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10 Simple Ways to Create an Inviting Living Room Space

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The living room is a significant part of your home. It’s where you unwind after a long day, host gatherings with friends and family, and indulge in moments of relaxation. Your living room sets the tone for the rest of your home and plays a crucial role in shaping your lifestyle. This post will share tips and tricks on creating an inviting living room space.

The Power of an Inviting Space

An inviting living room can significantly uplift your mood, foster comfort, and encourage social interaction. It’s a sanctuary where you can escape the chaos of the outside world and find solace in your surroundings. By creating a welcoming atmosphere, you not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also cultivate a sense of belonging and well-being for yourself and your loved ones.

1. Choose the Right Color Combination

Colors have the remarkable ability to influence mood and ambiance. Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows evoke a sense of coziness and intimacy, while cool hues like blues and greens promote relaxation and calmness. Consider your living room’s size and natural light when selecting a color palette, aiming for a harmonious balance that complements your desired atmosphere.

Start by identifying your preferred color scheme, whether monochromatic, complementary, or analogous. Take into account existing furniture and decor to ensure cohesion within the space. Feel free to experiment with different shades and tones to find the perfect combination that resonates with your style and enhances your living room’s inviting feel.

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

2. Take Advantage of Natural Lighting

Natural light transforms any space, infusing it with warmth, brightness, and openness. Exposure to natural light has been shown to improve mood, boost productivity, and regulate sleep patterns. Maximize the benefits of natural light in your living room by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer curtains or blinds to allow sunlight to filter through.

Arrange furniture to maximize natural light exposure, ensuring it reaches every living room corner. When redecorating your living room, add mirrors to reflect and amplify sunlight, making the space larger and more expansive. Keep window treatments light and airy to let the sunshine in while maintaining privacy and control over glare.

3. Layer Lighting for Perfect Ambiance

While natural light is essential, layered artificial lighting is crucial in creating ambiance and functionality in your living room, especially during the evening or cloudy days. Layered lighting incorporates different fixtures to provide varying illumination levels for different activities and moods.

Start with ambient lighting, such as overhead fixtures or recessed ceiling lights, to provide general illumination throughout the room. Then, add task lighting, like table or floor lamps, to illuminate specific areas for reading, working, or other activities. Finally, incorporate accent lighting, such as wall sconces or picture lights, to highlight architectural features, artwork, or decorative elements.

4. Focus on Comfortable Seating

Photo by Lotus Design N Print on Unsplash

Comfort should be a top priority when selecting seating for your living room. Opt for pieces that look stylish and provide ample support and cushioning. Consider the size of your space and the number of people you typically entertain when choosing sofas, armchairs, and accent chairs. Look for durable fabrics and materials that can withstand everyday use without compromising comfort.

Enhance the comfort and coziness of your seating area with plush pillows and soft throws. These simple additions add texture and visual interest, inviting guests to relax and unwind. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and textures to create a layered and inviting look that beckons you to sink in and stay awhile.

5. Personalize with Decorative Accents

Personalize your living room with decorative accents that reflect your unique taste and personality. Whether it’s artwork, photographs, decorative objects, or textiles, these elements add character and charm to the space. Choose pieces that resonate with you and tell a story, creating a curated environment that feels inviting and meaningful.

Mix and match different textures, colors, and styles to create visual interest and dimension. Display cherished mementos, travel souvenirs, or family heirlooms to infuse your living room with warmth and nostalgia. Feel free to get creative with your decor, experimenting with different arrangements and compositions until you find the perfect balance that speaks to your style.

6. Declutter and Organize Your Space

Clutter can detract from your living room’s overall look and feel, making it chaotic and disorganized. Take the time to declutter and streamline your space by removing unnecessary items and finding proper storage solutions for essential belongings. Not only will this create a more visually appealing environment, but it will also promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

Invest in multifunctional furniture with built-in storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments or coffee tables with drawers. Utilize baskets, bins, and shelves to corral smaller items like remote controls, magazines, and toys. Establish designated zones for different activities, such as reading, entertainment, or relaxation, to maintain order and organization in your living room.

