The living room is often considered the premiere room for greeting
guests, socializing and entertainment. But what if the room seems not just cozy
(a good thing!), but downright small? Here’s where creativity meets trickery:
you can make your living room appear larger! Conventional wisdom is right in
this case: using mirrors effectively can make a small living room look larger.
Check Pinterest and look to the Internet for ideas to use inexpensive
wall-decals artistically, a large-scale wall or half-wall-sized mirror can
provide a contemporary look. Set the mirror across from a window for an even
more expansive look. Use window treatments that open to create the effect of seamlessness
between the outside and inside.
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| Image by Oyvind Solstad via Flickr |
Speaking of window treatments, curtains are critical in making the
living room look larger. Avoid fussy window treatments (too much swag and too
many ruffles). Unnecessary details defeat the purpose of keeping the
accessories streamlined, and achieving the desired effect, enlarging. That’s
not so say you cannot opt for shades in lieu of curtains, or visa versa. In
fact, you can create a unique window area using both. Research for shops online
that demonstrate how the curtains will look like hanging in a home as well as
choices of fabrics to coordinate with your home. A website like Montgomery ready made curtains will be very helpful and often offers
discounts, special offers and quality clearance choices. One way to further
create a greater sense of space is to match your curtains as closely as you can
to the colour of the walls.
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| Image by MaryEllen and Paul via Flickr |
In regards
to colour, it’s no secret that darker colours are usually reserved for a
warmer, closer, cosier feel. That’s why you should opt for lighter, more
natural hues and walls painted in the same, cohesive colour. An accent wall of
a darker colour will only “cut” the room off and detracts from the goal of
making the room seem larger. However, if you choose light, cool colours, the walls
will seem to recede.
Whether
you choose carpet, wood, slate or alternate flooring, a key method to opening
up a room is to blend the floor, walls and curtains. Add a floor-to-ceiling
bookcase in similar colouring to push both the walls and ceiling out. The
bookcase provides an interesting focal point and is excellent for storage.
However, it is important to not fill up every bit of shelf space. Allow for a
more spacious and airy feeling by leaving empty portions.
This isn’t
relevant unless you live in an older home or flat, but if there are doors
separating two rooms, you can remove the door for a more flow-through feeling.
You may also replace the traditional door with a pocket door, which can be
hidden until necessary.
Scaled-down
furnishings are ideal for smaller spaces and prevent the crowded feel that large
and regular-sized furniture brings. However, avoid the temptation of filling
the living room with too many small-scaled furnishings because it creates a
cluttered feeling, and not the desired effect. Another way to further impress a
spacious and airy sense is to choose sofas, couches and chairs with legs,
rather then those that sit directly on the floor or are covered with fabric,
giving the illusion of being right on the floor. Another great option which
provides seating, visual interest, as well as storage, is a leather or faux-leather bench with a storage feature. It’s even better if you can
double it as your coffee table. Bottom line: choose scaled-down furnishings
with legs that will accommodate guests and don’t make the mistake of putting in
too many downscaled pieces as it detracts from creating an open, airy space.
Avoid
getting too attached to furniture. Be prepared to get rid, donate or switch what
you have. Of course, if you have an heirloom piece and you’re worried about
having to dispose of it, don’t. If you love something, or if it has familial
significance, you can, literally, work around the piece or even design the
living room with that family piece as the focal point.
*This post is contributed by Media Buzzer.