A DSK
A ESIGNER™
1.
2.
C AMERON MACNEIL
ANSWERS YOUR
DECOR ATING
QUESTIONS.
3.
Arranging an
awkward layout
How can I arrange furniture in the odd-
shaped living area of our home so that both
the TV and fireplace are featured? We plan
to replace the furniture (except the rocking
chair). What size area rug will work best?
We have the kitchen wired for speakers, but
are replacing the stereo and TV.
B.W., Delta, B.C.
Along with your living area being an odd shape, unfortunately the door that opens
into the den is awkwardly positioned in the middle of one of the more important
walls. Because of the irregular shape of the room, there need to be as few
distractions as possible to make the space work well. First, consider filling in the
existing doorway with drywall and carving out a new one on the shortest wall,
the one in the hallway. If that wall is too small, the section of wall across from the
dining room will work. Repositioning the doorway will help create an even layout
in the den as well as the living area by giving both spaces a long uninterrupted
feature wall to build on.
Since this open-concept space functions as both the dining room and the living
room, arranging furniture around the fireplace effectively while maintaining a
space to watch TV and a dining area may not be possible. It would be easiest to
not factor the fireplace into your furniture layout at all.
Once the existing door to the den is covered over, situate your new TV on the
new wall. If you choose a flat panel model, you can hang the unit directly on the
wall and place a low cabinet or sideboard with concealed storage underneath the
TV to house a DVD player, DVDs and your new stereo system.
As for your furniture requirements, a sectional sofa or a sofa and chaise
combination will provide ample seating. Have a look at the 5285 Series sectional
(shown) from Lee Industries ( www.leeindustries.com). Its clean-lined frame and
generous seats will make a comfortable addition to the room, and will provide
enough seating for four. Place it in front of the corner window so that CONTINUED
New seating
area in
living room
Den needs
a new
entrance
1. Repainting the dining set a deep brownish-black
will give it a modern look and tie it in with the
pendant light. 2. Place a new sectional sofa/chaise
in front of the window and reposition the club
chairs in line with the fireplace to create an
intimate seating area. 3. Fill in the door across
from the fireplace to create an expanse for a flat
panel TV and cabinet. ABOVE AND LEFT:
Sectional, Lee Industries; area rugs, Shaw Living.