7. Add Greenery for Life and Freshness

Introducing indoor plants into your living room adds a touch of nature and brings life and freshness to the space. Low-maintenance varieties like succulents, pothos, or snake plants are ideal for beginners or those with busy lifestyles. These plants require minimal care and can thrive indoors with little sunlight or attention.

Strategically place plants throughout your living room to create focal points and add visual interest. Use plant stands, hanging baskets, or wall-mounted planters to elevate your greenery and save floor space. Group plants of varying sizes and shapes together to create a lush, dynamic display that breathes life into your living room.

8. Incorporate Artwork and Wall Decor

Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash

Artwork and wall decor are focal points in your living room, adding personality, visual interest, and a touch of sophistication. Choose pieces that resonate with you and complement your existing decor style, whether abstract paintings, framed photographs, or sculptural wall art. Art can evoke emotion and spark conversation, making it a valuable addition to any inviting living space.

Consider scale, proportion, and placement when hanging artwork to create a balanced and cohesive look. Aim for eye-level placement for optimal viewing and engagement. Use measuring and painter’s tape to plan the layout before hammering any nails, ensuring the arrangement feels intentional and harmonious. Experiment with different arrangements and groupings until you find the perfect configuration that enhances your living room.

9. Create a Focal Point

A focal point serves as the anchor of your living room, drawing attention and guiding the eye toward a specific area or feature. Whether it’s a fireplace, statement artwork, or architectural detail, a focal point creates visual interest and establishes your space’s overall layout and flow. By highlighting a focal point, you can enhance your living room’s functionality and aesthetic appeal while creating balance and harmony.

Choose a focal point that naturally commands attention and serves as a central focal point around which the rest of the room is organized. Whether it’s a stunning view, a grand fireplace, or a statement piece of furniture, the right focal point can elevate the style and character of your living room, creating a visually stunning and inviting space.

10. Infuse Warmth with Textiles

Mix and match different textures, patterns, and materials to create visual interest and tactile appeal. Incorporate throw blankets, cushions, and curtains in complementary colors and fabrics to soften hard surfaces and create a cozy and inviting environment. Experiment with layering to find the perfect combination that adds warmth and personality to your space.

Choose soft upholstery fabrics that are durable, easy to clean, and soft to the touch, such as linen, cotton, or velvet. Add throw pillows and blankets in plush materials like faux fur, wool, or fleece to enhance comfort and coziness. Remember to incorporate soft textiles into your window treatments, rugs, and accent pieces to create a cohesive, inviting space that beckons you to relax and unwind.

Conclusion

By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can transform your living room into a welcoming sanctuary that reflects your style and personality. Each element is crucial in creating an inviting space that nurtures comfort and connection, from choosing the right color palette to infusing warmth with textiles. Embrace your unique style and preferences as you design your ideal living room, and remember that the true essence of hospitality lies in creating a space where you and your loved ones feel truly at home.

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

Home Decor Ideas: How to Decorate with Velvet

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Velvet is making a come back! So if you pay close attention to fashion you have probably noticed the influence of the 90’s (chokers, brown lipstick and baby doll dresses just to name a few of the styles that have bounced back into trend).

Well like fashion from the runways we definitely see the influence of women’s fashion translate into our homes.  One of the trends you will be seeing this coming year (but we are already seeing it in some stores) is VELVET! Yes, that’s right Velvet.  The luxurious fabric that you just have to touch when you see it.  In the 90’s we saw a lot of velvet jackets, skirts, tops and dresses and this year we will see it in home fashion.

If you are a follower of fashion and you love to be on trend – this is definitely for you! 

