Customers struggle to decide - back cushion or exposed spindles? Comfort vs. Elegance?
This got us thinking, we manage both at home, but traditional room layouts with all the furniture at the edges, back to wall with a big space in the middle excludes this option. Does this layout really work for you? Unless you need space to dance the answer is probably no. Yet most homes seem to stick to this convention, a central space or a central coffee table, even worse often all the chairs face the television.
Lisa explained the need for space for the grandkids to play in her lounge, so having a large central coffee table which can be whipped out the way when they come can be really practical. We love how she has used a rotating chair to move the focus away from the TV to the central socialising area and making the fireplace the focal point.
You don't need a special chair to do this, the wonder of mid-century furniture (especially Ercol) is it is light enough to lift and move when convenient - your room does not have to stay static!
Mel has used furniture to direct the focus away from the TV and back into the social space really does work - here the addition of a footstool makes a huge difference, and that canny coffee table side on!
So why not try something different with your room? Often a change is just as good as redecorating!
Hazel has used light to emphasise the spindles of the loveseat in her window. We've also seen this work really well with the shadows produced by furniture's sculptural shapes.
Lucky loves to sit in the bay window and enjoy the sun. He's taken to nudging it round to follow the light - that way we get to enjoy it at every angle.
Creating a 'book nook' either behind furniture, here it was to show off the studio couch's back board (it was very narrow but enough for a beanbag).
Alternatively, make it the centrepiece in an open plan space.
Or turning the chair away from the room shows off the spindles whilst saying 'leave me alone to read' like my current favourite spot. Think about the angles you see it from - the couch, the doorway, through the window...
We often move our furniture at different times of day or for different activities - it's light and only takes a second, focusing in on the TV for a night of retro videogaming - just slide it back into place for the morning.
Using end tables (we love pebbles at home) allow you to break free from the central coffee table convention, plus you can place them where everyone can reach one - no more OOPS coffee cup spills.
Enjoy all the angles of your furniture and maximise space and functionality. Most emportantly enjoy your room! Please share your rooms and your tips with us.
For more tips and advice, follow us on Instagram, Facebook or via the website
@thomasnorrisrestorations
#design #devon #exeter #ercol #ercolfurniture #furniture #house #home #interiordesign #lifestyle #midcenturydesign #mcm #retrofurniture #retrodesign #style #thevintagelook #vintagehomedecor #vintagestyle #vintagelife #vintagehome #vintageinspired #vintagedecor #studiocouch #lounge #living #livingroom #spaces #spacesaving