Living Rooms

• A Guide To Aluminum & Wood Replacement Windows
• How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel For Fall
• Minimalist Interior Design Tips: Clean & Simple Living Rooms
• Winter Decorating Ideas For The Living Room
• Create An Edgy Living Room By Decorating With Metals
• Create A Baby-Friendly Living Room
• The Best Living Room Accessories For You
• How To Increase Space In A Living Room
• Southwestern Style Living Room Design Ideas
• Decorating Ideas For A Studio Living Space
• How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel
• Six Different Types of Couches You’ll Love
• Cape Cod Decorating Ideas For The Living Room
• Tips on How to Design an Eco-Friendly Living Room
• How to Choose Living Room Colors
• Modern Living Room Design Ideas
• 7 Decorating Tips for a Small Living Room
• Tips and Ideas for Living Room Rugs and How to Use Them
• How To Buy Living Room Furniture On A Budget
• Contemporary Living Room Design Ideas
• Living Room Wall Art Ideas
• Cheap & Chic Ideas for Summer
• Living Room Design And Decorating Ideas
• Feng Shui Living Rooms: A Design Guide

A Guide To Aluminum & Wood Replacement Windows

Replacing a window can be done by anyone with common carpentry tools and basic woodworking skills. Windows are readily available in standard sizes, or they can be ordered from a manufacturer or lumberyard in special sizes to fit your rough openings.

• Take measurements Taking careful measurements will mean less work later. Window openings need to be square to keep out rain and drafts. Measure the width and height of the opening. Also, measure the diagonals; upper left corner to lower right corner. Then measure the upper right corner to lower left corner. The two measurements should be within 1/8 inch of each other. If they are not, the opening is not square and you have some shimming to do to correct the problem.
If the opening is square, take final measurements between the left and right window jambs at the top, middle, and bottom. The shortest of these three measurements is the window width. Next, measure the distance between the head jamb and windowsill at the left side, middle, and right side of the window. The shortest of these three measurements is the window height.

•Remove the old window To begin removing the window, work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the existing molding, trim pieces and window casing. If the trim pieces have several decades of paint on them, score or cut around the trim with a utility knife to break the paint and calking seal. Scoring the seams first will help reduce the chance of splitting the molding during removal. Use a 4 inch wide putty knife and carefully loosen the molding surrounding the window. If it is stubborn, use a thin pry bar, sometimes called a cat’s claw to remove the trim.
Remove the old window. If you are only replacing the window sashes in a double hung window, leave the window frame in place for now.


If you are replacing the entire window, remove the inside stops on the left and right sides by prying them loose with a putty knife or pry bar. Next, remove the jamb liners on both sides by raising the lower sash about 6 inches and pry the liner loose. Lower the top sash and do the same thing. Then, remove the old sashes and jamb liners as one unit.
Square up the opening with wood shims if necessary.

• Install the new window jamb Now is the time to install the new metal liner brackets that were supplied with your window sash kit. Mark a level guideline inside each vertical jamb, and install a bracket every 4 to 5 inches along the sides of the jamb. Take care to keep these brackets level. Attach the new jamb liners to the liner brackets.
Install the new sashes. The upper sash goes into the track closest to the exterior of the house. The lower sash fits into the track closest to the interior side. Make certain both sashes move smoothly.
Install the new head stop and set the nails just below the surface with a countersink or center punch. Reattach the left and right inside stops. Set the nails.
If you are upgrading to an aluminum framed replacement window, the installation is different. Cut away the exterior siding around the window. Beginning at the bottom of the opening, apply window wrap to the exterior window opening and work your way up. Lift the window into position and screw one corner of the replacement window into place. Make sure you are anchoring it to solid wood such as a stud or header. Check the plumb and square of the window by measuring the diagonals again. Once square, nail or screw the rest of the window frame in place. Add a second layer of window wrap around the fins of the window frame.
Insulate the new window by putting expanding foam sealant in the gap between the casing and the new window. Cover the edges of the new window with painter’s tape to protect the frame surface. Excess foam can be scraped off when dry. Remove the tape, and calk. Replace the siding and exterior trim as needed, calk and paint.

