The living room is arguably the most important room in the house. It is where we spend most of our time with family and friends. It is public-facing and often receives the lion’s share of the soft furnishing and decoration budget.
I recommend taking an artistic approach when designing living rooms. It’s a fun and exciting way to express yourself and showcase your unique style. The objective is to immerse yourself in a space that you love surrounded by objects that are meaningful. I can think of nothing better than to be enveloped by what you love. It is an equal privilege to be invited to share in someone else’s living space when it reflects who they are.
Here’s how you can get started on your very home personal living space.
1. Choose a color scheme that you like
(Image credit: Rachael Smith)
… and apply the tones that are suitable for the room.
The living room colors for an evening space are different from those used for day rooms. For example, if you want to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, choose warm tones.
Start by selecting a dominant color for larger spaces, such as walls and floors. The more layering you do in the same color, the more calming it is.
The use of natural woven wallpapers is transformative. Then be bold and take risks with contrasting colors on accents like cushions, lamps, or objects such as planters, bowls, and books – like bright pinks with red or blues with purples.
2. Try unexpected mixes
(Image credit: Natalie Tredgett/Rachel Smith)
… simply because it brings you joy. A pop of bold color, like my Let the Light in acrylic tables can be the disruptor the room needs.
Personalize it further by including pieces that have sentimental value, such as finds from vacations, garage sales, inherited objects, even the children’s art from school.
These pieces ultimately bring the personality to a room.
3. Make it a space to ‘hang out’
(Image credit: Georgia Viney)
Comfort is essential to successful living rooms, so use furniture that is conducive to ‘hanging out’. The aim is for you and your guests to sit back, place drinks on tables within reach and preferably without coasters, use lights that can be dimmed to set a mood, and have chairs positioned to ‘talk’ to each other.
Think closeness, togetherness, warmth, and openness when designing. The aim is to stay; not perch and leave. Push through the temptation to make the reception room feel formal.
Use rattan furniture or patterned sofa fabric to bring in some playfulness to offset the public nature of these spaces. Consider incorporating lamps with lamp shades. They add more warmth in a room than a cashmere throw.
Don’t forget a place for speakers. Good music is a sure thing to create an atmosphere.
Bring a small, versatile seat that can be used to pull up to or create a cozy corner. I designed a chair called the Perfectly Small (above, in pic 1) for exactly this purpose.
4. Create a balance between form and function
(Image credit: Georgia Viney)
Living rooms are meant for living. How you will be using a space creates the criteria for decisions. Will you watch TV, read, eat takeout, play games?
Aesthetic living room organization is needed for these activities. The choice of objects, a hierarchy of space planning and the chosen materials all need to be considered. Bookcases, game tables, coffee tables are selected accordingly.
Start with the function to develop the criteria. Then source an aesthetic solution within these parameters.
For example, a coffee table for eating takeout and games could be one and the same. You need a larger space with hard surfaces, maybe even leg room should you choose to sit on the floor and get your legs under the table.
Choosing between freestanding and built in bookcases also has implications. How important is living room storage? Do you need it to be on show or hidden? The more you know about functionality, the easier it is to be clear about the decisions you make.
There are so many beautiful things in the world. Understanding why you have made your decision will increase your satisfaction and enjoyment. This makes good design.
5. Express yourself
(Image credit: Ingrid Rasmussen)
Designing living spaces with an artistic flair is all about expressing yourself and showing your unique style. Ask yourself: Does this room reflect who I am and share what I love? Do I want to be and stay here late into the night? Do I have what I need and know why I have made these choices?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you are on the path that is right for you. It is the only path that matters, after all.