The living room is one of the most important areas of the home. A place where family and friends can come together, relax, and bond, a living room should be comfortable, tranquil and aesthetically pleasing. Not only that, but this multi-functional communal space should be practical, with a layout that fosters conversation and ease of access. If you’re eager to revamp your living room yet find yourself in need of some inspiration, look no further. Here are some top tips to help you design a functional and equally beautiful family room.
Consider The Function Of Your Space
Start by thinking about what you want out of your space. As the name suggests, living rooms are for living in. Another term for living room is “parlour”, which was derived from the French verb “parle”, which means “to speak”. Hence, a living room is where people come together and share conversations. As such, your floor plan should create intimacy and encourage interaction. However, you may also want your living room to be a sanctuary for relaxation and unwinding, which will also determine many of your design choices.
Start With The Sofa
If you’re starting with a blank canvas and find yourself unsure of where to begin, consider designing your living room around your sofa. More often than not, the sofa is the most important and expensive furniture item in a living room; therefore, it is only natural that the rest of the room's arrangement should revolve around it, ensuring that it takes centre stage. This is particularly applicable if you’ve invested in a statement sofa with bold tones or patterns, providing an excellent base for your colour scheme and overall aesthetic.
Choose The Right Colour Palette
Speaking of colour schemes, your choice of hues can considerably alter the appearance and atmosphere of your living room. Consider the connotations of certain colours and the emotions they invoke. For example, soft yellows, warm oranges, and earthy browns can infuse your living room with feelings of comfort and warmth. In contrast, light blues, soft greens, and lavender can evoke a sense of serenity and relaxation. However, for the sake of versatility and ease of styling, you may want to stick with neutral shades, adding pops of colour in the form of soft furnishings and accessories.
Pay Attention To Lighting
When it comes to creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, the importance of lighting cannot be overstated. Not only can well-designed lighting highlight architectural features, and decor elements you want to draw attention to, adding depth and visual interest, but proper lighting can be crucial to your well-being. Harsh, overhead lighting can cause eye strain and trigger headaches. Instead, swap the main light for soft, overlapping pools of illumination using lamps and candles.
Natural Materials
The use of natural materials in a living room can contribute to a sense of warmth and timelessness. Additionally, experimenting with natural textures is an effective way to add variation and interest to any room in your home. Furthermore, many natural materials, such as hardwood, leather and stone, are renowned for their inherent durability and could even boost the value of your property. For example, if your home features elements of interior design with stone, such as granite countertops and fireplaces, it could be worth more than you think.
Place Rugs Strategically
The importance of rug placement may not seem like such a big deal, but rugs can help define different functional zones within the living room, such as the seating area, reading area or dining area. By placing a rug under the main seating arrangement, you visually anchor the space and create a designated zone for socialising and relaxation. Moreover, rugs can protect high-traffic areas of flooring from wear and tear, which is particularly helpful if your flooring is susceptible to damage. Here are some tips to help you place rugs throughout your home.
Reflect Your Personality
Remember, your home is your castle; ultimately, it should reflect your unique personality and preferences. You can achieve this with meaningful mementoes such as family photographs and souvenirs or through thought-provoking artwork and statement ornamentation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your design choices - remember, the ultimate goal is to create a living room that brings you and your fellow occupants joy and comfort.
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