Dear Joe,
I recently started looking for new livingroom furniture; a sofa, two chairs and tables. A designer at one of the stores showed me some pieces that she says will fit the space perfectly. I've held off ordering because the pieces seem so big and I'm worried about the scale. I don't want the room to be too crowded. What's your suggestion? — Bill
Dear Bill,
You are right to be concerned about the size. I went to a new clients' condo. They had already purchased 'some' upholstered pieces for the livingroom. The furniture was so large and out of scale you had to squeeze between the pieces and there was no room for tables!
There is current trend in the furniture stores for over-scaled upholstered furniture. Where these retailers think that this stuff is going to fit is a mystery; especially when rooms seem to be getting smaller. The consumers end up buying these goods and wondering why they just don't seem to have enough living space!
The first step is to measure your room completely (wall, doorways, windows, etc.). Then draw a floor plan to scale. Next, measure all pieces of furniture that you are considering buying and any of your own that you intend to use. Make cutout of these pieces to the same scale as your floor plan of the room, and try to arrange them on the floor plan. If this doesn't make it clear enough to you, don't be afraid to cut the actual sizes of the furniture out of paper and lay them out in the room.
The designer in the showroom should draw up a floor plan for you. She should then sit down with you and go over it in great detail, taking into account the function of the room and your daily living habits. You will be able to determine the amount of space that is needed to navigate between the pieces.
Dear Joe,
I am looking for a new area rug for my livingroom. I want a contemporary design with bright colors. And yes, it can't be too expensive. Where to look? — Tread Bear
Dear Thread Bear,
Ready-made rugs in contemporary designs can be hard to find. The manufacturers only produce a few designs that they feel will appeal (read: 'sell') to a large group of people. This, of course, leads to homogenized designs, or, the lowest common denominator.
Most of the great contemporary rugs are custom made. Of course, this is very expensive. My suggestion would be to check out the carpet stores. Often they have racks of area rugs that have been made up as samples or were perhaps made for clients who refused them. You may find one at a bargain price that will work for you. Also, don't rule out Oriental carpet galleries.
Email questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . Rice is a full service interior designer.