No matter your style or taste, you always want your living room to feel like a cozy and inviting space. Here are a few tips and tricks that will allow you to create a stylish and sophisticated family room without losing that inviting touch.
Don’t Make the TV the Focal Point
The first thing you should do is to not make the TV the focus of the room. Don’t design it in a way that is solely for watching TV, as this may be comfortable for you, but it will almost always be less inviting for guests when they come over.
Instead, pick one of the many wonderful coffee tables, a large art piece, or something similar to the be focal point, as you will naturally place furniture into a more inviting manner.
Add Texture
There is something naturally uncomfortable to the eye when it comes to super clean, slick, reflective surfaces. Because of this, texture is often a better choice to make a room feel a bit more toned more and more inviting.
While there is no need to go overboard, adding textured cushions, blankets, a tablecloth, or something similar will instantly tone down the more clinical feel you may already have.
Add Curves
Curves are another thing that are brain instantly processes as being more comfortable and inviting. For example, a solid, squared-off sofa doesn’t quite have the same coziness as a rounded, fluffy one.
This doesn’t just apply to sofas either; armchairs, coffee tables, side tables, etc., all come across more gentle in a sense when they have rounded, softer edges and designs.
Color
Much like texture, color is another thing that can drastically increase how inviting your living is. Once again, too much white or metallics can make a space feel sterile, while color, especially the right colors, has the completely opposite effect.
Whether it be wall paint, throw cushions, or the furniture itself, colors such as browns, forest greens, and shades of beige have a calming feel and are most certainly more inviting to guests.
Seating
When it comes to your seating, there is one rule you should never forget: your living room is not an office reception. When you keep this in mind, you will begin to notice when it and when it isn’t inviting, cozy furniture.
Opt for squishy couches, wide, relaxed armchairs, or even an ottoman or two. Choose furniture that makes people want to kick their shoes off and relax on, not furniture that has the sole purpose of just being sat on; there is most certainly a difference.
Create a Relaxed Mood
This point isn’t necessarily about the furniture itself, but more the mood of the room. If you have ever been to a house that has a super-formal, almost clinical living room, you probably know how uncomfortable they can be; you almost feel like you can’t completely relax.
Instead, have cushions people can lean against, or throw blankets you can use if you are chilly. A soft rug that feels great to walk on barefoot also adds to the coziness of a space.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are still one of the most underrated items when it comes to living room accessories. They bring color and some life into a space, keep the air clean and fresh, and give you a taste of the outdoors without having to leave your couch.
With so many different indoor plants to choose from, you can easily find some that fit your taste and lifestyle.
Lighting
Mood lighting is easily one of the most powerful tools you can use to make a room feel more inviting. Instead of choosing bright, white lightbulbs, opt for softer, yellow ones. Instead of using your overhead lights, turn on a couple of lamps.
If you have a fireplace, take the to light a small fire during the Winter or on colder days, and let that light up your room.
Smells & Sounds
Another often overlooked aspect is the smells and sounds of your living room. Certain smells can affect the brain in different ways, with many inducing a feeling of calm and relaxation, such as lavender, lemon, bergamot, and chamomile.
Music or ambient noise can have the same effect, with classical music playlist, or the sounds of a rainforest or waves crashing against the shore, all being sounds that calm and clear our minds.
Bring the Outdoors Inside
Finally, if possible, don’t block the outdoors from entering your living room. On warmer days, have your curtains and windows open, and let the fresh air, the sounds of the birds, and a nice breeze fill the space.
In Winter, simply do the same thing but without opening the windows if it is too cold. A room that doesn’t get much sun or fresh air can feel stale and gloomy, and therefore, you should be trying to avoid that no matter the weather or season.
In conclusion, it is fairly easy to make a space feel more cozy, relaxed, and inviting. Some of these tips and tricks don’t require much effort or money, and all you need to do is change how you view your space and how you relax in it.