Whether you want your living room to be a cozy retreat, an elegant and sophisticated entertaining space, or a mix of the two; the design elements you choose are going to seriously impact the feeling you are trying to create. Here are eight important components to pay close attention to when planning and determining your living room design.
- Playing-Up or Adding-In Architectural Features
Depending on the style of your home, there may be some wonderful and original golden nuggets that come in the form of “architectural features”. When you walk into a house, look up. If there is anything more than pure sheetrock (i.e., ceiling beams, tongue and groove wood, skylights, crown moldings, tray or vaulted, etc.), you may have found your nugget. Additionally, if you have a fireplace, exposed brick, paneling in good condition, or hardwood floors – all these elements can be highlighted as a focal point or an area of interest in your design. If you don’t have any, why not add them!
- Plentiful Storage
Storage solutions are vital to any good design plan. Everyone has stuff and everyone needs to be able to hide it. Clean and organized environments allow for mental relaxation, and that is after all, the function of most living rooms. TV units, custom built-in cabinetry, shelving, side tables, console tables, and sideboards are the most commonly used pieces for achieving this goal.
- First-Rate Furniture Choices
If you do it right, choosing furniture takes a great deal of thought and consideration. Start with a general floor plan sketch to see how everything will sit inside your living room. Think about function, spacing, whether you want conversational areas or just a space to watch television. Next, choose a sofa/sectional that fits (TAKE MEASUREMENTS), is comfortable, works with the colors you have in mind, and is available in performance fabric (not required, but a nice option). From there, decide on accent chairs, bookshelves, end tables, or multipurpose pieces such as a storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. Keep functionality and durability as your highest priority but don’t purchase unless it meets your stylistic and aesthetic criteria.
- The Perfect Rug
Never underestimate the power of a good rug. Rugs create zones and definitions within a room. They tell your eye where to go. They are also extremely useful for tying together color palettes and adding pattern and texture. You need to make sure that your rug fits properly. It is suggested that furniture be placed in a way that allows for one third to two thirds of the perimeter furniture to sit on top of the rug and the rest on the surrounding flooring. Additionally, be sure to investigate machine washable options if you have kids and pets.
- Embrace or Add Natural Light
There’s nothing beautiful about a dark and dingy home. Natural light transforms everything about a room, including the vibrancy of that living room color palette you’ve been obsessed with. Talk with your designer or general contractor about the natural light in your living area. They will likely give you thoughtful and strategic recommendations on styles and placement of any new windows or doors.
- Personal Touches and Accessories
Family photos, an oil painting of your most loved destination, or the perfect mid-century metal bird figurine from the antique store downtown is all part of what makes a well-designed house become your personal space. It takes time to gather what you love, but making an effort to fill your space in an intentional way is how you create a home that you will love and is unique to you.
If you need help highlighting or enhancing the features in your home, please reach out to Ability Remodeling! TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ABILITY REMODELING VISIT ABILITYPRESCOTT.COM