Family room layout
12 Living Room Layout Ideas That Are Timeless
By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/11/22
Christy Q. Photo / Cathie Hong Interiors
Figuring out how to arrange the furniture in your living room can feel like an endless puzzle involving sofas, chairs, coffee tables, side tables, stools, poufs, area rugs, and lighting. The key to a functional living room design is defining what best serves both your space and your lifestyle. Whether you’re designing a convivial spot for entertaining, a comfy, casual hub for family time, a chill out zone centered around a TV, or a stylish seating and relaxation area in an open plan house or city apartment that needs to flow with the rest of your space, these 12 timeless living room layout ideas will help you map out one of the most central rooms in your home.
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01 of 12
Twin Sofas
Tessa Neustadt / Emily Henderson Design
In this traditional living room layout from Emily Henderson Design, the seating area is not centered around a TV but oriented around a formal fireplace, creating a gathering place that encourages conversation. Matching sofas opposite one another ground the design, an area rug defines the space, and two occasional chairs fill in the open side opposite the fireplace and provide additional seating. An intimate conversation area for two by the bay windows features a pair of upholstered armchairs.
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02 of 12
Oversized Sofa + Credenza
Ajai Guyot / Emily Henderson Design
In this rectangular living room designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design, a large, overstuffed couch anchors the blank wall to the right, and a simple midcentury-inspired credenza opposite houses the TV and decorative objects while leaving plenty of open floor space. A round coffee table breaks up all the linear lines of the room while creating flow and reducing the chance of bumped shins while moving around the space.
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03 of 12
Living Room + Home Office
Morsa Images / Getty Images
If your home office is in the same space as your living room, you don't have to go to elaborate lengths to hide it. Just be sure to create a zone for relaxing and another for working, and reinforce the separate areas by positioning your couch so that it faces away from your desk, and your desk so that it faces away from the living room to keep you focused.
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04 of 12
Floating Sectional + Armchairs
John McClain Design
This living room from John McClain Design has a natural focal point with its fireplace and symmetrical built-ins on either side. But it lacks a solid wall to anchor the furniture, so the designer created a seating island in the center of the room anchored by an area rug. A console placed behind the sofa works as a virtual room divider to further define the space.
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05 of 12
Scattered Seating
Sara Ligorria-Tramp / Emily Henderson Design
In this living room by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design, a main sofa is positioned on the blank wall opposite the windows. An eclectic mix of additional seating options scattered throughout the room include vintage cinema seating along the back wall and an Eames lounger, all loosely assembled around a large central coffee table and anchored by a large patterned area rug. A side table on one end of the sofa is balanced by a standing industrial lamp on the other.
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06 of 12
All Chairs
Alvin Wayne
If you have a front or formal living room that is used primarily for entertaining, this configuration from interior designer Alvin Wayne creates a sophisticated, minimalist conversation area using two pairs of voluptuous matching armchairs facing one another with a long narrow table down the middle.
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07 of 12
Couch + Occasional Chair + Pouf
Alvin Wayne
Interior designer Alvin Wayne chose a main sofa and a round coffee table to preserve the flow in this city apartment. A sculptural 50s-style armchair and a lush knotted velvet pouf add visual interest and offer additional seating for occasional entertaining.
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08 of 12
Off Center
DBurns Interiors
A fireplace mantel is a natural focal point in many living rooms. But in this modern cottage design from Desiree Burns Interiors, the fireplace is located on a side wall in the middle of a deep room broken up with multiple windows and doors. The designer created a comfortable main seating area by placing a large corner sectional at the far end of the living room that faces away from the windows and into the main room. A pair of side-by-side armchairs are placed closer to the fireplace that help define the space while keeping it light and airy.
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09 of 12
TV Zone
Studio KT
Studio KT chose to create an intimate seating area on one end of an open-plan room by positioning a long comfy sofa opposite the fireplace and TV wall. A pair of wooden chairs flanking the hearth add extra seating.
