DESIGN NOTES
The living room is 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 essential in this space, as they can be one of the first impressions your guests receive when visiting your home. Additionally, since many houses adopt the open-concept plan, the living room can extend into several other areas. In this blog post, we share some design tips and tricks to help you create the perfect living room that reflects your unique 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 provide function and a place to sit, it can create focal points and a comfortable spot to have a conversation. It’s important to give careful thought to 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 it can be intentional. Consider what you want guests to notice first: an entertainment center, a couch, or built-in storage. Once you choose your focal point, the rest of the furniture can be built around it.
- Conversation zones: Living rooms are often synonymous with warm conversations, and their layout can either impede or enhance the flow of conversation. Furniture placement can make it easier for people to converse, and size can also play a factor, especially in large rooms. It’s ideal to create a couple of intimate areas, such as 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 pathways and keep furniture at least a couple of feet apart.
- Tables: More often than not, we go to the living room with a beverage, so a table is essential for this purpose. Coffee and side tables should be a similar height to the couch or chairs.
A well-planned space goes a long way in 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 beneficial to have a color scheme that reflects your style and complements the furniture you select. One caution when preparing to choose a color is that 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 to match the furniture to the paint.
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 consider here, as choosing one that is too big or too small can significantly impact the overall 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, add a splash of color and texture to the furniture. They are the perfect accent piece, especially if you want to add some with patterns or texture.
- Decor: There are numerous ways to incorporate items 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 you love and share them with family and friends. 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 overlooked, but they can be transformed into a gallery or focal point. There are multiple ways to maximize their potential, including:
- Artwork, from elegant landscapes to whimsical abstracts, speaks a language all its own and delights 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 many different ways to hang them; browse Pinterest or interior design blogs for inspiration.
- Accent wall: This is a unique way to add visual interest to the room without sacrificing valuable space. Adding a painted wall or one with wood accents can make a stunning impact in the living room.
- Reclaimed wood: There are numerous uses for reclaimed wood that extend beyond a kitchen island. A fireplace mantle or entire wall is just a few examples of what can be done with a bit of 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 relax with a book or with friends simply. Factor in the natural light from windows and the direction it will come from; it might also be beneficial to note whether you will receive morning or evening light. Ensure you 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 allows you to adjust the light level as needed, depending on the event taking place at the time. Light can significantly impact the mood and atmosphere of a space, so it’s essential 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 you covered. Take a moment to browse our vendor websites, then visit our showroom. We look forward to helping you achieve the space you deserve.
Greenbrook Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
Walker Woodworking There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking