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Define distinct areas within an open concept space - July 11, 2004

Question

The architectural design of the "great room" in our newly-purchased home presents us with many challenges.

The great room, kitchen and a casual dining area occupy a wide open space with no dividing walls and that leaves me stymied as to where to place any furniture.

The room is also open to a staircase leading to the second floor bedrooms, an opening to the front hall, and it features a three-sided fireplace.

We plan to move in with our existing furniture, which includes an entertainment unit for the television and stereo, a full-sized sofa, love seat, chair and a coffee table.

I have tried many combinations, but have yet to hit upon a solution that will accommodate all these pieces (we would like to seat as many as possible) in an arrangement that will allow us to watch television, enjoy the fireplace in the winter, and entertain.

We are looking to your expert eye for advice.

Answer

imageIn my opinion, a family room should be the warmest, most inviting room of the house.

Its design should be uncomplicated and comfortable, as this is the space where the casual living takes place.

Open concept designs may appeal to us because of their airiness and apparent simplicity, but it is only when we try to integrate our existing furniture into these spaces, that we realize just how complicated these wall-less spaces can be.

When designing an open concept space, I always try to begin the planning process with three principal considerations:

Define distinct areas

Furniture must be arranged comfortably so that people can talk comfortably close and without yelling across the room. As well, the primary use of this room (in your case, the television) must be considered.

Remember that large area rugs can serve to ground and differentiate the living area from other spaces.

It is important to feel like you don’t have to fill every space, but rather, give the area a lot of “breathing” room to maintain the airiness that you loved in the first place.

The space behind the sofa could house a console table for storage and display or, if you think there is enough space, a work area with a small desk and chair.

Identify or create a focal point

Although the fireplace will play an important role in creating ambiance in this room, on my plan, the media/entertainment centre is the focal and starting point for this room.

A multi-functional media centre is a necessity in a family room because it will contain the clutter of electronics and peripheral equipment.

There really is only one wall on which to place the television and in order to make that practical, at least one major upholstered piece has to face it.

For your windows, use simple, lightweight drapery treatments that add warmth without distracting from the focal points.

Allow for an unhindered traffic flow

In general, in an open plan space, pulling furniture away from the walls will allow for a comfortable traffic flow and in a space like yours, this is almost imperative.

In your new Great Room, there are few options available to you on how you can arrange the furniture when you consider your existing upholstered pieces.

As accessories, consider sculptural floor lamps that provide both lighting and stylish accents.

Generally speaking, all finishes in a family room should be easy-case, so it’s a good idea to opt for fabrics and finishes that require minimum care.

Furniture fabrics should be treated with a stain-resistant coating and any new pieces you buy should, obviously, complement the decor in the rest of the room, yet hide the inevitable fingerprints, spills and general heavy use.

Table finishes should repel moisture so you don’t have to worry about a sweating glass or spilled wine.

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