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10 of 12
Away From the Wall
Sara Ligorria-Tramp / Emily Henderson Design
Just because you have a lot of space doesn't mean you have to fill your living room with extra furniture if a large couch, a single end table, and a couple of floating coffee tables is all your family needs. In this spacious living room from Emily Henderson Design, the ample sofa was pulled away from the back wall, which thanks to midcentury-style shelving is a stylish display for books, objects, and art, leaving the rest of the spacious room open and uncluttered.
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11 of 12
Double Duty
Midcity Interiors
In this open plan double living room from Midcity Interiors, the designers created two seating areas. One has a comfy velvet couch with its back to the open plan kitchen, facing the TV, with a plush area rug kept free of extra furniture to provide plenty of floor space for kids to play. A few feet away, a more formal sitting area is anchored by a colorful area rug, with a couch opposite a pair of armchairs and a coffee table in the middle.
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Sofa + Daybed
ShutterWorx / Getty Images
In this living room, an upholstered daybed is used in place of a second sofa or a pair of armchairs. The sleek low profile of the daybed keeps sight lines clear and adds a place for afternoon naps or morning meditations.
10 ways to create a sociable space |
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
We have gathered a selection of our top family room layout ideas to help you plan and design an inviting, well-thought out space in your home.
The family room is a versatile, multi-purpose area that often has an array of different functions, so ensuring your layout ideas are well-thought out and match the size and style of your space will create an inviting, long-lasting room that is used and appreciated by the whole family.
When planning your family room ideas, organizing the room layout should be a top priority. Your layout dictates the type and size of furniture pieces you need, and also helps you decipher the overall purpose and function of the room. Creating a functional layout that meets the needs of your family will ultimately make a comfortable and appealing family room that can stand the test of time.
Family room layout ideas
Explore our top 10 family room layout ideas below for some stylish and practical inspiration for your family room.
1. Zone the space
(Image credit: Simon Brown)
Whether your family room space is large and open plan, or small and cozy, using clever techniques to zone the space can create distinct areas for relaxing, play and entertainment.
In this open-plan, converted basement, the area has been designed to create rooms within rooms, innovatively zoning the large space. The snug, sunken seating area creates an inviting family space, with the low leveled design enhancing feelings of calm and relaxation. Other features such as the glass panels and placement of the staircase create other subtle zones where there is a feeling of both togetherness and separation simultaneously - a design feature that some would say is an essential for their family room.
If you opt for a striking sunken seating area or choose simple features such as screens or pieces of furniture, creating a zoned space will ensure the family room is used and enjoyed by all.
(Image credit: Murphy Maude Interiors/Lisa Hubbard)
Using sectional living room ideas to focus on an architectural element is a great place to start if you're unsure on how to design the layout of your family room. Choosing an original feature, such as a fireplace, as the main focal point in the family room will allow you to simply organize your furniture and the design of the room to face in this direction, an idea often used for living room layout ideas.
'Fireplaces are renowned to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and are often the natural focal point in a room. Family room ideas with fireplaces can create a warming, intimate space where you instinctively gather round with friends and family,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.
Planning your family room layout ideas around an original feature will ensure that the design feels balanced and in keeping with the style of the room.
3. Make an open-plan space feel cozy
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
For large, open-plan family rooms, in order to create a feeling of coziness and closeness, positioning lots of seats together to establish a seating zone will create an obvious section in the room that is designated for relaxing.
Instead of pushing your furniture and seating against the walls, planning your family room so your seating is gathered around a fireplace or TV is a great way to make a cozy setting in a large open-plan space. For family room furniture ideas, having lots of seating is always guaranteed to create a frequented, inviting space.
4. Embrace symmetry
(Image credit: J Patryce Design, photographer Christian Harder )
For a sophisticated, balanced look, embracing symmetry in interior design for your family room layout ideas will make for a smart and stylish layout.
