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Dealing with a Quirky Living Room

farmhouse style, home decor, living room decor January 26, 2013

Ever since we moved into our circa 1875 house sixteen years ago, I’ve struggled with the living room. It’s somewhat long and narrow and has a lot of doorways in it. It’s stuck in the center of the floor plan so you really have to think about traffic patterns in this room.

Living Room

The living room is joined to the family room on the left, with a door to the laundry room on the right. To get from any room to the staircase, you have to walk through the living room.

 


So I’ve tried to designate the traffic pattern with furniture placement. And that’s a challenge because wall space is limit.

 


There’s no way a couch will fit in this long narrow room. So I’ve settled on comfy chairs and a love seat.

 

To pull all the pieces together, I’ve added a script bamboo floor mat. You’ve probably seen this same style floor mat in my dining room. I love them!

 

I decided I don’t really like a curtain on this window.
I prefer to let the sun shine in without obstruction.

 

 


When hubby leaves his guitar out … it becomes a prop for photos.

 


I have several cigar boxes laying around. Some I’ve altered and some are plain.

 


I picked up this basket about a week ago and added some textured balls.

 


Puddy likes to position himself in the photos whenever he can.

 


And so this is one end of my funky, oblong living room in the middle of the house.
Stay tuned to see the other end, which is even more challenging when it comes to furniture placement.

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Filed Under: farmhouse style, home decor, living room decor63 Comments

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Comments

  1. Art and Sand says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:07 am

    I love your decorating style and that script mat.

    I have a square living room with no solid walls – doorways, windows, fireplace – and it makes decorating a challenge. I would love a sofa facing the fireplace, but nothing would fit.

    I’m waiting to see the other end.

    Reply
  2. Carol OurSearsKitHome says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:07 am

    Love the patina on the stair treads. Lovely quirkiness too.
    Puddy is gorgeous!

    Reply
  3. Laurel Stephens says

    January 26, 2013 at 4:16 am

    My living room is long and narrow, too, so I’m very interested to see how you’ve solved this decorating challenge. I love what you’ve done with this side; it looks like such a cozy place in which to curl up and read or have an intimate conversation.

    Reply
  4. elizabeth says

    January 26, 2013 at 4:36 am

    I love your beautiful, old home! Thanks for coming by and leaving such a kind comment on my mixing bowl collection.

    Reply
  5. Junkchiccottage says

    January 26, 2013 at 4:45 am

    Jennifer,
    Oh I love this room and those stairs and window with natural light so beautiful. I think you have done a great job with what you have to work with. I love it. It is comfy and inviting and so so pretty.
    Kris

    Reply
  6. Gee Singh Newbanks says

    January 26, 2013 at 5:04 am

    Jennifer, I luv this room. So cozy. I want to just plop in that chair by the staircase…
    Cheers, Gee

    Reply
  7. Sassy Southern Lady says

    January 26, 2013 at 9:20 am

    It looks so comfortable. I would want to stop and read a book or rest awhile.

    Reply
  8. Suzan says

    January 26, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Your home is lovely!

    Reply
  9. Katarina says

    January 26, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    I find the placement of rooms very unique. It adds to the charm of your home. 🙂

    Reply
  10. lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com says

    January 26, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    Lovely so far! Very cozy!

    I have the same dilemma in my 1890 home. My living room is square with 3 single doors on 3 walls and 1 double French doorway plus double windows and a weird former chimney from another room. I need some ideas.

    Can’t wait to see the rest of you lovely room!

    Reply
  11. Danielle says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    The room is gorgeous. Love all your touches and the blue and white. x

    Reply
  12. Audrey says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    hello Jennifer … Looks lovely and I think you have met your challenge with the odd shaped room. I love the floor mats and need one for my front porch. Where can I find them?
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z.
    Timeless Treasures

    Reply
  13. ~ Liz ~ says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    While I understand that to you they are a challenge, from here the quirks are adorable. (but then you’ve worked hard to make them so, obviously. It worked!) That staircase always gets me. I am fascinated by it. All your touches are so sweet and come together so perfectly. What a warm and wonderful home. You’ve handled its quirks with amazing style.
    Liz

    Reply
  14. [email protected] says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    Your living room looks like a wonderful, bright place to curl up with a book.

