Fixing Awkward Living Room Layouts

[@ginalombardi2507]

Thanks

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you Gina. That’s sweet of you.

[@cocokai9661]

For the second home, I'd have flipped the dining and living spaces. I'd have moved the light fixture, put my dining table in front of the fireplace. Put my living room where the dining room had been (it looked like a larger space). But you're right, very awkward space. I've noticed these sort of poorly laid out spaces more with new builds/open concept homes. Really tough to actually live comfortably in them. So glad you're drawing attention to this. I think too many people walk through the home, get wowed by the shiny surfaces and don't really think about how they're going to arrange their furniture. It comes as a shock when they move in and realize that there are doors on every wall and nowhere to put a sofa, let alone a tv. Have you ever considered working with architects/builders? They really need your help!

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks for sharing! They are welcome to book consultations with me, but I don’t have time to do extensive on site services and very expensive.

[@mooshie79]

This is exactly what I would do.. though, swapping the door opening with the right-hand window would be ideal. Not obstructed by the fireplace in front of the door. 😊

[@perigillis9359]

Loved this video! Also, I booked a consult with Garrett last weekend and he was so kind and it was so much fun. He gave some fantastic tips - including telling me to remove a mirror and mantle over my fireplace which had never even crossed my mind - I thought it was drastic at first but it intrigued me and after the call I discovered I could pop both of them off pretty easily and when I saw the result I audibly gasped and started doing a giddy happy dance - it changed the vibe drastically and in such a good way! Can’t wait to implement more of the suggestions! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much Peri! It was great speaking with. Glad it was helpful.

[@ginalombardi2507]

@@perigillis9359 Glad for you and I cannot wait until I get settled in my home and book an appointment. And then I can do a happy dance. So glad for you and your consult.

[@juliettebobcat704]

Please give us more of this! I love how you broke down the issues and gave us graphics. The first room, since you're not using blinds, you could put plants on the balcony, and any festive lighting would be seen in the living room. In our living room a painted ceiling brought it all together. ❤️

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much! I’d love to, but I have to see how the views work out.

[@quinn-wf3kk]

In the first layout? I wouldn't even have a sofa. Three big chairs with an ottoman arranged circular for a conversation pit, and maybe a coffee table in the centre. I like where you put the TV.

[@marshaobrien2764]

I love the furniture placement you suggested! Sofa in front of window allows access to view and conversation when curled up in corners of sofa.The chair could be swivel to enjoy the view and/or the TV. I would avoid TV above fireplace if at all possible.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Yes! Thank you!

[@dodiegoldney]

Well Garrett, I've learned so much from your videos that my neighbours across the hall, who live in an apartment that's an exact mirror of mine, are upset because they think my apartment is bigger than theirs. 😄 Love you, love your channel, and smooches to Cornelius from me! ❤ Edit: if you're taking requests, I'd love your take on awkward outdoor spaces, like narrow balconies and small patios! 'Tis the season!

[@GarrettLeChic]

Glad to help! Thanks for all your support. 🐶🐶🐶

[@_.-._.-._.-._.-.]

More of these videos please!!!! I have a living room with the almost exact set up as the last home you showed. I've been scooting things around to try to make it work, but now I have a framework to try things out with. This video was one of the most helpful videos I've seen on home decor because you're taking real houses with real life awkwardness and helping people figure out a better way to use the space they have❤❤❤

[@Mar-ME-s3h]

It’s wonderful that you always mix pragmatism & beauty in your design tutorials. This video is so helpful as not all spaces are ideal to work with. Thanks 🦋

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you so much!

[@rainbomg]

HA! That first one is so close to being the exact layout of my living room, I don’t have a TV so that’s a giant 5x5 Kallax serving as a room divider, no fireplace but there’s a buffet/console table thing there. The back of the couch is to the windows, which stretch the length of the room. My plants are behind the sofa. I’ve rearranged it 20 times. Love my round coffee table. I have a long straight couch but I hated having an appropriate length coffee table, it just got covered in crap. The round table opens it up, and stays clear. 🤷🏼‍♀️ This was validating!

[@johtajakansio]

White outlets stand out from the gray walls like post-it notes!

[@gailwilliams5278]

Although furniture, artwork, etc will cover some of them. And there are paintable outlet covers etc. Not a deal-breaker compared to layout issues.