A simple trick that can create a calming and relaxed space, using symmetry is great for both small and large rooms alike, often making a room appear more spacious and streamlined.
The two shelving units and matching lounge chairs used in this living space by J. Patryce Design , create a harmonious atmosphere, they also work well together to make a feature and frame the fireplace and wall mounted TV - a layout idea to consider for family room TV ideas.
5. Use a room divider in an open-plan space
(Image credit: Future/Paul Massey)
Room dividers, from folding screens to purpose-built partitions, can effortlessly transform the layout of a room.
'A great zoning tool, ideal for a family room layout which is often a busy, multifunctional space, a room divider like this used by Paolo Moschino , can add a stylish element of texture, color and print, as well as be a practical furniture piece,' says Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' Digital Editor.
Perfect for separating a seating area from a play area, or creating a separate family space within a large, open-plan design, room dividers can be a multi-functional addition to your family room layout.
6. Play with scale
(Image credit: Laura Butler-Madden, photography by Paul Raeside)
When considering scale in interior design, there are many options you can choose for the layout of your family room space.
Whether you decide to upscale and use larger furniture pieces for drama and impact, or match to the proportions of your room to create the perfect ratio, working through different ideas can create a unique layout design for your family room.
In this striking living area in Laura Butler-Madden 's Georgian townhouse in Bath, the beautiful sofa elegantly commands the space, creating a cozy environment that is perfect for a family or cinema room.
Large-scale sofa designs are great for creating a statement seating area in a room. Larger furniture pieces, accessories and big patterns also work wonderfully in small spaces, often making the room feel bigger than it actually is.
7. Make the most of natural light
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lewis)
With natural light proven to make us feel happier and brighter, guiding your family room layout ideas to where there is lots of natural light will create an atmosphere that enhances feelings of relaxation and rejuvenation.
In this inviting living space, the seating area has been positioned by the large bay windows. The use of the deep, earthy palette also complements the bright space, creating a relaxed, cozy vibe that is perfect for spending time with friends and family.
8. Use mirrors to enhance the feeling of space
(Image credit: Emma Lewis)
Mirrors are great for making a space feel bigger and brighter, and decorating with mirrors is a great way to enhance the layout and size of your family room.
Whether you hang a mirror high above a fireplace, of create a standout, paneled mirror design like in the family room above, you can add depth and enhance the lighting in your family room whilst making a stylish, decorative statement.
9. Maximize alcoves and cozy corners
(Image credit: Jan Baldwin)
'If you are wanting to bring lots of different elements together in your family room, such as having separate zones for seating, play and entertainment, making the most of alcoves and cozy corners can create a versatile, multi-functional area,' says Andrea Childs, Editor, Country Homes & Interiors.
In this open-plan family room layout above, there are distinct areas for studying, relaxing and entertaining, as well as there being a clear walk through area, with the overall layout of this family room truly maximizing on all space available.
Whether you build a bespoke alcove desk, or create a cozy seating area in an awkward corner of a room, strategically placing your furniture, as well as using family room paint ideas, can help bring to life smaller areas and make the most out of the space in your family room.
10. Create an area for play
(Image credit: Katie Charlotte)
A simple layout idea that can work well in small family room with limited space is to position furniture so that it sits away from a wall with storage near it can be a great place for a child to play.
In the family room layout above by Carolina-based interior designer Cortney Bishop , the main seating elements have been placed with a gap between it and the buffet. Toys could be stored inside, with play space in front. Finished with a soft rug, adding a cohesive element to the overall design, the inviting floor space provides a great area for play. Meanwhile, a circular table makes for a wonderful focal point, promoting the sociable feel of the sectional.
How do I setup a family room layout?
Every family room layout is unique, so working out what the main, intended purpose of your space is going to be is the best starting point for your layout and setup ideas.
From a cozy snug, to a cinema or games room, once you have worked out the main function of the space, you can then start planning your furniture and layout ideas.
