One Room Three Ways

Weaks' Layout

Weaks positioned one main seating area around the fireplace, where a sofa (1) faces a chaise longue. (2) A wrought-iron table with a limestone top (3) is positioned behind the sofa. A pair of swivel tub chairs (4) completes the group. Two chairs with caned backs (5) dress up a game table (6) near the window. Two more caned-back chairs flank a walnut chest (7) on the wall opposite the hearth. Mindful of circulation, Weaks kept the space around the French doors clear. Still, a demilune console (8) prevents this area from feeling empty. "In a room this size, you should be able to seat at least 10, yet it's important to give the furniture enough breathing room," Weaks says.

TIP: Think of the purposes a room serves. If the chest were replaced by a television, the arrangement would still work because the swivel chairs could turn to face it.