[@ShelleybutyoucancallmeShell]

The most intelligent comment that I could possibly make about this video, is: Thank God for people like you, Garrett. These layouts would be awful to deal with.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much!😊😊😊

[@jrs3359]

I agree with the others, more videos like this please! Thank you 😊

[@GarrettLeChic]

My pleasure!

[@jrs3359]

@@GarrettLeChic why does your response to my comment make me feel so special lol

[@GarrettLeChic]

@@jrs3359 Because I actually read comments and respond to my subscribers. I appreciate you all so much. 😊😊😊

[@jrs3359]

@@GarrettLeChic well you are awesome and so helpful and a joy to watch! we’re building a small house right now and I get to design the whole thing so I’m bing watching your channel lol

[@GarrettLeChic]

That’s awesome! Congrats. If you want my opinions on the finishes or other interior decorating questions, please feel free to book an appointment with me at intro.co/garrettlechic It’s easier to troubleshoot issues before you do it and spend the money.😊😊😊

[@HerLeenest]

Our family room has a fireplace. My husband wanted to mount the TV above the fireplace, and I told him absolutely not. That same room also has double sliding glass doors on one wall and another slider on an adjoining wall. We put our couches along the one solid wall, tv in the one available corner between the glass door walls. The fireplace wall has a built in book case on either side of it. The glass doors give a beautiful view of the pool with a thick growth of Areca palms, giving us privacy from the neighbors.

[@lormor460]

The most awkward space I have is that the front door walks into the living room. So when you walk in, the living room is on the right and tv on the left. The space between the area rug and tv console create a walkway to the kitchen. I really like the idea of a round coffee table, tho. That could make a real difference in my layout 😊

[@rebeccajordan4491]

Same. Long narrow living room with the front door on one end, a walkway through to the entire rest of the house directly opposite the front door, and the door to the kitchen in the center of the short wall on the side. The family room is exactly the same behind it, but with a giant fireplace just off-center from the picture window. There’s no good layout without a walkway across the middle and the sofas pushed up against the walls.

[@mhughes152]

I think a round table is often the answer

[@IrishMorgenstern]

This video has emboldened me to consider flipping my bedroom with the living room. I live in a closed concept 1952 bungalow but thanks to a poorly thought out addition, my bedroom is the only access to the back yard. I've always hated it. Flipping rooms is easier than moving doors...Time to book a consult with Garrett!

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much! Look forward to doing a virtual consultation. If you book and pay for a consultation before 12am PST on May 28 you will be saving an additional $50 for either a 30 or 60 minute session. Savings has already been deducted from the price you see and session does not have to occur before May 28, 2024. intro.co/garrettlechic

[@nailguncrouch1017]

The first thing I thought of in the second home was, with the hill so close every time it rains, the runoff would be straight into the back door. A big no for me, without even taking layout into consideration.

[@wendykornfein3337]

WOW, tricky, for sure...Great ideas and points you make.

[@Timmakesmusic]

Love these solutions! Really making the most of these tricky spaces. What I find difficult are spaces that have to serve multiple functions. My living room is quite small but also has to function as my dining room and fit my electric piano. I've got round this partly by not having a sofa. I've got two armchairs instead and the dining chairs and piano stool function as extra seating when I have guests. I also ditched my TV years ago and don't miss it at all. Modern TVs are typically monstrous: it's so freeing not to have to design your space around them.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed.

[@judithgoodwin2566]

Garnett you are such a person magnet.i love your videos

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you so much! My videos get posted on Thursdays at 1pm and Sundays at 10am Pacific Time. I appreciate your support and if you can help us with channel growth by watching as much as possible within the first hour of videos being posted I would be very grateful!🤗🤗🤗

[@kathywalker6731]

We are getting close to retirement and plan to move to NC. I have begun looking at homes online in NC, and I saw so many home with layouts that are just like the first living room you discussed in this living room, right down to the awkward placement of the fireplace. I'm not a fan of long narrow rooms to begin with, and the new construction homes all seem to have them (along with extremely open floor plans, no bathtub in the primary bathroom and shower inserts. Ugh). Do builders ever consult designers before they come up with these floor plans? We're probably going to have to have a custom home built which comes with it's own set of unique problems and additional expenses.

