Modern-day lounge rooms have so many conflicting priorities that organising your home’s main living area can feel like one of life’s trickier problems.
You want a lounge where conversation with family and friends can flourish, the kids can play quietly, and you can binge on TV streaming services or play computer games to your heart’s content.
The multifunctional nature of a living room requires you to think much harder about the layout than a bedroom or dining room.
Below are six tips to gain more use and enjoyment from your lounge room.
Have a vision
Decide and prioritise the activities you’d like in your living room. For example, if you want your kids to play there, put aside some space for a toy box. Or, perhaps you’d like to upgrade to a giant TV screen. If you love video games, consider where you’re going to store the console and games.
Measure up
You can’t plan properly without knowing the dimensions of the space. Measure the width and depth of the living room and then measure your couch and chairs, too. You may need to face the reality that some of your furniture is too big for the space available.
Focal point
A lounge room needs a centrepiece. Many rooms tend to gravitate to the TV. However, a layout in which chairs and a couch face each other suggests a more social home. Others like their room to focus on the fireplace.
Choose furnishings
If you’re prepared to buy new furniture, seek out pieces that are in proportion with the room’s size. Be careful not to clutter the room. Try to keep the amount of furniture to what is necessary, and no more.
Lighting options
Lighting is an important element in any living room. Soft lighting is perfect for cosy evenings in front of the TV, but you need brighter lights to read a book or for the children to play happily. Consider a mix of fixed ceiling lights with dimmers and table lamps.
Storage synergy
You always need storage in living areas. It’s essential to have somewhere to stash items such as a PlayStation console, kids’ toys or a sewing box. Open shelving is fabulous for books and personal effects.
An app for that
There’s an app for everything, and room design is no different. Popular apps in this space include Planner 5D, HomebyMe, Ikea Home Planner Tools, Roomstyler and many more. So, have some fun with this project!