Ask A Designer™: Gillian Atkins’ Advice For Improving A Living Room Layout
In this edition of Ask A Designer™, Gillian Atkins, senior designer at Lynda Reeves Design Studio (LRDS), shares advice for spicing up a living room. Take a look!
Q: Hello! Could you help me with my condo living room layout, furniture placement and paint colours? The current paint colours are Benjamin Moore’s Bavarian Cream (2146-70) and Oxford White (CC-30). The sofas are a teal velvet, but I would prefer a lighter oatmeal colour. Should I slipcover or reupholster them? I’d appreciate your input and suggestions! — C.S., Pointe-Claire, Que.
Yes, your current layout isn’t working. Rather than investing more into two sofas that don’t fit the space, purchase one new longer sofa and place it on the wall opposite the fireplace. Move your lounge chair and ottoman to the alcove in the far corner and place your articulating floor lamp next to them. Ground the furniture with a colourful and bold patterned rug and add a tiered square coffee table styled with books and accessories. Replace your current TV with a larger wall-mounted flatscreen (try the new LG Gallery with frame) and move it to the wall next to the fireplace and place a small chest beneath it. For extra seating, add an accent chair that you can easily move around as required. Your current paint colours are great — keep them — but add life with pattern and texture in new table lamps, drapes, art and throw pillows. Lastly, you need a taller plant in the far corner for height.
