When you step into a potential new home, it’s easy to let the existing furniture and decor distract you from the true potential of the space.
Many buyers get stuck on the seller’s furniture choices and their layout of the living room.
For example, if a TV is sitting in front of a fireplace, some people will make a comment to the sales agent because it doesn’t create a good impression.
As you walk through the living rooms of homes you’re considering for purchase, try to look past what’s there and imagine the transformation.
The living room is the heart of the home – the gathering spot for daily family life and the stage for hosting guests.
It needs to be both durable enough to handle the everyday hustle, and sufficiently elegant to leave a positive impression.
Here are 10 tips for creating a wonderful living room:
Find your tone – If a room feels dark, brighten it instantly with a warm, inviting colour. Conversely, if you want a sophisticated, moody atmosphere, opt for a paint with a dusty undertone. (When the time comes to sell, you’ll need to revert to neutrals.)
Worry-free luxury – Luxury doesn’t always mean fragile. In a high-traffic area like the living room, the ultimate luxury is durability and peace of mind. Look for materials that are built to last and can manage the occasional accident. Fabrics like high-performance velvet or boucle offer a chic texture without sacrificing resilience.
Window treatments – This is a great opportunity to add some luxe to your home. Frequently, window coverings are a missed opportunity. While custom solutions are expensive, you can find high-quality, pre-made curtains that deliver a luxury look. Styles such as French pleat, pinch pleat and ripple fold are popular.
Embrace nature – Natural, tactile materials lend an immediate polish and an upscale, organic vibe to any living room. A good example of this would be a hardwood floor, exposed beams or a beautiful wooden coffee table.
Posh is trending – Jewel tones and deep, moody colours – think rich forest greens or burnt oranges – are trending. They give a room a custom, posh feel. Don’t go over the top, though.
Colour drenching – For the ultimate designer-secret look, try colour drenching by painting the walls, trim and ceiling all the same shade. Lighter neutrals are best for this strategy.
Contain the chaos – Elegant, hidden storage is a key to achieving that polished look. Invest in sophisticated baskets, decorative boxes and containers. A beautiful box on a coffee table is the perfect place to tuck away remotes and small necessities.
Curate, don’t collect – The distinction between collecting and curating is important. If you’re curating art, you’ll have a focused and interesting display. Instead of displaying every knick-knack you’ve picked up during your lifetime, think about the cliche that “less is more”.
Secret of display – When arranging decor, choose items of different heights and group them in odd numbers for a designer-level touch. You can always rotate them seasonally to refresh your look without overcrowding the space.
Make ugly invisible – Focus on hiding unsightly cords and update basic elements like lampshades, outlet covers and switch plates, which often discolour over time.