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Home Decorating Living Rooms Design Dilemma

make my room pretty - layout and decor ideas needed

5 years ago

So here is my room.. sofas have finally arrived and my room is full again. I decided to add the feature wall (brave for me after years of white walls) which I love!!!! but, not sure about layout. I like the feel of positioning but concerned about the leather chair getting knocked by my little monkeys 3 years old and 9 months. The other end of room is play area with a reading chair and toy storage. I will tackle the room in two halves I think.

What would you change in the room?
What layout would you go for?
Mirror higher?
Suggestions for a new lower tv stand?
New ceiling lights??
Get rid of chest or should I move it to a corner?
Where can I put a picture shelves or artwork?

Going for the mid century modern minimal boho look.. suggestions advice help!!

Chairs were previously facing each other if you look at my previous thread but didn’t always feel relaxed having to face a guest face on.

Featured Answer

mrsmakka

5 years ago

I think the sofas at right angles to each other is nice for socialising and I'd put you telly on the wooden chest - you can always anchor it to the wall if you think little people might pull it over. I'd put your other armchair in the corner where the tv is in the first pic. This should free up some space behind the cuddle chair for a wee play area which can have a nice rug for tummy times and maybe the bouncer chair along with some baskets for toys. A nice big, long mirror at this end would bounce light around and be fun for the children to play in front of, do wee shows etc. It would also keep the kiddy stuff under control and easy to clear at the end of the day to regain an adult space.

Comments (33)

E D
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
There are other Houzzers much cleverer about layout etc than me and I'm sure you'll get some brilliant advice (again) here, but I was wondering if you've considered using the chest as a coffee table in centre of room.

Btw, I think you're already asking the right questions. Yes mirror perhaps a little higher, but not essential I think.

ATM though, your pendant seems in the way so yes, new ceiling light. Perhaps just the one pendant over the chest/coffee table (in centre)? Both pendants are not ideally placed now anyway.

The other floor/table lamps seem to be hidden away in their corners too much.

And yes, change TV stand for different style, lower one.
E D
5 years ago
Have you tried placing the sofa on the wall opposite, providing a view of the window/outside?

Then have the TV at the other side of the fireplace.

I feel this might give the room a better 'flow'.
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Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
@ed thanks for your feedback. I did think about moving the tv but the space is not too big. Struggling to find a tv stand to fit nicely. I like the idea of having the tv in one of the corners to blend it in to the dark wall. There is also a radiator under the window cill so the chair is hiding it.

We used to have the coffee table in the centre but moved it to take away the hazard for the little ones playing around it and It’s quite big too so takes up quite a bit of space. Trying to find a way for it to work somewhere in the room as it wasn’t cheap but I’m not sure .

Any ideas on a tv stand or light fittings that might go well?
jbtanyderi
5 years ago
The feature wall makes the room feel smaller. There’s no place for sitters to set down a book/magazine/drink/snack. Lamp lighting is more flattering (and more comfortable for reading) than overhead lighting. How is the window handled?
Kazza None
5 years ago
I Would also put the tv on the wooden chest. The rest of it is looking great.
Jules Mc
5 years ago
Tv on the wooden chest would be too low for my liking. I would, however, consider the chest flat in one alcove, fix the tv on the wall above it and a floating shelf midway between the two for your sky box etc (shelf painted to blend in with the wall).

I also wonder if choosing to have two completely separate areas, rather than something that allows the two ends to flow (despite one being kids play area) is what is making it so tricky to arrange with pieces you have . Can you put pics up of the whole space. I'm sure you have on another thread, just can't find them. Btw I love the feature wall and the new sofa.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Here is the other end of the room if it helps.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Here is the full room and how it was previously.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
@jbtanyderi I’m not sure what your question is regarding the window? I also agree with a place for drinks. We currently use the chest and the little nest of tables in the corner. Currently far too overloaded for my liking but mid decorating I ran out of space to put everything.

The lamp is an old one. Unsure whether to switch out the shade for grey or white or whether to just get a new one. Maybe a floor standing one? Ideas would be appreciated.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
@jbtanyderi I’m not sure what your question is regarding the window? I also agree with a place for drinks. We currently use the chest and the little nest of tables in the corner. Currently far too overloaded for my liking but mid decorating I ran out of space to put everything.

The lamp is an old one. Unsure whether to switch out the shade for grey or white or whether to just get a new one. Maybe a floor standing one? Ideas would be appreciated.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
@mrsmakka yes! That’s exactly what I was going for a little play area away from the adult zone for relaxing- see pics below. (Not that there is much relaxing going on) I would like to create a reading corner somehow which is why the chair is there. What kind of mirror /decor would you suggest for the area?
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
@julesmc thank you for your feedback. The chest is quite low but deep. I thought about hiding it between the chairs with a sheepskin a plant and some books on but it would then leave an empty wall. I need to swap out the current stand and need something to store away all of the Disney films that we have accumulated. I could buy a small tv stand for the corner (to left of fireplace and blend tv to wall) I’m not opposed to moving sofas but finding the time and energy isn’t easy to have a play particularly in this heatwave. I want to to create a lovely space that I will enjoy but right now I am still not happy with it. It’s never going to be my minimalistic dream with children but I would like it to be a calming space that I can manage and enjoy. Xx
leannethomas
5 years ago
Hi. I would suggest moving the settee to the other side of the room so that its facing the window and the tv (if possible) in the other corner. Good luck, I know how difficult it is trying to make zones that suit both adults and children.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks @leannethomas if I were to move the sofa that side where would you suggest to place the cuddle chair? The door to the room is that Side. Also the radiator is under the window so not sure how the tv could be placed there? a corner unit or angled unit could work but not sure how the radiator behind a tv would work?
E D
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I don't think the radiator will cause a problem for the TV being in that corner. It would only partially obscure it. Your sofa covers near all of it as it is now. It would probably be more efficient if the sofa wasn't there.

