Planning Your Living Room
Furniture Makeover
Your living room is one of the most public
places in your home. It makes sense to put some thought into the theme and
design for the room where most of your entertaining is done. You want a
comfortable and tasteful atmosphere suited to your needs and which stands
the test of time. Yet, so many of us tend to buy living room furniture in a
hurry, with no cohesive plan or thought to functionality.
It's a far better strategy to plan your living room furnishings as a
functional living space that serves your lifestyle needs. Buy the best
quality you can afford, if only a single piece at a time. With such a plan,
the end result is a living room you'll love for many years to come. Take
some pointers from professional interior decorators.
Whether you're a newlywed starting from scratch or an empty nester
downsizing to an apartment, the basic plan is the same. The first step in
developing your theme is coordinating a personal scrapbook of the looks you
like. Browse decorating magazines and online furniture shops. Don't rush
through this process. Make an assessment of how you want this room to be
used and living room furniture that makes you happy. If you entertain
business guests frequently, your needs will be different from the sports
fan's required big screen and casual seating. Function is primary to your
plan.
You probably won't find a picture of your ideal living room furniture all on
one page. Look at different furniture styles you find appealing. If you like
dark oak and cherry wood, cut out pictures of each and stash them in your
paper or digital scrapbook pile. How about a modern Italian leather sofa?
Oriental rugs or contemporary Scandinavian design shags? Look for lamps in
any style that pleases your eye. Do the same with window treatments and art
work. Assemble your scrapbook as you would a wish list.
When you feel you've got more examples of living room furniture and
accessories than can fit in your room, start to combine different pieces and
accessories, on paper or with a graphics program. Construct several
prospective rooms. Fill each one with your new furnishings. Mix and match to
your heart's content You'll discover your theme is already well developed.
You'll notice that much of your dream living room furniture has a common
thread in style. It may be sleek and sophisticated, homey country or antique
elegance, with your favorite colors well represented.
Home
|
Living Room |
Dining Room
|
Family Room
|
Bedroom
|
Bathroom
|
Kitchen
|
Furniture |
Lighting |
Wall
Coverings
|
Floor
Coverings |
Window Treatments
|
Fabric |
Colors
