MAKING THE LIVING ROOM PART OF THE FAMILY

The living room is generally one of the most unused rooms in the house. It either doesn't get furnished at all or gets filled with stuffy and uncomfortable furnishings. Why not make all your spaces functional, comfortable and usable? One of the ways to get this done is through color, the correct furniture and appropriate accessories.

designing the living room for comfort

First, decide on a style.

Most styles will work, but go for comfort and style not the other way around. Uptight antique furniture can be comfortable with new fabrics that are soft and comfy. I recommend re stuffing cushion for optimal comfort. I like to use traditional sofa and chairs covered in modern prints. This gives you the best of both worlds and makes it your own style. Mix textures, and colors for interest. Next, choose a paint the goes with the furniture fabrics. Pick something that will give it some pizaz. It can be light but don't be afraid. Test colors on foam core boards and hang them in different areas to get the truest color. Pick the one that makes you the happiest. Now, you have your furniture and paint picked out. Next comes the case goods. Wood is always warmer then glass and metal. But you can mix glass and wood to balance the cool and warm feelings.Square, round, oval, rectangular, can all be mixed and is perhaps more interesting. Last but not least is the art, accessories, and Lamps. I recommend at least 5-7 sources of light in every room. One can be natural light, and the rest ambient light. The shades do not have to match in color, but should blend well together. Example, if you have 3 cream lamp shades and one brown, that would work. Art should reflect who you are not a department stores ideas. Hang what your attracted too.Be careful not to hang pictures to high. They should be hung at eye level. I don't want a neck ache when I look at your pictures.Placing accessories can give people fits. Collections should be small not massive. If you have a massive collection, rotate them so they can be properly appreciated. Put hings together in ones or threes. Don't over do it! Less is more. Green plants are always welcoming and warm. Don't forget the window treatments Now, sit back and enjoy!!!

And then there is there is the art, accessories and lighting.

I recommend at least 5-7 sources of light in every room. One can be natural light, and the rest ambient light. The shades do not have to match in color, but should blend well together. Example, if you have 3 cream lamp shades and one brown, that would work. Art should reflect who you are not a department stores ideas. Hang what your attracted too.Be careful not to hang pictures to high. They should be hung at eye level. I don't want a neck ache when I look at your pictures.Placing accessories can give people fits. Collections should be small not massive. If you have a massive collection, rotate them so they can be properly appreciated. Put hings together in ones or threes. Don't over do it! Less is more. Green plants are always welcoming and warm. Don't forget the window treatments Now, sit back and enjoy!!!

Paint colors

comfortable living room sofa

To make the room inviting, stay away from white. If the room is small you can still add color without going dark. Go for rich warm tones. You can use white on your trim work and that gives a nice contrast. White is never a good choice for upholstery because it says "don't sit on me". You can still use light colors but stay in the warm tones. Use soft fabrics such as cheniles invite people to come in and sit awhile.I like to soften a room with texture, and it can be great in a faux paint treatment. Just don't over do it.

Furniture

Most styles will work, just make sure that you sit on all upholstered furniture and see that it is something that you would be comfortable in. Choose fabrics that have a soft hand. Leather, chenille, velvety fabrics are great. I go for extra comfort in the seat cushions. Stay away from furniture that is very angular or has little cushion. That does not say "comfort". Extra pillow help create the look as well. Try not to use delicate fabrics on upholstery such as silks. They are a stain nightmare and do not ware well. Cocktail tables can be hard, but if you use an upholstered ottoman as a cocktail table, you get comfort and extra seating. Good lighting really makes the room. Too much and it feels like a spot light. Too little gives a dungeon affect. Each room needs 5 to 7 light sources including natural light. Use soft white bulbs. Try to turn on enough lights so that you feel invited into the room.

Accessories For The Living Room

photo arrangement in the living room

Accessory's can be the icing on the cake if done correctly. Large collections of breakables, stuffed animals, large silk florals, do not make for comfort. If you have shelves, limit the amount of your collections. I recommend rotating your collections so the room is not to overpowered by them. Too many precious Moments or Iladro tend to make things feel cluttered, not comfy. I have special breakables that I keep out and can easily put away if small children are in the area. Never put plastic on any upholstery. Window treatments are important. If your contemporary in style, roman blinds can work well. For other styles,simple is the best but go for softness and use color that will connect all the colors in the room. One of the best accessories that will get anyone in the living room is the television. The new flat panels are easy to hide and can be perfect for the living room. And remember, this is a room we want everyone to feel comfortable in.

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