    Reply
  15. Dawn says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    I think it is just lovely the way you have it all arranged, but can’t wait to see the other end to get a feel of the traffic flow:)

    Reply
  16. Sandy says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Jennifer,

    Thanks for dropping by and visiting! I adore the colors and decor of your home. The guitar makes a great prop! Your room is light and airy! Now off to look at the rest of your charming home!

    Reply
  17. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    I think you’ve addressed the issues very well, Jennifer, for the challenges this room presents to you. I think you need to use furniture that you think fits, so if that means no sofa and a loveseat instead, who’s to say it’s wrong. Love the touch of your hubby’s guitar propped there by the stairs. I have my old {old} one here that my son plays around on when he visits. It is propped in a corner in our guest room.

    Reply
  18. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 26, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    I love your home and the way you decorate everything is so lovely. I think the chair and loveseat is perfect. I use a loveseat too and it works great for me. Gotta do what you gotta do. Beautiful room. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  19. [email protected] says

    January 26, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Oh my goodness…I am IN LOVE with your home…so peaceful. Love the stack of boxes…great details!!

    Reply
  20. 8)(8 says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    It’s so pretty. I love the colors and the character of the stairs and the bead-board. The coziness and the interesting angles is reminiscent of a home library or reading nook. I also look forward to the other side.

    Reply
  21. Bliss says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Our family room is big but provides many of the same challenges that yours does. Those challenges have prevented me from purchasing a new couch for fear it won’t work right.

    Bliss

    Reply
  22. MONICA LIVAS says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    You home is beautiful!

    Reply
  23. Anne says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    What a beautiful room Jennifer! LOVE the color on your walls too! Puddy is so cute!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  24. Bonnie says

    January 26, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Jennifer, Your decor is so soft and inviting. I love the blue wall and the stenciled rug. Puddy….is the perfect addition. Have a delightful weekend. Bonnie

    Reply
  25. Divine Theatre says

    January 26, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    I have rooms like that and our house is brand new! I cannot wait to see what’s on the other end! It’s beautiful!

    xo

    Andie

    Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    January 26, 2013 at 5:43 pm

    I love how serene the room seems to be. It sends good vibes, no matter how hard it was for you to deal with this living-room. I love the picture of Puddy!

    Reply
  27. Dee @ A Lapin Life says

    January 26, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    It’s a beautiful room with lots of charm.

    Reply
  28. Cindy says

    January 26, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    I can see how it would be a challenge, I don’t like rooms that are not much more than pass-throughs. I like my rooms to be destination rooms instead, but that would be in a perfect world or house as the case in point.
    You do have a really attractive style, so that everything looks beautiful.
    Hugs, Cindy

    Reply
  29. INNENANSICHTEN says

    January 26, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    Hey! You’ve solved the problem with your living room very well: it looks so cozy! And I love all the nice accessories … but puddy is very decorative! I am glad that I found your blog. I love him! Best wishes,
    Ursula

    Reply
  30. Melanie says

    January 26, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    I can see how furniture arrangement would be hard to figure out in your living room, but you definitely got it! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Rachel O. says

    January 26, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    It’s beautiful! I love the big, comfy looking chairs. I use my husband’s guitar for photo props, too 🙂 And I’m loving that mat!! Ah – I want one like it!

    Reply
  32. Lottie says

    January 26, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Jennifer, I just LOVE this room, especially all the light coming in from the window on the stairs! And Puddy is as cute as can be! Love your home!

