[elmo&zoe]

I live in a relatively small apartment (about 915 sq ft), 2 grown ups, a 3.5 yo DD and 1 yo DS. My living room is ridiculously cluttered, I have too much furniture, and too little storage space. That's why some of the chairs are just used to store mess, that I don't know where to put.

Here are some pics:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...living%20room/

As you can see, there is no entrance hallway, you open the door and you're right in the living room/dining room/play room/ office. It's all in the same space, and other than the living room we have 2 small bedrooms and a kitchen. We also have a tiny utility room off the kitchen, and a small storage room downstairs.

Since there's no entrance space, there's also no real room for a launch pad.
With no play room, a lot of the kids toys and stuff are in the living room. Some of it is in their room, but very little. If I put more storage space there, there will be very little space to move. As it is, their room is a little cluttered (that's for another thread)

Now that I've finished my introduction, here's what I need:

I want to get rid of some of the couches/chairs, starting with the ugly 2 seater at the end of the room, but haven't decided how much I do need.

I want to find some way of adding storage, some of it for kids stuff, without it taking over the whole room.

I really need better storage for coats and bags. The space I have now isn't enough, and it looks awful.

There's a big window at the end of the room, and I'd like to not hide it behind too much stuff. One idea I had was for some low storage under the window.

Any ideas, thoughts and such would be greatly appreciated. I need someone new to look at it, since I've run out of ideas.

Thanks!

 

[UmmBnB]

First off, I'd arrange the furniture in a way that splits off the entry way from the rest of the room. And maybe the end of the room as well, where the computer is. Having everything back against the walls looks cold and uninviting.

I think that creating a cozy space comfortable space with the furniture will allow you to better work through the clutter - what you want to keep and what needs to go. You'll be focused on making a peaceful relaxing space rather than just finding a place to put the stuff.

Invest in some functional, good looking storage, pair down some toys and such....declutter. Looks like you have lots of things just stacked here and there. How much of that is really used and appreciated.

 

[Stone Fence]

UmmBnB has some good ideas. I have to agree about the clutter. The space looks pretty good except for that. Maybe mommaof3boz will stop by and give you advice too.

 

[mightymoo]

One thing to consider would be to put some sort of curtain up on your bookcase and entertainment center. I think seeing all that stuff makes the room look more cluttered. I've seen shows where they cut out fabric, sew velcro to the top and velcro it hanging in front of the bookcase.

I would get a large covered basket, bench or ottoman for by the door to put anything that doesn't hang well in, bags, mittens, etc

Not sure if it would fit, but I might arrange the blue couch so it is 90 degree angle from the green one on the other side, basically in front of where the big chair is now, seperating the entryway. Move the big chair to the other side where the blue couch is, creating three sided seating area, with the chair perhaps more facing the couches since the computer is there.

 

[rainyday]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UmmBnB First off, I'd arrange the furniture in a way that splits off the entry way from the rest of the room. And maybe the end of the room as well, where the computer is. Having everything back against the walls looks cold and uninviting.

I had to draw a floorplan based on the pictures, and I hope I got it right!

Definitely what UmmBnB said. What I'd suggest first is moving your big couch so it's facing the big window, making a passage behind it by the front door. That way the couch will kind of set the living room off from the entry way. Then, voila, you have an entryway, and the living room itself feels cozier. It does make the open area smaller, but it will feel cozier, and on days when the kids need to bounce around, you can push it back temporarily if needed. Couch should be about four feet or so from wall that is to the right of the front door. Then you have a straight passage into what I think is your kitchen, without going through the living room itself.

I'd turn the rug 90 degrees to be in front of the sofa again in its new position.

Then, I'd think about getting rid of that big table (looks like a dining table?) that has all the toys on it. Unless you love those toys, there's probably no need to display them like a centerpiece.

I don't know your lifestyle, though, so maybe it's used, but it looks to me like the type of flat surface that attracts clutter without adding much usefulness.

