subject: Designing A Welcoming Living Room [print this page] Whether you are looking to create a space for entertaining guests or simply to enjoy a relaxing evening with family, the sitting area is an essential part of your living space. The living room is typically one of the largest rooms in a home and having a lot of space to work with requires more attention to detail. Whether you have a living room, great room, or sitting room, there are several ways to make it a welcoming space for guests and household members alike.
When designing a large room like a living or great room, it is important to pay attention to furniture placement and traffic flow, especially if high traffic rooms like kitchens and baths are situated nearby. To maximize the flow of foot traffic in and out of the room, leave at least two feet around furniture and keep large pieces of furniture away from walking paths. Try arranging furniture to provide clear, defined access to and from the room.
Keeping in mind traffic flow, arrange large pieces like sofas and chairs around a focal point. A focal point is any object or feature that stands out predominantly in the room. It could be a large picture window, fireplace, built-in bookcase or similar structure. Arrange furniture so it is conducive to conversation or entertainment but without blocking the focal point. You may have to try more than one arrangement to get things just right but plan as much of it in your head or on paper so as to avoid excessive lifting and moving.
With the larger pieces in place, you can begin to focus on the smaller details by bringing in accent pieces and lighting. Lighting is important to creating a well-designed space and welcoming environment. Take advantage of both overhead lighting and task lighting, making sure that the overall room isn't too dark or drab. This can be accomplished with lamps, small spotlights, and even candles.
Accent pieces like art work, occasional tables, and other furniture pieces can be used for practicality and to tie different parts of the room together. Be sure to use pieces that are in scale with the rest of the room and avoid overcrowding or cluttering the room. Look for multipurpose pieces like an ottoman that can double as a coffee table or a short bookcase that can also be an end table for drinks or to hold a lamp.
With your furniture and accent pieces arranged, it's time to add other details like pillows, throws, and personal items. Decorative throw pillows are a great way to add color and texture while also sending the message that guests can sit down and make themselves comfortable. Look for matching and coordinating pillows in different sizes and shapes to arrange on the sofa or loveseat and throw a small blanket over the back of a chair. You can also use smaller throw pillows to soften up small wooden side chairs or even toss larger pillows on the floor to create extra seating space.
When it comes to overall design, consider what you want to use the space for and how your design will work with other parts of the house that are visible from the room. For instance, if your living room or great room is separated from the kitchen by a bar, try matching placemats at the bar to pillows, throws, or upholstery in the living room. Make sure there is adequate seating and that the space is accessible for its intended purpose. If the room is a multipurpose room, try to create separate areas within the room while still maintaining continuity in the overall design.
No matter how you choose to use your living room, sitting room or great room, by creating a warm, inviting atmosphere your guests will feel welcome and comfortable. The primary focus should be on seating and accommodating the room's purpose. If you plan to watch television, arrange it so everyone is comfortable doing so. If you plan to serve drinks, make sure the bar or kitchen is easily accessible and that guests have a place to set drinks while relaxing.
A little attention to furniture placement and the decorative details of the room will provide you with a perfect space for entertaining and relaxation. With these same principles in mind, you can turn a rarely used space into one that guests and family members will flock to.
