Creating a Functional Floor Plan and a Huge Giveaway!

When working with design clients, I love putting the floor plan together and drawing things to scale. It's like pieces of a puzzle that need to find their correct spot. With floor plan puzzles, however, there are always different solutions, rather than only one configuration. Especially with large, open living spaces. Here are some possible layout ideas for that large great room...

The sofa facing the fireplace with occassional chairs, side by side:

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Sofas facing each other:

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When creating a floor plan, function is a top priority. How will the client use the space? Here are the top things to consider when putting the floor plan together:

1. Where is the television? Make sure the main seating option faces the TV. Always having to turn your head when watching TV will get old, real quick.

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2. Are there enough side tables for drinks? A great rule of thumb is to have a table within arms reach for every seat. 

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3. Make sure there is great flow between seating spots. You don't want your guests to have to do cartwheeels to get to their seat.

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4. Pull the seating away from the walls and allow the arrangement to be close together. This makes for an intimate conversation area with great flow around your seating. If you are able to pull your sofa away from the wall, make sure to have a console behind the sofa. It is much more interesting than looking at the back of your sofa! (I am all talk and no action on this one, since my floating sofa does not have a console at the moment! But, I digress...)

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How about you... do you have a favorite floor plan arrangement?

Also, today's the start of the amazing Stuff the Stockings Giveaway! 15 bloggers and a bunch of sponsors have teamed up to create 12 amazing prize packages! I am honored Melissa asked me to be one of the sponsors. I will be giving away an accessory design package. Stop by Melissa's blog HERE to enter! The winners will be announced on Cyber Monday, Nov. 26th. Good luck!