Creating Your Perfect Living Room
Your living room is the heart of your home - it's where you entertain your family and friends and unwind after a busy day, so it’s something you really want to get right when it comes to interior design.
It needs to be functional but personal, and it’s a real opportunity to show off your individual style. We all have different tastes and interests, and our homes have different characteristics but there are a number of things you should to think about when planning your new living room or updating your current one to get it right with.
Investing in the right furniture to create your perfect vibe is especially key. Here’s our Founder, Dara Huang’s top tips to help you make the most of your space.
Logistics and Proportions
If your living area is a closed room, think about where the doors are and how you would move around the room. If you have an open plan living and dining area, consider how much of the overall space you would like to assign for each purpose and whether you would like to draw a clear distinction between the two.
A bookshelf or console table like the Davide Media Unit or a Cecilia Bench between living and dining can act as a divider to create two sections and soften the break.
Natural Light and Key Features
Try to avoid placing large pieces of furniture in front of windows as this can block natural light and make the space feel closed in. If your window has a view, think about how you can make the most of this. Is there a focal point or unique characteristic such as an exposed brick wall or a picturesque fireplace that you would like to draw attention to?
Dara suggests always having furniture face inwards as this helps conversations flow when you are entertaining and keeps the Living Room the focal point of the home.
Identifying which elements you want to feature and which areas you need to keep clear will help give a better idea of how best to position your furniture to highlight your home’s unique character and create a good flow throughout the room. Use coffee tables like the Frank Coffee Table to draw the eye and centre a seating area.
How Do You Use The Space?
Do you often relax on the sofa watching television, or do you enjoy reading a book by the fire? Do you regularly host friends or family? Your individual priorities for your living area will determine what furniture will work best, for example a large Heaven Corner Sofa paired with a Samantha Coffee Table would make the perfect entertaining space, but if you prefer to unwind by a window taking in a beautiful view a carefully positioned Livius Armchair and Brooke Side Table could create your ideal relaxing spot.
Keep It Practical
Filling a space with too much furniture, or furniture that is too large can make it feel cluttered and crowded. Equally, if furniture is too sparse the space will feel empty and uninviting. You need to ensure your furniture comfortably fits, and allow open space between pieces to ensure easy movement around the room. You may have dreams of a large corner sofa such as the Athena 5-Seater Corner Sofa but will it overwhelm the space? Would a smaller style Ludmila Sofa paired with a cosy Mallow Armchair create a more open and relaxing atmosphere?
Define Your Style
Are you inclined toward a minimalist, modern look, or do you prefer a warm, traditional feel? Perhaps you're drawn to a mix of eclectic styles or a sleek, contemporary design. Explore design magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram for inspiration and to help refine your colour schemes, textures, and themes. Whether your taste leans toward bohemian, Scandinavian, mid-century modern, or something else entirely, having a clear vision will establish the perfect atmosphere for your space.
Identify Your Colour Palette
Colour is one of the most impactful elements of living room design. It sets the mood and can make a room feel larger or cosier depending on the shades you choose. Generally, neutral tones like beige, grey, and white provide a calm, versatile base, but incorporating accent colours like deep blues, emerald greens, or warm terracotta tones can add personality and energy to the room. For a balanced look choose one main colour for the walls and larger furniture pieces (sofas, bookshelves, etc.) and two or three accent colours for accessories like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. If you love bold contrasts, consider pairing dark tones with light furniture or vice versa.
Choose Your Statement Sofa
The sofa is a key feature if not the focal point of most living spaces, and sets the tone for the style of the room. In small spaces a sleek, low-profile sofa such as the Heaven 3-Seater Sofa can create a minimalist look and prevent the room from feeling overcrowded. In larger spaces, more substantial pieces such as the Remo Sofa can provide extra comfort and create a homely feel.
When choosing your sofa choose a colour that complements your chosen palette, but also think about the fabric and how that impacts your style - cotton and linen are breathable and casual, whilst velvet and leather give a luxurious and polished look.
Accessorise with Purpose
Accessories can make or break the design of a living room. Choose items that complement your overall vibe and colour palette, but also say something about your personality and style.
Start with textiles like blankets, pillows, and rugs – these not only add colour and texture but also contribute to the overall comfort of the room.
Consider artwork. A statement painting, a gallery wall, or even framed photography can elevate the look of the room. For an eclectic vibe, mix different styles and sizes of frames, but keep the colour scheme cohesive.
Pick out your finishing touches. From vases and sculptures to photo frames and decorative trays, your choice of ornaments is an opportunity to show off your individual flair.
Get The Lighting Right
From spot lights and statement ceiling lights to floor lamps, wall lamps and table lamps, there are many options when it comes to illuminating your living room. You need to ensure your lighting enhances the functionality of the space but also creates the right atmosphere, and this can be tricky to get right.
We recommend you read our separate Dara Maison guide on lighting in interior design for tips on how to use lighting to enhance the atmosphere in your new, perfectly designed living room.