So the other day on stories I brought up our library sitting room. The room that is now the future library used to be the dining room. Now that we have the kitchen “done” the dining room is now in the adjoining sunroom to the kitchen so this room no longer needs to serve as a dining room. You see our home shuffles a lot as we start completing more rooms. So, long story very short, we want to create the old dining room into a library/sitting room. YES! A sitting room to sit, relax, work, & look out on the farm. Recently we replaced the French doors with two small windows that were not insulated or safe with three large windows from Andersen Windows that are the same windows that we have in our sunroom that is right next to this space. I placed a sofa in this space from my she-shed just to see what it would feel like to make this room a sitting room & it got me thinking and planning this space out. I have a few different plans to work through in this space and wanted to walk through them with you…
This was this space when we moved in:
We are far from being “done”, but we have done a lot…
The Design Challenge
So the main “issue” of this space is that it’s the hallway from the front of the house to the back of the house. When you come through the front door, when you come down the stairs, & when you come from the front living room & you want to go to the kitchen, the dining room, the back of the house, the back living room, & anywhere else in the house. The door in between the built-ins is also the door to the laundry room or soon to be butler pantry/laundry room. So, it’s a hallway. A very large wide hallway that also can be a room. Of course that’s not an issue really, but it does play a really big factor in what this space can be used for and how the layout can be.
I found the direction of this space… i think
There are many ways we could approach this room. We could have a table in the center with chairs around it for a table sitting/work area. Or four chairs in a circle around a coffee table. We could have one sofa in front of the book shelves a little larger than the one that is in the space now & maybe a coffee table. But I think I have made my mind up of the direction I want to go…
The Design Plan
My plan is to purchase a longer and larger sofa that is currently in the room now. That sofa will be in front of the built ins with a walking space in front of it so the room still functions as a hallway. In between the windows surrounding the center window I will have two slim slipcovered high back chairs. In between the chairs I will have a table for use. Above the chairs I will have some wall sconces & of course with this room refresh I will be freshening up those bookshelves. The room will function as a sitting room this way, a lookout on to the farm, a library, & a hallway as needed.
This is also an update on the new windows in this space. I couldn’t be more happy with the decision to have three windows here instead of the doors we never used. So, that’s the plan for this space. You know I will keep you posted along the entire way. Be sure to follow closely over on Instagram [HERE] to catch when new things happen and of course I will update here on the blog as well. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today & every single day to see what we are up to! xx
Please , where did you buy the sofa ?? Thank you so much !
This is a beautiful space!! I can’t wait to see what you do with it. It’s going to be lovely!! Can I ask what color your cabinets are painted? Thank you so much for being such a light!
Hi! Have you thought about maybe pushing the couch all the way back and super close to the bookcase, and then adding a narrow ottoman in front of the couch that could be used as a coffee table? If using the room as a library, I can picture reading on the couch, feet up on the ottoman, wrapped in a blanket and looking at the beautiful view through the windows. Just a thought!??☕️
Two love seats placed across from each other perpendicular to the bookcase with a coffee table between centered in front of the bookcase would make it feel more like a complete space and cozy zone and still leave a hallway by the windows.
Hi! We are replacing our French doors with windows soon and i am wondering what size windows you guys have! We cannot figure out how far from the floor a window should be. Any suggestions?
Yes! I feel like it looks too much like a hallway and the direction of the floorboards also accentuate that. It needs something crosswise – two loveseats or a couch w an L. Square Coffee table? I also really like Liz’ idea of a 4 clubs …
Love seeing the layout. I would love a complete video tour of the downstairs to see how each space flows into the next. You are so amazing at styling everything! No doubt this space will be beautiful no matter how you decide to use it.
Your home is so BEAUTIFUL?Be BLESSED?
Hi, looking at your picture above, have you thought about putting the sofa against the wall with the windows and the two chairs and table in front of the bookcases? That way that walkway is less visually cluttered because its one long piece of furniture. The legs of the sofa raises it above the vents. Two cozy chairs next to the bookcases gives easy access to books. And a lamp on the small table would add more light to that side of the room. A cozy rug under the chairs ties that area together while leaving space in front of the sofa open as a walkway. Love rearranging rooms! I know whatever you decide will be great because it is what works for you! Hugs, Jo
The original wood features of that room would have provided much more of a cozy library feel than the sterile hallway environment that exists now. Think you missed the boat on that one.
Meanwhile, Katherine, you might want to consider how sharing your views with grace and finesse would serve you better.
Love your idea and thought process! I love how you walk us through your plans so that we see it too so we can see our plans that we have for our houses! You are the BEST!! Can’t wait for the updates!
Totally disagree with Katherine. The hallway used to look dated and not in a good way! I think the charm is returning to the farmhouse.
What a nice bright room. I’ve seen this room a lot on your blog but have never seen all 4 “walls”. It actually surprised me to see the whole thing. Not at all what I thought the room was. Maybe you could share the full space of a room more often?
Love the built ins and the taupe colored door!! What is the name of the door color?
Thanks!! Good luck wi th the room!!