Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Designing the Perfect Living Room in Seven Easy Steps

By Vickie Daeley

Regardless of whether you are decorating your first apartment or regenerating your existing space, there are several points that you will want to consider before making your first purchase or rearranging your furniture. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a family room in addition to your living room, the living room definitely will become the heart of your home.

Designing the perfect living room depends upon many elements. Is the space going to be combined as a living-family room? Or will it be a living-dining room?

The focal point is going to be the first thing you need to recognize. It can be a wonderful fireplace, a window with a view of a misty wood or colorful flowers growing in your garden, or even a magnificent TV cabinet combination with added shelf units for displaying books and mementos.

Large furniture is an excellent choice if your room has arched or high ceilings. Resist the temptation to purchase many pieces of smaller furniture as this will cause the living space to feel overcrowded and cramped.

Before purchasing or rearranging your furniture, it is always helpful to draw a chart to scale. This simply means that you measure each piece you are considering for your space and by reducing the size, create your own pattern for your room and furnishings. This will show you how to best take advantage of the flow of your space.

If you lead a hectic life and want serenity, then your color choices should be muted and soothing. Try neutrals such as creams, vanilla or soft beige. There are lovely choices to be found even in muted greens and blues that will give a calming feel to your space. But if you have a firecracker personality, then by all means, give expression to it by utilizing the more vibrant reds, yellows or even orange on your walls.

Carpeting, tile or wood? Depending on your lifestyle, any of these three are great options for most living rooms. Also think of your ceiling as another wall. This area can become a beautiful focal point when painted in a contrasting or complementary color to your walls.

Pattern in your living room is a strictly personal choice. Many people like the soothing calmness of solid colors in complimentary tones. But if you prefer to mix patterns, be sure that the colors in the fabric coordinate perfectly with each other. You also may like the look of a stripe, a floral and even a plaid in the same space.

Accessories are the final touch in any living room. Choose something that you have been collecting for a long time such as books or "objets d'arte" or just something that you absolutely love. This will complete your room and add a feeling of grace, charm and warmth. - 15252

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