Establish a focal point
A focal point anchors a living room and is where people’s eyes are first drawn to when they enter. Examples of natural focal points are big windows or a fireplace or something more decorative, such as a feature wall or art. You can have more than one focal point, just make sure they complement each other and don’t compete.
Arrange furniture for conversation
Often, people place a sofa up against a wall and leave it at that. However, this is usually not conducive to conversation. After all, the living room is a gathering place, so pull seating away from walls and position them to face each other. This will promote interaction. Create a conversation area with a sofa, two chairs and a coffee table. You can also think about having a curved sofa to divide the room.
Choose practical fabrics
Yes, you want style for your furniture fabrics, but they’ve also got to cope with everyday life. You may have children and pets, and then, of course, we can all have accidents with food and drink spills. In general mid-tone fabrics are a safe bet. Leather is a good option too because it can easily be wiped clean, although it tends to scratch more easily than other materials. Decorate the walls - bare walls are a sign of an incomplete room. This does not mean you should fill up every available space, but you can bring them to life with art. Choose art that means something to you.
Declutter
Since many of our daily activities take place in the living room, it can quickly become a dumping ground of washing, games, magazines, everything really. Clutter takes away your control of the environment and spoils the appearance of any area. Therefore, to ensure your living room always looks at its best ruthlessly pare down your furnishings and everyday bric-a-brac. While you’re decluttering, think storage solutions that minimise (or hide) the clutter. There are plenty of attractive options to stow away your odds and ends. For example: • TV stands that come with ample storage space. • Bookshelves (they don’t just have to hold books). Floating shelves add a particularly stylish touch. • Coffee table with shelf. • A storage ottoman. • Accent pieces that double as storage units.
Pick your colour scheme
Colours work on our emotions and set the mood and atmosphere of a room. They affect how you and guests will feel in the space. Choose a nice warm colour - neutrals are best. This doesn’t mean you have to stick with boring beige as there are dozens of warm colours that will neutralise the room and make it visually appealing.
Bring in natural light
Make use of as much natural light as possible as it will make the room feel bigger. Tie back curtains and pull up blinds to let light flood in.
Choose stylish, comfortable and durable flooring
Flooring is an integral part of the overall design, and so it requires a lot of thought from an aesthetic and practical point of view. The living room is subject to a lot of traffic, so the flooring has to be hardwearing, attractive and comfortable underfoot.
Consider rugs
Even a carpeted room can benefit from rugs. They add texture and colour and provide a visual break to your space.
Add some finishing touches
Top off your living room design with a few final flourishes that make the space feel more homely. There are plenty of ways to accessorize, just remember not to go overboard and fill the room with clutter. Options include rugs and cushions, ornaments, floor standing lamps, plants and fresh flowers.
If you would like some advice with your interior design projects please contact. Tracey Andrews Interiors.