# Gillian Atkins' Sleek Living Room Tips

> How to unify L-shaped living and dining rooms without replacing furniture.
- Title: Gillian Atkins' Sleek Living Room Tips · House & Home
- Summary: How to unify L-shaped living and dining rooms without replacing furniture. Gillian Atkins advises adding layers like a shallow buffet, lighter coffee table…
- Keywords: lynda reeves design studio, gillian atkins, sleek living room, dining room refresh, crown moulding, wall trim, House & Home
- Source: House & Home — https://houseandhome.com/decorating-and-design/ask-a-designer/ask-a-designer-sleek-living-room-dining-room
- Author: Aisha Duldul
- Published: 2026-11-09T17:49:34+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lynda reeves design studio, gillian atkins, sleek living room, dining room refresh, crown moulding, wall trim
## L-shaped space challenge
A 1980s home owner struggles to make their L-shaped living and dining room feel cohesive without replacing furniture.
## Add layers for cohesion
Start with a shallow buffet or console for the dining room wall, shift the table, and center a light fixture over it.
## Surface trim for unity
Use crown moulding and surface applied wall trim that runs through both rooms to connect spaces and add life above furniture.
## Art and lighting updates
Place a larger, colorful painting in the dining room, move current pieces around the corner, and hang a mirror for visual flow.
## Key takeaway

Gillian Atkins advises adding layers like a shallow buffet, lighter coffee table, and crown moulding to connect L-shaped living and dining rooms.