Design Direction

June 9, 2010 · Posted in Design Direction, Living room design ideas

Do you have a challenging space or need some design guidance? Design Direction is a chance for you to submit photos or videos of your design challenge(s) and a Vastu interior designer will provide you with some help. Every Wednesday we will feature one reader’s submission.

“I am struggling with our living/entry area! I have no idea how to make it functional and stylish with so many immovable necessities like the front door and fireplace.”

Sarita says…

This is a pretty challenging space to make functional and stylish because your front door opens right into your living room with no separation between the two. In order to create an actual entry area that is defined and separate from the living area you are going to need some kind of physical barrier. I think that the best solution would be to build a half-wall that defines the small entry area and creates a visual separation. You could also incorporate some open display shelves above the new half-wall that go up to the top of the door or to the ceiling. Below is a quick sketch on the photo of the room to give you an idea of how the half-wall would look. This is not a major renovation project and could probably be installed in only a few days by a carpenter, or if you are a handy person you could tackle it DIY-style! In addition to the new divider wall, I recommend that you place a decorative coat hanger or hooks on the wall right inside the door. From the photo, it does not look like there is a coat closet anywhere near the door and this will make it convenient for you and your guests to hang coats and hats. This would be a great place for a mirror also…or even better – a mirror with a coat rack! There isn’t space for much else in the entry area, but these two simple additions would make a world of difference. Good luck!