Then you need to get a launch pad. It looks to me like right now the couch is the launch pad. If you're able to get some furniture, I'd look for a bench with cubbies or something like this:
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/...m?pkey=gthmEWG
Something with four cubbies would be nice for your family, or maybe just three if you and DH can share when the kids are older. (Kids could share now, but will probably need one of their own when they're school age.) Or keep your current bookshelf, find a new home for the books, and put some baskets (labelled helps keep it in order) for everyone's stuff. One basket for mittens, one for scarves, one for stuff going out the door, etc.

I'd definitely suggest some wall hooks for over a storage unit by the front door (kind of like what's in the picture). There are lots of options. One with a mirror might be nice because it would help reflect some light back into that part of the room and give you a place to hang coats on the hooks.

Then I'd be ruthless with the coats. There are four of you, right? Then, I'd let no more than four coats be at the door. Everything else can go in a closet in a room. I try to police this at my house, and when I come in the door, I hang any extras in the closet. It's a little more difficult for you because there's no coat closet there, but having fewer coats by the door will make it feel less cluttered.

I'd still keep the coat rack too. With a set of wall hooks, and a decluttered coat rack, you'll have space to hang guests' stuff (or a bag of library books, or stuff to return, etc.)

I'd put the TV unit on the wall to the left of the sofa (to the left of the big window as you're facing it). Chairs could go to the right of the sofa, or one right and one left, depending on space.

If the desk needs to be in the living room, it might work on the wall behind the sofa (between front door and doorway to kitchen), but it would require the sofa to be further forward. It might also be able to fit on the wall to the right of the big window as you're facing it, but then your conversation/relaxing area has the desk in it.

As others have said, I'd definitely declutter the TV shelves.

I'd get some low cubbies or bookshelves for in front of the big window. Then I'd suggest baskets or bins for some of the shelves to contain small toys. Bigger ones and games could stack on the shelves.

Whew! That was long!

 

[elmo&zoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UmmBnB First off, I'd arrange the furniture in a way that splits off the entry way from the rest of the room. And maybe the end of the room as well, where the computer is. Having everything back against the walls looks cold and uninviting. I think that creating a cozy space comfortable space with the furniture will allow you to better work through the clutter - what you want to keep and what needs to go. You'll be focused on making a peaceful relaxing space rather than just finding a place to put the stuff. Invest in some functional, good looking storage, pair down some toys and such....declutter. Looks like you have lots of things just stacked here and there. How much of that is really used and appreciated.

I know, I know, much too much clutter.

: The only area that's somewhat neat, is the toys that are in boxes under the tv. Not nice, but at least hidden away, semi orderly. Most of the breakfront shelves are an absolute mess, and so are some of shelves on the book case. At least most of it is really in use, but there is some stuff that isn't, and should really be moved out or downstairs.

I like the idea of seperating the two parts of the room, I'm just afraid that'll make a very small space, I'll have to try it out and see how it looks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mightymoo One thing to consider would be to put some sort of curtain up on your bookcase and entertainment center. I think seeing all that stuff makes the room look more cluttered. I've seen shows where they cut out fabric, sew velcro to the top and velcro it hanging in front of the bookcase. I would get a large covered basket, bench or ottoman for by the door to put anything that doesn't hang well in, bags, mittens, etc Not sure if it would fit, but I might arrange the blue couch so it is 90 degree angle from the green one on the other side, basically in front of where the big chair is now, seperating the entryway. Move the big chair to the other side where the blue couch is, creating three sided seating area, with the chair perhaps more facing the couches since the computer is there.

That's a nice idea! It would definitely be good for those ugly plastic boxes with the toys. That way the living room could be a grown up room once the kids go to sleep.
I like the idea, but I'm actually a step ahead.

Since I can't stand the blue couch, I want to toss it. Then I can put the single couch that's alongside the other 2 seater, and put that against the window, and the brown chair opposite it (or vice versa). That way I'd only have a single chair to get by to get into the living room.

I'm not sure about a bench by the door. That would only make sense if I moved the book case further in, after moving the chair. Otherwise I'd bump into it when opening the door, there's very little space there.

