COLUMN: Gail Mayhugh

DEAR GAIL: I want to figure out how much furniture I can fit into my living and dining rooms. Since I have a brand-new home, I need something in those areas. What is the best way to go about it? -- Janice.

DEAR JANICE: Well, the first thing to do is determine how you plan to use those rooms. Just because the builder wrote "living room" and "dining room" on the floor plan, and furnished the model that way, doesn't mean that is how the space must be used.

Generally, I like my clients to live in their new homes for at least three to six months before they start filling rooms with furniture. You spent a lot of money for those rooms, so you want to make sure that they're going to be functional, as well as appealing. The saying is true: form follows function.

Ask yourself the following: Is there anything that I'd like to do in my home for which I don't already have space? Do I need an office, a quiet place to read, or an area for playing games with the kids? Will these rooms be just for show or will they be used for entertaining? And, if used for entertaining, how often?

Your answers are important.

If you have sit-down dinners for 10 to 12 people on a regular basis, you'll need a table large enough and/or with enough leaves. You'll also need enough chairs, or some that can easily be brought in. If you plan on using the room only occasionally, then less is better.

Next, decide what type of furniture is needed. Again, do you need a table with leaves, or can you shop for a glass-top dining table? In the living room, do you need seating for eight or for only one or two people?

If your answer is two people, consider something other than the traditional sofa and love seat. For example, you might want four oversized chairs or, perhaps, two chairs with ottomans and a chaise.

Your next step is to measure the rooms and draw a basic floor plan for each. This is key to making sure that the furniture you buy will fit. I can't tell you how many times clients have purchased items that were too large for the space. Make sure that you can comfortably walk through, as well as in and out of the room.

Now I will share some key measurements that will help. Figure that you need 30 to 36 inches of space around the dining table to allow enough room to pull out the chairs and to sit on them comfortably. This also allows another person to pass behind. Also consider the width of the table. If you plan to add a hutch, buffet or serving piece, make sure there will still be enough room to pull out the chairs.

In the living room, plan on at least 18 inches between the coffee table and the sofa. Many of the newer coffee tables are oversized, and can be 42 to 48 inches wide. Then think about what shape the coffee table should be. I prefer rectangular with a sofa and love seat, and square when using two pieces of the same size.

If you take the time to plan ahead, you'll be much happier with your purchases for years to come.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave., Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

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