Isn’t a cozy, welcoming living room an instant mood-lifter? Whether you have a small space that you wish to cozy up to relax in after a long day or a large living area that needs some personal touch to entertain your guests in your signature style, there are simple design and decor principles that can come to your rescue. We, at Livwell Collective, are happy to offer you expert tips and tricks that can help you master that inviting living room aesthetic:
- Avoid Floating Furniture
You may have thought placing that seven-seater sofa in the middle of your living room might be a good idea to save space but it isn’t aesthetic for sure. Floating furniture, without any visual or functional connection to the rest of the space, always seems disoriented. Make sure to anchor such furniture pieces with smaller items (like side tables and floor lamps) to make it all look more structured and substantial.
- Add warmth with natural elements
Nothing adds more charm to a closed indoor space than bringing the outdoors in. The easiest and most effective way of doing so is by adding a few natural elements to the setup. Think indoor plants, natural-fibre carpets, woven upholstery, stone accents, and more. Something as simple as piling pine cones in a vase or placing fire logs near the fireplace can add warmth to your living room, making it cozier, and more hospitable than ever.
- Create a conversation circle
A cozy sectional circle will make sure that the conversations are always flowing. And no, it doesn’t have to be in the traditional all-sofas layout. Avoid placing furniture in a straight line or in a way that creates barriers between people. Instead, opt for two similar-sized sofas facing each other, or a U-shaped section with a coffee table in the middle. Throw in a few club chairs right across the way for additional seating. This will create a conversation zone, while side tables can be perfect for keeping your snacks, games, and cocktails close.
- Let the fireplace be in focus
Your PlayStation set-up or television screen may take away from your quality time with your loved ones. If you have a separate den-like space, consider moving your TV or entertainment deck there, and make your fireplace the focal point. Fireplaces are inherently cozy, and designing your living space around them will ensure your social connections get the attention they deserve. Place vintage art pieces or a bookshelf for an added sense of comfort. In case there’s no other space for your TV, you may alternatively conceal it behind cabinetry.
- Try mood lighting
A well-lit living room is a must, especially during the winter months with fewer daylight hours. Try mood lighting to create a space that feels both snug and intimate. While the fireplace can be your primary light source for those cold nights, add soft background lighting that is dimmable and can be fitted into the ceiling for that extra coziness. Additionally, you can place warm LED bulbs over darker nooks or a floor lamp next to your armchair to transform it into your favourite reading corner.
- Toss in cozy throws, rugs, and pillows
There’s nothing such as ‘too many pillows’ when it comes to comfort. Layering your living space with throws, rugs, and of course, pillows, is the secret to making it warm and cozy instantly. Imagine inviting your guests in on chilly evenings and seeing them snuggle up amidst such soft, warm layers! Remember to choose soft, plush fabrics and experiment with textures and patterns to add depth to your seating area.
- Introduce a home fragrance
It is extremely important to make sure your home smells good. Now, when it comes to picking a fragrance for your home, begin by finding a signature scent and making it your staple—it could be anything from the whiff of freshly baked cookies from the oven to the fresh scent of lemongrass that lingers in the air all day long. Or you can take it up a notch higher by introducing the ongoing season to your home fragrance—try pine or cedarwood for winter, and citrus or floral for warmer months.
- Incorporate art and family photos
Nothing adds a personal touch to your house and makes it a ‘home’ quite like photographs and artwork. From a gallery wall of your most memorable photos with family and friends to a series of abstract art pieces—the world is your oyster here. Pro tip: While choosing the frame, pick one that works with the photo or art and not with the wall or space that it hangs from.
