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Shared Space
Marina wrote with a tricky problem... making a multi-function room:
Q
I'm wishing to create a larger play area for my daughter in the smaller part of an L shaped lounge room - that enhances the room and looks reasonably uncluttered and like it is still part of a loungeroom.
Marina
A
L shaped lounge rooms are notoriously difficult to place furniture, particularly when you have a small space.
However, you're doing all the right things: using the edges of the room, and building up, which is very important. In Australia, most of us build out: low and wide - because we can! Building up uses all available space and can dramatically increase your floor space. Keeping floor space clear is crucial in a small area.
It does appear that your daughters play space is quite fragmented: she has play things spread throughout the whole living area. I would start by suggesting you bring all these things together. I don’t think the area that houses the dining table is idea for her.
I would recommend you create three zones: living / eating / play
- The living area would be best near the sliding door to the front door.
- The eating area is best where it currently is.
- The play area should sit in between.
The simplest, quickest and easiest solution would be to move the lounge on an angle so that it runs between the two corner windows. Keep it toward the front door end of the wall if you need. Her toys: table and chairs, mini buffet etc can all go on the wall where the lounge was. She then has a dedicated play area where everything can be stored centrally.
Some other considerations:
1. Also ask yourself if you really need all this furniture. Can the TV entertainment unit house some items from the buffet? What do you keep there – is it serving dishes? How often are they used? Are the items versatile? Can they be stored in another room? Could be time for some decluttering! Assess each piece of furniture and see if you can consolidate. One massive wall unit could be better value than all the smaller pieces – dishes and books can live easily together and look great. Ikea’s Expedit ($329) is a free standing unit that can also act as a wall divider (like we’ve done in the SORTED! office) so you may want to sell off your current furniture and purchase one significant piece of storage. Space permitting, another option would be to divide the dining area from the living area. You would need to allow a mimimum of 80cms for traffic flow. If your current buffet and bookshelves are freestanding they could potentially create a divider if placed back to back. Hard to say without knowing the exact dimentions of the room
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Furniture needs to be deep and solid not to tip and be careful on carpet which can make things very unstable.
2. You could also sell/trade the table for a fold down table that is only opened up at meal time. This type of dining is popular in Europe, and IKEA sell some great varieties, my favourite being Bjorksele Gateleg table $299. Child friendly surfaces and even has some nifty drawers for storage.
However, dissin’ the dining table depends of your family’s needs, some people can’t live without a formal set-down and eat dining area, and with children, family eating can be important.
Lissanne
Organiser Extraordinaire
