Flexible Layout and Timeless Materials
A Broadview Living Room Designed for Real Life
Located in Broadview, Seattle, WA. Photographed by Belathee https://www.belathee.com/
This Broadview living room in Seattle needed to do a lot.
The homeowners wanted a space for watching TV, reading, doing yoga, and spending time with family. At the same time, it needed to work for entertaining and gathering with friends, especially during game days. The room had strong potential, but the layout and a few key elements were working against it.
Solving an Awkward Entry and Flow
The front door opens directly into the living room, which created an immediate challenge. The existing layout did not account for that transition, and the room felt unsettled. We started with the layout. That is always the first step.
Instead of the previous setup with two sofas, we introduced one high-quality sofa from Thayer Coggin and paired it with two leather swivel chairs. This combination opened up the room and gave us more flexibility.
The swivel chairs play an important role. They can face inward for conversation or turn toward the large window, allowing the homeowners to enjoy the view without rearranging the room. We centered the layout around the fireplace, giving the space a clear focal point and improving the overall flow from the entry.
Working With What Matters to the Client
The homeowners had a vintage Persian rug that was important to them, but it was slightly too small for the room.
Rather than replacing it, we layered it over a larger sisal rug. This approach extends the visual footprint of the rug while keeping the original piece at the center of the space. It also adds texture and a more relaxed feel, which works well for a room that is used daily.
Designing for Flexibility
This living room needed to adapt to different uses throughout the day. We added ottomans that can serve as extra seating when hosting. The coffee table is a stacked set that can be moved easily, which makes it simple to clear the space for activities like yoga. Nothing in the room is fixed or overly precious. The space can shift depending on how it is being used.
A Focus on Honest Materials
A key direction for this project was what the homeowners described as truth through material. We selected finishes that are true to themselves. Wood reads as wood. Metal reads as metal. Nothing is trying to imitate something else. This approach brings a quiet clarity to the space. It also aligns with a more timeless way of designing, where materials are chosen for their inherent qualities.
Layering Warmth and Character
To balance the openness of the layout, we added layers of lighting throughout the room. Table lamps and floor lamps create a softer atmosphere, especially during the darker months in Seattle.
We also sourced a vintage mid-century modern sideboard from G-Plan. Its scale and warm wood tones integrate naturally into the space. Artwork by Ilana Zweschi adds another layer of depth and connects the room to the local creative community.
A Living Room That Adapts
The result is a living room that feels both grounded and flexible. It supports everyday routines while also accommodating larger gatherings. The layout makes sense, the materials feel considered, and the space is comfortable to use in many
different ways.
This Broadview living room reflects how we approach interior design in Seattle. We begin with how a space is used, then build a layout and material palette that supports that use over time.
See the Before:
Sandra Randolph of Leonhard and Fritz, the go-to designer for busy professionals in the Seattle metro area, transforms uninspired spaces into calming environments where her clients can relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect.