A typical living room plays many roles. It’s a space for the family to gather at the end of the day. It’s also the place where you bring guests when they come for a visit. This room could also be the place you watch TV or read a book. When designing a living room, you need to incorporate basic interior design to ensure it’s both stylish and functional.
Consider Function
Before you do anything else, you need to consider how you want to use your living room. Function determines every other decision you make in the design.
Do you want to have conversations with family and friends? Is the TV going to be the main focal point in the room? Will the room be part of larger entertainment events? Will you use the room for other functions such as exercise or homework?
Nail the Layout
The layout of your living room should revolve around your functional needs.
For example, if you want the room to be conversation friendly, you need to place furniture where people can see and hear each other easily. Flanking a sofa with two chairs is one way to do this.
On the other hand, if the TV will be the focal point, you want to direct seating towards the screen location. It ensures everyone can see the big game.
Invest in the Right Sofa
Walk through a furniture store and you will see sofas in many shapes, sizes, and colors. When it comes to selecting a sofa, you need to consider a few things.
The sofa should be proportional to the room. An oversize sofa can overwhelm a small room, while one that is too small will feel lost. A sectional sofa offers a number of seating options, but it will stick out into the room. The style you select for the sofa can drive the entire design of the room.
Set the Mood
Your choice of color and lighting will set the mood for the room. Neutral colors tend to be calming, while strong contrast creates a dramatic look. Use a cool or warm palette to match the rest of your home’s design.
Layer your lighting. You need overhead general lighting, task lighting from lamps, and mood lighting from sconces and chandeliers. Add a dimmer for even more options.
These tips will help you create a living room that’s comfortable, functional, and completely stylish.
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2