The National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed United States property owners and found they mostly spent around USD$420 billion on their home renovation projects in 2021. This statistic shows that many people are passionate about their homes and are willing to invest in making them look and feel their best.
However, home remodeling needs careful planning to achieve the desired results. After all, a simple mistake could decrease your home’s value or make it harder to sell in the future.
If you’re planning to renovate your home, why not start your living room? This place is where you relax and entertain guests, so making a good impression is vital. You can get plenty of design inspirations online or here, but it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.
To narrow down your search, here are five pro tips for acing the design of this essential room:
Happy family playing funny game having fun together with little son and daughter in modern living room. Young dad and mother with adorable cute children doing exercises, enjoying weekend at home.
Table of Contents
1. Choose The Right Furniture
The furniture is one of the most important aspects of any room’s design. Not only does it have to be comfortable, but it also needs to look good and complement the rest of the décor. When choosing furniture for your living room, keep the following in mind:
- The room size: You don’t want your furniture to overpower the space, so ensure to select pieces that are in proportion.
- The layout: Consider the traffic flow when choosing your living room furniture. You want people to move around freely without walking through a maze of furniture.
- Your lifestyle: If you have kids or pets, opt for durable fabrics and materials that can withstand spills and stains. You may also avoid glass fixtures as they’re prone to breaking.
- Multipurpose feature: It’s best to look for pieces that can serve more than one purpose, such as a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to buy all new furniture. You can mix and match pieces at your disposal or look at thrift stores to create a unique appearance. The key is to balance comfort and style.
You can find inspiration from home magazines and websites. Choose high-quality pieces from a reputable furniture store. Read the product listings and customer reviews carefully to get the most out of your investment. Prioritize quality over price for long-term use and legacy. You can also seek professional interior design services or ask a furniture expert for more tips.
2. Opt For Energy-Efficient Appliances
A perfect living room design isn’t just about looks—it’s also about functionality. Using energy-efficient appliances is one way to make your living room more functional.
That said, it’s best to opt for appliances with the Energy Star label as they meet strict guidelines set by the United States (U.S.) Environment Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. As reported in 2020, U.S. residents saved around USD$520 billion kilowatt-hour (kWh) in energy costs by using Energy Star appliances.
Once you’ve selected your appliances, map out where each one will go. For instance, your T.V. should be in a spot where you can comfortably watch it without straining your neck or eyes. You may also consider using an entertainment center to organize cords and gadgets. This way, your living room will look seamless and tidy.
3. Install Window Treatments
Windows can account for heat loss in a home. Thus, if this heat escapes during winter, your furnace or boiler has to work harder to maintain the temperature, driving up your energy bill.
To prevent this, install energy-efficient window treatments such as blinds or curtains. Not only will they help keep your home warm, but they can also enhance the aesthetics of your space.
There are many styles of window covers to choose from, such as:
- Venetian blinds: These blinds have horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted to let in or block natural light.
- Roller shades: Roller shades roll up or down to adjust the amount of light coming into the room. You can also find motorized features for a more convenient experience.
- Roman blinds: This style is ideal for small windows. Roman blinds are made from fabric that folds up when raised and hangs down when lowered.
All these window treatment options come with different materials, designs, colors, and patterns. So, you’re sure to find a style that suits your taste and interior’s theme.
4. Think About Lighting
Lighting can set the tone for your entire living room. This beautiful element can make a small room appear larger, create a focal point, or brighten the space. There are several lighting fixtures available. Here are a few:
You can find inspiration from home improvement and interior design magazines and websites. Choose high-quality pieces from a reputable furniture store. Read the product listings and customer reviews carefully to get the most out of your investment. You can also seek professional interior design services or ask a furniture expert for more tips.
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- Chandeliers: These serve as a focal point. Chandeliers provide ambient lighting with versatile design and customization options. They contribute to an elegant and inviting atmosphere while complementing different interior styles. Strategic placement and proper room measurement are crucial when shopping one to maximize their impact.
- Pendant lights: They contribute to ambient aesthetics with height adjustment features, creating a balanced and visually appealing and dynamic lighting arrangement. Their modern and stylish appearance adds a contemporary touch.
- Accent lighting: Use accent lighting to highlight your artwork, family portrait, architectural details, and decorative elements.
- Track lighting: It’s a flexible option for illuminating specific areas and features within the room.
- Sconces: Due to their wall-mounted nature, you can save space with sconces, perfect for highlihting artwork and collectibles.
- LED lights: They offer customizable colors, allowing homeowners to create moods or highlight specific areas. You can integrate LED lights and recessed, cove, or accent lighting into various spaces.
Install these fixtures appropriately. For instance, task lighting is best placed near areas where you’ll be doing things like reading or cooking.
On the other hand, use accent lighting to highlight certain features in the room, such as artworks or sculptures. As for the LED lights, you can place them under furniture or cabinets to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
A well-lit living room is essential, but ensure not to go overboard. Too much light can harm the eyes and make the space uncomfortable. So, find a balance and stick to it.
5. Bring In Some Greenery
A living room isn’t complete without a touch of nature. That’s why adding some plants or flowers can do wonders for the interior’s overall design. Not only do plants look fantastic, but they also help set the mood and make the room feel livelier.
If you’re not much of a green thumb, don’t worry—you can find low-maintenance plants. Some best choices include:
- Succulents
- Cacti
- Peace lilies
- Snake plants
- Boston ferns
- Parlor palm
You can place these plants in pots, vases, or baskets and position them around the room. Or you may combine them with your artwork to create a living room gallery wall. This idea is aesthetically pleasing and can make your home fresh.
Takeaway
Above are the five pro tips for designing the perfect living room. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting ambiance that’s also functional and comfortable. Give your living room the makeover, and enjoy spending time in this cozy space.
