The living room is more than just a room with some chairs and a TV in it. The centrepiece of your house, it’s where you go to relax and unwind as well as a place where you entertain guests. It’s a reflection of your style and personality; therefore it needs careful consideration when it comes to decorating or furnishing it.

Creating a Comfortable Living Environment

Here are few basic tips to bear in mind that will help make your living room somewhere you not only feel at home but also proud to invite others to share.

Choose your colours carefully to maximise the shape and size of the room. Treat walls as a blank canvas to which you can add shape and colour. Light and neutral shades work well and allow you to use furniture to provide interest with accents of colour.

Selecting the Best Furnishings & Fittings

Shiny hardwood floors look smart and welcoming, wall-to-wall carpets and rugs create a softer, more relaxed feeling of comfort and luxury. Both complement good furniture. It’s a matter of personal taste and style.

Think about how you position your furniture and create different areas for different things such as watching TV, reading or entertaining.

Use the features of the room as focal points to frame or face your furniture towards. Fireplaces, archways and large windows all add to the atmosphere and create a point of interest.

Using Colour & Design to add Definition

Use rugs to define different areas, either by adding a splash of colour or unifying zones within the room. You can do the same with room screens.

Cushions and throws are a great way to add accents of colour and texture and always look welcoming.

If you’ve got heavy pictures, hang them opposite the main seating so people can admire them. It’s also safer than hanging them behind where people sit.

Sofa beds are a great idea if you have the occasional unexpected guest and provide useful extra seating when not in use.

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