The living room is the hub of every home. It’s a place to relax, unwind and socialise. Taking
time to make sure your living room is both comfortable and functional can help to create a sanctuary within your home and a place you’ll be proud to entertain your loved ones.
A Conversation Area
It’s common for most living rooms to be arranged so that all the furniture is pointed at the television. Having your seating facing in one direction can really diminish opportunities for interaction and it’s important to create a space that lends itself to socialising. Instead of just pushing your sofa against the wall opposite the TV, try and create an area which invites conversation. Arranging seating in a horse shoe or a right angle creates a more cosy space which allows people to engage with one another.
Layered Lighting
Accent lights are essential for creating warmth and atmosphere and allow you to adapt the lighting to suit different activities within the space. Adding lamps, wall lights and even string lights help to create a soft and cosy effect in your living room, and can be used to highlight different areas or create a focal point.
Personal Touches
The living room is the centre of your home and should reflect the personality of your family.
Although we’d all like our living rooms to look like they’d been pulled from the pages of a magazine, it is possible to incorporate personal items in a way that doesn’t detract from the aesthetic of the space. Add family photos and incorporate items you’ve picked up on your
travels that remind you of happy times. Just select a few key pieces to prevent a cluttered look.
Cosy Layers
Design a living room where you can really relax and unwind. Think Sunday afternoon naps on the sofa, and movie nights curled up with a box of popcorn. Soft furnishings such as throw cushions and blankets create a space that feels warm and inviting. Experiment with cushions in different sizes and textures to add some design flair to your living room.
Polished Decor
You can arrange your throw cushions in an artistic fashion all you want, but if your decor is falling short, your living room won’t be reaching its full potential. A little bit of DIY can really elevate your space from shabby to chic. A fresh coat of white paint is a simple and inexpensive way to freshen up a tired looking living room and replacing damaged or worn coving and skirting boards will help to bring a room together.
