Living rooms are often thought of these days as the formal room in which to entertain guests. These rooms sit as if roped off to the family in order to keep dirty fingers from touching the furnishings. With modern living and smaller abodes many living rooms are actually used to live in, serving as a center for the family to live in and entertain as well.
Be sure to watch me on the SFGate video as an accompaniment to this article!
Decorate the living room to fit your own particular style of living.
When choosing an abode style it is most important to know what you will be comfortable living in. The home is an extension of who one is and should express that with the decor. Whether into more traditional or contemporary, first remember how you live and who the room should be catering to.
- Are you a formal couple with no children who enjoy quiet moments reading?
- Is your home full of family, kids and guests?
- Do you need spaces that are easy to keep neat and organized?
The formal styled living room decor should cater to a tranquil setting and entertaining.
A formal living room is a wonderful place to have to sit and read while the rest of the house is bustling. Entertain guests with sophistication putting an emphasis on talking rather than as a media room.
- Keep a sophisticated look with soft neutrals on the walls.
If you want wall covering use a tone on tone or a smooth silk like texture. Neutral colors do not have to be whites and tans. Step outside of the box. A very soft toned lavender or green can be used as a neutral color. Make sure that the room will blend with the rest of your abode.
- Plan a formal living room with plenty of seating and plush furnishings
The formal living room should be planned for optimal entertaining, as opposed to the Family room which is geared to everyday living. This is a space that is saved for special occasions or used as a quiet sitting area. You may even want to have a grand piano as a center piece.
- Think formation for formal rooms.
Placing furniture at right angles presents a more formal layout. If you have the square footage then spacing pieces further apart will make a room appear more impressive. Sectionals are usually reserved for the Family Room. Two sofas or loveseats facing each other, with a decorative coffee table in the center, will create a formal sitting area. A sofa and loveseat can be placed at a right angle with two chairs facing. For formality keep furnishings coupled such as two matching chairs or matching end tables and matching lamps. Define a seating area with a wool rug.
- Use interesting fabrics.
You may want to keep sofas neutral and then present a special pattern or color in a fine fabric, like a silk or velvet, on a chair and pillows to create a special focal point.
- Drapery and accessories can add formality made in silks with fringe and tassel tie backs.
If silk is not in the budget use fabrics that mimic silk; these can be found at a very reasonable cost. If purchasing readymade window treatments make sure they are lined for an elegant appearance. You can add fringe to readymade pillows and drapes to create a formal look.
- Cabinetry should be chosen with elegant finishes.
Cabinets with mirrored surfaces have an elegant look. Find antique pieces in a unique finish like a zebra wood. Decorative metal and glass tables give a light graceful touch.
- When accessorizing, remember to keep your structured formal appearance.
Artwork should be interrelated and hung in an organized manner on the walls.
Embrace your relaxed style with living room decor planned to cater to it.
For an informal living room it should be decorated to reflect living as the central theme. Welcome family living by keeping as much open space as possible.
- The floor should be as comfortable as the furniture.
The kids might want to play or stretch out on the floor to watch a movie. They might need room for media game activities or you might want an aerobic area. Place soft padding under plush area rugs.
- Keep furnishings comfy and inviting.
Use an ottoman instead of a coffee table. Place a large tray on the ottoman for serving. You can move the ottoman away easily if the center of the floor space is needed for activities. Think rounded corners when choosing furniture. This will add softness and promote relaxation.
- Use items that will provide multiple uses.
A desk can be placed behind a sofa for the dual purpose of a console table. If you have limited space a 30 inch high console table can be used as a desk. Console tables are typically narrower than desks. A bench can double as a play area and extra seating. Use a storage ottoman for blankets or toys. For young children add a painted children’s rocker, which doubles as a pretty accent. Large throw pillows can double as floor cushions for extra seating.
- Do not be afraid to use color.
Colorful accents and accessories will add life to the room and make it a fun space.
Storage places will keep your style neat and organized.
Whether choosing a formal style or a more laid back style organization is important to keep the room looking neat and company ready.
- Most people require storage for everything from business, toys, to media.
For around a fireplace, window, or entrance way, have built-in cabinets made or you can put together your own built-in look with cabinetry and bookcases from IKEA.
Take a look in the mirror to check out your style and then reflect that in the decor. Have working your style and never be afraid to dance!
Watch all of my SFGate Interior Decorating videos!
Subscribe and enjoy reading all of my articles under the titles of Interior Decorating, Long Island Interior Design, Decorating, Arts & Exhibits, Lifestyle, as well as General Pets, Fashion Trends, and Long Island Prepper written for Examiner.com.
