Decorating a room takes more time than just selecting your favorite color paint and finding furniture that matches. But it doesn’t have to be complicated either. Before you head out to the store to purchase a living room set, take a moment to ask yourself how you want to feel when you enter the room. How do you want your guests to feel? Finally, and most importantly, you should try to pick a theme or time period.
When you select a theme or time period for your living room decor, you should base your decision on that emotion you wish to instill. For example, if you want your room to feel warm and cozy, you may consider a traditional look that incorporates colors like mustard yellow, orange, red, and chocolate brown. If you live in a warm climate, then a cool contemporary living room with pale blues and greens and yellows may be refreshing. Contemporary living room decor features softer, neutral shades with bursts of bold color.
If you wish to incorporate a Spanish or Latin feel to your space, you should focus on rustic and vibrant colors like terracotta, yellow, blue, and green. Use these colors to enhance the architecture of your living area. Remember, however, that dark colors close in a room, so if your space looks too huge, then pull the walls in with darker colors. You can produce the opposite affect with light colors in smaller rooms.
When you pick furniture for your living room, focus on the styles that match your theme or period. For example, if you are aiming for a more mid-century modern decor, then opt for natural colors and simple shapes. This style also works great with an open plan room featuring large windows that minimize the transition from outside to inside. In the event that you cannot pick a style, or don’t want to be restricted by one, select an eclectic design. With this approach you can incorporate a mixture of different styles and periods, but consistency is achieved through similar colors, patterns, textures, and finishes in the furniture that you choose.
Additionally, take into consideration your current family and lifestyle when choosing furniture. Light colors soil easier and very dark colors make pet hair more visible. Carpets and window treatments play an important role too. Dramatic styles are less functional than their plainer counterparts.
Accessories include paintings, rugs, lamps, and clocks. These are the final touches that enhance your decor. When adding artwork and accessories, the items you choose should also be consistent with the overall design. An eclectic style allows for more freedom, but with a contemporary modern feel, items such as geometric wall art, slender aluminum vases, and pastel colored cushions with bold print are just a few of the items that fit in this genre. Don’t overdo the accessories or your room will become cluttered. And if you happen to have children and pets, you need to be more vigilant about where breakable items are displayed.
Choosing a theme or a period for your living room can be helpful in narrowing down your choices. It directs you to the specific items that you should purchase. You won’t be distracted with, or waste money on, furniture or accessories that are not needed. And the end result will be a more harmonious and welcoming setting for your family and friends to enjoy.