 

[elmo&zoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainyday I had to draw a floorplan based on the pictures, and I hope I got it right! Definitely what UmmBnB said. What I'd suggest first is moving your big couch so it's facing the big window, making a passage behind it by the front door. That way the couch will kind of set the living room off from the entry way. Then, voila, you have an entryway, and the living room itself feels cozier. It does make the open area smaller, but it will feel cozier, and on days when the kids need to bounce around, you can push it back temporarily if needed. Couch should be about four feet or so from wall that is to the right of the front door. Then you have a straight passage into what I think is your kitchen, without going through the living room itself. I'd turn the rug 90 degrees to be in front of the sofa again in its new position. Then, I'd think about getting rid of that big table (looks like a dining table?) that has all the toys on it. Unless you love those toys, there's probably no need to display them like a centerpiece. I don't know your lifestyle, though, so maybe it's used, but it looks to me like the type of flat surface that attracts clutter without adding much usefulness.

Ok, this would be a problem. The dining room table is actually in use every day. It's not always neat, because it's where DD colors and paints, and is then used to eat dinner on. We use it every weekend for family meals, so it moves away from the wall a little and I need space for chairs and a little more. We don't really have a kitchen table.

This also means that putting the sofa or chair on that side of the room, would have to be further in, maybe even on the rug.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainyday Then you need to get a launch pad. It looks to me like right now the couch is the launch pad. If you're able to get some furniture, I'd look for a bench with cubbies or something like this: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/...m?pkey=gthmEWG Something with four cubbies would be nice for your family, or maybe just three if you and DH can share when the kids are older. (Kids could share now, but will probably need one of their own when they're school age.) Or keep your current bookshelf, find a new home for the books, and put some baskets (labelled helps keep it in order) for everyone's stuff. One basket for mittens, one for scarves, one for stuff going out the door, etc. I'd definitely suggest some wall hooks for over a storage unit by the front door (kind of like what's in the picture). There are lots of options. One with a mirror might be nice because it would help reflect some light back into that part of the room and give you a place to hang coats on the hooks. Then I'd be ruthless with the coats. There are four of you, right? Then, I'd let no more than four coats be at the door. Everything else can go in a closet in a room. I try to police this at my house, and when I come in the door, I hang any extras in the closet. It's a little more difficult for you because there's no coat closet there, but having fewer coats by the door will make it feel less cluttered. I'd still keep the coat rack too. With a set of wall hooks, and a decluttered coat rack, you'll have space to hang guests' stuff (or a bag of library books, or stuff to return, etc.)

I agree about the coats, there really shouldn't be so many there. Most of them belong in the closet in the kids room, but there's a little too much stuff in there too (have I mentioned my house is cluttered beyond belief?

) so not everything fits.
In addition, I have a funny DH, who thinks that fleece jackets can be used as sweaters, and alternates between them daily. He leaves the house when the kids are asleep, so he can't go in and get a different jacket in the morning so easily.

I love the storage unit in the link! I thought of something like that, actually not as a launch pad but as toy storage under the window if I move the couch from there.

Quote:

I'd put the TV unit on the wall to the left of the sofa (to the left of the big window as you're facing it). Chairs could go to the right of the sofa, or one right and one left, depending on space. If the desk needs to be in the living room, it might work on the wall behind the sofa (between front door and doorway to kitchen), but it would require the sofa to be further forward. It might also be able to fit on the wall to the right of the big window as you're facing it, but then your conversation/relaxing area has the desk in it. As others have said, I'd definitely declutter the TV shelves. I'd get some low cubbies or bookshelves for in front of the big window. Then I'd suggest baskets or bins for some of the shelves to contain small toys. Bigger ones and games could stack on the shelves. Whew! That was long!

I don't think I can move the TV unit. The wall by the window is too small, and all of the wiring is on the opposite wall, it's not really doable.
I wish I had somewhere else to put the computer, there's no space in the bedrooms, and the only thing that I might be able to do is switch it with the book case, if I use the bookcase only for books and not for office stuff. That would make it more of a relaxing area, I guess.
To the right of the window is the door to the porch, so I can't put anything there.

I had the same idea for under the window. I think I saw something like it at Ikea.

 

[UmmBnB]

Any chance you could ditch that table and get something that has leafs that drop? I had a tiny 450 sq ft apt when B1 was born. The livingroom was a bit smaller than yours and it doubled as entryway and dining room. I got a tiny antique drop-leaf table that I could get out only when needed. When it wasn't in use, it fit tightly back against the wall near the entry door.

