When Nayla sent me pictures of her living room, I could empathize. It’s not the biggest space, but it is a busy hub of the house. She says the room feels cold and cramped now, and she’s looking for a kid-friendly space that’s not overly crowded for traffic flow.
These were Nayla’s main concerns (in her own words):
- The room is tiny. It’s a 12’ box.
- The wall color (Olympic “April Sky”) feels cold.
- The door in the middle of the room leads straight to laundry room.
- Awkward window above sofa.
- Looking for a kid-friendly coffee table—and new rug.
There are some good things to work with here. I don’t see a lot of other options for furniture arrangement, but the sofas are nice—and I actually think the wall color could work well with the right accessories. The rug and dark curtains seem to be weighing down the space, so I would lighten it up and infuse some youthfulness with colorful fabrics and accents.
This is how I envision the wall behind the sofa. . . I’d go for one big piece of art so that it doesn’t get lost beside of the window. I like the square shape of the painting in contrast to the window’s shape. Also, the jade green fabric for the windows will help to warm up the light blue walls:
I don’t mind the mirror she already has, but would probably leave the wall space on the other side of the doorway blank. If she adds the large abstract art on the window wall, it could quickly feel too busy. (Not every wall has to be filled!)
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
Affiliate links used.
Love the beautiful molding! Looks like a charming old house. Great ideas, Emily. As always!
Great ideas for a small space! I would lose the blinds on the laundry room door for film, though.
I also think that laundry door is really cool, but the white blinds kind of take away from its charm. Maybe add a natural rollup shade where the white blind is now or frost the glass so you can’t see in but still get the light from the laundry room? I agree that she has great staples going for her!
I agree. I think repeating the bamboo shade that’s on the window would work great.
Good job, Emily. And the rug you suggested is on sale right now!
It’s good you recommended lighting. I noticed there weren’t any lamps.
I love the molding in this room! And the little window above the door! All your suggestions are perfect and will make the space shine!
What do I have to do to get you to do this to my room?
Hi Rachel,
I’m a little behind on these posts but you can submit yours for consideration to info {at} emilyclark {dot} com.
Love your ideas!!
I would forgo the sofa under the window for two club chairs with an upright reading lamp (in the corner) that makes a statement. The lamp would fill the corner and balance the eye between the window and the upright lamp. Club chairs will break up the boxiness of the room and give something for the eye to go to. Definitely add a textured shade to the laundry door. Love the idea of the lighter color rug but would also consider changing the size of the rug (smaller) so its not so boxy with the lines of the furniture — show more wood flooring. Hang the drapes (or remove completely) wider than the window to let more light in and lighten the color and fabric of the drapes accompanied with another textured shade. Add some pillows, too:)
Great ideas and I too love the old fashioned transom window and molding. I might remove that large white dresser which is blocking the way into what I assume is the kitchen, hang the TV on the all and find a smaller storage unit for under the mirro. While I cant see the other side of the room it does look like that might open up the space. Something woven in its natural color would be a nice complement to the light furniture pieces, bamboo blinds and soften the hard surfaces of the other tables.
Love it!
I agree that a lighter colored rug can make things look more cheery.
I also noticed that the TV is hanging on the wall. She could consider moving the chest of drawers to another section of the house and getting a rectangular coffee table that can be moved into that position. That way the center of the room can still be wide open for the kids to play if need be and the coffee table moved back and forth. My 2c :)
I’ve been looking for a kid-friendly coffee table that doesn’t feel “heavy.” I love the one you recommended. Thanks!