Decorating Dilemmas is a weekly column in which our stylists answer your design questions, so you can tackle your home decorating project with complete confidence.
Dear How to Decorate,
My living room and dining room are in one space. Currently, the 76 inch sofa is separating the spaces. Is that the only good way to define the two areas? I will be moving the credenza that is along the stairway into the living room to the wall on the opposite side for the TV and getting rid of the stand. I am replacing all the furniture, end tables, and the rug, with the exception of the curio cabinet and credenza in living room and the hutch and table in dining room. The dining room chairs will be replaced as well. There is a heating vent in the middle of the living room window, and another in the middle of the long wall.
I like your Griffin sofa collection; also the Bedford chair and Parker settee but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tina
Dear Tina,
Updating a space is so much fun! Let’s liven up yours with big ‘pops’ of red and play around with your furniture layout to give you an update.
We have created two layout options for separating your spaces. For Option A, keep the sofa where you have it placed now. This gives us a great opportunity to place a console on the back of the sofa to use for serving space and lighting. We can also put two chairs in the living area to open up the space a little. For Option B, swap the pair of chairs with the sofa for more flow.
We love the idea of moving the console to the opposite wall. We suggest hanging a pair of Garden District Leaner Mirrors in Wood on each side for a splash of sparkle. Your selection of the Griffin Sofa is a great choice! Upholstered in Suzanne Kasler Signature 13 oz. Linen Camel, the sofa will become a beautiful canvas for our Vintage Red Quilted Pillows.
In front of the sofa, we think a Leather Cube in Almond is a spectacular for propping up your feet or to use as a small table. The Bedford Chair in Walnut should be upholstered in Sydney Berry to bring in an additional layer of that stunning red. To finish off the corner of the room, a William Floor Lamp will add needed task lighting. Position a large Benedetta Console in Tuscan Brown behind your sofa to provide extra serving space. A Suzanne Kasler Gourd Lamp in Gray Green will look lovely perched on top and provide some nice warm lighting.
In your dining area, we suggest the 48” Andrews Table in the Whitewash finish. Pull up a Parker Settee, enveloped in Ryder Stripe fabric, as a perfect jumping off point for introducing red into the rest of the space. Above the settee, hang the Grande Bouquet Plaque in Antique Gray to create a stunning focal point in the dining area. Add Oval Louis XVI Side Chairs in Distressed Gray over White finish around the table to complete your seating. We suggest upholstering them in Sunbrella Herringbone Drift for an infusion of contrast and texture. An Orb Chandelier in Bronze will finish off the updated look.
Whether you decide on Option A or Option B for the furniture layout, a pair of comfy Larkin Swivel Gliders in Sunbrella Herringbone Drift will tuck flawlessly into place. The Aster Side Table between the chairs adds an interesting shape and a little bit of glamour. To draw your eye up into the room, flank the window with Suzanne Kasler 13oz. Linen Panels in Linen Camel. The White Water II Giclee hung on the wall behind the stair railing would give your space the finishing touch and be reflected in the Garden District Mirrors!
No matter which furniture arrangement you prefer, these pieces will work well in your space. We know your outcome will be stunning. Have fun and thanks for letting us help you with your Decorating Dilemma.
The Design Team
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