Summer is a great time to tackle major redecoration projects, such as overhauling your living room. It’s much less disruptive when the weather is hopefully a bit drier and warmer, and you can retreat to another area of the house more easily while the work is going on. Here are a few tips to think about.
Decide on a colour scheme
The first thing to do is decide what colour the largest spaces are going to be, which are the walls and the floors. They will then dictate whether you will go for contrasting bolder colours with other pieces, or aim for a calming contrast. There has been a move towards more individual and joyful use of colour and pattern in recent years.
If you are wary of a whole room of colour and pattern, you could opt for the classic feature wall. This is usually the wall where the main focal point of the room is, such as the fireplace, or a larger piece of artwork.
Another trend that has emerged recently is the blocking of contrasting colours, to mark out different zones of the room. As many of us have adapted to spending some time working from home, this method has been used as a creative way to demarcate space.
Select the right window dressings
Investing in some good quality thermal curtains will pay off time and again in your living room. They will help to retain the heat in winter, meaning that you can save on your energy bills, and also help to keep the room cool on hot summer days. Thicker fabrics also provide a greater level of sound insulation and light control.
When selecting a colour, a simple tip is to pick a shade that is slightly darker or lighter than the walls. This provides a subtle contrast, while leaving the other focal points in the room to draw the eye. The other approach may to pick one accent colour from the room, such as a lampshade or throw, and choose the same or a similar colour for your curtains.
Decide on the flooring
Flooring options are more diverse than ever in 2022. Your choice will probably depend on the overall aesthetic of your home. For a contemporary feel, homeowners are starting to install floorings which would once be reserved for industrial spaces. For example, with modern finishing methods, polished concrete and luxury vinyl tiles look stylish and elegant.
Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice, and suits all types of home, from country cottages to modern town houses and city apartments. They also allow you to choose a rug, which can add some softness and warmth, help to anchor the furniture, as well as lend an element of pattern and colour, if the rest of the décor is quite restrained.
Many people still prefer the luxury and comfort of a plush carpet underfoot. The bolder attitudes to interior décor which have emerged over the last couple of years are starting to filter down to carpet choices, with a move away from plain neutrals, and towards multiple colours and stripes.
Get the lighting scheme right
Lighting is often overlooked as an element of interior décor, but it plays an important role in creating the ambience of the room. As a rule, most rooms require layers of lighting to make them both practical and attractive places to spend time. An overhead pendant light, which can be used for task lighting above a dining area or work station, is a good starting point.
There are many different styles of pendant lights, from funky modern sculpture designs, to traditional chandeliers, which can add some extra character to the room. Overhead lights should be fitted with a dimmer switch, so they can be used at full brightness for tasks, and turned low to provide a background ambience.
Highlight focal points, such as fireplaces or wall art, with recessed accent lighting or wall mounted lights. Finally, floor lamps can be placed to brighten gloomy corners, and table lamps are useful for reading, and to complement the rest of the lighting scheme.
Think about the layout
Even if you are not investing in new furniture, changing up the layout can refresh the feel of a room. If you have a spacious room, avoid pushing all the furniture up against the wall, but stand it at least a few inches off. In smaller rooms, it’s easy to feel crowded and cluttered, so think really carefully about whether you need every single item.
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