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Plan The Perfect Living Room
1. Which room should you choose for your living room?
Should it be the largest, the smallest, or the most dramatic room in the house? If the largest room opens out onto a garden, it might be more desirable to make it a family room/play room to take advantage of the outdoor space. A quieter, more peaceful alternative for the living room might be a spare bedroom upstairs or smaller room elsewhere in the house. An upstairs living room will often receive more light than one downstairs - and you might be able to take advantage of a view. 2. How many people will be using the room?
A simple question - but you'll want everyone to have a comfortable place to sit. 3. Who is going to be using the room?
Will the room be your showplace -- to be used only on special occasions -- or will it function as a place for other activities, such as family socializing, relaxing, listening to music, watching TV, studying or playing? If children and pets will be using the living room, consider buying flooring that won't show every scuffmark, as well as washable surfaces and wall coverings. If you'll primarily be entertaining adults, you may be more apt to display precious objects and to consider a white or pale color palette. Using the living room for entertaining may also mean that you'll want to consider more formal furnishings and decor than if you'll be using the room as a casual family center. 4. What activities do you plan on using the living room for?
The activities you plan for your living room will depend on whether or not the room is also serving double duty as a family room or den. If that's the case, you will probably expect more from the room. But if you have a family room in addition to the living room, you can probably reserve your living room for more formal occasions. 5. What will you display/store in the living room?
Make a list of the various items you want to display in the living room and consider where they will go - on a coffee table, bookshelf or mantel? Now think of the items you may want to have handy - such as TV/VCR, video games, refreshments and glassware, board games - and consider how you will stow them when not in use. A more traditional living room calls for hidden storage, such as built-in cabinets, freestanding armoires, or an entertainment center. If children will be using the room, consider stowing their toys and books in attractive toy boxes or cabinets. 6. What is the ideal floor covering?
Beautiful rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting will help foster a cozy and elegant atmosphere in your living room. Hardwood floors are also beautiful and are easily warmed up with an area rug. Tile, marble and other hard surfaces work best for a formal living room. 7. What kind of lighting do you need in the living room?
Good light is fundamental to living rooms. If you are lucky enough to have a large picture window, it can become the main focal point of the room and your main light source. Keep in mind that many living rooms are used in the evenings when the view is a moot point and artificial lighting is necessary. You'll need general and ambient lighting, along with task and spot lighting. A low-voltage lighting system offers the most flexibility. Or you can opt for a central ceiling light fixture or chandelier with a dimmer switch and then add lamps for ambient and task lighting. 8. What furniture do you already have for the living room?
If you're going to be using the living room for formal entertaining, you'll want to put your best furniture, artwork, and accessories there - otherwise, consider the comfort of family members first. 9. What furniture do you plan to buy for the living room?
Other things to consider are: Will furnishings be formally arranged, using a very disciplined, symmetrical design? Or will a more informal approach - with non-matching furniture, chairs selected for lounging, and asymmetrical groups of pictures and artwork on the walls - suit your needs? 10. What electrical equipment do you need in the living room?
Figuring out what you'll need is the first step; next, you'll need to consider where to stow, stash and hide any electronic equipment that doesn't meet your aesthetic needs. |
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