Overall, you want your family room layout to create a space that's inviting and relaxed. Making sure your layout and furniture ideas create an area that the whole family can enjoy and relax in is always going to be the most important goal for your family room design.
Zara joined Homes & Gardens in February 2022 as a Content Editor. After studying English Literature at University, she worked as an Ecommerce Website Editor, Content Writer and Buying Intern at multiple independent businesses within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. Her role at Homes & Gardens unites her love, experience and passion for the world of design and desire to create inspiring written content. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether that be in fashion, interior design or lifestyle.
Design of hotel rooms: Design project of a hotel room
The room fund occupies the largest area in the hotel building. A properly designed room contains only useful space, because the saved m2 is additional hotel rooms, which means additional profit. We plan everything that the guest needs in the room, and at the same time save.
Design of a hotel room
Design of a hotel room is one of the most important stages in the creation of a hotel, since a room is a place where a client spends most of his time. For the client, this is primarily a place to sleep, so he does not expect a representative lobby or restaurant from the room, but here even a seemingly minor miscalculation, such as loose curtains, can irrevocably spoil the impression of the hotel, and correcting such a miscalculation in all rooms will require considerable additional costs.
The design of the room includes:
- planning solution with the arrangement of furniture and equipment,
- room style, design,
- specification of furniture and equipment, finishes,
- working documentation.
When planning, it is important to anticipate the behavior of the client, as well as to take into account the convenience of room service.
Room size and furniture arrangement
Every square meter counts here. If, when planning 100 rooms, it is thoughtless to add one extra meter to the rooms, then we will lose 100 m2 of usable area, which could become 5 additional rooms for guests.
The task of design is to avoid useless space that eats up the budget for construction, finishing and maintenance, but does not give anything to the client.
In order to correctly size layouts and make them more flexible, it is not enough to be guided by the norms for different categories of hotels and rooms. You need to understand how the client uses the room, what actions he performs, what kind of furniture he needs. That is a good representation of the client. If the room is a family room, you need to take into account the presence of children and their mobility. For resort and family hotels, the issue of room flexibility is especially acute, sleeping places in them must be designed for additional guests and children. In the sports base room, guests will most likely only sleep, change clothes and take a shower, there is no point in allocating space for a desk. In a business hotel, it is necessary to provide a place for clients to work from laptops or tablets. In any hotel, it is important to correctly determine the ratio of standard, superior and "suite" rooms. We carry out detailed research and business planning in order to understand exactly what categories of rooms and in what quantity will be in demand.
When planning the area, we take into account:
- the number of guests,
- the place occupied by the mandatory equipment (beds, wardrobes, bathroom, etc.),
- routes for guests to move around the room.
When developing numbers, we always calculate the area as efficiently as possible.
Design project of the hotel room
The interior design of the room must match the style of the hotel and the client's expectations. It is here that the client most actively uses hotel equipment, and by it he judges the quality of filling all the rooms and premises of the hotel, especially noticing the shortcomings. In design, we pay special attention not only to aesthetics, but also to the reliability of materials and objects, their ease of use and maintenance.
Furniture and equipment
In a hotel room, furniture is the basis of customer comfort. When planning the quantity and arrangement of furniture, the comfort of the client comes first. We keep up with the times and take into account trends, but not all, but those that benefit the hotel business.
There are companies focused on the production of exactly hotel equipment, anti-vandal furniture, which retain their attractive appearance and functionality for a long time. For example, manufacturers of furniture with the possibility of transformation (beds with a pull-out or folding place for a child, couches that, if necessary, become an additional chair, etc.).
In a hotel room, it is better to choose a tea station, which is more expensive than a simple electric kettle, but is unlikely to disappear without a trace, or a couch with a laptop and tablet stand instead of a desk. Even the TV in the room must be chosen wisely so that the client does not reconfigure the channels, and the remote control buttons do not get stuck or clogged. If a specialist technologist knows these nuances, then a third-party designer who is not closely related to the hotel business will look for solutions for a long time and may make a miscalculation.
