Living rooms are the centrepiece of any household. You and your family will spend the most significant portion of your day there, so it’s essential to make it enjoyable for all of you. Whether it’s adding comfortable seating, creating a children’s corner or your private retreat, with just a bit of effort, you could really make a change. Here’s how to do that:
A corner for the kids
Making a kid-friendly space while also keeping the adult vibe in the living room is tough. However, if you want your kids to enjoy themselves, find some space. Use a corner, maybe behind the sofa, and store all of their toys and gadgets, so they don’t get in the way. Make this a designated place for the kids, to avoid messing up the whole living room.
Wall photos
There’s no better way to add a splash of personal touch that will make the living room warmer than by adding family photographs on the wall. You just have to find the right way to blend them into the decor. You should consider a few things. Do the photos match the overall atmosphere of the room? Do the frames fit in nicely? Black and white, or colorful and vibrant, it’s up to you. Meaningful photos of you and your loved ones will add some spark to the living room.
Create an entertainment centre
Although many people think that you shouldn’t make your TV the focal point of the living room, it nevertheless ties the room nicely. You’ll probably spend countless hours there, watching movies, TV shows or sports games. So, it would be best if you considered investing in an appropriate setup, such as a big screen TV, surround system, and maybe some video games for the kids. Bear in mind that you should make all these things inaccessible to small kids, by hiding all the cables and using a TV wall mount and bracket.
Area rugs
Adding a rug as a focal point of your living room can really make a statement, Your safest bet should be an area rug since wall to wall carpets have gone out of fashion over time. Take the time to pick the right texture and pattern so that you can add appropriate contrast to your walls and furniture. Pick durable and inexpensive rugs, because kids will likely be spilling stuff on it regularly.
Reading nooks
If you have another free corner available, try making a space dedicated for relaxing. And there’s no better way to unwind than with a great book. This nook will serve as your oasis of peace, where you could take a breath and de-stress. To make it feel even cozier, add a comfortable chair, or a subtle lamp. The trick is to add the details you enjoy the most, so you’ll want to come back to it at the end of the day.
Colorful pillows
You could add an entirely new and fresh vibe to your living room by simply adding some throw pillows. Bounce them off your furniture and carpet patterns, and you’ll get a completely different atmosphere. Pillows are a neat way to show off your creativity and style. So, instead of matching the fabric to the sofa and the cushions, consider mixing it up a bit. Use various materials and textures to break the monotony.
Extra storage
With kids running around and with guests coming over, you will need some space to store the things that are lying around, like toys, books or video games. Adding some extra shelves and drawers could help declutter the living room. Even better, try adding furniture that has built-in storage. That way, it won’t be taking up more space. Also, add extra boxes or baskets for kids toys, so you can quickly clean up the room together with your children.
Incorporate comfortable furniture
Sofas and couches are the heart of every living room. You get to entertain your guests there, curl up with your loved ones to watch your favourite show, or simply take a nap after a stressful workday. Thus, you should consider getting the most comfortable sofa available. If space allows it, get the biggest couch you can get. If not, get a smaller one, and add a couple of comfy chairs to it.
Don’t just follow trends. Add a personal touch to the living room. Talk to your loved ones and ask them what they would like to do with this space. By doing that, you’ll create a space where everybody will feel warm and safe.
Author Bio
Audrey Taylor was born in San Francisco, and moved to Adelaide at the age of five. Marketer researcher and social media manager on hold, full – time mommy of a cheerful two-year-old. Graduated from Queensford college, worked in a couple of marketing agencies across Australia, eager to learn more about business and share her experiences. Traveled across Europe. Her hobbies include: home decor, fashion, travel, music, old movies.
Twitter: @theaudreyworld