Here are some Home decor Ideas with Velvet:

1.  Velvet Throw Pillows –

this is an easy way to bring this trend into your space without spending a fortune.  The touchable fabric adds a bit of luxury to a space but also visual interest.  We always suggest mixing textures to give your space a sophisticated and designer look.  The great news is when it comes to velvet, the colour choices are truly endless.  Find a pillow or two in velvet in a colour that coordinates with your existing scheme.  We love to see oversized pillows (think 20×20) in velvet for the living room or bedroom. A solid colour velvet pillow can really add to a space.

2. Velvet Throw blanket –

again another easy nod to the trend that won’t cost you a ton.  Like the throw pillow, choose a colour that will work with your current room palette.  The texture of this throw will really add a new level of sophistication to the space.

3. Velvet Ottoman or Pouf  –

We have seen a ton of velvet ottomans in stores lately.  We have also seen a lot of ottoman styles in velvet – tufted, round, bench with legs etc…Like the pillows and the throw this adds that sophisticated element to a room, this is a bit more expensive so be sure to like the idea of velvet before really committing.  We love to see a velvet ottoman in a rich jewel tone – it’s a bit glamour but still timeless. Think living room, bedroom, glamorous office space or front entry – make a statement!

4. Velvet Dining chairs or armchair –

this starts to get a bit pricier but if you want to make a statement in your space this would be one!  If you love to make a splash and want to be remembered for your decor choices – velvet chairs are one way to go.  We do love an accent chair and velvet is a way to make a bold pop in a space.  Think of a great accent chair in a living room or chairs in a dining space.  We love the softness and luxury that velvet brings but pair it with some modern elements like a glass table and a touch of gold – so chic!

5. Velvet Headboard –

love the idea of velvet but not for your main living space? It makes a sophisticated splash in a bedroom.  We love a nail head headboard but in velvet, wow – that’s stunning!  We prefer sticking with a timeless hue as it is easy to work with as you change your bed linens but it will also always be in style.  It looks great paired with metallic lamps and oversized end tables.

6. Velvet Sofa –

If you LOVE velvet, a sofa in velvet might be for you.  It is a classic fabric so it won’t go out of style.  You can be as classic as you like in terms of style of sofa and colour or you can be as bold and bright as you like.  It is a commitment so be sure to follow you heart.  We love the look of a charcoal or navy velvet sofa with clean lines and minimal pillows – it has a clean, sexy and chic look.  We have also see some fun vintage sofas in bright and fun colours – it’s entirely up to you!

7. Velvet accent chair –

Accent chairs do exactly that add an accent! So try adding some colour and texture with some luxe velvet armchairs!

Remember velvet isn’t exactly family friendly, so be sure to pick velvet accessories or furniture pieces with that in mind – it’s easier to dry clean a pillow or throw than it is a sofa, for instance…..

Texture is one of my favourite elements to add to a room and velvet adds so much luxury, sophistication and class. What do you think of this trend?

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How to Decorate an Open Concept Space

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Most of us love the idea of a big open concept space – it offers us to many possibilities and our living area feels so huge but it can be a big challenge to figure out how to decorate and use all of that open space. In a more traditional style home, we have a lot of walls and those wall provide definition for each room – a designated living room, dining room or office – it is simple to visualize and to furnish.  Big open spaces, although lovely, they present challenges for many home owners because everything is so open!

So here are some great tips to tackle the challenges:

1 – Fluidity –

In an open-concept home it’s even more important to make sure that all the elements work together and the space looks cohesive. So stick to a paint colour concept throughout the open space.

If you want to introduce a new colour, try it in a room with doors – like bedrooms and/or bathrooms.  One colour throughout keeps the open space feeling. Same goes for the floors – keep it consistent (like the paint) to keep that flow which maintains that spacious feel and look.

2 – Definition –

Some times open is just too open so how do you tackle that? Use rugs to define the rooms.  An area rug in a living room pulls the furniture together creating a focused room that’s perfect for conversation but it still keeps that open look and feel. The area rug is also a great way to add some texture and colour.