Number filling:
- is actively used by the client,
- does not take up extra space,
- is reliable, anti-vandal,
- is beautiful.
In order to select or produce furniture that is optimal for the rooms, we cooperate with all major manufacturers, including those that work only in the hotel segment.
Ergonomics and energy efficiency.
Smart hotel
Properly selected equipment makes the guest's stay more pleasant and saves on room stock maintenance.
The client must not be distracted by the noise of the air conditioner or hear sounds from the ventilation shaft. The shafts and risers themselves should be located so that the loss of the area of the room stock is minimal.
A suitable automation system will help save on maintenance, which can include not only dimmers, but also other saving devices: presence, humidity, temperature sensors, automatic controllers - everything that is called "smart home".
We don't get carried away with building an overly "smart" energy efficient hotel, but we calculate the savings and benefits that such equipment will bring and compare them with the cost.
Hotel room decoration
Commercial premises, which include a hotel, must use commercial-grade materials. Finishing should correspond to the load, which depends not only on the number of guests, but also on the character.
The choice of finishing of the room also shows concern for the client: rounded thresholds and door handles, which do not cling to the suitcase, high-strength glass for doors and partitions, blackout curtains. Materials must be of a certain class of fire resistance. Such trifles always work for the hotel, protect its budget and reputation.
People do not take care of other people's property as much as their own, which means that they will scratch the floor with chairs, lean on the glass door of the shower, walk around the room in heels.
We calculate the load on the material, taking into account the nature of the hotel's target audience and budget, and select the right style from an extensive database of suppliers.
Number trim:
- Damage resistant.
- Safe to use.
- Easy to clean.
- Matches the style of the hotel.
Wisely selected finishing materials will last longer, postponing the renovation of the hotel.
Hotel room decor
Things that are just decoration in the room and do not carry a functional load are needed to give the design individuality and create comfort.
Depending on the class and category of the hotel, there may be a minimum of these things (hostel) or a lot (boutique hotel), but in any case, you need to remember that such items increase the cost of filling the room, and balance the benefits of having them with the costs. Preference here is given to decor that will last a long time and be quite noticeable in the overall design.
Decorative content:
- does not take up usable space,
- complements the style of the hotel,
- is rarely touched by guests,
- is difficult to take with you.
In design projects, we pay great attention to the aesthetics of the rooms and the entire hotel, but always choose the appropriate and rational beauty.
The advantage of designing a room in Fantalis:
Every square meter of the room is functional.
Safe, modern and economical equipment and communications.
Durable materials tailored to the target audience.
Sophisticated furniture and equipment to cover all the needs of guests.
Large supplier base and favorable prices.
Beauty that only benefits business.
Design project of a hotel in Moscow | doma-komforta.
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(495) 136 64 58
THE SECRET OF SUCCESSFUL DESIGN IS A QUALITY ENVIRONMENT
HOW WE DESIGN
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE DESIGN PROJECT?
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE
design project?
WORK EXAMPLES
TYPES OF HOTEL
MINI-HOTELS
HOSTELS
HOTELS
HOTELS - HOUSES
DESIRED SOCIAL PORTRAIT OF THE VISITOR
Work on the design project includes the preparation of a technical task containing all the necessary nuances: • types of rooms and their number; • availability of equipment and furniture; • design style; • color palette; • quality finishes. When compiling the task, the target group of guests of the institution is taken into account. The needs, preferences and possible requirements of visitors are taken into account. The development of the project is carried out taking into account the category of the hotel complex.
Depending on the type of institution - a hostel, a mini-hotel or a large hotel complex - there will be differences in the price of the materials used. The style in which the interior will be created also matters. It depends not only on the preferences and requirements of the guests, but also on the dimensions of the premises. We use only high quality materials with a high level of wear resistance. In addition, they must meet the requirements of fire safety and sanitary standards.
