Major error halves value of Courtney and Sev’s living room space – but there’s an easy fix

A single error in Courtney and Sev’s Block living room halved the value of the space – the placement (or rather misplacement) of their lounge.

While the judges adored the seating selection, how the duo positioned it made the area feel like it had been “cut in half” and shrunk the available floor space. Thankfully, Freedom stylist Kristi was there to put the girls in the right direction.

The first item on the agenda was reconfiguring the lounge, so Kristi advised splitting the modular couch and pulling back both parts closer to the edges of the room.

That quick fix resolved the issue of floor space and also their problematic layout.

“I feel like I’m taking crazy pills,” Darren said of Courtney and Sev’s original living room layout.

“I don’t understand how you can be gifted the best opportunity of any Block we’ve ever had, which is that it outlooks to ocean... and the think, ‘I’m going to make everything about a television’.”

When it came to rearranging the furniture a second time, Courtney and Sev made sure not everything pointed toward the television.

This time around, the chairs were positioned in a fire pit arrangement so see both the television and the enviable water views that are the major selling point of the $3.3 million home.

It’s not all Freedom stylist Kristi advised Courtney and Sev to do, here are more tips even you can use to maximise your living space:

Go big with rugs (or double up)

A small rug instantly shrinks a room by anchoring your sight line to a tight footprint.

Choose a generous rug that easily fits all main furniture legs, instantly expanding the visual boundary.

If you can’t find a rug large enough to suit your layout, seamless styling is simple: butt two identical rugs together to create your very own custom rug.

Harness reflective surfaces and light

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Room Reveal: Courtney and Sev’s Kids’ Bedroom and Redo Room

Create the illusion of double the floor space by cleverly positioning mirrors opposite windows to bounce natural light around the room.

Opt for furniture with slender profiles, glass or acrylic accents, and polished metal finishes.

These reflective elements prevent the eye from catching on heavy masses, leaving your living room feeling light, airy, and twice its size.

Master the art of furniture configuration

As Courtney and Sev learned, placement is everything. Pushing heavy seating against walls or splitting modular pieces creates an open flow, giving the room breathing space.

Avoid blocking key architectural features or natural light sources – arrange furniture to accentuate views and encourage movement through the area.

Brought to you by Freedom.