Gone are the days of living rooms that are only meant to be looked at and not lived in. Sometimes these rooms are the largest in the home, so why not make use of it? There are plenty of ways to design your custom living room while renovating your home to make sure it becomes the center of the action, while still being a place to rest and relax.
- Layered Lighting: The best way to give a room the feel you’re looking for is with lighting. Whether you’re wanting a bright and cheery aesthetic, or a dim and relaxing vibe, you can do that with having multiple lighting options to choose from. Start with recessed lighting up in the ceiling that can be controlled with dimmers. Not only will this save on utility bills, but it adds a customizable variation in the look of your room depending on how many you choose to illuminate, and the degree to which you choose to turn them on. Next, add in a decorative chandelier or larger hanging light fixture for functional decoration. Lastly, mix in a couple of lamps or sconces for additional variations.
- Mix Up Your Furniture: Who says your couch and recliner have to match? Switch things up using different fabrics, styles, and colors for a look that still goes but isn’t so cookie-cutter. Just make sure you have plenty of seating options if you’re planning to entertain often; a general rule of thumb is to ensure all seats are of a similar height. For example, you wouldn’t want a low-seated couch with a taller chair or bar stool.
- Be Wise with Storage: The living room can easily turn into a catch-all for household goods, but it’s important to remember to only store things that you’re going to use in the living room, in the living room. This space can quickly become cluttered if you’re not careful. Adding in some built-in cabinets on the walls or furniture that doubles with storage are both good ways to make sure this area stays neat and organize for ultimate functionality.
- Stay Balanced: Whether you choose a bold wallpaper or paint color, or some funky furniture pieces, be sure that you only settle on one or the other. Fun and unique colors on the wall call for simple clean lines with the furniture and light fixtures, while neutral paint on the walls can allow for some more vivid and striking patterns and colors on the decor. Or you can even go for an all-over neutral look with whites, beiges, and light greys. Paired with natural lighting, this will give the room an airy, spacious look that will never go out of style.