Whether you refer to it as a living room, hall or sitting room, there's no doubt that this room’s main purpose is to be a comfortable space for the entire household to enjoy.
So, if the kitchen is considered the heart of the house, then the living room is definitely the head. It is here where members of the household entertain
guests, socialize or just relax.
Therefore, it is very important that the living room works for all and is a reflection of the owner’s personality. While designing a living room, keep in mind style, layout and
the practicality of the space to ensure all needs of the family members are met. The perfect living room strikes the right balance between beauty, comfort and convenience.
Interior decorating for the living room can be a conundrum. Taking into consideration the limitless configuration possibilities, color combinations and layouts can be exhausting.
A living room furnished with expensive and uncomfortable pieces of furniture may look beautiful but not be inviting and end up putting people ill at ease. While a living room purely
furnished for comfort gives the impression of disorder and untidiness.
To help, we have put together this article to provide guidance and answers to most of the frustrating questions arising around living room decor. So whether you are in search for
inspiration to decorate the living room of your new home or redecorate your existing space, here are a few ideas and tips to get the best out of your time, space and energy.
Choosing furniture and Inventory Check:
Before you begin, inspect all your existing furniture and furnishings. Look for damage and other problems. In case it is damaged fix it otherwise dispose of it. If the upholstery of
the sofa set is in bad shape, the entire set can be given for re-upholstering. Choose a new fabric color which goes with the new color palette chosen for the living room.
Of the undamaged items, examine and scrutinize if the items are out dated, too big or too small for the current space. If you feel some items are unsuited, you can sell or donate them
or use them in another room of the house.
Once you know what you have it is easier to decide on what you need. Choose furniture which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Also pick furniture based on the size of the
living room. For example if you want a sectional sofa, ensure you have enough room for it. You do not want furniture that will overpower your living room making it look dark and stuffy.
Also choose a wood finish that complements the tone of your living room or is neutral and safe.
Picking a colour palette:
Color sets the tone and mood of the room. An important detriment of the picking the right color is to first take stock of the size of the living room and amount of light it receives.
Color can be used to balance out a smaller or dark room by using lighter color options. Another option is to co ordinate the color with the wall art planned for the living room.
One wall can be selected as an accent wall and given a bright color or pattern.
Cool colors like green and blue have a calming effect while warm tones like reds, yellow and oranges have energizing effects. Neutral colors like tan, grey or cream give the room a
modern vibe and provide a perfect background for bold accent accessories. Choose a color that will appeal to all members of the household.
Choosing the right layout:
Being an area centered on socializing, entertainment and comfort, the layout of a living room is vey important. While choosing a layout, keep in mind these three factors:
1. Traffic flow
2. Focal point
3. Conversation convenience
1. Traffic flow
Think about how people will want to move in and out. Where are the exits and what rooms are accessible from it must all be considered. No furniture must be boxed in. A person sitting one chair must be able to get up and exit without disturbing other people.
At least, three feet of space must be left free in the walking path most used so that people do not bump onto furniture.
2. Focal point
In most houses the focal point will usually be the television. Other options of focal points can be book cases, large French windows or the center table.
Arranging furniture in a ‘u’ shape around the focal point achieves maximum attention to it. In case you do not have a television in the living room, a large piece of art can be a great focal point as well as conversation starter.
3. Conversation convenience
The layout of the furniture determines how family members and guests converse with each other. Make sure all furniture is facing each other so that anyone sitting in any chair can look at all the other people in the living room without having to turn uncomfortably. Another important factor is accessibility of all seats to center or side tables. This is required as otherwise the person will not have anywhere to put down their teacup.
Ensure that the space is adaptable to different activities. For example the living room must allow people to have a conversation as well as watch a movie or sports match all together without disturbance.
Storage and Display units
In order to maintain your living room clutter free and tidy, install storage units which are both aesthetic and functional. In case space is a concern, choose from a number of options of furniture which have inbuilt storage options. Vintage trunks and storage ottomans serve this purpose as well as add a lot of personality to the living room.
Book cases and display units can be inbuilt along the walls. Modular shelving is ideal for contemporary settings and offers hundreds of options on customizing them for your requirements. Wall hanging shelves can be installed as TV console table and will banish all the clutter and hide unseemly TV wires from view.
Install floor to ceiling shelves with glass doors to display books and framed photographs, which would serve as a great conversation starter for your guests. These shelves can be along the same style as your furniture so as the whole living room appears seamless. You can also install draws for added storage.
Finishing touches
No living room feels complete without the addition of personal, well- thought of unique things which reflect your style, interests and personality.
Some important additions are:
1. Area rug While a practical addition in cold places, an area rug is now mostly considered a stylish accessory which serves in unifying the room. While selecting an area rug, choose a size that is big enough to go under the front feet of the surrounding chairs. The color can either blend in with the furniture or be in a bright pop of color. In this case it can even serve as focal point of the living room.
2. Sofa cushions Accent or decorative cushions add a fun element and also pull together your selected color scheme. Choose a pattern on the cushion cover which match or complement the colors of your sofa, area rug, and curtains in addition to one that is a bright pop of color. This will add vibrancy and points of interest to the living room.
3. Drapery Curtains, drapes, and blinds are required to provide privacy and warmth to the living room as well as block out sunlight. Select color and curtain material based on how much light you want to block out as well as aesthetic appeal.
4. Accessories These are usually photos, trinkets, mementos or souvenirs collected by various members of the family. Pieces which have personal meaning are much more attractive that blank store-bought accessories picked from a catalog.
Remember these are the things which reflect your personality and story so there is really no right or wrong.
Like our ideas? Contact Sajawat for the very best in modular solutions and interior design services