I did the couch separating the entrance thing and had a series of short baskets with lids along the back of it on the floor to store outdoor things. Also had hooks on the wall for coats and a tall, narrow bookshelf behind the couch against the wall. Other furniture in that room was a small TV and stero shelf, rocking chair, book shelf and coffee table. It was such a wonderful cozy little space! I acutally miss that place some days.

We lived there until ds was about 2 1/2 then found a huge 900sqft two-bedroom apt. We really weren't that cramped but B was wanting his own bed...and who were we to argue with that

That place was awesome. It had more open living area space than our house does! I was able to break up the livingroom into three spaces. It was way cooL!

 

[mommaof3boz]

I am wondering if you would consider making a computer area? I would get some copper pipe hang a piece vertically using a thicker copper wire from the ceiling. Then you could get two 84 inch length curtains, hang them from the copper pip. You could also get a swag holder like this www.highlandforge.com/browseTiebacks.cfm not that expense just a visual aid LOL and put one on each wall. When you weren't using the puter you would let the curtains hang down and "close off" the puter area. When in use you would put the curtain in the tieback. I would leave it in the same corner but rotate it to the window wall. Put one rod between the window and the desk and the other behind the chair. That way when you walk in you will see this beautiful curtain, not the puter.
I don't need to tell you to downsize you already know that.
I would get rid of the black chair and the covered couch. I would then place the couchand chair at right angles to each other. The Couch would be on the wall where the coats are located and the chair kinda in front of the door, but leaving a 3-4 ft space creating a hallway from the front door into the kitchen. Behind the couch I would put all your art pics together like an art gallery.
I would put the table in the corner where the windows meet to the left of the entertainment center.
When you are facing the couch I would move the bookcase to the right of the couch (opposite side of where it is now). I would get it all cleaned off, get some neat baskets, use them for drawing paper, crayons, printer paper, etc. Now they will be close to both the puter and the desk. I would also get a nice green plant. The more baskets you can get (matching brown ones) that will fit nicely in the entertainment center to hold your stuff the neater the room will look overall. I wouldn't have a single thing on top of the entertainment center. It just adds to the busy look.
The coats look busy cause the are piled up. I'd get a wicker trunk for hats, mittens, extra totes and put it right under the coats. I'd also add a kid level coat rack so kiddies can hang up their own. Then each coat would have a hook, not a couple on each one.
JMHO, Melissa

 

[elmo&zoe]

Wow, lots of ideas.
I also thought about moving the computer around so it's on the other wall, but then when you sit there you have your back to the door. I'll have to try and see how it looks. I like the idea of the curtain, but I have to think about it.

I also like the idea of moving the book case in to the living room. The dining room table can't be moved, since the other window is actually a door.

I also like having it close to the kitchen.

I also want to add a lower coat rack, so DD doesn't have to ask me for help with her coat, I'm just afraid DS will just yank everything off all of the time. Maybe when he's a little older.

Thanks everyone, this is great! I've got lots of ideas now.

 

[jtbuko]

A few thoughts...

1. My SIL bought something similar to the pp's pottery barn link at target: looks just as good, but cheaper.

2. How about having hooks on the back of the door instead of the wall, and if you suspect the number of coats will not decrease putting two rows at different heights so it is less bulky.

3. If I were invest in one thing in that living room it would be an armoire for the computer area so you can close the door on it. Good from a childproofing perspective, and also will help you use vertical space, and remove some visual clutter on the desk.

Good luck, have fun etc.

 

[gracefulhome]

You have gotten good advice.

I think the lower row of hooks below the top one is a great idea. We had this in our last house and my little ones did not pull the coats off.

Even if they had, I still think it would have been worth the hassle of putting them back on the hooks myself.

 

[infogardenpark]

Just swith to Iron Rods, DIY ends up costing more in the long run and takes a lot of time and most other tstuff you get from local stores is cheap import stuff. It's up to you, but you might at least just take a look at Custom Drapery Rods Nashville Tennessee - IronRods