Ask Joshua - How to Stylishly Navigate a U-Sectional Sofa in Your Living Area
Hi Joshua,
So, we've been in our new house for a couple of weeks now, and we're kind of scratching our heads about what to do with our living room setup. You see, we brought along this big U-shaped sectional sofa from our old place, and we seriously adore it because it's just so darn comfy and still in awesome shape. We're not about to part with it. Now, here's the kicker: when we checked out this house before buying it, we had this vision of our sectional fitting right in. But reality check—it's pretty much taken over the whole living room and it's, well, a bit much. We've been browsing around for ideas on how to make things look better, but nothing seems to quite hit the mark. We're totally open to suggestions, as long as they don't involve saying goodbye to our trusty sectional. Got any advice for us?
Liz - Oakland, California
Contemporary living room with an U-sectional sofa. AI generated via Imagine.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for reaching out and seeking advice regarding the challenge you're facing in styling your living room with your U-sectional sofa. After reviewing the photos you've shared, I can understand why you're finding it a bit tricky. However, I do see several possibilities for making the most of this space and it’s a matter of making the sectional seem integrated as part of the space instead of a piece of furniture that is in the space. Here are my suggestions:
Given that your U-sectional sofa is white and it seems you have an affinity for vibrant colors, I would recommend considering a darker hue for the living room walls. This can help temper the sense of the U-sectional sofa overwhelming the space and contribute to a more balanced overall appearance.
I've noticed that there's a little bit of available space in your living room. Placing bookcases on both sides of the windows and styling these shelves could be a great option. This not only adds a personal touch but also brings a sense of cohesion to the space.
Incorporating decorative pillows with varying colors, textures, and sizes onto your sectional can significantly enhance the stylishness of your living room. Mixing and matching these pillows will infuse a sense of flair into the room.
Consider adding a striking light fixture to your living room ceiling. This addition has the potential to elevate the overall aesthetic of the space and draw the eye upwards to distract from the dominating sectional.
I hope these suggestions prove helpful as you navigate the challenge of arranging your living room with the U-sectional sofa. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Additionally, I've come across an image that might serve as a fantastic design inspiration. This image closely resembles your current living room and offers a preview of the potential outcome after implementing the adjustments I've recommended. I believe this visual representation could provide you with a clearer understanding of the transformative possibilities for your space.
Best of luck,
Joshua Jones
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