Get Comfy and Enjoy the Ride

We’re driving. Driving a long, long way. California to Wisconsin. Two people, two dogs, and more than a Summer’s worth of “stuff.” We go from tight, cramped car to cramped, dark hotel room, I laser focus on space. Workable space.

Concentrating on the Living Room/Family Room/Den/Whatever You Call It Room. I have a priority list used to curate a public space. It’s a short list. In order of preference…

1.     Traffic Flow –

Why? Moving to, across, around a space are daily functions. Ease of movement will make you love or hate your room.

Ask yourself: Can I get to my favorite spot on the couch with minimal effort?  Can I put a drink down with the slightest of reach? Can I see the focal point without straining? Can (or will) a vacuum easily traverse the space?

Good answer: Try and give three feet of “hallway” to enter a room. Eighteen inches between sofa and coffee table is standard. Focus on one focal point (it’s not points) – you choose; the tv or the fireplace or the window – but you only get one. If the room is big, float furniture in the middle and anchor it all with a rug. The front legs of all seating should fit on the rug. Remember, it should be easy to move in the Living Room but you won’t close the exercise ring.

2.     Comfort –

Why? A comfortable room invites you in and begs you to stay.

Ask yourself: Is the room appealing and does it invoke a feeling of comfort, relaxation, warmth? Can I get out of the furniture sans rolling over onto all fours and heaving myself up? Do I have to yell to converse with friends (notice I didn’t include family)? Do I have to rearrange decorative pillows to fit my rump on the sofa?

Good answer: Visually appealing and comfortable can be two drastically different notions. Physically comfortable is number one. Seating that allows feet to touch the ground when seated upright. Sofas that are soft should a nap be required. A furniture arrangement where guests can whisper and be heard. Furniture that is comfortable and well placed creates a personalized public space that will be used.

3.     Lighting –

Why? Too much, you wear your sunglasses inside. Too little, you’re dancing in the dark. 

Ask yourself: Does the sun glare on the tv? Can the lights be dimmed for a movie? Can I read and see the pages?

Good answer: Layer it. Overhead light when watching the news. Task lighting such as a corner reading lamp for sewing or reading in the comfy chair. Natural light that can be controlled via window coverings. Ambience lighting, like the fireplace, to add drama. Consider what is done in the room and then layer light to service the needs of the people.

Best answer: Install dimmers… everyone, and I mean everyone, looks better in a dimmed room.

Curating a Living Room is all about space. Study, research, explore, rearrange, remove, add, and do it all again until the Living Room/Family Room/Den/Whatever You Call It Room that best fits you appears.

Good design takes time. Get comfy and enjoy the ride.