    Reply
  33. chateau chic says

    January 27, 2013 at 1:24 am

    I think you’ve done a great job arranging furniture in a difficult space. It definitely can be challenging, but you created a cozy little seating area at that end of the room.
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  34. Pamela Gordon says

    January 27, 2013 at 1:34 am

    I think you’ve done a great job with this awkwardly shaped room. I love that staircase with the window as it has so much character. I guess I’m wondering where the front door is. Perhaps I’ll find out in the next post. 🙂 Beautiful!

    Reply
  35. Heaven's Walk says

    January 27, 2013 at 2:50 am

    I can see how that room can be a challenge for you, Jennifer! But you placed the furniture just beautifully! With the light shining in that window, it’s such a bright, happy room! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  36. Pascale says

    January 27, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    In spite of the “awkward” space you decorated it very warm and cosy. Great job! have a googd sunday, Pascale

    Reply
  37. * Villa Lieblich * says

    January 27, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    your blog is so wonderful
    ♥doris

    Reply
  38. Geneva says

    January 27, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Even your funky spaces look wonderful! You always inspire Jennifer.
    Blessings!
    Geneva

    Reply
  39. Jill Flory of Sew a Fine Seam says

    January 27, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    You’ve done a wonderful job – it looks absolutely delightful, cozy, and welcoming!

    Reply
  40. LandHausLeben says

    January 27, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    What have you for a wonderful blog! Nice that we found each other! Love, Carmen

    Reply
  41. Nancy says

    January 27, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    I can so relate to this. The house we just moved from was built in 1914 and talk about an awkward living room to arrange. I think I rearranged the room every 6 months for the first 5 years we lived there, at least. Nothing like the charm of an old house though, yours is beautiful!

    Nancy

    Reply
  42. Le Idee di Papilio says

    January 27, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    Wow, your style is impeccable.
    Compliments.

    Reply
  43. Debra @ Common Ground says

    January 28, 2013 at 5:14 am

    It’s all beautiful! and I love your handsome Puddy. My girls are rockin’ the www today too!

    Reply
  44. Sumaya at Evocative Vintage says

    January 28, 2013 at 9:13 am

    Love your style and your ability to decorate awkward spaces and make it look so special. Love Puddy too!:)

    xx
    Sumaya

    Reply
  45. Cecilia Bramhall says

    January 28, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Love what you’ve done! So encouraging as I have an awkward space too…it can be done! Now following you!

    Reply
  46. Jenna LaFevor says

    January 28, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    I always say “work with what ya got!” You have done an excellent job with an awkward space. I LOVE those cigar boxes!

    Jenna @ http://rainonatinroof.com

    Reply
  47. gena says

    January 29, 2013 at 3:56 am

    What ever you’re doing – keep doing it because it all looks wonderful! Your home is so inviting and cozy – but (and I am soooo not a cat person), the cutest photo on this post has to be that CAT! What a character!!!

    Thanks for sharing,
    gena

    Reply
  48. Craftivity Designs says

    January 29, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    I love the floor mat!

    Reply
  49. Dawn @ Inspired Living says

    January 30, 2013 at 2:15 am

    Love the staircase, did you guys change the finish yourselfs? I know what it is like to have to work with traffic patterns. I sometimes feel like my house is one long bowling alley! This side of the room looks great, so bright and airy, and I will stay tuned for the other side.

    New follower.

    Reply
  50. Jenise says

    February 8, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    I recently discovered your blog, and I love your style. While it is obvious that you know the history of your home better than I do, I wonder if your living room was originally built with the intention of being a foyer. The fact that homes of that day often had large foyers combined with the front door and stairs being in your living room with access to all the other rooms in the house including a living/family area made me think of it. My friend has a historic home, and her huge foyer has several of the characteristics of your living room (although she also has a grand staircase.) Regardless of its actual intention, I think it works well as a lovely reading area, and I think you have done a wonderful job arranging the space.

