Creating a "Feel Good":Living Room

The concept of a living room has changed. In architecture the archaic explanation of a living room is “a space in the dwelling for social use of the residents”. This definition is outmoded for the living room is not the only place where residents of the house entertain and do social functions. The last 50 years brought on newer forms of rooms in the house such as: family room, entertainment area, den, multi-media room, breakfast nook and the likes. If you pause and analyze it, the living room of today is not used as much as before.

Your friend drops by and if you are a woman, it’s highly probable that you and your friend will sit by the kitchen table and have coffee as you talk. If your husband’s friends drop by on a Sunday, they would most probably head straight to the entertainment area or family room to watch TV. If your kid’s friends drop by they could all hang out in all parts of the house except the living room. Why? Because, living rooms have become a place to showcase the most expensive sets and accessories that you can afford. There is nothing wrong in installing high-priced and in the living room. On the contrary, if you can afford to buy quality living room furniture then that is fine. The problem rests on the way the living room – its furniture, accessories, color scheme et al – is done. The ambiance has become too sterile for comfort.

To decorate your living room, you need not be constrained by anyone else’s idea of what is perfect for your living room. You have to trust your instinct and develop your own style and those of your family members. Create an ambiance of comfort in the living room. There is nothing more frustrating than pouring a large sum of money on a room that no one seems to want to use. Choose furniture and accessories that fit your lifestyle.

If you have teens living in the house consider a sofa bed. These sofa beds are convertible. Each part is interchangeable and can be put up in varying combination. It can even be converted into a bed – perfect for sleepovers. The covers in most of these sofa beds are removable and washable. You can complement these sofa beds with a designer coffee table. Fit in real comfy armchair to encourage your partner in using the living room armchair to rest and relax.

Incorporate sights, sounds and scents in the living room. Choose a color combination that is alive but not tiring; restful but not sleepy. Put up interesting pictures and portraits. Set up an indoor water fountain to bring in the sound of nature. A comfy and homey living room is better than a showcase-style one.