To many people, the living room is the most important room in the household. It’s where the family gathers, it’s where we spend the majority of our waking time, and it’s where we relax. Isn’t it criminal then that most living rooms tend to look the same, either bland or even shabby? Here’s a few tips then, to help you to make a statement in your living room and bring it back to life.
Feature the features
Don’t overlook the character in existing features in any living room. Older sash-style windows still look amazing today, especially when given a breeze of colour.
Decorative fireplaces can dominate a living room – in a good way – and even if the fire isn’t working, brass accessories such as fireguard or magazine rack always add character.
If you’re lucky enough to have an staircase in your living room, create something with the space under the stairs. Storage is an obvious suggestion, or how about having a small seat or book case there to maximise living room space?
Pass the pastel
What better way to brighten up your living room that giving it a bright, breezy colouring? Pastel shades, especially soft and subtle ones, keep the living room looking inviting and feeling warm. Even adding a small amount of pastel will add vivacity to a dull and dark living room, and is easily achieved with furniture, wall coverings and accessories.
Reach for the stars
One of the best ways to create a statement in your living room is to create an illusion of space.
In smaller living rooms, create a pattern on the walls to catch attention, and bring that attention high with full-height designs. By focussing on a spot and then raising eye level higher, an illusion of horizontal space is created.
Similarly, with a carefully-placed accessory such as plaid throw, or a fancy patterned rug, any visitor’s eyes will instantly be attracted (or distracted).
Don’t shelve the storage ideas
When you’ve spent hard-earned time and money collecting belongings like books, why not put them on display? Take advantage of superior space offered in creative bookshelves to make a statement in your living room.
Likewise, coffee tables never go out of fashion. Leave a few carefully selected books, journals or magazines around on them and you can be certain guests won’t be able to resist browsing!
Bare wood and retro always work
Although character in home design can be difficult to define, adding distinctive furniture or accessories always works. Sometimes it can be as simple as stripping back or varnishing a book case or wooden surfaces.
Likewise, metallic surfaces or components can be dulled, scuffed or de-coloured to create that shabby chic look which always draws the eye. Adding old-fashioned accessories such as steamer trunks can really make a statement in your living room too!