• Replace the trim The interior trim molding can be reattached now. Remove the old nails by pulling them through the backside of the molding with a pair of pliers. This helps prevent surface damage. Nail the trim molding in place and counter sink the nails.

• Calk & paint With the trim installed; putty the nail holes, sand and prime. Then apply the finish coat of paint.

• Tools needed

• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Putty knife
• Thin pry bar or cat’s claw
• Pliers
• Hammer
• Level
• Sash replacement window
• Wood shims (if needed)
• Nails
• Counter sink or center punch
• Caulking gun
• Caulk
• Wood putty
• Paintbrush
• Paint

How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel For Fall

As the weather begins to cool and your family gathers around the living room fireplace, create a beautiful autumn mantel design to welcome the changing of the seasons. Richly colored leaves, inviting fall scents and classic harvest pumpkins make this mantel design as fun as it is stylish.

Leaves

One of the classic icons of fall, leaves make the perfect, living room fireplace, mantel decoration. While it may be tempting to simply grab a handful of brightly colored fallen leaves from outside, natural leaves often crumble and can leave a mess around your home. Opt for fake, craft leaves available at craft, retail and home improvement stores. Ways to use leaves on your mantel:

• Scatter single, loose leaves down your mantel, made to look like they gently fell from a tree. Be sure to mix up the colors (if they are multi-colored) and arrange them in slightly different positions to appear natural.
• Place large leaves under candleholders, small clocks, vases or other small accessories on your mantel.
• If leaves are not loose, and attached to faux branches, gather the branches together like a flower arrangement and place in a clear glass or autumn colored vase to place on one end of the mantel.
• Be careful not to set leaves too close to the fireplace opening, as fabric may catch on fire, and plastic can easily melt in high heat.

Pumpkins

Another fall standard for decorations is the pumpkin. This gourd is easily styled to fit any home theme, from casual kid-friendly, to formal or Cape Cod nautical. Selecting the correct size of pumpkin, along with color, shape and finish ensures your fall decorated fireplace mantel blends perfectly into your home. While you can use real pumpkins, after more than a week, they can become soft and lose their shape. Try decorating with plastic, fabric or glass pumpkins to have a mantel design that will last year after year. Ways to decorate your mantel with pumpkins:

• Very small, orange pumpkins are the most common form used for household decoration.
• Place one small, orange pumpkin next to a candle or clock.
• Place a line of small orange pumpkins down the line of your mantel.
• To include your children in the process of decorating the mantel, let them paint faces on the pumpkins, or paint the whole pumpkin in yellow, brown, green or gold autumn colors.
• Taller, thinner pumpkins make great end pieces for each side of the mantle.
• Painting your pumpkins white, or finding certain varieties of pumpkins that naturally occur in white, allows them to easily blend in with modern or nautical themed home styles.

Candles

Candles always make a beautiful addition to any mantel, and fall is a great time to use scented and colored candles to enhance the decorative theme. Finding scents that match the season, and are enjoyed by you and your family is a crucial first step in decorating your autumn mantel, as you don't want to fill your home with a smell that would bother anyone. Try buying small, tea light or votive sized candles in some autumn scents to check which ones you prefer before buying larger sizes. Ways to decorate your fall mantel with candles:

• Pick candles in colors like brown, tan, gold, orange and dark green.
• Some of the best autumn scents include pumpkin, wood scents, mulled cider and a variety of brand specific fall themed blends.
• Use darker colored, rustic looking candleholders and lanterns for an autumn harvest theme.
• Tall, thin candlesticks work well in formal living rooms, while thicker, tall candles offer a stylish and dramatic look.
• Small tea lights or votives can be slipped inside glass or ceramic pumpkin decorations to mimic the look of jack-o-lanterns.

Garlands

Autumn garlands are a great way to use leaves, acorns and other natural decorations without having them loosely scattered across your mantel. Holiday and seasonal garlands are widely available at craft stores, common retail stores and home improvement stores. Consider using one of the following garland styles for your autumn mantel:

• Yellow, orange and brown leaf garlands stretched from one end of the mantel to the other.
• Garlands designed to look like branches or vines, with a mixture of acorns and leaves.
• For a minimalist look, find garlands without any leaves or additions, and simply appear to be dark brown vines that would often be seen in nature throughout the fall.

