For some, it can be a close call as to which room - the kitchen or living room - is the true heart of the home.
While the kitchen provides a more practical and functional space, the living room is the space that should offer one a sense of lived-in accessibility, coziness and comfort. That said, there are a few ways to help if you find that your lounge is more functional at present and needs to feel more like a living room.
TIP 1: Find a focus
Due to the fact that a lounge can take on so many different functions - from a study to a make-shift dance studio at times - it’s important to find something to make the focal point of the room. This will help ground the space and give those who use it a sense of something to congregate around. It could be the TV unit, your big, comfy couch or even a fireplace. Once you’ve found your focal point, arrange the rest of the room around it in a way that compliments how you want people to use the space. For example, don’t place your furniture against the wall and rather opt for an arrangement that facilitates natural conversation and connection.
TIP 2: Play with lighting
Lighting contributes hugely to the overall mood and natural ambiance of a room and therefore can add to or detract from the warmth and welcoming feeling of the space. The key to good lighting is layering i.e. having many different types of lighting in the correct proportions in one space. This could therefore be a mixture of ambient, accent and focused lighting, for example adding in a few types of lamps differing in height and brightness or candles in addition to the room’s ceiling lights. Adding a dimmer switch to your ceiling lights can also be an easy way of creating or maintaining a warm and inviting environment.
Read more: Getting to know your lighting types
TIP 3: Bring in the detail
No matter how big or small, accessories play a role in the “persona” of a room. It’s therefore important to remember to bring in accessories and elements that reflect your personality and give your lounge that personal touch. This can be achieved through the showcasing of photos or the displaying of prized art pieces. On a similar note, accessories such as an area rug, bespoke wallpaper, scatter cushions or couch throw can also be used to bring in a sense of coziness, personality and warmth.
See more: The psychology behind colour in your home
Tip 4: Include a scent
While it might be an odd suggestion, it makes sense the more you think about it – a good smelling room can immediately add to the overall sense of invitation. With this in mind, be sure to include a few scented candles or make use of an incense diffuser or room spray to introduces a scent that compliments the invitation you are wanting to extend. For example, lavender or vanilla scents can be used to promote a sense of peace and tranquility which can easily add to the general appeal of the room.
Tip 5: Get rid of clutter
There is nothing more off-putting than a messy or cluttered room with piles of clutter taking up most, if not all, available surfaces. Clutter doesn’t only refer to stacks of paper or piles of books however - it could also refer to having too much furniture or too many accessories in the same space which leads to a sense of claustrophobia. It is therefore recommended that you take a look at your living room and assess it to ensure it looks welcoming and inviting and that all unnecessary clutter or mess is removed or neatly organised.
See more: Sprucing up your home on a budget
At the end of the day, the lounge should feel like the warm embrace of your home and offer a much-needed sense of comfort and safety especially in today’s busy and chaotic world. Taking the time and considering the above tips could therefore go a long way to making you and your guests really relax and ultimately, feel right at home.
