Interior design consists of more than just following the newest décor trends. It pushes us to seek our own voice through the transformation of the spaces we inhabit. Not only can our individuality be reflected in the display of particular objects and furniture but also in the careful arrangement of these items in relation to each other and to elements such as lighting, spacing, color, and textures.
Moreover, because we recognize the social aspect that interiors are also geared towards, this article also emphasizes the welcoming nature that design is meant to create while retaining this touch of individuality or personal character. A way we can appreciate both aspects- private and social- is by exploring the different styling options for our living rooms which form the public face of our homes and which are also the perfect places to celebrate our own tastes and personalities.
A chance to display your books
Besides making people look smart, books can also be the most convenient conversation-starters since they openly reveal a person’s interests and invite visitors to inquire about particular subjects that the owner is familiar with. Thus, whether individually as coffee-table decoration or as part of a larger collection displayed on an open shelf; books also have the capacity of making a room feel cozier. Because we associate them with the quiet practice of reading in silence or with tranquil music, their mere presence can already make the atmosphere of a room feel more inviting and relaxing.
One way of arranging your book display is by placing it as the focal point in your living room through a designated display or wall shelves. You can also use book displays to achieve a sense of balance and symmetry by placing larger decorative elements on the side or by organizing your books according to color, size or theme. Otherwise, a more creative approach is to install floating shelves or wall niches to showcase designated books as design pieces. This method creates a modern and minimalist look while turning the viewer’s attention to specific titles or collections that you are especially proud of. This is a way of celebrating your bookish interests through contemporary design and by appealing to visual interest.
Softening hard surfaces
Sleek, hard surfaces such as tile, marble or glass are often admired for their elegance and classic appeal. However, this does not mean that one cannot combine the coldness and firmness of these materials with a warm touch using rich fabrics such as satin or velvet for couches and natural fiber rugs. One way of adding visual warmth to your living room using this approach is by placing shaggy or woolen area rugs over hard flooring or by featuring upholstered sofas, armchairs, and ottomans with soft textures and cushioning.
Softness, however, can also be found in the small details such as window treatments that exhibit curtains of drapes made from lightweight fabrics, accessories like plush cushions, cozy blankets, and decorative pillows, wall hangings including fabric tapestries and art pieces, or even natural elements like plants that counterbalance the sleek modern look of an interior with their organic shapes and textures.
Golden Glow
One way of instantly transforming an interior is by using lighting to exude a particular feeling or atmosphere based on cold or warm tones. In this case, we encourage you to try with a golden glow which commonly brings warmth and intimacy to any interior. A golden living room, in particular, can make visitors feel at ease in your home and it also brings you a calm state of mind that is indispensable for your wellbeing.
A way of achieving this golden glow without necessarily relying on golden fixtures of obvious yellow paint is by using softer tones of beige or yellow paired with rich textures and light wooden furniture. Butterfly glazing and layered fabrics are also subtle ways of enhancing the property of natural lighting and giving it a more intense glow.
Combining vintage with modern
Sometimes, to appreciate the beauty of an individual object or element we turn to the use of contrasts which serve to point out the unique aspects that draw our attention to specific works. Nowadays, modern furniture focuses on both beauty and functionality through a minimalist approach that finds appeal in simplicity. This, however, does not mean that one cannot mix an element of luxury or historicity into this contemporary concept of design. A vintage staple such as an oversized mirror, a complex chandelier, or a vintage velvet armchair can make a loud statement and command the viewer’s gaze to a particular spot. Antique pieces can bring a touch of exclusivity to your interiors and spice up a living room by breaking away from the standard modern decor.
Natural motifs
The reason we often see nature’s patterns and colors replicated in our interiors is because of its calming quality and the refreshing touch it brings along. In addition, science has shown that incorporating nature into our indoor spaces can have positive impacts on our health. On the one hand plants themselves are responsible for improving air quality by increasing oxygen levels in our homes, while nature-inspired elements reduce anxiety and create a calming effect.
Some ways to follow this biophilic approach to design is to embellish interiors with natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo for flooring and organic shapes such as curves and flowing forms for furniture and accessories that mimic the shapes found in the natural environment. If you are looking into more detailed forms of approaching an organic interior, you can also focus on maximizing natural lighting or using earthy tones such as soft blues, greens, and neutrals. Lastly, for an extra flair you may also consider displaying some water features through a small indoor fountain, an unexpected tabletop water feature, or an aquarium; all of which promote a refreshing and calming ambience with the sound of running water.
Separating an open space
The definition of a living room can be flexible; there is no single, fixed approach to this space that establishes how big or small it can be or the way it should be arranged. As a result, sometimes the limits between this area and surrounding spaces such as the kitchen, dining room, or study room can become blurry. White there is no need to establish clear demarcations between each of these indoor spaces, adding a separation through a white painted paneling, sheer curtains, or a modular sofa can add a laid back, cozy, and private personality to your living room.
Moreover, adding separations to an open floor plan can be beneficial for defining functional zones to create a sense of organization and clarity within a space. As mentioned before, separations can also provide a degree of privacy and help control noise levels in the different areas of a floor plan which is especially useful when you want to designate particular areas for different activities such as work, relaxation, or reading. Thus, whether it is through the use of furniture placement and rugs as subtle dividers or more obvious screens like folding panels, shelving, bookcases, and ceiling treatments; these factors break the monotony of an open layout and present an opportunity to play with unique design elements.
Layering textures and styles
Often, we tend to place emphasis on color to imbue a room with personality or to set the tone of our interior design. A less obvious route one can take is using texture to personalize a living room and leave a long-lasting impression. For example, imagine a neutral-colored living room featuring soft and rich upholstery combined with rustic wooden pieces and golden accents to create a modern composition. In many cases this layering of textures can create an asymmetrical design that introduces dynamism, depth and dimension to your living room.
One out of the numerous possibilities can be to embellish an interior with plush and luxurious fabrics such as velvet or faux fur, along with natural textures like wood or woven materials that add tactile interest and make a room feel more inviting and comfortable. Otherwise, one can also think of how juxtaposing smooth and rough textures, shiny and matte materials, or light and dark shades, can create a dynamic visual balance and harmony based on contrasts.
End note
Personalizing your living room not only leads to the creation of a space that reflects your tastes, history, and character; it also invites visitors to feel at ease with being themselves in your home and creating conversation starters around your interior design choices. This also leads to the establishment of a cozy element through the symbiosis between interior décor and personal style so that the environment you inhabit is clearly in tune with your own tastes and habits. When a room is personalized it also evokes a sense of emotional connection that elicits positive reactions and relaxation. Furthermore, after providing you with some tips on how to personalize your living room according to current design trends, we hope you find the most suitable approach that reflects your own persona and interests.