How to Create a Lovely Living Room
Living rooms and family rooms are where we spend so much of our time- these areas need to be functional and comfortable as well as attractive and inviting. Here are some tips for creating a living area that is comfortable, welcoming, and inspiring…
Make it Comfortable-
Work on finding the best arrangement for your room based on your focal point, whether it is a tv, fireplace, or beautiful view outside your windows. If you have a large family or big gatherings, consider a sectional sofa that everyone can fit on comfortably. Select upholstery pieces that both feel great and are the right size and scale for your room and family members. Your husband may need a larger scale chair than you do. Children love to have a special chair or table just their size, and now they are available in an array of colors and styles to match your home’s color scheme/style.
Make it Durable-
Select fabrics, finishes, and furnishings that will stand the test of time (as well as dirty feet, pets, and messy spills). There are two schools of thought on this…select “camouflage” materials- such as dark fabrics or leather that show little wear and tear; OR select lighter fabrics in either washable slipcovers or durable performance fabrics that can be cleaned easily. Either way, a few family ground rules never hurt either!
Make it Organized-
Storage is a CRITICAL component to creating a beautiful and functional family-friendly space and to your SANITY! Children, pets, spouses, and guests all come with lots of “stuff” so make a plan to accommodate everything. I love double-duty furnishings that are both decorative AND provide much-needed storage, such as baskets, trays, hooks, shelves, and furniture with closed doors or drawer storage. You can never have enough storage…and it’s always a good idea to declutter every so often to prevent your room from getting overrun with unnecessary items.
Make it Personal-
Your home should be a reflection of everyone that lives there. Proudly display children and grandchildren’s photos and artwork in attractive frames. Set out memorabilia and photographs from your favorite trips to remind you of fun times with loved ones. Honor family members no longer with you with photos or cherished heirlooms. Consider starting a collection as a family- something everyone enjoys, like a bowl of seashells gathered from all your favorite beach trips. Beautifully framed and installed gallery walls are a great way to display photos of family or your travels!
Make it Beautiful-
Add beauty to your living room/family room area with colorful accent pillows, throw blankets, artwork, and miscellaneous accessories. Select one or two accent colors and repeat them throughout your room. Try creating a pretty vignette on a tray for your coffee table by incorporating greenery, candles, and books…this will give your room a beautiful focal point.
I hope these tips will help you create a lovely and livable living room for your family and friends!
