CREATE A GREAT LIVING ROOM
The name “living room” says it all: You spend most of your home life in it. But you also welcome guests there; it is the most public room of your house and the one in which you want to make a statement and reflect who you are as a family.
You want your living room’s design to showcase your sense of style but still exude comfort and be long on function. Keep the room’s uses in the forefront, and add personal flair with design and decor for a room that both lets your family kick off their shoes and makes guests say “wow.”
In a great living room, function and design meet in one outstanding space.
THE BIG PICTURE
The first step in designing any space in your home is to determine your style. Begin by looking at photos of color schemes, furniture and floor plans to find inspiration, advised Marcia Prentice, a California-based interior designer.
“Once you have a good grasp on your design style, start putting together a plan for the design with furniture, accessory and lighting selections, along with a coordinating color scheme,” Prentice said.
Choosing a design plan involves assessing the scale, shape and mood of the room while allowing ample walk-through space.
“Oversize furniture in a small space commands the space and actually makes the room appear larger than its actual square footage,” Prentice said. “Start with the foundation of the room — accessories, light fixtures and window treatments are much easier to match to the furniture pieces than vice versa.”
Furniture placement could be a challenge, but it is a very important step in the design process, especially if the room has unusual architectural features that you want to spotlight.
“There are a few ways to highlight your living room’s unique architectural features, such as incorporating built-ins or having a custom sofa built to fit your unique space or to fit the contour of curved windows,” Prentice said.
Furniture arrangement also should accommodate how the room is used. For instance, the seating should be in a good position to see the television and fireplace but also allow for good walking patterns so the room does not become a maze of twists and turns.
“Flow and function are important when laying out any room, but challenge yourself to keep furnishings away from walls,” said Boston interior designer John Stefanon. “Allow them to flow in the room — a sofa doesn’t need to be under the focal window. Often, the layering of the room with respect to flow creates an intriguing space.”
Think outside of the box when placing furniture. For example, not every living room needs a sofa and a loveseat. Four comfy chairs situated around a large, interesting coffee table may allow for more seating and a better conversation area. How this idea works depends on how you use your living room.
THE ART OF COMPROMISE
A remodeling or design project can test even the most secure relationship. How do you meet in the middle when you want inviting Tuscan and your partner wants Green Bay Packer glamor?
Gina Samarotto of the Samarotto Design Group suggested running with it. “A football helmet lamp might be an eyesore, but even his favorite football photos can be part of an elegant room if you make matte black-and-white prints and frame a collection in thick, architectural frames,” she said.
Take something he likes and showcase it in a way you love, Samarotto said.
A successful design project is about compromise, said Kerry Howard of KMH Interiors. That might mean giving up that lava lamp for modern lighting features that still pack a punch, but a more subdued one.
“When a couple works together on the design of a room, they must remember to give and take a little and meet in the middle on their design choices,” Howard said. “It is important for both parties to be happy with the spaces they create together.”
BASIC BONES
A great living room design requires special attention to color and lighting. Consider the natural light in the room before determining paint colors, suggested Helena Alkhas, a San Diego-based professional organizer.
Choose which mood you are going for: cozy or airy.
“Darker colors will create a cozier, intimate space but will need help from lighter, neutral colors on fabrics, rugs and window treatments to help spread the light around,” she said. “Lighter colors will do the trick of creating a brighter, more relaxed environment.”
Mary Lawlor, manager of color marketing for Kelly-Moore Paints, recommended evaluating the room’s accents before choosing a wall color so that you achieve the effect you want.
“Homeowners should consider existing elements, such as flooring and furnishings, fireplace brick, lighting — both natural and artificial — windows and window coverings, room shape and ceiling height,” she said.
Typically avoid bright, pure colors, Lawlor advised. However, she added: “Some bold colors are worth using. Rich, warm reds such as [Kelly-Moore's] Vegas Redrock, High Society and Potter’s Clay are widely popular today as they naturally complement the colors of flooring and cabinetry found in today’s home. They make a bold and fashionable color statement yet are easy to live with.”
On the other hand, neutral colors and earth tones offer those who fear color in broad swaths the option of a fashionable look. “These neutrals look fabulous with splashes of accenting colors that will satisfy those who love using color,” Lawlor said, adding that they’ll also help create a peaceful backdrop for family activities.
When you think about flooring, consider how your space will be used. If your living room is a high-traffic area for children and pets, the best choice may be resistant, durable and easy-to-maintain flooring, such as stain-resistant carpet or laminates and hardwoods.
Flooring is dependent on personal taste and geographic location, said DeAnna Radaj of Bante Design. Carpeting may provide warmth in colder climates, whereas low-maintenance, hard-surface flooring may work better for families with busy lifestyles. Choose the option that follows the function of your room but also works with its design style and mood.
“I prefer wood flooring and utilizing area rugs to help anchor furniture arrangements and add warmth to the room,” Radaj said.
ACCENTS MAKE A STATEMENT
Adding your own personal touches with accessories and accents makes a living room feel welcoming for family and guests.
Prentice suggested expressing your personal style with one major piece. “A great piece of art can elevate the living room design and become the focal point of the room,” she said. “Splurge on at least one item for the living room that creates the ‘wow’ factor.”
An inspiration piece also adds a personal touch to the room’s design. An unusual modern lamp, interesting throw pillows, centerpiece area rug or arrangement of framed photos make a big statement, enhance the focal point — or serve as one — and often become a conversation piece.
The key is to not overcrowd the room. If space is an issue, Alkhas, the professional organizer, recommended adding ottomans that can slide under a sofa table or bench that can be used for seating and storage.
“[Achieving] a clutter-free room is half of [creating] a pleasant room,” Alkhas said. “Make use of cabinets with doors to store toys and games. Once closed, your room looks clean and organized again and you can enjoy the space.”
A Personal Organizer on Living Room!
Great ideas for creating a nice living room environment that all your family and guests can enjoy. It really makes sense to use your living room to make a statement and reflect who you are as a family.
ReplyDelete