WHERE TO PUT WHAT?

Furniture placement tips from top designer Alison Kandler

Check out these furniture placement tips from top designer Alison Kandler.

Alison Kandler, an in-demand Santa Monica interior designer,

has a fantastic flair for colorful, cozy and comfortable interiors. She is adept with both small cottages and more expansive contemporary homes, so we asked her where she might start when planning furniture placement throughout a home. She gives us her top tips here.

Alison ’s Furniture : Placement Tips

• If you want to be able to seat a large group for dinner, convert an unexpected room into your new dining room. I converted the old family room into the new dining room in the furniture plan shown here, and it works perfectly to seat 14 people.

• For maximum seating for TV viewing, try two L-shaped sectionals. It makes any large room super comfortable and instantly cozier.

• If you have room for a table and chairs in the breakfast nook, it is always easier to navigate than a builtin banquette.

• A large sofa table placed behind the sofa, or even used as a divider between or near the dining room, is a great spot to set up dessert for a dinner party.