Q. I like your recommendations as well as hope you can assist me. My living-dining space is an L shape. exactly how should I arrange the furniture? I’m confused as to whether the focal point in the living area should be the huge window or the fireplace — right now the area in front of the fireplace is empty. should I move the fireplace (it’s electric)? I’m available to recommendations for paint colours as well as fabrics.

— R.E., Richmond Hill, Ont. (To submit your own question, see our Ask A Designer™ page.)

A. determine a key focal point.

You can have several focal points in a space. Currently, the fireplace is in an uncomfortable position. move it to the wall where your sofa is now, as well as location your sofa under the window. With this arrangement, the fireplace will be the focal point when entering the space from the foyer, as well as the window will be one more focal point.

Introduce light tones.

To provide the space a brighter look (as in the motivation photo), paint your fireplace white, as well as flank it with a pair of solid oak bookcases from Muti (shown). These bookcases are a fantastic alternate to more costly built-in cabinets, as well as bring in some lighter wood tones. location a console table where the fireplace is currently located. The Dutch industrial console table from Restoration Hardware (shown) has a metal frame as well as aged wood top as well as shelf for display.

Update the seating.

Replace the larger chair with a pair of woven chairs, like the one from Bacon Basketware (shown). select simple cotton twill or matelasse? seat pillows in cream. The Rockport ottoman in stepping stone material in flavor from business C (shown) will anchor the seating area, as well as bring in colour as well as pattern.

Accessorize the space.

Try some new lamps, like the Glass Balustrade lamp from worldwide views (shown). The remove glass lamp bases will contrast well with the room’s other shapes as well as textures. location a pair of the lamps on the new console table.

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1. solid oak bookcase (70018), Muti. 2. Glass Balustrade lamp, worldwide Views. 3. Rockport ottoman, business C. 4. Dutch industrial console, Restoration Hardware. 5. Woven chair, Bacon Basketware.