Extras

You don't need to completely remove all the items you currently have on your mantel to decorate for fall. Pick specific pieces to remain on the mantel and incorporate them into the theme. Leaving some of your normal accessories will also help blend your home's style with the seasonally themed decorations. Work some of these common mantel accessories into your fall setup:

• Clocks are a common décor piece placed on the mantel, and can easily have leaves placed around them, vines draped over them, or a small candle placed next to them in a contrasting color.
• Existing candleholders can be used if they are in darker, autumn colors, or covered with leaves or pumpkins.

Decorating your mantel for fall is a fun, simple process that beautifully incorporates the colors, scents and symbols of autumn into your home. Using warm tones likes brown, gold, green and tan mimics the colors of the changing leaves, while garlands and pumpkins bring the season inside.

Minimalist Interior Design Tips: Clean & Simple Living Rooms

f you find yourself running up and down the living room picking up clothes, food, toys, and other assorted junk, it may be time to make a change. Frequently, the best way to free up your mind is to free up your space. If you've started to notice your living room getting overrun with the clutter of your day-to-day activities, try incorporating a minimalist perspective into your design aesthetic.

Minimalist paint options

If your walls are looking busy and unorganized, you can spruce up your living space, and pave the way to a minimalist lifestyle with a new paintjob. Keep these ideas in mind as you move forward with your painting plans:

• Use only one or two colors
• Avoid anything too dark or too bright
• Try using monotone shades or grayscale

A room where all the walls are a different color, even if it is very slight, can be distracting. Try using as few colors as possible. Dark colors and vivid, bright colors will make your space appear small and boxed-in. If possible, try for light greys or whites. These will be the easiest on the eyes and open up the space in the best way.

Choosing the right wall décor

Once the final coat of paint has dried, it's time to decorate the walls. Before you start, select one or more walls to remain completely bare. If the eyes have fewer places to visit, there are fewer things to overwhelm and distract. When you have decided which walls to decorate, stick with single-framed pieces that hang on their own. Choose one or two sketches, paintings, or photos and pick the proper place for them. Framing should be:

• Simple
• One color
• Easy to interchange
• Light in size and shape, not distracting

Minimalist furniture: less is more

You want to make sure that your living room isn't jam packed with furniture. Fill only the space you need to fill, and leave the extra items out. If you feel like you can thrive in your living space without a coffee table, take it out! If you don't need a couch full of decorative pillows, remove them! Use soft and light colors for your furniture items like you did with the walls. Avoid any sort of heavy pattern or decorative addition. If you're really feeling adventurous, you can even ditch your television or home theater system.

De-clutter everything

Once you have the basics, it's time to do a full cleaning inspection. Remove debris from countertops, tables, and shelves, and keep on top of dusting and polishing these surfaces. Get rid of all the excess junk that has been taking up your living space. Minimalism is all about maintaining the least amount of unnecessary items in your space. Ask yourself this question: do I really need this here, or can it be stored somewhere else? You'll quickly find that you've packed half your living room away for safe keeping.
Don't be overwhelmed by the amount of clutter impacting your living room space. Cleaning, de-cluttering, and maintaining a minimalist environment is easier than it looks, and you'll enter and leave your living room with a clear head.

Winter Decorating Ideas For The Living Room

Once the cold weather of winter settles in, with a chilly breeze blowing and frost whitening the grass in the morning, it's time to warm up your living room with a few simple switches in decor to create a snug, welcoming retreat from the blustery weather outside.

Your family will love curling up in a cozy living room to spend time playing games, reading or just enjoying a roaring fireplace. So follow the suggestions here and get ready to enjoy your winter living room.

