The living room has evolved from its days as formal parlor only used when guests arrived to “pay a call.” It is today the home’s gathering spot and activity hub. The living room of a home with an open floor plan is frequently den, television room, teen hangout, entertaining space, informal dining area or game room. It can also serve as playroom, family meeting space or party central. How can one space serve all those needs and make everyone happy? It’s sometimes difficult to integrate all the functions and establish the living room as an attractive, inviting, multi-purpose space.
But, by analyzing what’s important to you and your family, you can achieve the look you want and the harmony you desire. Begin by analyzing how you live and the space you have available. It all boils down to what you believe is important, but if you know how you want to use your living room, here are some tips that are in step with future trends:
1.Look Outside — Bring It In: If you have a beautiful view, show it off. Whatever is outside your windows — mountains, trees, shoreline, a cityscape, acres of wheat or desert vistas, showcase it and celebrate it. If your new home has large windows, a wall of glass, or doors leading to a landscaped back yard, celebrate your good fortune and capitalize on the beauty by leaving the windows bare. Forget the shutters, blinds and wall to wall draperies and drink in the natural beauty. If you’re concerned about privacy, consider installing exterior landscaping or a screening wall, or simply cover the windows at night. If your living room’s view is only of the street, maximize the impact of available light by planting a “mini-garden” outside the window. Psychologists say that connecting with nature is good for mental health. It’s even better, according to Stanford University researchers, if you can get out and walk in natural surroundings.
2.Detail the Design: The expression, “It’s the little things that count,” is true when it comes to decorating the living room as a reflection of your personality and your lifestyle. Pay attention to the architectural details. Whether yours is a traditional home with crown molding, wood floors and used brick or a contemporary space with sleek painted walls, stone floors and reclaimed beams on the ceiling, the details highlight space, define room uses and give expression to your individual tastes. Gain inspiration from color, graphic design, natural materials or quirky accessories. Highlight collections, indulge a passion for modern art, install neon strips on the ceiling as mood lighting, bring in a piano and encourage sing-alongs or impromptu jam sessions, install walls of bookshelves, go graphic with paint or wallpaper. Generally, form follows function in the living room. So, if you know how you will use the space, simply add in the layers of design that bring it to life.
3.Mold and Shape the Space: Develop seating areas that cater to the needs of the users. If the room is to be a comfortable family gathering spot for games, talk and television, one large coffee table surrounded by a sectional sofa and a pair of comfortable chairs might be the perfect solution. If, on the other hand, you want a sophisticated space that can handle a crowd, look for furniture that can be easily moved and try to supply several small conversation groupings of chairs or love seats. Be sure to include small tables to hold beverages and snacks. Chests and game tables are nice additions to a room where people play or work together; extra storage is always welcome. By zoning the space for multiple activities, you gain flexibility and improve function.
4.Tone It Down: Interior designers are moving toward monochromatic schemes in this second half of the decade. Grays and shades of white, with lots of texture and lighter woods. Dashes of sparkle — polished metal accents, mirrored chests and tables, see through accent chairs or stools –all are popular and unexpected touches. White leather or pale tones are now more popular than black, dark brown and saddle tan; more subdued than the reds, oranges and turquoise jolts of a couple of years ago. While color in accessories and art can be bold if you wish, a smarter trend is toward earthy materials that are intensely tactile, stimulating and artful. A “world is shrinking” approach to decor allows you to combine anything you like in a single space. The modern living room is a perfect place to mix a tribal rug with a long-haired cowhide on the floor, an African textile with a seagrass basket, linen with silk or velvet, rusted iron table bases with glass tops and paper mache flowers with hand blown glass vases. By toning down the room’s shell, you step up the design.
5.Night and Day: While you want your room to look great during daytime hours and be the focus of family life on weekends, chances are the evening hours are when you will really want your living room to shine. During the day, if you focus on what’s outside the room, turn that focus inward at night with lighting. Lamps are a must. Floor lamps, table lamps, hanging pendants, little book lights tucked into shelves among the books, art spots focused on paintings or collections, and uplights to cast a glow on the ceiling. As practical as recessed ceiling lighting is, the softer glow of lamp light is not only easier on the eyes, but it also makes people more attractive. Dimmer switches wherever possible allow you to control the source and amount of light available, and also add to energy efficiency.
2 Point Highlight
If your living room’s view is only of the street, maximize the impact of available light by planting a “mini-garden” outside the window.
A “world is shrinking” approach to decor allows you to combine anything you like in a single space.
