Today, many homeowners would confirm that their living room is the most important room in their home; the place the whole family gravitates to and where many great memories are made.
It’s a room that’s all about comfort, so the basic idea is to create a warm, cosy and inviting space that is also multi-functional and can be great for all kinds of gatherings, from quiet afternoons spent reading and pleasantly chatting with your loved ones to loud cocktail parties and binge-watching sessions.
A living room is frequently the first room most people decorate and the first one to be shown to new visitors, therefore its design is highly important.
However, making the right choice regarding the room’s décor can be quite stressful and challenging. On that end, here are several suggestions that might make your decision-making process easier and get you the room you deserve.
Choose the colour palette
The key feature that allows you to get the perfect vibe and room aesthetics is your colour scheme. Whether your taste is monochromatic or you love combining complementary colours, you can create an eye-catching living room where your favourite pieces will stand out and you’ll be able to enjoy your peace of mind every single day. Decide on your favourite colours and bear them in mind as you decorate and you’ll easily achieve a look that is purposeful and clean.
Select the right furniture
Selecting the right living room furniture can be tricky as it needs to fulfil many roles: we want it to be comfortable, functional and beautiful while complementing the whole room décor and style. Redecorating your living room might mean you need to get rid of some furniture pieces that you’ve been holding on to for a long time out of sentimental motives, but that’s no reason to despair. It’s just a great opportunity to let go and start fresh.
Pick a sofa or a sectional that will invite everyone to simply sink in and relax. Throw in a few soft, colourful cushions and a blanket to add extra warmth and texture. Pair that big piece with some accent chairs or a recliner so that all family members and visitors can be accommodated.
Decide on the focal point
The focal point you choose is what will draw the eye of your visitors when they first walk in. One great option is a fireplace with a large stone or wood mantle, with a vintage mirror hanging above it. Alternatively, something completely different such as a shiny black piano or a large artwork will also work.
Contemporary homeowners often choose to make their media centre the focal point and opt for a custom home theatre system that gives the whole family something to enjoy, whether it’s a family movie night or watching your favourite sports game with your friends. Great attention is given to high-quality audio/visual components, as well as to making all elements fit in well together: the lighting controls, display/TV size, acoustics, and the choice between freestanding and concealed components.
Make it both functional and beautiful
We want our living rooms to be equally functional and beautiful, and the blend of these two aspects will produce a gorgeous room that works both for your taste and your lifestyle. It’s okay to incorporate some dazzling decorative items, great art pieces and a silk rug, but make sure the room offers ample storage as well, and that it’s comfortable enough so you actually want to hang out in it.
Lighting can make a difference
Choosing the right lighting for your living room can be difficult, but it can also be the deciding factor that will bring the whole design together. Light is a great tool to play with and it can be used in various ways to your own advantage. It can be cleverly used to bring attention to different features in the room or to make the room seem larger, brighter or cosier. Don’t stick to only one type of lighting, but rather combine various sources, such as overhead lights, recess lights, accent and task lighting and floor lamps.
Whether you’re planning your living room makeover or starting from scratch, these are the essential tips that can guide you through the process and help you create the living room of your dreams.
Author's Bio If one thing is true about Lillian Connors, her mind is utterly curious. That’s why she can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of green living home improvement projects and spread the word about them. She cherishes the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. You can check her out on Twitter and LinkedIn.