The Do’s and Dont's of Decorating
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The design of a living room often dictates the feel and function of the space. The elements of color, texture, materials and arrangement all play important roles in both how the space will be used and how one will feel in the environment. By drawing inspiration from items already present or replicating styles seen in other locations or in magazines, an impressive, blended living room design can be simple to create.
Find inspiration from an item already in the living room that holds special meaning. Using the color scheme of the item, you can design the other elements of the living room. For example, an inspirational item could be a blue throw with yellow and green highlights. The less prominent colors in the item (yellow and green) can lend ideas for the color of larger items in the room. For example, the color of the walls, furniture upholstery, rug choices and window drapery can be taken directly from these shades. The predominant color in the throw (blue) can function as a contrast burst throughout the room on items such as pillows, wall hangings, vases and lampshades.
By choosing a design style for a living room, you can set the tone for the look and feel of the room before selecting its components. Some popular styles are French country, rustic cottage, a taste of Tuscany, and romantic comfort. Each distinct style relates to a particular color scheme and style of furnishing. For example, a French country living room often employs a soft palette with white as the primary color used. Soft grays, blues and creams also play an important role. Furnishings are inspired by antique elements that might have been previously used as other furniture elements at a different time. For example, an old dresser might be turned into a hutch or an old bedside stand might become a coffee table.
Magazine pictures often serve as excellent resource guides to room design. Selecting pieces based on the furnishings, colors, and accessories in the picture will create a room that blends together well. Items can be difficult (and often expensive) to match perfectly; however, by following the size, texture and feel of the items in the picture, you can create a similar look while keeping the design original.
Living rooms with prominent architectural features often make designing the room easier. Using the focal point as a basis for inspiration, you can employ the colors and textures of the item in other elements in the room. For example, a large marble fireplace can dictate that white should be a prominent design color. The cold, icy feel of the marble can either be supported by the use of other similarly severe elements such as leather couches or glass tables, or it can be contrasted with the use of soft elements such as overstuffed couches and plush rugs.