Use Warm Fabrics

Thick, wooly fabrics, heavy textures and nature-inspired colors bring warmth to your room. Swap out your cotton toss pillow covers for sweater fabric, fleece, heavy wool or flannel covers in neutral tones.
Good color choices include:

• Winter white
• Tan
• Wine
• Brown
• Gray or silver
• Deep green

One or two heavy throw blankets over the back of your couch will be much appreciated while watching TV on chilly nights, and will add to the visual warmth of your living room. Tassels and trim add texture and interest.

Cover Your Floors and Windows

Not only will a thick rug warm up your floors, it will also provide a comfortable place for children to stretch out and watch TV or play. Look for one large rug to center your seating area, or use two smaller rugs to create one main living area and a smaller satellite.
Warm rug ideas include:

• Thick wool in a light neutral such as tan or a warm-based gray
• Faux sheepskin
• Country-style braided rug in warm tones
• Animal-print rug layered over a rug in solid-color wool

Your windows let in winter chill, so be sure to cover them with heavier drapes in the winter to cut the cold. Put away the sheer panels and light cotton draperies. Winter is time for heavier fabrics with enough texture to hold the warmth inside.You can even use a blanket attached to a curtain rod with clips for a frugal take on winter window coverings.
Look for deep, nature-inspired tones such as:

• Eggplant
• Dark green
• Pumpkin orange
• Navy blue
• Barn red

These colors are warm, but give a hint of drama to your living room, preventing a neutral color scheme from becoming boring.

Center the Room Around Your Fireplace

There's nothing like a roaring fire on a cold winter's night. To take full advantage of your fireplace, rearrange your seating area to make the fireplace the room's focal point.
Make sure you have a heavy fire screen in front of the blaze for safety, and add an attractive set of fireplace tools in brass, black wrought iron or bronze for stylish clean-up of the ashes.
Even if your living room does not have a real fireplace, you can now easily reproduce the experience with an electric unit. With a simple flick of the switch, "flames" crackle and dance while a fan blows heat into your room.
Not only are electric fireplaces a great option for an apartment or small home with no existing fireplace, they are also a safer option if you have toddlers or young children. You can find electric fireplaces in styles ranging from wall-mounted flat boxes to freestanding units that resemble an old-fashioned wood-burning stove.
Whether electric or real, decorate your fireplace mantel for the season.

• A mirror centered over the mantel is a great way to reflect more light into the room, something often in low supply on gloomy winter days.
• White jarred candles add to the romantic glow in the evenings, and a pot of winter bulbs such as narcissus, tulips or hyacinth add even more romance.
• Show off a collection of small architectural elements, your favorite bird collectibles or a wonderful collection of antique glass jars and vases.

Keep your wintertime mantel display simple and elegant. Sticking with a minimal color scheme, such as white with a few touches of silver and tan, or all neutrals with a shot of black is a good way to create an interesting scene that contributes to the warm feel of the room.

Accessories

With just a few changes of accessories, you can give your living room a fresh new look for the winter. Put away the summery touches of bright colors or pastels, and add wintery charm with metallics, warmer colors and interesting textures.
Some easy switches that will give your room winter appeal include:

• Swap photos of summer scenes and fun for winter scenes such as snow play, ski trips and winter landscapes.
• Put away the faux greenery, and set out arrangements of interesting twigs, berries and dried grasses.
• Vases that held flowers in the spring can be filled with berries or colored glass.
• Create a fun shadowbox by replacing summer vacation memories with mittens and a knit hat.
• Replace the holiday garland across your fireplace mantel with a string of patterned knit mittens held on a thick piece of yarn with clothespins.

Don't think winter decorating is limited to the holidays. Once your Christmas decor has been packed away, make the switch to winter accessories that bring light and warmth inside even on the dreariest January day.

Create An Edgy Living Room By Decorating With Metals

You don't need to live in a palace to enjoy the beauty of a shimmering gold frame, silver accessories or bronze statues. Decorating your living room with metallics, whether in their true form, or mimicked in fabric, is a great way to add edge and sophistication to your home. Choose a few key pieces, or turn your living room into a melting pot of gold, silver and bronze by following this breakdown of the best ways to decorate with metallics.

