Your living room is the heart of your home. Not only because you spend most of your time here, but also because it makes a lasting impression on friends and family who visit.
If you look around right now and find your living room a bit… lacking, there are a number of ways in which you can give it a complete makeover and even if you’re simply bored of its current avatar and want to put a fresh spin on it, it’s not that complicated.
Here’s a quick guide to help you resurrect your living room and make it the one you’ve always dreamed of.
The Floor Plan
The living room floor plan is mainly based around the furniture. It dictates where and how people will spend their time while they’re in this space.
An area with seating arrangements around a centerpiece like a table will encourage conversation and that’s perfect for small gatherings. If you tend to host larger gatherings, setting up seating along windows and walls would be a better idea. When you’re putting chairs and sofas together in the same area, leave a gap of at least 5-7 feet to facilitate comfortable conversation. We’re not done yet! Consider where people will walk while in your living room, and ensure that these paths aren’t too convoluted or cluttered. Set aside at least 3.5 feet of space for the most-travelled path. You don’t want people constantly bumping into furniture, after all.
Focus Matters
The focal point in your living room refers to the dominant feature that draws the attention of anyone who enters the room.
If you have a fireplace, this usually serves as a focal point, but you can also use a window with a view, a grand piano, or artwork to control where people look when they first enter the room. The focal point can also act as the centerpiece for the primary seating arrangement.
The Enclosure
Walls play an important role in determining the mood and function of any living area. Simply painting the walls in fresh colors can have a huge impact on the space.
You can also choose to use modern backsplashes in the living room. This adds an unconventional twist to the look of the room and can really grab eyeballs. If you’re unsure how to go about finding the right backsplash for your home, a company like TileMarkets will be able to offer you some insight.
If you’re willing to invest a little more effort into sprucing up your living room, you could add or remove walls. Of course, always consult with a contractor or architect to ensure that the changes are safe. Adding a wall to your living room instills a sense of privacy, while removing one opens up access to adjacent areas and gives you more space to work with.
The Question Of Elevation
The height of the ceiling can be hard to change once your home is already constructed, but this is only if you want to increase its height. Some people like the idea of a high ceiling for better temperature control or to suspend a chandelier, while others prefer the cozy feeling of a lower ceiling.
If you want to lower your ceiling, you can install a false ceiling at the height you prefer. Another option that you should consider is using a mirror to create the illusion of height and space. Certain shades of paint also serve to make the room feel larger than it actually is.
Space, it seems, is not that hard to create after all.
Aperture Adjustment
Windows not only serve as focal points but also allow natural light to flood your living room.
You can pick from a wide variety of styles when it comes to windows, and bear in mind that the style of the window and the window coverings that you use should complement the furniture and the general aesthetic of the room.
Television: Yes Or No?
Having a television in your living room is totally up to you, but try not to make it the focal point. Place it in such a way that it doesn’t become the sole purpose of the room.
A living room remodel requires meticulous planning and execution. Consider all these aspects before you start and you’ll end up with a living room that’ll be the envy of the neighbourhood.
Mike DeMontis says
I agree Karen. specially backsplash tiles can get us a modern and contemporary look. I had used stone backsplash in our living room to build an accent wall and its now become a center piece in our room.
Thanks for sharing!
Christina A. says
Good tips! I agree with the television point wholeheartedly…I try to make that a secondary piece in a room!
Michelle says
I really like the floors and mixture with the accent wall, I am going to use this theme for my next reno!