Now that I have been in the design biz 25 plus years, I think I can confidently say I have my 10,000 hours of practice! And although I have designed hundreds of living rooms, no two are alike. There is a style that is inherently mine as a creative, but my passion is in taking each client’s personality, applying some solid rules and structure, and then the creative spin that makes each room unique! It’s all about making that Great Room a really Great room!
Designing a living room involves creating a cohesive and visually appealing space that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs. So, for this issue, we will do a deep dive into Designing a Living Room.
Define Your Style:
Determine your design style: modern, traditional, eclectic, minimalist, rustic, etc. Look for inspiration in magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram. Really commit to owning your own personal point of view. Decide what you want the room to say about YOUR lifestyle, your personality. Is it a fun, casual, earthy vibe or a serene, peaceful place of tranquility, or, an art filled music room? The fun part is, you get to decide!
Set a Budget:
Determine your budget for furniture, decor, and any potential renovations. This will help you make informed decisions and prioritize spending. Take pics of each wall and study them, can you change the door style? Change hardware on cabinets? Swap out old lighting for something new and bold? We recently installed glass and steel doors in a home from the living room leading into the bedroom hallway and what a cool difference it made.
Choose a Color Palette:
Select a color scheme that resonates with your style and creates the desired mood. Consider using a primary color, secondary colors, and accent colors for balance and harmony. Consider how your color choices read across the room from window treatments to upholstery to rugs to wall colors. Limiting the color palette to just a few and ensuring that they work well together and do not clash is key.
Furniture Selection:
Choose furniture pieces that fit your style and offer both comfort and functionality. Consider the size and scale of the room when selecting furniture. Measure everything out and analyze the traffic flow. Mix and match different types of seating for variety. It’s important to go and sit on sofas and chairs, especially with your family. Deep and cozy, or shallow and firm, there is no standard here and it’s a big investment that you want to get right the first time.
Layout Planning:
Refer to the furniture arrangement tips mentioned earlier to create a balanced and functional layout. Arrange seating to encourage conversation and ensure proper traffic flow. So often I see blueprints that have the furniture rendered in a very small scale. You need to always measure, especially for large pieces like sectionals or reclining chairs.
Focal Point:
Identify a focal point for the room, such as a fireplace, TV, or a stunning piece of artwork. Design your layout around this focal point to draw attention and create visual interest. Some living rooms can be quite a challenge when there is a fireplace, picture windows, and media all on opposing walls. Swivel chairs can be great in the case where you want to watch a movie, and then swivel to see the sunset.
Lighting:
Incorporate a mix of lighting sources, including overhead fixtures, floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. Ensure proper lighting for different activities like reading, entertaining, and relaxing. Put your overhead lighting on dimmers. A very easy and important fix to creating a mood.
Textiles and Fabrics:
Integrate fabrics through upholstery, curtains, throw pillows, and area rugs. Choose textures and patterns that complement your color palette and add visual depth. Noticing the different textures that you are drawn to, and how they complement each other is key. Velvet, linen, wool, chenille, leather… all these textures can play well together in a room. But a room that is all leather or all one type of fabric is a no-no!
Decor and Accessories:
Add decorative elements like artwork, mirrors, vases, and sculptures that showcase your personality and style. Be mindful of clutter—select a few meaningful pieces rather than overcrowding the space. Rotate your collections if there’s too many memories that have accumulated. Best to pair it down for a strong and artful sense of a designed room. Consider the scale as well. Art should take up at least 2/3 of the linear space above a console table for example. There are great how-to’s online with rules on picking art that is the right size for your walls.
Storage Solutions:
Incorporate storage options like bookshelves, cabinets, and storage ottomans to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
Wall Treatments:
Consider using paint, wallpaper, or textured finishes to enhance the walls and tie the design together.
Personal Touch:
Infuse the room with personal touches such as family photos, travel souvenirs, and cherished items that hold sentimental value. A room filled with only objects purchased at a home store can be very boring, uninspired and look like a catalog. It’s much better to add your own art that you have personally collected to add soul to the space. The thrill of finding and acquiring art from makers for personal clients is one of my favorite parts of the job.
Greenery and Plants:
Bring a touch of nature into the living room with indoor plants and greenery. Plants add life, color, and a sense of tranquility to the space.
Review and Adjust:
Step back and review your design. Make adjustments if certain elements don't feel right or if you need to fine-tune the layout or decor. Remember that designing a living room is a creative process, and it should ultimately reflect your personality and lifestyle. Take your time, gather ideas, and enjoy the process of transforming your living space into a beautiful and inviting room.