Each month, I get several emails from readers (and friends) asking for decorating, design, renovation advice…you name it. While I would love to be able to help everyone, I can realistically answer one or two inquires per month. Surprisingly, some of you have the same dilemmas which is why I thought it would be great to post your questions and answer them on the blog. It also makes for great blog content, right? In honor of transparency, some not all, of the resources found in my answer may contain affiliate links. This means a company pays me a small commission if you click the link to purchase the product.

Don’t worry, you won’t make me rich.

Consider it more of a tip for me in exchange for free advice.

Cool? Let’s move on…

Q: I was on Pinterest and saw some rooms you’ve redesigned just by moving furniture around so I was hoping I could get your advise and/or suggestions for my living room dilemma.
I recently moved into a larger apartment but lost space in my living room. I have a large sectional and it’s a bit of a tight squeeze to walk through to sit down, reach the balcony door, or the stairs to the loft.
The pieces with ‘x’ and the chaise lounge can be removed. My boyfriend and I have discussed removing the 2 middle pieces, pushing the 3 seat couch piece against the wall, then if there’s enough room, scoot the chaise lounge more toward the window and angling it. What would you suggest?
Thank you,
A. N.

 

A: Moving furniture from one home to another can surely pose a spacial challenge, especially when dealing with a sectional. However, consider yourself fortunate to have the flexibility of removing pieces to suit your needs.  To create better traffic flow through the room, remove the two seats and push the three-seater against the wall. This will instantly open up your space. Next, consider hanging a series of mirrors behind your sofa as shown in the inspiration image. What this does is draw the eye upward in your two story room and not make the space feel so “bottom heavy.” You can choose to use artwork in the same way, but you won’t benefit from the illusion of a wider room. Another reason I love to use mirrors this way is because they reflect the sunlight from the adjacent windows and adds more light even on a cloudy day.  As a reference, click here for more info on using mirrors in your home’s decor.

Next, choose a rug that will provide a bit of texture and brighten the room. The contrast of a light rug with dark furniture will help to bring a bit of “airiness” into the decorating mix. Include white accents on the sofa using throw pillows and a textural throw. Lastly to save precious floor space, hang a wall lamp like the Mid Century Over Arching Wall Sconce over the sofa, preferably in the corner closest to the window. If you have additional funds in the decorating budget, consider replacing the leather ottoman with a round marble top coffee table. Having varied materials in a room makes it way more interesting.

RESOURCES

1| Hovet Mirror, Ikea

2| Mid-Century Over Arching Wall Sconce, West Elm

3| Vitten Rug, Ikea

4 |Steven Alan Abstract Crewel Pillow Cover – Blue Lagoon, Solid Silk Hand-Loomed Pillow Cover – Stone White, Hand-Blocked Stepped Diamond Pillow Cover – Blue Lagoon, West Elm

5| Chunky Tassel Throw, West Elm

6| Smart Round Marble Top Coffee Table, cb2

Happy Decorating!

Erika

 

inspiration image via Interior Marketing Group