Winter is upon us and most of your time will now be spent snuggling up indoors, so it is the ideal time to layer your living room with warmth.
Winter is upon us and most of your time will now be spent snuggling up indoors, so it is the ideal time to layer your living room with warmth. In Western architecture, a living room, also called a lounge or sitting room, is a room in a house which is seen as the heart of the home. It's the main, comfortable but also somewhat formal social area, where family members and guests are welcomed and gather. The living room is the most spacious room of the house, it is sometimes connected to the dining room, and in some cases they become a part of the kitchen itself, mainly in open planned homes and smaller apartments, to create the illusion of more space. Your living room, regardless of size, should be able to function as a space for relaxation and entertaining.
Homeowners often had to compromise on the comfort in their property in order to elevate the look of the room, but this is no longer the case. Focus on the furniture that offers value for money, a timeless quality and many years of trouble free performance. Sometimes it's the simple things that are beautiful. “A perfect living room is all about creating a comfortable and cosy living space that is both visually and functionally appealing, while remaining fun and catering to one's need to either watch movies, entertain guests or curl up and read a book” says Craig Hutchison, CEO Engel & Völkers Southern Africa. “If you have a large family, create a child-friendly space that is also very stylish - it should be a space that the whole family can share. Spend some time on designing your living room, plan ahead and make sure that what you have planned for is what you really need as not to waste money”.
Usually, the living room is the first area that people see when entering your home, which is the reason why it should be a well-decorated area which is versatile and flexible. Traditional living rooms usually include a large comfortable, inviting sofa and two armchairs which surround the coffee table. If you have room a fireplace, the whole room would be organised around it, making the fireplace the focal point of the room. In terms of accessories, living rooms almost always include a TV with an entertainment centre, a large coffee table, artwork and ornaments, functional lighting and long draped curtains.
Think about creating a warm cosy interior with chunky knit cushions, faux fur throws and woollen rugs. “Creating a cosy living area isn't necessarily about turning up the heat and huge electricity bills, but more about how you dress the area during the colder months so that it looks and feels warmer”, concluded Craig.
Whether it's a quick change or a complete over-haul, spice up the family's favourite room with these tips this winter:
Create a cosy atmosphere with your furniture
The living area should feature comfortable sofas, recliners and occasional chairs placed around the centre coffee table. Occasional chairs are the best solution to maximising floor space – they are smaller and are easy to move around and can be used in small spaces. They can be easily re-upholstered when your tastes change, and are one of the quickest ways to update the look of your home.
Cushions and throws that suits your décor
An easy solution for trying out new patterns and colors in your living room without any major commitment. Draping a throw over the back of a sofa gives the living room an inviting look, while a faux fur throw adds texture and warmth for the winter nights.
Rugs
Should you have tiled flooring, your feet are sure to freeze during the winters, so to save your feet from the chilly floors, place a modern rug or carpet on the floor that will visually define the seating area and to make the living room look and feel warmer.
Fireplace
We all would really love a fireplace in winter. Why not think of installing one? For the easiest installation, choose a direct-vent gas fireplace, it has no gas odours and very effective gas consumption. No chimney or extraction is required because this vent-free fireplace gives you all the heat you need, with the added benefit of no smoke. If you want to add a wood-burning fireplace, that's not impossible either. You just need space above the roof to get a chimney through it.
Add warmth to any space with lighting
Lighting the living area is a fun way to set the ambiance and glam up the space. During winter, brighten up your living room with beautiful lights that will create a warm atmosphere. Dress up a side table or other accent table with a beautiful lamp. Hang a single chandelier over the entire space above the coffee table to make a statement. Should you be on a budget, why not go with decorative yet attractive aromatic candles that will give a cosy setting.
Drapes/Curtains
Instead of using blinds for the windows which let the cold in, use long flowing curtain or drapes. The living room curtains are particularly important for the interior, as they have a dramatic effect and beautify the living room.
Personalising your living room
Create a photo gallery and keep it on the coffee table, or fill the shelves with books you love, add souvenir items of where the family has been together. Picture frames of photos could also be put up on the main wall in the living area, these are pictures you already have and make a very cost effective background wall or décor items for the living room.