Renovation stalls at vacation home
PUZZLE | Can't solve furniture placement in den at Florida retreat
Attached please find pictures of the den in our house in Florida, which we use as a vacation home. We are currently renovating the house, but this room has us stumped as to the placement of furniture. We would like to use the room as a comfortable den off the pool area. Can you help us?
Sandy Cincotti
(Courtesy)
Park Ridge
Dear Sandy,
I hope the suggestions and plans provided solve your dilemma and give you many opportunities to include your personal touch and style.
Good luck and enjoy!
Carol Salb
1. FLOORING
Extending the tile from the kitchen area into the den will allow for greater continuity of finishes. It will help the room appear larger, and it will be very practical considering the sliding door entry from your pool area. Add an area rug to keep it cozy.
2. FURNITURE PLACEMENT
Take advantage of your longest wall for placement of a 7-foot sofa. It is generous enough for an afternoon nap or for three people to socialize. The armchair offers an additional seat as well as a comfortable place to read. The coffee table can be an ottoman style table if you wish to put up your feet.
3. BUILT-IN
Create a more den-like feeling by adding a built-in bookcase and window seat on your window wall. This will improve the aesthetic of the window as its placement looks disproportionate. The bookcases will give you the opportunity to display family photos, store your favorite novels, and provide cabinetry to stow away games, cards and the like. The window seat is not only a charming look but a nice place to perch for additional guests.
4. WINDOW TREATMENT
The built-in cabinetry allows you the opportunity to create a pocket to recess a pleated roman shade. This will add softness, color and texture to the room.
5. LIGHTING
Placing decorative lamps on the two end tables to either side of the sofa will give off a warm glow and provide lighting other than from the ceiling fan light. Add a reading lamp at the armchair as well.
