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The biggest mistake people make is to think they have to fill the room with lots of small furniture. Doing this will only succeed in making the space look smaller.
Going against those instincts can be daunting, but it’s the only way to go, trust me.
A bigger sofa and rug will actually make the space appear larger. You could then put in a smaller chair and smaller side tables.
The rug should be a bit longer than your sofa, and be able to accommodate a coffee table and a chair.
light
Be aware of where your light is coming from during the day. Here are a few questions for you to answer before you start to decorate and will help you design the layout.
How big is the window/s, where does the light land in the room? Which wall does it light up predominantly? What time of day is the light brightest?
At night think about how you will light the room effectively. And how you want to use the room is very important. Is it going to be a cosy intimate space? Do you want it to be a family room? The answers will help you decide on colour and lighting for your living room.
Going Neutral
Choosing light colours or pastels can seem like the easy safe option. But unless you add pops of colour with your soft furnishings the room will look bland and nondescript.
So, be clever to choose the colour scheme that will bring the room to life. This can be with colourful cushions, curtains and a rug. It will also allow you have a statement piece of furniture, a chair or sofa, that is bright and colourful.
Be aware though, that fashion changes and your hip stripy sofa may look tired and out of date in a few years.
I like to stick to two or three key colours to create a tranquil cohesive colour palette making the room feel snug and welcoming.
When choosing a sofa remember neutral doesn’t mean it has to be plain. Look for the one that has delicate curves, buttons or fluting and lovely detailing that gives it a stylish quality.
You can always liven it up with cushions and throws in bolder shades and patterns.
Shelving could be built into an alcove, painted and lit, or
Try selecting a neutral with a hint of yellow or umber that will bring warmth into the room. The Little Greene Company have a wonderful selection of paint and wallpaper colours.
Wallpaper is making a big come-back lately, and using wallpaper certainly does provide more variety and options to create the perfect look and feel to your room.
You could also think about choosing a darker neutral shade like this Hazy Morning by Dulux. It has been applied to the wall that is flooded with daylight from large windows. Its been married with a cream sofa and few pops of colour from the cushions.
‘Wild Wonder’ is what Dulux have chosen as this year’s colour trend. Here it has been applied to a corner that is not particularly illuminated with daylight. Therefore, it works well bringing light to the space.
Going Bold
If you have done the safe option before, how about going bold this time. Darker tones on the walls can look fab in a small space, creating a cosy atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Adding statement pieces of furniture that contrast will add interest and keep your room feeling vibrant.
Think about painting the skirting boards I the same bold colour to ensure that the room looks taller. Only paint them white when you have light pale colour scheme.
Make sure you get your lighting right. Avoid a bright central light that will make a nonsense of your room at night. Choose instead soft wall lights, a standard lamp, unit lights and small table lights. All these will provide a wonderful glow to the room. You can always incorporate a reading standard lamp that will provide enough direct light.
Large surface area will have impact
The large elements of a room, like the walls and floor, have a huge impact on how the small space feels and works.
Flooring has the power to enlarge or reduce the feel of the space. Laying floor planks, laminate of real planks, remember that chunky floorboards will work better in a small space than slim ones. Laying the flooring across the room will bring the space in, whereas laying them running from the door to the opposite wall will create the feel of space.
Ensure that the floor area is not cluttered, a correctly positioned coffee table, footstool, and small side tables will make sure the room feels clutter free.
Well hope that help and love to know what you do with regards to decoration please share to my Social media
Wishing you all the best
Anne x
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Anne Sowerby multi award winning interior designer