Room organization for your home

Here are some tips for organizing the rooms in your home.

Create a Conversation Space
When deciding on a seating arrangement, a U-shaped conversation area is ideal, while an L-shaped area is always uncomfortable. A sofa and a matching pair of chairs easily establish a comfortable U-shaped configuration that allows everyone who is seated to have an intimate chat facing everyone else.

Focus Attention to One Area
Almost every living room has at least one natural focal point. If yours has a fireplace, that will surely be it. Other focal points might be a picture window with a wonderful view or a pair of French doors. Whatever the focal point of your room, be sure you arrange your furniture to take advantage of it — since everyone's eyes will naturally be drawn toward it.

Think in Pairs
To create a beautiful room, think in pairs. If you have a good piece without a mate, find it a partner. For example, end tables will complement each other if they are of similar size and finish. Fit two lamps of similar height and style with new, matching shades.

Group Furniture Wisely
If you walk around your home and feel as if you're navigating an obstacle course, it may be time to rearrange your furniture. Be sure you living room chairs and sofa are grouped close together. Otherwise, anyone walking through the living room will be forced to cross between those who are seated and interrupt their conversation. If possible, avoid having the traffic pattern cross in front of the television.

Create Balance With Chairs
In small rooms, use armless upholstered chairs such as slipper style, which will allow more space than chairs with arms but will provide a more comfortable, small-scale alternative to wooden chairs. If your budget won't allow you to buy a pair of matching chairs, purchase one chair and a matching ottoman.

Questions or comments write or email: eugene.dougherty@realliving.com