Your family grows; you entertain guests, and life happens in the living room.
It’s the one room where you can share a piece of your personal style with all that enter. Big or small, all living rooms share the same essential elements such as the sofa, chairs, coffee table, floor coverings, and accessories.
While the necessary furniture is a vital part of this room, it’s the details that make it the center of attention of your home. I often advise my clients to pay more attention to this room than any other place in the house.
Below are 6 essential elements to include in your living room design:
Eye-catching Centerpiece
A coffee table typically sits in the center of the living room and deserves an eye-catching centerpiece. Draw your visitors into the room by creating a centerpiece that adds a pop of color and style to the room. Interesting books, a unique sculpture, large candles on a tray or flowers on that special vase (my favorite option) will never go out of style.
Assorted Pillows
Adding or changing throw pillows is one of the easiest tricks to transform any room. With an array of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors available, it’s an ideal way to introduce a new color palette to a space or to add a level of comfort to any sofa or chair. Use oversized pillows for extra floor seating to be sure everyone has a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy your company and don’t forget to add a throw or two to complete the look and feel of your living room
Anchor It
Area rugs are the best way to pull a room together. They serve as a level of layering that highlights the furniture you place on top of it. Match the area rug with the overall theme of your room. Mix it up some by adding an area rug in a geometric or herringbone pattern for a timeless look that never goes out of style. If you are like me and you decorate for all seasons or tire of any specific look easily, I recommend you opt for a neutral area rug or one that gives you room to create a variety of looks.
Showcase the Accessories
Keep the accessories under control. Use shelves to highlight some of your favorite pieces without going overboard. Remember, less is more when it comes to accessorizing. Display your items in odd sets and keep the larger things off-center to keep the eye moving around the room.
Statement Lighting
To use the living room as a place your family can gather in, good lighting is vital. You want to create the right mood for the many activities happening in the heart of your home and choosing appropriate lighting will help you do just that. Versatility is key. Statement lighting that hangs over your space is amazing and a must for a “wow” factor, but don’t forget about table lamps, floor lamps, and recessed lighting to cater to your needs in a particular moment. I like to add dimmers throughout, they are wonderful to customize the ambiance in a snap.
Reflect Its Beauty
You might not think a mirror would make an impact in a living room, but it’s the perfect piece to reflect the room’s light in every corner. Strategically placed, they can make a great focal point to a room. Always keep in mind, however, that mirrors should reflect pieces or images that are worth viewing twice, so steer away from them if they cast back an image of a boring fan, an unattractive wall etc.
Creating a functional, yet beautiful living room space does not need to be a complicated process.
By incorporating these simple, essential elements into your design, your living room will easily become the place where it all happens. My living room is my happy place and the perfect setting for the realization of wonderful memories with my loved ones!
