indoors

M A K EO VER S

House Calls

with S te p h e n S a in t -O n g e

A space-hogging fireplace, bank o f windows,

ana large entry made this living room tough

to arrange. See how Stephen set it right.

by JOANNA LINBERG

Problem: One free wall, one large entry

A fireplace, large picture window, and wide entry give this living room character but

make furniture placement tough. The biggest issue? Where to put the sofa so it

doesn’t block the entry but still orients toward the fireplace and a TV.

Solutions:

1

.

“The furniture is too bulky for the room,” Stephen says. “It needs something not

overstuffed, which can make a small room seem crowded.” A clean-lined sectional

comes to the rescue. Placed a few feet from the picture window to create depth, the

sofa doesn’t block the entry but instead defines a seating area around the fireplace.

2

.

Armchairs finish the grouping without obstructing traffic flow into the room or

the view to the TV.

3

.

Matching drapes on both the picture window and the windows surrounding

the fireplace pull the room together and make it warm and inviting.

THE LITTLE THINGS

Creating a warm,

welcoming space takes

more than smart

furniture placement.

Family photos, art on the

walls, treasured books on

the coffee table, and a

houseplant or two bring

the room to life and

reflect your personality.

7 0

JULY2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

ILLUSTRATION: STEPHEN SAINT-ONGE