    Reply
  51. Petra says

    February 9, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    I have just discovered your blog too! Firstly, I must say you have fabulous taste – have you ever done an interior decorator course? Secondly, your cat on the stairs is gorgeous – that photo would look lovely in a frame!!! Thirdly, I love the seating area against the stairs – it’s like a little reading nook – sooo cosy!!! Fourthly, the colours you have chosen are terrific, what a fabulous base for presenting all the little bits and pieces you have collected. I could keep going on here but won’t bore you!!! Well done, I’m subscribing to keep up with all your “doings”!!! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Bianca says

    February 11, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Congratulation, your blog is very nice, and full of ideas!!! Bianca

    Reply
  53. Janice Coates says

    May 10, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    Where did you find the script rugs? I love those!!

    I also have a very long narrow living room with a lot of windows, doors & a fireplace! Makes it very hard to place your furniture!

    Thanks,

    Janice

    Reply
  54. Marty says

    June 21, 2013 at 10:51 am

    I love your decorating style. Since you have a family room, you could also just use the living room as an entry. Put a old farm table in the center with some wonderful farm flowers and perhaps a lovely wingback chair for mail sorting etc. It would look beautiful and you would have your entry. Love your house by the way. So jealous.

    Reply
  55. Marcia says

    August 1, 2013 at 4:35 am

    Your home is very welcoming and airy…so comfy cozy. I love your uses of stools but in place of a stool maybe a small wooden step ladder,of course painted white with the treads perhaps the blue that you have used on the walls and one of my fav’s farmhouse wire baskets..maybe in the kitchen holding fruits or tomatoes..and lets not forget the napkin draped in the basket before the contents..Ya know many many years ago,possibly 15 years an episode of Decorating Cents,which was one of my all time fav’s because they used such a small amount of $$ they did a Country Christmas that was just fabulous. They use an old sled for a Christmas tree Stand and used Burlap to make the bows out of..I fell in love and did it that year for Christmas. Every year I do something different,everyone came in to ld me how disappointed they were in my choices that year..then suddenly the sled idea became very popular and the uses of burlap went crazy., Then those who were so disappointed in my choices,chose sleds and burlap..even a few did the burlap curtains..I am glad I did it my way because it was sure nice to sit back smile..Keep up the great work and thank you for the time you give us..You do make a difference!

    Reply
  56. angie says

    August 31, 2013 at 9:00 am

    love your pics!!! angie from germany

    Reply
  57. Nancy @ A Joyful Cottage says

    February 8, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    Hi Jennifer. I just found your beautiful blog and am now a follower. I love what you’ve done with your living room; so charming. I’d love it if you’d share it at my monthly blog party Every Room In The House. This month we’re partying in The Living Room, and your living room would be such an inspiration.

    Reply
  58. Jenny says

    March 15, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! Can you please tell me what (blue) paint color your living room is? Thank you very much!!
    Jenny

    Reply
  59. betty says

    June 11, 2014 at 10:45 am

    I know you’ve told us somewhere before, but where did you purchase the bamboo mat? Looking for one for my sunroom. Thanks!

    Reply
  60. maricela says

    July 13, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I absolutely love the color of your living room. It is exactly what I am looking for. Can you please send me the color name?

    Reply
  61. Rosemary Jarrett says

    December 4, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    Love the sofa cover. Where did you get and what’s the name of color? THANKS1

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      December 4, 2016 at 6:22 pm

      Hi Rosemary!
      It’s the Colette slip cover from SureFit. I don’t think they carry it anymore, but I found it on Overstock. The color is cocoa.
      https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Sure-Fit-Colette-Sofa-Slipcover-in-Cocoa/6378349/product.html

      Reply
  62. Nanci says

    January 23, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    Love your house and everything that you ‘ve done with it so far. Your doing a magnificent job! Your layouts are great and it all looks so comfy and inviting. I’m a very, very big fan of old houses and yours is just fantastic! Keep up the great work!!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life.

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