While decorating a large space like your living room can be intimidating, building a place that will appeal to you and your family in terms of both form and function is easier than you might imagine. We consulted with professionals who explained the seven things to consider when creating a living room design. Continue reading for their expert advice.
Calculate the Size of Your Area
You’ll need an accurate understanding of your living space’s square footage before you can make any major decoration selections. “Proper measurements will ensure you select the perfect size rug, furnishings, and window treatments,” designer Kate Lester says. Remember that doing your homework ahead of time will save you time and money—ordering and returning furniture and accessories because they don’t fit into a room as well as you had anticipated can be a pain!
Make your intentions clear.
Choosing G4H how you want to, well, live in your living room will have a big impact on the decorating process. Designer Mark Lavender says, “It’s vital to completely grasp how you intend to use your space before you begin the design process.”
A living room, on the other hand, does not have a one-size-fits-all application. Tracy Morris, the designer, says of her personal living area, “I knew it was meant for conversation and reading.” “As a result, I arranged the furniture in a way that allowed for maximum interaction while still allowing me to read by the window.” Existing fixtures such as a fireplace or built-in storage in adjacent rooms may influence the furniture arrangement from the start, making the decision-making process easier.
It’s also important to be realistic about your goals for the space, rather than blindly copying what you see in high-end design magazines. Designer Rozit Arditi advises, “Make sure the room reflects you and your lifestyle—whatever your needs are at the time, make sure the room provides for that.” “If you have children, a glass coffee table or too many floor lamps that could cause tripping risks are unnecessary.” Instead, go with a wood table and wall sconces.”
Concentrate on Your Aesthetic
“Are you getting modern farmhouse vibes, or more romantic and feminine?” Lester inquires. Of course, if you find yourself drooling over a variety of decor designs, deciding on the path you want to go with your living room design might be difficult. There’s no need to stick to a single style, but defining a broad design is crucial. “The area doesn’t have to be a complete theme party,” Lester explains, “but deciding on an overall design style will aid in narrowing down possibilities for the space.” After you’ve made your option, the fun part begins: looking for inspiration from your favorite sources. Lester enjoys perusing design books, publications, and Pinterest boards. She suggests, “I like to have at least 10 photographs that help inspire a space design.”
Make a “Room Board” to help you organize your thoughts.
Before you go for your money, think about how your dream furniture items will fit into a room. “Collect photographs of the objects you plan to utilize and create a miniature ‘room board,” Lester advises. “Before you get them home, see how all of the pieces interact and play off of one another.” You might notice that you’re discovering significant errors early on, before it’s too late to correct them. Lester notes, “This is often when we discover that we have pulled too many pieces with the same leg style or that a rug pattern may be conflicting with a drapery fabric.” “It’s a terrific opportunity to fine-tune the look and make easy tweaks and swaps before placing the final order!”
Get out there and shop
Given the high cost of furniture, you may want to spread your purchases out over time. Think big—literally—if you’re not sure what to buy first. “Build from the larger pieces to ground the room, such as the sofa or the area rug,” Arditi advises.
Another important piece of couch-buying advice from Arditi is to “always invest in the best sofa you can afford at the time.” “We spend so much time in our living rooms, and the majority of that time is spent on the sofa, so choose the most comfortable and best one you can.” You won’t be sorry.”
Take Care of Your Walls
The walls, on the other hand, should not be left bare. It is necessary to have wall decor. Arditi says, “Walls are always a terrific opportunity to bring more character to the room.” “Artwork, cushions, and ornamental items always behave as the room’s jewelry,” Lavender adds. These sculptures definitely bring the area up a notch in terms of panache.”
Are you stumped as to what to hang? “A large piece of art—or a gallery wall, depending on your style—or a mirror to reflect the light through the room are always fantastic ways to decorate,” says Arditi. According to Mia Jung, director of interiors at Ike Kligerman Barkley, you can always go the secondhand route to find an artifact that will make your living area truly shine. “Having a unique vintage or antique piece of art and a unique vintage or antique piece of furniture will separate it apart from the family room,” she says.
Greenery Isn’t To Be Forgotten
Plants, according to Arditi, are the ideal finishing touch for every living room. “Get some plants if you’re on a low budget or live in a rental where you can’t invest much in your design,” she advises. “Without breaking the bank, flora gives life and freshness to any room.”