Pillows: Pillows are one of the easiest ways to throw a splash of metallics into your living room. Try adding a gold, bronze or silver pillow on an armchair, or bundle two or three of the metallic shades on couches. Whether they're smooth, shiny vinyl, painted leather or simply metallic fabric weaved into beautiful patterns, these pillows add an instant, but easily removed, touch of metal to the room.

Light Fixtures: To add some genuine metals into your living room, try installing a ceiling light fixture with a rugged bronze finish, smooth silver finish or decadent gold finish, depending on the theme of your room. Ornately decorated, formal living rooms look best with gold, with minimalist and modern rooms are best suited by silver. If you have a more relaxed, rustic style living room, your best bet is bronze. If you don't want to make the commitment of installing a ceiling fixture, try adding floor and table lamps in one of the metallic finishes.

Frames: A classic way to display metallics, frames offer the perfect place to play up your living room's style. For the traditional look, best for formal living rooms, choose an ornate gold frame for photos, paintings or mirrors. Look for styles with intricate detailing and flair, playing up the gold's innate decadence. Place the frame above the fireplace, behind a couch, or on a wall facing the entryway to the living room for a dramatic entrance. For less formal living rooms, try bronze or silver frames in subdued styles to better reflect the more relaxed style. 

Tables: Tables are a great way to add unexpected pops of metal in your living room. If you're going for a drastic addition of metallics, paint your main coffee table gold, silver or bronze. For a less dramatic impact, try a side table, plant-stand or any one of the smaller tables in your living room. The unexpected yet stylish metallic paint will instantly make your table look more like a work of art instead of furniture, and highlight any accessories and decorations you place on it.

Walls and Ceilings: For a more permanent addition of metallics, consider painting with metals. Striking metallic paint is available at most hardware stores, allowing you to create and entire wall of gold, silver or bronze. Again, select the shade that best reflects the style of your living room. For a more delicate touch, paint crown molding, chair rails or baseboards with the metallic paint of your choice. For intricate detailing on molding, hire a professional to precisely paint on the metallic paint. The result will be well worth the money.

Decorations: Like pillows, adding metallic decorations is a great way to easily and non-permanently introduce metals into your living room. Find vases, bowls, trays, candleholders and statues to place around the room. Your mantel, coffee table and side tables are the best spots for displaying metallic decorations, which can be mixed. Placing gold with silver and bronze is a great way to add dimension and blend styles.

Seasonal: The holiday season is a great time to try metallics, and may be the best time to experiment if you are unsure about decorating with them year round. For the living room, try adding gold or silver:

• Wreaths above the fireplace
• Candlesticks
• Christmas tree ornaments
• Ribbons
• Garlands
• Wrapping paper on Christmas or Hanukkah gifts
• Bowls, trays or coasters on the coffee table for guests

Mix with Color: One great way to help metallics blend with your living room is to pair them with specific shades of color. For each metallic, consider placing them with the following color combinations:

• Gold pairs well with black, blue, purple and white
• Silver pairs well with blue, white and black
• Bronze pairs well with green, brown, muted orange and tan

Decorating your living room with metallics is a great way to add a fun touch of style, edge or sophistication. Select the appropriate metal shade for the theme of your living room, and introduce small, moderate or drastic levels of metallics with the right decorations and accents.

Create A Baby-Friendly Living Room

Nothing compares to the joy of watching your baby grow and learn. You want your child to be able to explore his world, but you also consider safety to be a top priority. Most families spend more time in the living room than any other area of the house, and you want this to be a cozy, usable, family-friendly space. You also want it to be safe for your baby. Those goals don't have to be mutually exclusive. You can have an attractive living room that is also the perfect place for your child to spend time interacting with his or her family and world.

Basic Safety

The living room is the center of family life; a place to relax, play, and spend time together. It is also filled with potential dangers to your baby or toddler.

