I am also in the build stage and originally, I was having a fish tank that was then to become the focal point of the lounge, hence all the furniture was to face the tank. Now, the tank has been scraped and I have, with the help of a dear friend, completely done a 360* with the furniture and was able to decide to hang the tv from the opposite wall. My point is, if your plan is in it's infancy, in other words not set in concrete, on the drawing board still, then my advice is, CHANGE something, so that the room becomes more balanced!! No time like now to visualize the space and keep drawing just that room until you have enough windows, doors etc... to satisfy your needs and you will probably solve the problem fairly quickly. Good Luck, Barbara

Hi Corothy Design ! Love love your design ! Your works are always our favourite We are having a headache at the moment as to how to arrange the furniture in our living room where the front door opens to the living room, splitting it into half. Could you please give us some idea ? Thanks heaps !

thank you all for your suggestions... meme - the front room currently doesn't get used for a few reasons a) it's only me in the house b)family room gets more sun and natural light c) family room looks out to the garden/courtyard which is a nicer view than the lounge which looks down the drive way (i'm back section of a duplex). I have contemplated the idea of moving dining room to family and using lounge as tv room but as it's just currently me it's nice to have the sun flowing in the family room whilst sitting on the couch and reading a book/watching tv (both rooms are deceptively small - i think wide angle camera used in the promo photos) oklouise - again I think the photo makes the rooms appear larger than they are - I have attached some more photos of the family room for you. I have considered moving the door way to the hall as it is in an awkward position for furniture layout (although I'm not sure the room would accommodate the furniture as you have placed it). Another thing that I should mention is that I'm planning to add a door way to the garage from the kitchen, as I currently walk to the sliding doors to gain entrance to the house. The door will be in the position you have the fridge or even next to it in the far corner - which would still work in your plan. Dr Retro House Calls - I think for me I do like the open plan living (no children yet.) I'm not sure the house would be big enough for a family with teenagers (the 3rd room is very small.) In terms of keeping kitchen tidy - no i'm a very messy cook but it's quickly cleaned up by putting most things in the dishwasher/sink (also I would hope my friends and family wouldn't judge me on the state of my kitchen - and if they did I wouldn't be bothered by it :)) I guess if it was for me then I would go ahead and open plan everything to let as much light in as possible, but also I do need to be aware of resale at some stage (but people are either going to like it or not no matter what you do) Kate - I hadn't thought of that idea - I guess making it smaller would turn it into a min theatre room or reading room? Siriuskey - Interesting suggestion - I'm not sure how the placement of furniture would work in the family room, but I think I need to get past my fear of placing furniture in the middle of a room.

What other hobbies or interests do you have? If you had a lounge space where you could kick back and use your ipad there it might be a nice option. Do you like art and/or plants? A space to cleanse and break away from screen time would be a really lovely and healthy option for you. I offer e-design services and would be happy to help you put something together laurenshiels.com