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Solutions:

• The pie safe, placed between a pair of windows, creates the focal point. It’s made more important by placing art on either side and above.
• Sarah’s art space fills a perpendicular wall, with its large view window providing natural light.
• Three thirty-six-inch-high sets of wire baskets function as both pedestals for the work surface and storage for supplies.
• Floor space in the center is left empty for Sarah’s new yoga practice.
• To lead the eye up to the lovely ceiling, a simple silk valance tops all windows. In the office alcove, this valance ties the two bookcases together and strengthens the centrality of the window.
• The swag drapery panel adds color and pattern. When guests arrive, it fills the alcove opening, hiding the office.
• Art in each area is treated individually but also integrates all parts of this multipurpose room.
• Cornering a pair of prints in the TV area changes the focus from the TV to the art. The frames are identical, hung at the same height, the same distance away from the corner line.
• Creating a column of art on both sides of the worktable defines the space.

Useful Measurements

Proportion is the key to a well-balanced room, says Coburn. Here are some rules of thumb:

Living Room

• Traffic lanes should be a minimum of twenty-four to thirty-six inches wide.
• Eight feet is the maximum distance between seats for conversation.
• Side tables should be no more than twelve inches away and no more than two inches above or below the arm of the sofa or chair.
• The coffee table should be within comfortable reach, no more than twelve to eighteen inches from the main sofa.

Dining Room

• Allow no less than twenty-four inches per person around all sides of the table. It’s best to have twenty-six inches for side chairs and thirty inches for arm chairs. Allow thirty to thirty-six inches behind chairs.
• The rug should be at least thirty-six inches larger on all sides than dining table.
• Round dining tables should be twenty-four inches for two people, thirty-six inches for four, forty-eight inches for six, and fifty-four inches for eight.
• The bottom of a chandelier should be no less than thirty-four to thirty-six inches above the table’s top.

Bedroom

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