murrayw76's Profile

I'm surprised that this article didn't feature (and none of the commenters mentioned) convertible coffee tables. There are a number of styles, from tables that lift on their legs to tables with hinged tops. AT even covered a few options at one point. I've had one for years and I like the fact that it makes working on a laptop or having a quick bite easier because the top is at table height, plus it adds storage options under the surface.

I would tend to agree with the other commenters that the rug is too small for this space, and I hope you can use it elsewhere! As for what size is appropriate, my suggestion is to go with something just a bit wider than the piece of furniture that will anchor it. For example, a living room rug might be anchored by a couch, while a bedroom rug might be anchored by the bed. As one other person mentioned, you want the rug to go just under the front legs of the couch (or the feet at the end of the bed). The overall size should be dependent on the size of the room/space and what other floor treatments you're using. If you're only using the one rug, you might want it to fit the ratio/dimensions of the open floor, but if you're using other accent pieces then you have some flexibility. Some of this is subjective opinion, but it's a good starting place until you find what works for you, your style, and your room. Hope that helps!

You could do something similar with a much more low-tech implementation. What if you had a tray with gray lettering, then a clear (plastic?) layer with another set of gray lettering, and then a second clear layer with a set of black lettering. If the two clear layers were somewhat "bubbled" to create a separation between each layer, it would create a blur effect when viewed from anything but a direct angle, since the three sets of letters wouldn't line up. When you placed an item with enough weight on top, though, the clear layers would flatten and all of letters would line up, eliminating the blur effect.

The problem with several of the suggestions is that they don't take into account Loren's request that the couches facilitate TV watching, but that they don't make the TV the focal point when it's not in use. There are several factors that I'd like to know, such as:

- Which way does the apartment face? This would have a bearing on how much light it receives through the windows at the top of the layout.

- Where are the outlets (TV, electrical)? This may have an influence on where a TV or computer are placed (barring wireless connectivity, of course).

Making a few assumptions (that there is ample light and that there are outlets along the kitchen wall), I put together a quick layout that I think meets Loren's needs...or at least can get a good discussion going!

Here is an image that I quickly created:

http://tinyurl.com/ATDC-Layout

And here are the basics of the layout:

1. A landing strip to the right inside the front door, between what I'm guessing is a coat closet and the hallway. You could hang a mirror, corkboard, or art over it.

2. A desk to the left of the front door, along the long wall. The angle of the desk to the windows should prevent glare from reflecting off a computer screen.

3. To the right of the desk, a media center (perhaps a console table with a TV and DVD player, or a more elaborate system if you have a receiver, a Wii, etc).

4. A potted plant, perhaps a ficus tree or something, in the corner between the living room and the dining room. Its proximity to the window would allow for plenty of natural light.

5. A bookcase along the angled wall between the windows, with a floor lamp next to it and a comfortable chair/ottoman combo in front of it. This location would allow for natural light from the window while reading, but the floor lamp would provide necessary light when the sun isn't out.

6. A sectional in the corner along the bathroom wall, with a side table and a coffee table. A sleeper sectional would provide space for any overnight guests, while the position would allow for both conversation, since it faces the reading chair, or for watching TV, since it looks across the space at the entertainment center. The side table provides space for magazine storage, a small lamp, etc.

7. You may also want to add another sitting chair between the seating and the entertainment center, which would facilitate socializing with other seated individuals or could be swung up next to the reading chair for TV watching.

The open space would allow for easy passage through the area, while the orientation of the furniture would encourage interaction not only with other seated people, but with anyone who may be in the immediate (living) or adjacent (dining) space. The suggested "floating couches" would face the bathroom wall, which means seated guests would have their backs to the room...not exactly ideal for conversation.

Why not both? A few people have mentioned trays, but I've also seen pieces designed specifically for use on these kind of ottomans. They're usually half as wide and just as long, with ends that curve down to "hold" the ottoman. You can place it on the side closest to you for use as a coffee table (putting drinks or reading materials down) or slide it away to put your feet up on the ottoman. Here's the closest image I could find to demonstrate what I'm describing given a quick search.

One of the most common occurrences of pink and orange, at least here on the East Coast, is at Dunkin' Donuts. As their brand's color scheme, most of their locations prominently feature this combination as part of the property's design.

You could always use a two-sided frame to display artwork that's visible from both sides. My parents have one that frames a 1950s real estate brochure for their house, which was built in 1834 ... since the brochure is two-sided, they didn't want to hide either side. This might also be a good opportunity to use transparent or translucent art, such as stained glass, without installing it in the window itself. Otherwise, I agree that the back of a framed work may not be so attractive from outside the window.

That's cool and all, but if you want something more practical (and legal ... and cheap ... and rust-free) you should check out these Manhole Cover Rugs. They run about $25 each and look like the real deal. Of course, you couldn't use them as a table top, but I don't think the person looking for this sort of decor would mind. They're good for indoor or outdoor use, too.