The living room, probably considered the most comfortable room in the house and where most of the family goes to relax and have fun. Whether you want to watch TV, read a book, play a game, or just put your feet up, the living room is where it all happens. It is usually the largest room in the house and meant to be comfortable while still presenting a somewhat formal vibe to guests. Your design choices are important in this space since it can be one of the first impressions your guests receive when visiting your home plus since many houses embrace the open concept plan the living room can carry over into several other areas. In this blog post we share some design tips and tricks that will assist you in creating the perfect living room that is reflective of your own particular style.

Living room furniture

These will be the largest pieces in the room, influencing the layout and traffic flow of the entire space. Furniture does more than simply provide function and a place to sit, they can create focal points and a comfortable spot to have a conversation. It’s important to give careful thought in constructing a plan for furniture placement. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Focal point: every room needs a focal point, for some it comes in the form of a window but they can be intentional. Think about what you want guests to look at first, an entertainment center, couch, or built-ins. Once you choose your focal point the rest of the furniture can be built around it.
• Conversation zones: living rooms are synonymous with warm conversations and the layout can impede or improve the flow of conversation. Furniture placement can make it easier for people to converse, size also can play a factor if a room is large. It’s ideal to make a couple of close areas like chairs facing each other. Nothing hinders a conversation more than a neck cramp so make it comfortable.
• Traffic flow: this is an important element if not the most important when creating your living room layout. No one enjoys constantly bumping into the couch or coffee table. Remember to arrange for pathways and keep furniture a couple feet apart.
• Tables: more often than not we go to the living room with a beverage so a table is essential. Coffee and side tables should be a similar height to the couch or chairs. 

A good plan goes a long way to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your living room. 

Color scheme

Color is not only a fun element but can also influence the mood of the space. When planning your living room makeover it’s good to have a color scheme that reflects your style and works with the furniture you choose. One caution when preparing to select a color, it’s better to pick your furniture pieces first then the paint. It is easier to match the paint to your furniture than it is the other way around.

Accent pieces

This tends to be the fun part of the design, accent pieces are the perfect chance to showcase what you love and highlight the things that make you smile. You can go in many different directions and be as creative as you like. Some ways to add color and visual interest to your living room include:

• Rugs: they can help define a space, add depth, as well as color and texture. Size is important to remember here because if you choose one that is too big or too small it can hinder the entire look of the room. Avoid laying a wall to wall carpet, leave room between the edge of the rug and the wall.
• Pillows: whether on couches or chairs, they add a splash of color and layers to the furniture. They are the perfect accent piece especially if you want to add some with patterns or texture.
• Decor: there are plenty of ways to incorporate the things you enjoy such as specialty books, family heirlooms, and even awards. The living room is where you often invite guests to gather so why shouldn’t you have a few things displayed that you are proud of?

Accent pieces are a wonderful way to bring together the things that you love and let family and friends see them. That is the beauty of personalized design, it is meant to represent your home, to tell your unique story. Find a few more ideas in this blog.

Living room walls

Sometimes the walls are forgotten but they can be the perfect place to be transformed into a gallery or focal point. There are multiple ways to maximize their potential including:

• Artwork: from the elegant landscapes to the whimsical abstract, art speaks a language all its own and delights so many. It adds color to a room and can bring out the selected color palette in a way nothing else can. You can choose large pieces or incorporate several.
• Photos: family and special places we’ve visited are things we love to remember so why not use your wall as an opportunity to show everyone? There are so many different ways to hang them, browse Pinterest or interior design blogs to find some inspiration.
• Accent wall: this is a unique way to create visual interest in the room without taking away valuable space. Adding a painted wall or even one that has wood accents can make a stunning impact in the living room.
• Reclaimed wood: there are so many uses for reclaimed wood that stretch beyond a kitchen island. A fireplace mantle or entire wall is just a few examples of what can be done with a little imagination. 

Don’t be afraid to utilize your wall space, to have fun and incorporate it into the design of your living room, you might be amazed at the results.

Living room lighting

Lighting is an essential part of the design as you want enough to do whatever you need in the living room but a balance so it can be dimmed if you want to simply relax with a book or with friends. Factor in the natural light from windows and what direction they will come, it might also be good to note whether or not you will receive the morning or evening light. Be sure to have sufficient coverage through window treatments. Lamps are another good way to control the amount of light in the living room. Having a few table lamps allow you to add or diminish light depending on what event is taking place at the time. Light can affect the mood and atmosphere of the space so be sure to have a plan.

Let us help you design your living room

With more than 20 vendors available to us we have everything you need to transform your living room into a functional yet comfortable space. Whether you need artwork, accent pieces, home decor, or furniture we have your covered. Take a moment to browse our vendor websites then come visit our showroom. We look forward to helping you achieve the space you deserve.