ASK Kathryn about Flow in the Living Room
Q: My living room has always felt crowded and recently I gave my daughter two chairs from our living room. Now it still doesn’t work.
Where do I start? Is there a formula for arranging a living room?
A: The starting point is; what is the room used for?
Depending on the answer, that is how to begin to determine how much furniture you actually need.
Then, evaluate if there is an obvious focal point; a TV, fireplace or a nice view. You and your company will shift their eyes to the focal point first, and then, evaluate where to sit down.
If you don’t have a specific focal point, some people choose to paint an alternative color to act as an accent wall. The purpose of an accent wall or focal point is important to settle down the anxiety in the room. If your room is chock FULL of stuff without balance or flow, the room could appear to be uncomfortable and not used at all.
A simple application to define the flow is to choose a shape for the room. Arrange your largest pieces first.
See if one of these shapes can relate with you;
• A ‘U’ shape facing the focal point will give you maximum seating. Yet, this arrangement including end tables and such, may not give all parties easy access in and out of the ‘U’.
• An ‘L’ shaped seating can allow you face the focal point and also something else, such as a window or the dining room.
• A parallel shape (two lines facing each other) with the focal point in an end-zone, is best for small spaces. This arrangement allows for easy in and out by all parties. Yet, it could appear to be somewhat confrontational, or taking-sides on an issue.
To maintain a good flow, you’ll need to be able to walk through the room without hitting your legs on any protruding edge.
Put your biggest pieces in place first, then your end tables and the lamps.
Your art images and your accent pieces will be the finishing touches!
If you take the time to get this right, it can BE your favorite place to unwind!
Enjoy the journey through life.
Warmth, Kathryn
Need more help with this? Kathryn has tips and tricks to help you move forwards.
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Wish to have a chat with kathryn? No charge for 30 minutes. No pressure. Just insight to help you BE the best in life.
Email me a note: kathryn@kathrynwilking.com
