pantry and utility from there. Therefore you will negate the whole of that wall for access to those two rooms. Placement of furniture that you would like / need has to be thought about along with the build. It's just as important. The 1st floor doesn't seem to work as there is no access to the Family Bathroom on the plan. Obviously you know the actual shape of the stairs and there are no dimensions which makes it difficult. However, you may need to create a landing and thus you would, if you use the layout given have to sacrifice one of the bedrooms or change the plan. A planner is essential, one that can give you the rooms sizes that you want and utilise the space available.
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minnie101
6 years ago
Just reading a magazine hence picture quality but something like this with the table under the stairs as MATH suggested
PRO
Casa Colori
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hi Lauren, Beautiful space. From what I see I will place the dining table in the area at the back of the stair.

I will buy two armchairs and a round coffee table for the area between the stair and the window; people like to chat and see a garden. Armchairs and round coffee table will give you more room to more around.

I will place a tv set next to the stairs and facing to the garden to separate the dining area from the living one. Search for a wide TV set so glimpse people like me won't knock down the TV.

@Man about the house. I love your suggestions.
laurensbee thanked Casa Colori
PRO
BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
6 years ago
I think a breakfast bar area is a nice option for your project since it helps you integrate the kitchen with the living room and improves the flow of the whole space. Likewise, you can combine a high bar and a low one, so that you will only have to buy some chairs, as shown in the image. I'll be more than happy to advise you further. Good luck, Ed
laurensbee thanked BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts

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