Q: I live in a rented flat in Zurich, Switzerland. The living room has an odd shape, no doors and connects directly to the kitchen and hallway. When I moved in I just put the furniture I already had the best way I could, but I feel like the current layout just doesn't feel right.
Also, it isn't very practical to entertain guests. I am now redecorating the flat and want to to replace some the furniture. The only things that I plan to keep are the armchair, the ottoman, the wooden side table and the sideboard steps. I was wondering if anyone can give suggestions on how to set up the room to make the best out of this space?
A few considerations - I cannot paint the walls or hang anything heavy on the walls. I cannot block the space bellow the windows. The TV should be take as little space and attention as possible (I would move it somewhere else, but this is the only connection available). If possible, I would like to have a better separation between the kitchen and the living area.
Sent by Lucy
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hope this helps - i think removing the seating away from the wall and creating a conversation area might work well. for example, the inset wall, with two pictures hanging, can be focal wall. replace the two pics with one large focal piece/graphic/structure/tv, etc. as the for layout, switch the recliner with the chaise. combine the chaise with the sofa as an "L" unit so that it faces the focal wall. also, the sofa and chaise might work well if it's not directly against the wall but rather creating a nice area to gather around. throw a rug infront of it and you have a nice conversation area.
My 2 cents: Put the couch together so that it's in the L shape and float it in the room. Get a rug to go under the couch define the space. Furniture doesn't have to be on a wall. I love the room. It's gonna be fab! Something like this: http://designfieldnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/coco-republic_design-field-notes_interior-design_3.jpg
Put a sectional in the middle of the room facing the alcove where you can keep the TV.
without too much info on new pieces, here's what i think might work.
keep the tv/stand where it's placed, but have the tv off to the left. in the right corner (on the wall of windows), you can place your armchair and ottoman. float a sofa or sectional in the middle of the room facing the tv wall (if there is a chaise, make sure it is longer on the right so it can be placed against the wall of windows and out of the way of traffic patterns). Then you can anchor it with a large area rug and small coffee table if needed.
as far as the space behind the sofa, you could get a low bookcase (think expedit, or similar) or a sofa table to sit behind the sofa. if you're in need of a desk space, this would be the perfect spot.
then in the nook shown in the 2nd photo...that could be a small dining area with a round table and 2-4 chairs (depending on size). you didn't mention needing a dining area, but it looks perfect for that purpose.
good luck and send follow-up photos!
Looking at your floor plan and working from left to right....
1. Consider a floor to ceiling bookcase where the tv is. The TV can just be one of many objects in the bookcase. It won't be the focal point and will provide tons of storage.
2. To the right of that, put two swivel chairs (you already have one) like they were flanking a fireplace. They can swivel to watch tv, Or they can swivel and face the kitchen entrance.
3. To the right of that - put a sofa facing the tv and chairs. Put a rug to ground the seating pieces. Create the conversation area in the middle of the room.
4. In the corner where the chaise lounge is - might be a good space for a desk and your tansu-steps piece.
5. In the corner where there's that diagonal wall - a small round cafe table with chairs?