Top 10 Design Elements to Create the Perfect Living Room

Every time I approach a new project, I find these 10 choices make all the difference in creating a beautiful, inviting, thriving environment.

1.     Consider the feel of the room you’re creating- Start by considering what emotions you want the room to evoke: formal, cozy, vibrant, light and airy, Let this guide your choices.

2.     What is your focal point- Every well-designed room has a focal point, whether it’s a fireplace, statement art piece, or a large window view. Deciding on your focal point will help you with other decisions.

3.     Lighting will make your space shine- Lighting is the jewelry of the room. You could have a completely empty room, and it would shine when done right. Have fun with it! Make sure to consider the natural light in the room, plus overhead lighting like chandeliers or ornate fans, sconces, floor lamps, & task lighting.

4.     Flooring is the foundation that compliments your style- Beautiful flooring choices create your backdrop for a well pulled together room, it also echoes the feeling you set for this room. Choices like wood, patterns tile, carpets and rugs, etc.

5.     Seating is not just about functionality- Choosing seating is of the utmost importance & worth saving for! Choose a sofa that's comfortable with classic lines. There is nothing worse than an eyesore for seating. A beautiful, comfortable chair, which adds some interest to echo your focal point.

6.     Introducing the pieces that make your room pop- Accent Furniture should provide storage, enhance the feeling, & create layers of visual interest. Types of accents include, side tables, coffee tables, sofa tables, ottomans, armoires, & and bookshelves

7.     Accessories are the items worth meandering a flea market for- These include pillows, throws, window treatments, artwork, statues, books, trays, candles, baskets, vases, & decorative objects. When you’re shopping for accessories, challenge yourself to be playful, by choosing one unique item to display, it will be a nice conversation starter.

8.     Oh texture! What every room is waiting for- Textures evoke the senses; they make the guest feel either welcome and at ease or uncomfortable. Items that are soft, rough, smooth, leathery, wooden, glass, woven, patterned, nubbed, etc. enhance your space.

9.     Greenery the vitality of life- Greenery brings life and vitality to a room, even if it is a faux plant or floral. It helps bring unity & a fresh element that softens hard edges. Choose from large, oversized statement arrangements, large trees, or soft textured muted plants.

10.  Oh, space planning you mysterious beast- The best way to start designing a layout is to start with your focal point & decide some points like purpose, activities, seating requirements, & storage. Ensure clear pathways between furniture, experimenting, and playing with a design planning app. This may be the hardest part of the game, but do not let it freak you out. Just move the furniture around until it starts to feel cohesive. And then add your accents and wiggle things till you get it right.