[@kristineg8769]

I just found you and cant stop watching. I have a very small house 1000 sq and no storage. So odd because my 900 sq foot condo actually held more because of the floor design. this is such an important topic because I have been at a loss for 20 years as how to deal with my house and its problems lol lol.. most likely I will book a session with you soon. thanks so much for doing this I am learning so much

[@GarrettLeChic]

Yay! Awesome. Welcome to the channel! It’s great to have you as a part of our very valued subscriber family. 😊😊😊

[@tinak6484]

1st house- perfect layout 2nd house - I would make the living room the dining room ( fireplace in dining room would be nice) 3rd room- I would turn your design 90degrees so the couch faces the fireplace( I would move it over to the left a little) just make sure you get a couch with a beautiful back since you will see it. Console table behind it and the dining room

[@leec5170]

Hi Garrett, I'm a long time follower and a Realtor. I'd love to hear your opinion on my biggest pet peeve with newer construction: enormous primary bath (still hate that term) and gigantic walk-in closets with tiny living room. Usually, they skimp on secondary living space in favor of more bedrooms. What's the benefit?

[@GarrettLeChic]

I like a large primary bathroom as long as it doesn’t just have a big shower and no bath tub. Big walk in closets are great. However, that being said, the rest of the rooms can’t be tiny to make up for it. Thanks for all your support!

[@leec5170]

I agree, but builders do it all the time. I see it even in custom homes. I just wonder if people plan to spend all of their time in the bedroom (good for them, I guess). Everyone needs living space and I always advise my clients to look carefully at that.

[@GarrettLeChic]

@@leec5170 I’ve read that the greatest amount of time is spent in primary bedroom and bathroom as well as the kitchen.

[@leec5170]

@@GarrettLeChic I guess I need to re-evaluate my life...😂

[@wisteria808]

All three suggested solutions: GENIUS!!!

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much Terry. 😊😊😊

[@elizabethallen4353]

Really appreciate this video!! So many spaces are so awkward

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much!

[@nancybrody5896]

Garrett you crack me up 😂😂😂

[@GarrettLeChic]

👍👍👍

[@peggyr2984]

Good stuff, Garrett.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you!

[@denadear]

With the second one, I would have put the dining table by the door and fire place. And a round one would give plenty of room to get around the space. Whoever thought of this floorpan for this house...we need to talk!

[@KelseyPeps]

So happy you posted this!! My living room is almost exactly like the first one and I'm planning the layout you posted. Made me feel much better about it since I don't even have the furniture yet. (Except my kitchen is behind where the TV would be but there's a wall)

[@GarrettLeChic]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@VeronicaMurphy-qb3km]

Yesssssss 0:14 I need help!!! ASAP!! 😂 Our great room is big. (To us) lol Then furniture is BIG. But we want end tables, but when we look at the room. It seems like it won’t look right. I know it’s seems that way, bc of the way we have the furniture NOW. But we can’t figure it out, so we can get tables.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Hi there! I’m glad to assist and give my opinions, but of course I need to see the space, furniture, decor and discuss the situation with you. I welcome you to book a virtual consultation with me at intro.co/garrettlechic All available consultation times are already shown in your time zone.

[@ruthmaier755]

Garrett, they are throwing up houses all over our area with that awkward door/window situation shown in the second layout. I have always wondered how you could make that look good. The same layout over and over!

[@carolharrison4199]

This was so helpful!

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks!

[@lisalausier4058]

Hi Garrett I just booked a consultation. Should I measure the room?

[@GarrettLeChic]

Hi Lisa! Looking forward to the consultation. Sure the more information you have on hand at the virtual consultation like measurements is helpful. 😊😊😊

[@angelam-lo5bu]

This video is fantastic! More please!❤

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much!

[@nogames8982]

Really seems like these new builds are big on space and low on usability.

[@1khwab]

Good evening Garrett, Thank you so much for this vlog. My head was spinning thinking how could I have done it if I had to be in a space like that. Oh the open concepts with dining and lounge jumbled together in not so big size, pheww. They can be set up once but you cannot keep moving around a lot of furniture as and when you want to do a different set up:( I personally like this kind of challenging videos 🙃brain taxers!! You have a wonderful weekend and see you soon🤗

[@GarrettLeChic]

Glad you enjoyed it! Enjoy the weekend.

[@1khwab]

@@GarrettLeChic thankyou!! it’s always a pleasure to learn from you..xx

[@beverleyschenke3668]

Wow, you are so good Garrett

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so much!

