Your living space should be stylish and functional since you spend most of your time in that room. It is also considered the default entertainment spot for guests. For your family members, it’s a space where everyone goes when they want to chat.

For such reasons, it’s best to pour your best efforts into decorating and designing your living room space. By doing so, you’ll enhance not only its aesthetic appeal but also its overall functionality.

Functionality is the ability of a room to serve its intended purpose. A functional living room allows the occupants to move freely, sit cozily as they chat, enjoy fresh air, and clearly see the surroundings. On the other hand, stylishness refers to your living room’s adherence to fashion principles so that anyone stepping into it marvels at its elegance. On that note, below are six ideas for a stylish and functional living space:

1. Blend Your Colors Well

The first rule about designing and decorating your living space is to ensure that the colors blend well to make it coherent. Color plays a significant role in ensuring your living space looks appealing. For instance, you can decide to use neutral or bold colors and be consistent with them. Alternatively, you can combine complementary hues and use them simultaneously in your living space.

Note that color sets the mood in a room. Soft blue colors will calm and relax your living space, while yellow makes your space look energized. Therefore, as you contemplate interior decorating trending styles, remember to blend in your colors perfectly.

2. Buy Stylish Furniture

Furniture can make or break the functionality of your living space. This is because one critical role of the living space is facilitating dialogues and conversations, which means people need to be seated comfortably. So, purchase perfectly-carpentered couches with cushy sitting areas and armrests. If possible, buy those with footrests and reclining backs for maximum comfort.

Don’t forget the colors, patterns, and textures. For a perfect match, your sofas, coffee tables, cupboards, and other living room furniture should conform to a standard color pallet. Clashing furniture pieces make your living room visually unimpressive.

Young Hispanic family sitting on sofa reading a book together in the living room, seen from doorway

Arrange your furniture in a manner that promotes conversations and dialogue. Your couches should face each other, and you should pull them slightly away from the walls, especially if your living room is gigantic. If you’re hosting a group of friends, you can make the circle larger by adding extra chairs to make more room.

3. Light Up The Living Space

Adding adequate lighting in your living room is essential. A poorly lit room may deliver an unwelcoming atmosphere. You’ll also struggle to see the rest of the family, and the decorative elements won’t be as impactful. Lighting up the space enhances the attractiveness of the decor and allows you to see all corners clearly. You can invest in some unique and trendy lights for your living space. For instance, you may want to explore antique chandeliers for your centerpieces.

Statement lamps and lights can also make your living space look classy and well-organized. You should also aim for layers of light and position them strategically. One lighting fixture at the room’s center point may not suffice if the room is extensive. Consider installing several bulbs for sufficient illumination.

4. Add More Texture

Most homeowners overlook texture when decorating their living spaces. It’s ideal for making the living room feel cozier. There are two ways to go about it. Firstly, add plush textures such as pillows, rugs, and couch blankets to make your living room space comfortable. Texture gives the area a rustic look and adds contrast. Secondly, invest in glass tables, metallic stools, and leather seats for consistency in the space.

5. Create A Focal Point

Your living room needs a central point to draw everyone in. It can be your television area or the fireplace. You must make the focal point a center of attraction by revamping the space with statement pieces. If the fireplace is your focal point, you can work around some remodel ideas such as:

  • Adding glass doors to it
  • Elegantly shaping its bricks
  • Installing a mantel
  • Tiling the surroundings
  • Making it a double

Make the features you add to your focal point can enhance its appeal and not degrade it.

6. Accessorize With Some Art Pieces

Your walls will look bare and unattractive if you don’t hang some decor pieces. As such, you’d want to hang some art pieces to make the walls lively. Pick art pieces with attractive themes.

You may want to capitalize on nature as a theme to make the interiors more relaxing. Or, you could focus on portraits of famous global icons you draw inspiration from. Sticking to one or two themes is ideal, but mixing too many concepts could create a visual horror.

Hang your art pieces at eye level for optimal visual impact. Viewers shouldn’t struggle to see what’s portrayed in the images. The hangings should also relate to nearby fittings and furniture. For instance, a wall art piece should ideally span two-thirds of the width of the sofa beneath it.

Conclusion

As an essential room in your house, your living space should be both stylish and functional. Regarding stylishness, stretch your creativity to add fashionable, elegant decorative elements, and all onlookers will be amazed at your sense of style. As for functionality, make sure every item in the living space adds value. Your family and visitors should be comfortable while in the living room and be able to hold and enjoy intimate conversations.

Chloe Miller
Author

Chloe Miller, with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design, has been an expert in home decor and design trends for 15 years. She joined our website in 2021, offering her expertise in space optimization, color schemes, and sustainable decor. Chloe’s prior experience includes working with interior design firms and as a freelance consultant. She is a DIY enthusiast and enjoys upcycling furniture in her spare time.

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