The living room of a home is normally the first room a guest sees when they walk in. The tone and atmosphere that is created by how the area is laid out will often times carry throughout the rest of the home. If the living room is stuffy and “untouchable” a guest may not feel as if they are truly welcome. On the other hand, a front room that is inviting and engaging will bring a welcoming feel to the home.
Add Accent Walls
Contrasting colors painted on two opposing walls or connecting walls can make a room look much larger than it really is. It also causes furniture and decorations to stand out creating focal points. Accent colors can be bold and vivid, or soft and muted. It’s your room, it should reflect you and your own personal style. Whether you choose one wall to paint, or two, the key is creating a visual look of balance and harmony that is pleasing to the eye.
Create a Main Point of Interest
A large photo collage on one wall will accomplish this quite nicely. A focal point is basically something that everything else in the room either centers on enhances. It can be a group of pictures, a sofa, decoration or something totally unique that sets the tone and ambiance for the room.. Focal points tend to explode with color, bring contrast or stand out from other things in the room.
When a person walks into the room, their attention will immediately be drawn to its focal point. Always choose something that is fitting for your personality and character.
Add a Unique Area Rug
Adding an area rug will enhance the “living” area of the room. Many people will select an area rug with a flashy motif or design to attract attention to the center of the room. Large area rugs also offer natural boundaries and will denote a living area away from the dining table or desk. Putting smaller, contrasting rugs in the dining area or under the desk will enhance the boundaries between each area, without having to actually block an area off with another piece of furniture.
Balance is Everything
Don’t center your guests’ attention solely on the couch or focal point. Balance the room with various items such as a large painting, a decorative hanging light or contrasting throw pillows. Keeping a room in balance prevents it from looking cluttered and out of harmony. To balance a large piece of furniture, put two or three smaller pieces on the other side of the room, accent tables work well for this.
For some, contrast is not a high priority. In that case find complimenting colors that balance and enhance one another.
Don’t Go Overboard
Soft hues and a pleasing arrangement of the furniture will draw guests into the room. Create an inviting area where people will feel comfortable and be able to enjoy themselves without stressing over disturbing a piece of furniture or breaking valuables.
+Paul Reichman years in home fashion experience have enabled him to offer all your home furnishing and decor needs with unique flare and style at Bedbathstore.com