Decorating a new space is both exciting and daunting, with so many decisions to be made. There’s no room in the home that is more important than the living space as it’s here that you spend much of your time relaxing and socialising with family and friends.
So how do you decorate a living room easily and without too much fuss? By following these 7 simple steps.
If you need some design inspiration, you can check out how others have transformed their living room into an inviting sanctuary at websites, like Rentola Brisbane. On such online platforms you’ll find properties from all over the globe that reflect a diverse range of styles and are available for short and long-term rent.
1. Identify the purpose of the space
First and foremost, you want your living space to be functional and suit the way you want to live. It’s easy to look at images in high-end design magazines and spend a lot of money replicating them. But you may not end up with a space that reflects your lifestyle in any way, shape or form.
Perhaps you want the TV to be the focal point of the space and something that everyone can easily view. Or maybe you want your living room to be a space for reading and conversation, without distractions from digital media. If there is an existing fireplace or built-in shelves, these may serve as starting points for your design or be elements that you need to consider removing.
Image: Gabriela Pons, Canva.com
2. Establish your aesthetic
Chances are, you probably already have a particular style in mind that you want your living space to exude. It might be sleek and contemporary or farmhouse chic, with lots of warm, rustic elements.
While it’s good to have a rough idea of your preferred aesthetic, it doesn’t have to be set in stone and may change throughout the design process. Identifying it will, however, help in determining the overall direction in which you are going and the purchases you are making.
3. Measure the room
Before you take the plunge and start purchasing any furnishings or decor for your living room, it’s essential that you have accurate measurements of the space. Not only do you want the length and width of the floor space so you can purchase suitable couches, coffee tables and rugs but also the length and width of the windows for ordering curtains and blinds.
You can waste a lot of time (and money) ordering furnishings and decor on a whim, without having accurate measurements at hand. So get your measuring tape out, make a rough sketch and take it with you when you go shopping.
Image: Curtis Adams, Canva.com
4. Lay it all out
Before you open your wallet, take advantage of floor planner software to visually observe the space. It’s an easy way of seeing whether the couch you’re drooling over is going to fit with the antique cabinet you already have or if the coffee table you’re considering purchasing is going to allow for enough walking space in the room.
You might also want to consider creating a “room board”, which is more about seeing whether the various fabrics, materials and colours you have chosen are going to work alongside one another. This can either be done the old-school way by cutting and pasting from magazines or through a digital design board.
5. Hit the shops
Once you have a design envisioned in your head and sketched out on paper, it’s time to go shopping! It’s best to get the big purchases, such as sofas and couches, out of the way first as these will likely be your biggest expense. Always buy the most comfortable sofa that you can afford as it’s here that you’ll spend much of your relaxation time at home.
6. Indulge your artistic side
When designing your living room, don’t forget about the walls, which offer a great opportunity to showcase paintings, prints and textiles. Wall decor can add a lot of personality to the space, particularly if you have large-scale pieces that really draw the eye.
If you’re designing a small living space, consider adding a mirror that will reflect the sunlight and create the illusion that the room is bigger than it is. When selecting wall decor, always take into consideration the dimensions of the artwork and how it will look once hung.
Image: Houzlook, Canva.com
7. Add some greenery
Indoor plants not only add life and vibrancy to any living space but they are also good for your health. Incorporating greenery into your design should be a go-to if your budget is low, as plants cost significantly less than original artwork.
You can splurge on large plants such as mature fiddle leaf figs, kentia palms and dragon trees or grab a few small, low-maintenance plants such as peace lilies and succulents. Don’t be afraid to cluster smaller plants on a bookshelf or side table, with the option to get creative by contrasting various leaf colours and textures.
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Rentola.