Getting the basics right from the beginning will make the overall finish of the room neater and better looking.
From books, CDs and DVDs to toys, games and TV equipment, there’s a lot to store in a living room. Keep it clutter-free by hiding everything in floor to ceiling cupboards, fitted along one wall or in alcoves both sides of a fireplace, though if you prefer to display your books, include open book shelves into the design, or get a carpenter to build a narrow bookshelf shelf close to the ceiling, along one or more walls.
In really small or very contemporary rooms, have the TV wall-mounted, and, in any room, keep the DVD recorder, player and other kit concealed in cupboards or drawers incorporating cable storage so ugly leads are hidden from view.
Other space-saving ideas include built-in window seats or footstools with room for storage underneath, and dual purpose furniture, such as coffee tables and even sofa beds with useful space for spare bedding.
As in any multi-purpose room, you’ll need a mix of lighting. For background lighting, fit discreet, recessed lamps or a statement chandelier, then add portable table or floor lamps as task lighting for reading or writing.
Lights should be positioned so that the beam falls onto the work area - try placing a standard lamp behind your favourite armchair so you can sit and read the paper without being bothered by glare. For a balance of light and shade, use uplighters and downlighters - such as wall lamps – to bounce light off the ceiling or highlight particular areas, and fit dimmer switches where possible so that you can alter the mood easily.
Bear in mind that lighting is as much about accessorising as it is about practicality. Even DIY stores sell lamps and pendants that are good looking, but it's worth looking on auction sites for designer buys if you can't afford a brand new original.
Bare windows aren’t a good look unless you live in one of those glass-walled designer homes, frequently featured in Grand Designs. Even if you have a fabulous view and aren’t overlooked, shutters, blinds or sheer curtains will enhance rather than detract from the window. On larger windows, go for vertical blinds, curtains, or a run of Venetian or roller blinds. If your room is fairly plain, you can add colour and pattern with curtains and blinds. The more luxurious you want the effect, the more layering you should hang, too - so Roman blinds and curtains, rather than just one or the other.
If privacy’s an issue, opaque window film - which replicates etched glass at a fraction of the cost - sheer cotton panels and Venetian blinds will all keep prying eyes out without restricting light. Layering a blind with curtains will add depth and help to insulate the room during the colder months, if you do hang curtains right next to French windows which are in constant use, ensure they're easy to wash or clean.
Whatever you choose, ensure that it allows as much natural light into the room as possible. So, if your curtains can't be pulled right back past the frame and onto the wall, but hang slightly across the windows when pulled back, choose light fabrics that will allow light to come through and bounce off the fabric.
Carpet is warm and cosy underfoot, though it’s best to pay slightly extra for a protective finish, such as Scotchgard, which provides a barrier against dirt and spills. If you like to eat in front of the TV, or have children running around, wood or laminate may be more practical. Natural stone, including limestone, is long lasting and looks wonderful in contemporary homes, though is quite unforgiving if you’re unlucky enough to fall on it.
Again, layering the flooring will create a more luxurious feel, and will help to zone the room. So, if you have a modern space, putting a colourful rug down on hard flooring will make the room more interesting and comfortable underfoot. If you've got carpets down, adding rugs on top will make the room more inviting. Don't forget, too, that rugs are cheaper to replace when you want to update the look of the room.
Design By Space: Living Room Design Ideas
Inspiration: Contemporary Living Room Design Ideas
Inspiration: Country Style Living Room Design Ideas
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