Electrical outlets and wires:Little fingers are irresistibly drawn to electrical outlets. The imagination and ingenuity of a toddler knows no bounds when it comes to finding small objects to insert into outlets just to find out what happens. To prevent electrical shocks, place covers over all exposed outlets. For convenience, purchase the sliding-cover style that allows you to use the plug without having to remove the entire outlet cover.
Lamps, television sets, DVD players, computers and music systems fill most living rooms with tempting wires dangling in your baby's line of sight. Wires are not only a shock danger to a baby eager to chew them, but they can also pull a heavy television or lamp down on top of your toddler.
You can purchase cord reels or spools to wind up any extra slack in electrical cords, or just do the job with twist ties or tape. Bundle cords together as much as possible, and use tape or cord covers to keep them securely in place. Use a cover over surge protectors or power strips.

Windows:Everyone enjoys a nice view outside a window, and babies are no exception. Unfortunately, windows pose danger to little ones. Use locks on your sliding windows to prevent a child from opening the window on his own. Mesh covers or child-safety bars allow you to keep windows open without the danger of your baby crawling or falling through.
Secure curtain or blind cords as a dangling cord can strangle a curious child. Use a cord reel or fasten the cords high up where the baby cannot reach them.

Furniture Safety

Babies and toddlers like to climb, and furniture provides an exciting challenge. Toddlers like to use furniture for balance, and to pull up as they learn to walk. Take some basic safety measures to prevent accidents or injury.

Unsecured furniture:Strap or bolt all heavy or tall furniture to the wall to prevent your child from tipping it over by pulling or climbing. Don't forget the television set, which can easily be pulled off a table or stand.

Sharp edges:A fall onto the edge of a table, a sharp corner on furniture, or the fireplace hearth can severely injure your toddler. This is a particularly common source of injury as toddlers are learning to walk. You can buy bumpers or pads to cushion edges and corners, removing one more source of potential harm.

Living Room Décor

Your home is a reflection of you and your tastes, and nowhere reflects that as much as your living room décor. You don't have to create a lifeless, uninteresting room to make it safe, but you do need to take some basic steps to protect both your baby and your favorite possessions.

Knick-knacks:Your child's earliest years are not the best time to display your prized collection of antique dolls, the china handed down by your grandmother, or any sentimental but fragile décor. Put all breakables somewhere safe, such as up high, or inside a cabinet with locked doors. You might want to simply put delicate knick-knacks away for the time being. The early years pass by so quickly, and soon your baby will have outgrown the need for these safety measures.

Houseplants:You want your toddler to learn to eat her greens, but not when it comes to your houseplants. Many indoor plants are poisonous, and the time to find out which ones are is not when you discover your baby with a mouthful of leaves. Be safe, and keep all plants up high where baby cannot reach.

Rugs:Unsecured rugs on hardwood floors are a slipping danger. Your toddler can slide and fall, leading to injury. Use rug pads or rug tape made to hold rugs in place, and prevent any sliding or wrinkling.
Your baby will grow up before you know it. Take the time to safety proof your living room before your child is old enough to get into danger, and then you can focus on spending quality time with your baby, without worrying about injury or damage to your living room.

The Best Living Room Accessories For You

Even the best furniture can only go so far when it comes to designing the living room of your dreams. Accessories and decorations breathe life into your living room, giving this space warmth, personality and flair. Traditional accessories such as fluffy throw pillows and table centerpieces are only the beginning. Discover some new ways you can add just the right touches to your living room to create a space your family and friends will love.

Exploring Shades of Light

Lighting is one of the simplest tools you can use to establish a particular mood for your living room. Your lighting choices might make this space feel cheerful, romantic, cozy or sophisticated. Depending on the atmosphere you'd prefer, you may want to try:

• Freestanding floor and table lamps: Freestanding lamps are great for task lighting. You can use them to shed light on your favorite spots for reading, knitting or other hobbies. These portable lamps can also be used for accent lighting to draw attention to any feature or area of your living room you'd like to emphasize.

• Candles: Nothing says romance like soft candlelight. To create a warm, romantic mood, candles are available in shapes and colors to fit any décor.

• Ceiling lighting: With a variety of styles to choose from including domes, drums, mushrooms and pendants as well as monorail or track lighting options, you can achieve a diffused or focused lighting effect.

• Colored light bulbs: For a touch of whimsy, why not try some colored light bulbs in your living room lighting fixtures. From romantic reds to restful blues, colored bulbs are an easy, inexpensive way to enhance the feel of your living room.

