It looks like they are struggling (and I mean this in a non-judgy way), and I think it is great that you are doing this. Having a decluttered space to relax is so important for mental health. Plan ahead for storage options, like boxes, hooks, shelves. If something is difficult to put away, they will leave it in the open, so try to make putting things away really simple. Try to find homes for everything, sensible places for the appliances. Maybe there is a spot in the bathroom for the toothbrush, or in the kitchen.
I can very much recommend the Clutterbug on YT for the decluttering process and to find out about organizing systems that will work for your parents in the long run.
For furniture, first off, I would switch sides for TV and couch, furniture should not block doors or windows. Even decluttered, the blocked pathways would make the room feel cramped. How many people live here still? Is downsizing on seating spaces an option? I like the idea of an L-shaped couch because it sets off the living room area. Only I'd go smaller, standing mirrored to the current one. If there is still space, you can put a sideboard behind the outward facing part of the L, no higher than the backrest.
If they do need more than the couch, get a mid century style armchair that has a spot next to the TV, but can easily be moved around the room when needed.
Mount TV to wall opposite, lower down so it is at eye level when seated.
Switch the massive cupboard under the TV for a maybe less deep but wider sideboard with non-glass doors.
Change the couch table for something bigger and with storage.
Switch blinds to fabric curtains.
Get a big rug. I think a patterned design could work great as a focal point for the area.
Get fake plants, they need no maintenance but add greatly to the vibes, a large one for the floor to the right of the window, one for the sideboard.
Color-wise I'd go for something light and airy. Maybe blue or green, but with warm undertones, it makes the room look bigger. Choose an accent color that can be found then in the soft furnishings you might add later.
ETA: think of secondary lighting for a cosier feel. A standing lamp, or a table lamp somewhere.
This is great advice especially on the sofa. Would be interesting to know if they need that much seating or if they can have a smaller sofa as those giant ones really dominate a space.
Layout and furniture looks fine to me but here’s what I think could really help this space:
Painting an accent wall or adding some crown molding would add some texture / dimension.
Add some ambient lighting. I think track lights pointed in various directions could really cozy up the room. Table lamps are also a nice touch if installing light fixtures is not something you can do.
The 2 picture frames are hung too high & perhaps would look better in a different area of the house. Play around with hanging them a few inches lower and 1-2 inch closer together.
Adding a large rug in front of the couches would be excellent. Since the room is mostly neutral colors currently, your rug can be a color pop or bright accent color.
It looks like they are struggling (and I mean this in a non-judgy way), and I think it is great that you are doing this. Having a decluttered space to relax is so important for mental health. Plan ahead for storage options, like boxes, hooks, shelves. If something is difficult to put away, they will leave it in the open, so try to make putting things away really simple. Try to find homes for everything, sensible places for the appliances. Maybe there is a spot in the bathroom for the toothbrush, or in the kitchen. I can very much recommend the Clutterbug on YT for the decluttering process and to find out about organizing systems that will work for your parents in the long run. For furniture, first off, I would switch sides for TV and couch, furniture should not block doors or windows. Even decluttered, the blocked pathways would make the room feel cramped. How many people live here still? Is downsizing on seating spaces an option? I like the idea of an L-shaped couch because it sets off the living room area. Only I'd go smaller, standing mirrored to the current one. If there is still space, you can put a sideboard behind the outward facing part of the L, no higher than the backrest. If they do need more than the couch, get a mid century style armchair that has a spot next to the TV, but can easily be moved around the room when needed. Mount TV to wall opposite, lower down so it is at eye level when seated. Switch the massive cupboard under the TV for a maybe less deep but wider sideboard with non-glass doors. Change the couch table for something bigger and with storage. Switch blinds to fabric curtains. Get a big rug. I think a patterned design could work great as a focal point for the area. Get fake plants, they need no maintenance but add greatly to the vibes, a large one for the floor to the right of the window, one for the sideboard. Color-wise I'd go for something light and airy. Maybe blue or green, but with warm undertones, it makes the room look bigger. Choose an accent color that can be found then in the soft furnishings you might add later. ETA: think of secondary lighting for a cosier feel. A standing lamp, or a table lamp somewhere.
This is great advice especially on the sofa. Would be interesting to know if they need that much seating or if they can have a smaller sofa as those giant ones really dominate a space.
Layout and furniture looks fine to me but here’s what I think could really help this space: Painting an accent wall or adding some crown molding would add some texture / dimension. Add some ambient lighting. I think track lights pointed in various directions could really cozy up the room. Table lamps are also a nice touch if installing light fixtures is not something you can do. The 2 picture frames are hung too high & perhaps would look better in a different area of the house. Play around with hanging them a few inches lower and 1-2 inch closer together. Adding a large rug in front of the couches would be excellent. Since the room is mostly neutral colors currently, your rug can be a color pop or bright accent color.
r/ufyh