Home of the San Francisco Chronicle

Subscribe to the weekend Chronicle

powered by
Discussions
Photos
Products
Ideabooks
Discussions
Professionals
Users
by lmdaubman
4 months ago in Design Dilemma
Rug Suggestions + Other Small Space Enhancements
This is our 980 sq ft downtown condo. We are looking to make some improvements to the living room. A rug is a necessity, but would love to hear other suggestions for cozying up the space.

Note: the living area is galley style and the brick extends the full length with a dining area and elevated office area.
Share:
 
Banarsi Designs First off, absolutely love the brick wall. Looks awesome. I like the bar table that you have close to your tv, but it almost feels like it's cluttering the space a bit. Is it possible to separate it out a bit? And yes, a nice fun colorful rug would make a big difference to place underneath the coffee table area.

Best,
Pavel
pavel@banarsidesigns.com
http://www.banarsidesigns.com
4 months ago · ·
Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I think it's the lineup of bar table, TV console and then the bookshelves that bothers me most. I would like to see a comfortable chair at the near end of the sofa, facing the window. I would put the bookshelves in a bedroom and acquire a somewhat larger entertainment center that includes some bookshelves, but all in one unit. The round chair seems to take up a lot of space but is probably not used much since it has no view of the TV to which we all seem to be addicted. If it's mostly unused, I'd get rid of it.

Or you could just mount the TV on the wall such as in the photo below. This room has a wonderful minimalist look which may be possible for you...more likely if you don't have children at home than if you do.

There are all kinds of rugs that would work for you and www.rugstudio.com is a great source.
4 months ago ·
GARY FINLEY, ASID A colorful rug will only make it look cluttered with a colorful rug....
4 months ago ·
GARY FINLEY, ASID you need some items that are strong, something above the sofa, straighten up those lampshades. Add a shaggy rug.......off white
4 months ago ·
GARY FINLEY, ASID you have a lot going on already
4 months ago ·
lmdaubman Thanks all. So many good points -- I think I have a problem of adding without subtracting and you're all right that in a small space, this should be a zero sum game.
1.) We do have a wall mount to install, but I struggle with how best to store the tv box, etc. Especially without interfering with asthetics. Any thoughts?
2.) Move the bookshelf to the bedroom! AHA! I've been struggling with that darn bookshelf for so long, I don't know why I've been so hooked on keeping it in the LR.
3.) DH loves that darn cirle chair. I could do without, but for now, I guess it stays.
4.) Loving the idea of a shaggy rug - I've been looking at low pile, but a nice fluffly texture would really spruce up the place. Any color or item suggestions out there?

Thank you all for the help and inspiration!

Laura
4 months ago ·
RJK Home Solutions I agree with Gary that a cream shaggy rug is a good fit. It will balance out the brick wall and the dark furniture. If you move the bar cart and relocate book shelf to another room, hang the TV and replace the console with something like the picture I've attached (color optional). I might also reconsider the chunky coffee table. Small spaces need pieces with small dimensions. Good luck.
4 months ago ·
nikitasmom Love that brick wall. You can use infrared controllers that allow you to tuck your electronics away. Something like this http://www.amazon.com/Sewell-Infrared-Control-Repeater-Controls/dp/B004FJV8EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360000042&sr=8-1&keywords=ir+repeaters
4 months ago ·
Sign Up to comment
The content on this page is provided by Houzz and is subject to the Houzz terms of use, copyright and privacy policy.
Copyright claims: contact the Houzz designated agent.