The image below is a great example of an open floor plan with consistent floors and paint – see how the area rug helps designate the living room and pulls it all together – it’s perfect!

3 – Furniture Arrangement –

When it comes to placing your furniture many of us use walls as our guide – the TV goes on the wall and so does the back of the sofa, right? But if you don’t have any walls what do you do?

You need to place the furniture so that you can create conversation spaces and entertaining spaces and dining spaces, so floating arrangements are key.  A floating arrangement means that the sofa or any of the furniture is not anchored to a wall – so it is floating.  A sofa table is a great way to add a ‘wall’ and help anchor the sofa so that it doesn’t look lost.

4 –  Lighting –

Just like the paint and floors stay consistent with your style and finishes of lighting.  If you have brushed nickle – use brushed nickle throughout (at least for your  fixtures – you can introduce a few other finishes in your lamps but not too many)

Have a plan when it comes to the fixtures you want to use : hang one big light fixture over each designated area; for example,install a chandelier directly over the dining room table, an overhead ceiling fan with a light kit over the living room, and pendant lighting in the kitchen. Then, go back through and add recessed lights or smaller fixtures throughout the three spaces for a complete lighting design,centering some of these over the walkways you created with your furniture placement.

The light fixtures you choose will have a large impact on whether the overall space is cohesive or disjointed, so take your time choosing the style, finish, size and placement of each.

5 – Accessories –

These little details really add some personality and pull it all together. The small touches you choose for accessories should set each space up as a stunning room on its own, as well as tie all three together so that they coexist beautifully.

Arrange the same style of accent pieces throughout the home; for example, if you’re partial to organic elements such as stones, landscape art and wooden decor, use similar items in each room. Center a low glass bowl of smooth river stones on the dining room table, add a water feature to the corner of the living room and arrange wooden bowls to hold fruit on the kitchen counters. You don’t have to match the pieces, and it’s preferable that you don’t, but keep the elements the same.

It’s easy to get lost in open spaces but I hope these tips are helpful and useful for decorating and planning your open concept space!

SHOP AREA RUGS….

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, TRENDS

5 uses for trays and why I love them!

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Trays are nothing new.  They aren’t trending and they aren’t usually on any one’s ‘must-get’ list.  But I love trays.  There is something so simple and tidy about them and they can be used in so many rooms.

Trays come in different sizes, colours and materials and I love them all!  They keep items in an organized yet stylish arrangement plus when it comes to cleaning – just move the tray out of the way and clean !

When using a tray as a part of your room’s decor be sure to add some decorative elements like a vase of flowers, candles something so that it just doesn’t look completely functional.

1 – The living room:

I love having a tray on an ottoman or even the chaise of a sectional.  They provide a flat surface for serving up snacks and drinks but they also provide a neat and tidy space for TV remotes and coasters.  But you can also use them as a display area for decor on a coffee table.

2 – The Kitchen:

Not the usual spot for a tray but again they keep the items you need easy access to at arm’s length but without the clutter.  I have one in my kitchen to hold my knife block, salt and pepper, olive oil, a tea towel and other small essentials.

3 – The Bathroom :

A smaller tray would be needed but it saves the same purpose keeping your counter top clean and clutter free.  Depending on the look of your bathroom, you could opt for a mirrored option to add some sparkle and shine!

4 – The dresser:

A tray is a great spot to group items you use everyday together.  So think lotions and potions, jewellery and scarves, make up etc…You could likely opt for a larger tray for on top of the dresser (if you have the surface space).  I also love small dishes (think tea saucers) for small jewellery items.

5 – The Bed:

Breakfast in bed!  Serving space for coffee, fruit, croissant and more…such a wonderful way to wake up someone special!  Do I need to say anything more?

Useful and stylish – the perfect piece to have at home, I love mine!


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