[@AmySmith-km8zf]

Oh man! My living room needs HELP! We only have 2 bedrooms (master and my daughter’s room) and my husband has to have his heavy desk with his computer and other stuff of his in the living room. We bought one of those room dividers to hide it but it just looks so ugly.

[@flawlix]

Our living room is a really weird shape. I was having trouble making it feel comfortable and functional. My husband, however, who is NOT normally about that interior design life, was suddenly struck by inspiration after we mounted some new bookshelves. He moved the couch and TV to a small, awkward space where I never thought it would fit. It actually fits perfectly. The space is SO MUCH more comfortable and cosy now. I went from hating that room-which was sad, because it gets such beautiful sunlight-to wanting to spend time in there. There’s still a lot to do to make it “right.” We need to finish repainting. We need a new coffee table. We also need two more bays of the bookshelves to finish the wall, and since the set was a vintage FB marketplace find, we’ll probably have to build them to match. And there’s an awkward triangular space behind half the sofa, but we’re building a specially-shaped console table to fit there and for right now it’s home to a cat tree. The point is… I can visualize the room now, and it’s a comfortable, beautiful, happy room.

[@kristisaydyk8542]

Those really were awkward spaces.

[@mariacabrera2850]

Another great video🖤

[@GarrettLeChic]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@traceywiseheart6424]

This is a great video! I am always learning ❤. I would definitely be thinking about furniture placement when buying a home. It’s too big of a pain to figure out when it is extremely awkward.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danelleroundabouts2559]

Loved this!

[@GarrettLeChic]

😊😊😊

[@gatsby456]

I have almost the identical space to the last layout. But where the windows are I have a blank wall. Just bought a 72'-inch mid-century sofa. Now I'm stuck on what the next piece I should find ugh

[@valeriaostan6708]

Hi, great video and ideas😊

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you! 😊 I appreciate you supporting the channel by subscribing and watching.

[@lauraricci611]

Great minds think alike! I came up with the same solution for room 1.😊

[@GarrettLeChic]

That is awesome!

[@ajl8198]

great advice thank you

[@GarrettLeChic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliamclane2368]

Genius!

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks so very much!

[@StormyMonday0896]

So I have an awkward 18' x 50' space. Deck and view along that side. I am thinking to open it and put the kitchen in the middle? Have a formal up front, then in back, dining and lounge space.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Interesting. I’m glad to do a virtual consultation with you so I can give opinions/discussion dedicated to your specific space. Bookings can be made at intro.co/garrettlechic

[@rosemarybanner]

I learn so much from you…

[@GarrettLeChic]

Yay! Thanks for subscribing and watching. Your support means a great deal.

[@lillianbarker4292]

To see these awkwardly designed new homes makes me sad. It doesn’t cost more to build a well designed home.

[@marleybedford8628]

I have the weirdest living room. I’ll tell you now that ‘nobody’ can fix. Whoever come up with this design needs a flogging, but there’s nothing we can do with it now. Love your show.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you! I appreciate your support.

[@TheStipple]

This came at a perfect time for me. I have an awkward room that should have been a acreened in porch but became a sunroom due to minimum sq foot requirements. May I book a consultation for next month now with your generous discount offer or are the appts dates time limited to just the next week please? Edit: I see June dates so now what time zone is represented please? I don't see an option for converting into local time. Are you west coast time?

[@GarrettLeChic]

It would be awesome to do a virtual consultation with you! The booking must be booked and paid for before sale end at 12am Pacific Standard Time on May 28, 2024 to get the discounted rate which has already been deducted from the price you see, but can be used for anytime after that you see available online. The times you see available are based on the time zone you are in. I am in the Pacific Standard Time Zone.

[@TheStipple]

​@@GarrettLeChic happily booked for 6/1. Thank you I'm looking forward to this!

[@GarrettLeChic]

@@TheStipple That’s awesome! Look forward to the consultation. 😊

[@alittlebitofthisandthatwit3143]

Hello 👋 I have an awkward living room because it’s located in between my dining room and family room so there two large openings leading from one room to the next so it basically divides my living room into two spaces so I’ve treated the space as two separate seating areas but it looks like I’ve just pushed furniture towards each opposite side to clear the path to family room and it drives me crazy 🤪 I enjoy these types of videos Thanks 😊

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thanks for sharing!! If the video does well I will make more like it.