Room design features
Room interior design features are determined by the preferences of the target audience. When designing an object in Moscow, the category of premises is taken into account - economy, standard or luxury. Room size and furniture arrangement It is important to consider every square meter of space. Because when planning 100 rooms, an error even by a meter can result in a huge loss of usable space. And these are additional rooms for guests. The main goal of drawing up a project is the correct calculation of the area and layout, which avoids useless space.
Incorrect calculations can lead to unnecessary costs for finishing, maintenance and construction of an area that is of no practical use. To carry out correct calculations of the dimensions of the layouts, it is not enough to focus only on the standards for hotels of various categories. It is important to represent the client well. This will provide all the necessary elements for a comfortable stay on the territory. For a family room, the presence of children and their mobility are taken into account. When designing for family and resort hotels, sleeping accommodations that are intended for additional guests or children are important. The rooms on the territory of the sports base are intended for overnight stays, changing clothes and taking a shower. In such a room, a desk is not required. A business hotel should have space to work with a laptop or tablet. In each hotel, it is necessary to correctly determine the ratio of standard rooms, suites and rooms with a high level of comfort. Our experts carry out detailed research and business planning, allowing you to accurately determine the number of certain categories of rooms.
POPULAR HOTEL DESIGN STYLES
POPULAR HOTEL DESIGN STYLES Guests in hotels are people with different preferences and different perceptions of beauty. Therefore, many owners of hotel complexes choose neutral or combined styles. The following options are popular: • For large hotels, the classic style will be an ideal solution. This design will emphasize the status of visitors; • Traditional English style is used to design expensive establishments. The design is also suitable for mid-range hotels, as it is more restrained compared to the classic; • Eclecticism is a combination of different styles, which allows it to be used in hotel complexes of various levels. This style lacks any hard borders; • Minimalism is especially popular in small hotels that are suitable for middle-income guests. You can order the development of interior design of a hotel complex of any category from us. Our specialists perform all types of work, as well as provide services such as architectural supervision.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN
hotel project design?
1. PRELIMINARY STAGE
- DEPARTURE TO THE OBJECT OF THE SPECIALIST
- MEASUREMENTS OF THE PREMISES AND PHOTOFIXATION
- PREPARATION OF MEASURED DRAWINGS
- OBTAINING INITIAL MATERIALS FROM THE CUSTOMER (IF AVAILABLE)
- PREPARATION OF TERMS OF REFERENCE
- ANALYTICS OF COMPETITORS OF THIS AREA (PLACES)
2. CONCEPT STAGE
- ZONING OF THE PREMISES
- DETERMINATION OF MAIN VIEWPOINTS
- WORKING WITH ANALOGUES TO DETERMINE THE MAIN STYLE DIRECTIONS
- PERFORM VISUALIZATIONS FOR THE SELECTED PARAMETERS
- APPROVAL OF THE PERFORMED VISUALIZATIONS WITH THE CUSTOMER
- PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT OF THE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES USED
- PERFORMING A COMPLETE SET OF VISUALIZATIONS
3.
DEVELOPMENT OF DOCUMENTATION- MEASUREMENT PLAN
- LAYOUT OF PREMISES WITH ARRANGEMENT OF FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
- WALL DISMANTLING PLAN, STRUCTURES
- CEILING PLAN WITH LINKING OF LIGHTS
- LIGHTING CALCULATION
- FLOOR PLAN
- ROOM SCALE
- LOCATION PLAN OF SOCKETS AND SWITCHES
- LOCATION PLAN
- CEILING/PARTITION ASSEMBLY
- FINISH SPECIFICATIONS
4. SELECTION OF MATERIALS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT
- SELECTION OF FURNITURE ACCORDING TO THE CONCEPT
- SELECTION OF LIGHTS
- IMPLEMENTATION OF DRAWINGS FOR ASSESSMENT \ ORDER OF FURNITURE \ LIGHTS
- PROVISION OF ESTIMATES AND KP ON MATERIALS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT and prices
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