You could perhaps test whether it works space-wise by using your current stand for now.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
I’ll try to move it tomorrow and take a picture for you guys with the current stand.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Apologies that this has taken so long to do but the furniture is quite heavy to move alone with the babies around so I needed help with it l.

So first picture is sofa under the window and tv temporarily on the coffee table in the corner and the second is the sofa on the fixed wall looking out to the window(as suggested by some of you houzzers). Im still not sure about the tv under the window but I do like that the rug can be placed more central to the fire /leather cuddles. Also unsure what kind of tv stand would go well to blend in I’ve seen a couple in next that I like. The tv and coffee table are too heavy for me to move to the other corner under window. What do you think? Thanks xx
minnie101
5 years ago
The tv looks great on the chest. Sofa under window For me. If you align the rug to the fire (but pull it away from the fire) it should fit under the front feet of your furniture perfectly
Jules Mc
5 years ago
Agree with Minnie. Sofa under window and change the rug from portrait to landscape. It was me who said chest seemed a bit low for the TV but I like it, looks great. Just one idea, will the chest fit felt against the alcove wall. I think furniture on angles can look a bit dated. If it does fit you could still angle the TV on it for easier viewing. Room looks lovely. How's the other half of it doing or is it one section at a time ??
Jules Mc
5 years ago
That was 'flat' against the wall. Seems like edit option has gone from Web version as well as the, app? !!
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
The chest will fit flat but the tv isn’t a new one and looked odd at an angle. I totally agree about angles I like things straight and uniform too. The chest was only ever meant to be a temporary option which is why I have been looking at corner tv units. The chest is actually quite big and takes up a fair bit of space in corner. See pic. I dislike the tv under the window as just tried it. Please ignore the chaotic mess as you can see I have just let them go to town whilst re arranging the room.

I love the idea of looking out of the window instead of at a blank wall but another mirror to reflect would probably be overkill and I want a picture wall or shelf somewhere too...

Here are a couple of pics of the tv units. I think the bronx style with symmetry is nicer but I like the wood of the Amsterdam.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
I like the chest but if is just huge. I’m thinking it could be used as a seat with a sheepskin in and some cushions but I don’t want to clutter up the room again. As you can see it doesn’t take my mini mess makers long to trash it.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Alternatively, could have something like the Hemnes tv stand opposite the sofa/window and some photos around the tv to create a gallery wall? What do you think?
E D
5 years ago
I'm not sure you should go for a corner TV cabinet. It's bulky and restricted to corners, obviously :)

Perhaps having your TV opposite the window is a good plan. Why not try it out and live with it for a couple of days?
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
I know what you mean and ageed it’s particularly bulky on the coffee table which clearly isn’t fit for purpose although a nice wood/design. equally the longer tv stands are slim but all that I have seen seem lengthy. I can try the coffee table with tv on in that position but because of its depth it will be like an obstacle course haha. i may have to give this some more thought... a new tv would be nice too without the frame but Im not sure I could persuade the dh. Haha

i also would like like to add some ambient lighting. A rock salt lamp and a larger lamp. Any ideas are welcome.
Sam Potter
5 years ago
There's a lot going on on that room. Had you thought about getting a projector TV? The outlay is a lot and you'd need to rethink the furniture layout but I think they are fab. I've seen them in use with a family with small kids. The parents can control the TV from their phones- don't even have to be in the room, and there is nothing for children to get their hands on. I'd also recommend going fully digital with all your Disney films etc. Get em on a hard drive and you can call any of them up in seconds, and save even more storage space for important stuff. Like hard liquor.
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Totally agree sam. There is a bit going on. My husband refuses to get go too technological so I’m trying to work it out. I need a tv unit/stand that will look good and hold a few dvds.we will not be buying anymore but the little girl loves looking through and choosing from her little selection. There are only around 15 tops. we may be able to replace the tv with a slimmer one but we are on a budget so a projector is out. Plus there is too much light from the window and I don’t like the look of over mantle TVs. Thoughts on a corner tv unit or slim long one? Here is another one I quite like but maybe a touch more storage would be nice?
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Tv unit
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
For those who have asked here are some pics of the other end of the room. It’s functional for the little ones I just need to add something to the walls x
E D
5 years ago
I like your last TV unit! Reasonably priced as well, isn't it?
E D
5 years ago
It's not very wide though (90 cm), which is nice but some people don't like it when a TV is wider than its stand. How wide is your TV?
Leah Rodrigues
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes it is and whilst it will fit to the left of fireplace it is too small for our tv which is 40ins. My husband thinks the coffee units from next are the way to go but I’m not sure if corner units feel a bit bulky and dated? I thought about a slim unit along the wall opposite sofa but then think the wall to left of fire will feel a little bare. ♀️

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