[@chanchan5349]

My 1950 house has a walk-through living room with the door to a screen porch on one side. Front door on opposite side in an open foyer into the main room. Large opening into this main room to the bedroom wing at the foyer, another large opening into what was used as a small dining room but is now a den. Small fireplace on same wall as opening into foyer to bedroom wing. Technically the fireplace is centered but because of the larger opening on that wall, it really isn’t. It’s so odd.

[@dr_ltorres8289]

My foyer is 9’ x 13’. Including the front door, there are 8 doorways. Weird!

[@ginalombardi2507]

I missed this one, but life is crazy. I do hope you offer your sale again on a consult with you. Because by the time I pay to g et my house boat from MA to Phila I will be looking at shopping at Walmart!😱 And I will need more than one. I have two floors to be sorted out. We will take it one floor at a time. And I really need your help in setting up the living room and dining ares to flow. My coffee table was made in Italy with wrought iron and painted decal of lava stone. The other piece I use for the bar is that painted lava stone as well. The top is glass, and it is based on a model that IKEA had in the 80’s. The base is formed so it is coffee table height. But when you turn the base on its side it is dining room table height. Very practical but it makes furniture placement a bit iffy. But first I have to get my houseboat to Phila. 😊

[@GarrettLeChic]

My rates are already very reasonable. Though I’ve been told to raise them, I plan on keeping them at this rate for a while because I know times are a bit tough out there. I respect that and want to do my part to help.

[@ginalombardi2507]

@@GarrettLeChic Your rates are reasonable. And I am looking forward to doing this with you. I have already started a list of things I want you to know, and will send it with pictures when my houseboat is finally in Philly.

[@Brendisue1982]

I have a akward living room thats long with one wall windows and the other wall 1/3 open to dining room NO club what to do to love my space :-(

[@GarrettLeChic]

Hi Brenda! Thanks for sharing. I’m glad to give my opinion on your specific space, but I’d need to see it and discuss it with you so I welcome you to book a virtual consultation with me at intro.co/garrettlechic 😊

[@rubymackey5611]

I need help. Large living room. Can park almost 3 cars. Front door smack dab in the middle. Fire place and two other entryways...one to dining room/ kitchen, the other leads to 2 bedrooms. 😢 Hard to decorate....help me please

[@GarrettLeChic]

Absolutely! I have to see the space first though. Please go to intro.co/garrettlechic and book a virtual consultation with me. That will allow me to spend time to actually see your space virtually, and discuss things with you and then offer intelligent opinions for your specific situation. 😊😊😊

[@razamughal4582]

My bedroom is weird. Imagine an L and flip this L 180 degrees. Thats what my window looks like. So there is a narrow window just below the ceiling going across the full length of the wall and then on the left is a connected window that comes down but not all the way to the floor. Very little light in the room. So I have a shorter wardrobe under the narrow window and because the adjacent wall to the left is taller because it has no window, I have a taller wardrobe there. The room feels off because there is no symmetry.

[@hollyhei2955]

Great suggestions for awkward spaces. Would love more videos about furniture placement.Feels like sectionals are all the rage right now! I find I am not a fan of them though. It seems like they are all huge and the corner section is a wasted space unless your alone curled up with a book. If your entertaining, no adult is sitting in that corner of it with their feet dangling. Just my opinion.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Glad you are enjoying! I appreciate you supporting the channel by subscribing and watching our videos.

[@lap8329]

Example 2-the badly placed door. …Genius solution. If it was me, for the two chairs either side of the fire, I would choose swivel chairs that could face the fire, or turn around to form a conversation group.

[@GarrettLeChic]

Thank you!😊

[@jodiplock4784]

👍🏼

[@amyweaver7413]

👏❤️👏

[@EllisBell]

❤

[@suzanneroche2615]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lillianbarker4292]

I have had two homes with corner fireplaces. So difficult! I’m not Garrett Le Chic.

[@GarrettLeChic]

I’m sure I could help you through that dilemma if I could see them and discuss it with you! You are always welcome to book a virtual consultation with me at intro.co/garrettlechic

[@tonigoode4212]

Some people who design houses are really bad at it

[@katrinacool]

Excellent advice and thank you for sharing your knowledge! I would definitely check on the flow of a space before purchasing a home. What happened to good architectural design in some of these modern homes? And let's finally get rid of television over fireplaces! 🌴☀️🦩😊❤️☺️🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰

[@GarrettLeChic]

Totally agree!