The living room is one of the centers of traffic and activity in the typical home. But just because this space gets a lot of use, that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style for utility. You and your family probably spend a significant amount of your leisure time in the living room. Wouldn’t it be nice if this space more clearly expressed your personal style? Here are a few easy decorating strategies that can help you turn a ho-hum, high-traffic living room into an attractive, high-impact setting for relaxing and entertaining.
Transitional: This style combines the updated looks of contemporary design with a more traditional aesthetic. Your style choices should steer clear of both the avant-garde extremes of contemporary design, as well as any traditional looks that feel dated or stuffy. Choose a multi-tonal palette based on warm tans and browns, select classic furniture with slightly rounded lines, and use interesting, contrasting textile textures as a way of creating interest. Understated art works best with this look.
French Country: If the rolling hillsides of the French wine country inspire you, bring this look into your living room. Choose a warm color palette, with a medium gold on the walls and rust-colored upholstery. Cornflower blue accents will contrast nicely with these tones. This look calls for more formal, structured window treatments in a traditional, heavy drapery style. A rich, patterned rug will lend interest to space, and warm wood accents will complete the look.
Retro 1960’s: For bold decorators working on a budget, this style flashback presents an array of unique opportunities. To anchor your room, select a basic futon with a black covering. Choose a bright color such as turquoise for the wall, and accent with white and silver pieces. When selecting artwork, focus on shapes reminiscent of the mid-century era, such as the boomerang, or rounded squares and circles. You can have lots of funky fun looking for accents in thrift stores or your local Swedish superstore.