• Fireplaces: The warm glow of a fireplace will make your living room feel safe, cozy and yes, romantic as well. If your budget doesn't permit adding a real fireplace, you can install an affordable electric one. Today's faux fireplaces offer the realistic look of firelight and some will even heat your room.

• Natural light: Don't forget the power of sunlight to give your living room a bright, cheery character. Stained glass panels and sun catchers enhance the effect with their splashes of color. Windows facing east bring in the light morning sun, while those facing west treat you to the warm, peaceful rays of afternoon. For the best of both worlds, a southern window will bring lasting brightness to your living room. You can also achieve a sunny feel by adding an overhead skylight.

• Wall sconces: Add sophistication to your living room with the elegant accent light of wall sconces.

Warming up Your Walls

When decorating your living room, don't forget your walls. For a minimalist look, you can leave your walls without much embellishment and paint them with strong or soft color. For a cozier impression, here are some ways to accessorize your walls:

• Artwork
• Clocks
• Mirrors
• Shelving
• Shadow boxes

Living with Natural Beauty

Green plants and flowers invite the beauty and perfection of nature into your living room. Whether you choose a large peace plant for your floor, a small African violet for your windowsill or fresh cut flowers for your coffee table or mantle, your living room will feel more alive and friendly.
If you don't have a particularly green thumb, spider plants and pothos (variegated philodendron) are very easy to keep healthy. Succulents and cactus plants require even less maintenance.
Faux plants are another option for those who don't have the time or desire to care for a plant. Forget about the tacky fake plants of the past; today's imitations are so realistic your guests may not be able to tell the difference!

Showcasing Personal Collections

The things you collect and create say a great deal about who you are. Your living room is a perfect place to share your personality and talents with friends and family. You may want to display some of these items on your mantle, shelves, or accent tables:

• Antiques
• Musical instruments you play
• Awards you or family members have won
• Family photos
• Favorite books
• Geodes and other natural crystals
• Glass, pottery and sculpture you've created or collected

You don't have to stick with traditional decorations to make a statement with your personal collection. You can display almost anything that interests you in an appealing way. Even something as unexpected as a collection of vintage toys can make your living room a place where people want to gather.

Accessorizing Your Floor

When considering living room accessories, your floor may be the last thing that comes to mind, however, you can really pull the room together by working with this area. In addition to large, welcoming potted floor plants, some ways to accessorize your floor include:

• Accent tables: Small accent tables open space to display other accessories or give guests and family a place to put down a beverage or plate.

• Area rugs: Add color, texture and warmth to your living room and take attention away from worn carpets or flooring.

• Coat, shoe or umbrella racks: If your living room is also your front entry room, keep clutter under control by providing attractive places for family and guests to put their things when they come in.

Exploring Your Possibilities

You don't have to follow any strict rules when adding accessories and decorations to your living room. The only limit is your own imagination. Your unique choices will enhance the beauty and comfort of your family gathering space. So explore the possibilities and have fun expressing yourself as you create a living room you'll truly enjoy living in!

How To Increase Space In A Living Room

The living room is the most occupied room of the house. It can be the comfort zone, the visiting zone, and the party zone depending on the occasion. When all of this is considered, it is easy to allow your living room to get a bit crowded. Here's how to avoid feeling cramped in your living room.

Find Furniture That Fits

First, the furniture in your living room should be comfortable and appeal to your specific sense of style. You do, however, want to consider the amount of space you're working with before splurging on that oversized sofa. Before you hit the furniture stores, measure the space where you want to place your key furniture pieces. Smaller items can be a good investment if you're looking to save space. Consider these options:

• Loveseats
• Armchairs
• Collapsible coffee tables
• Ottomans

If you find you don't have as much space as you'd hoped, you can swap that sofa for a loveseat, or that loveseat for a cushy armchair. Having one central piece will appear less cluttered than filling your room with several smaller pieces, so be aware of the aesthetics of your living room.

Making the most of storage space

The living room might not be the best place to store items, but for those items that do need to find a home in the living room, make the most of your storage space. Certain pieces allow you to store items while still maintaining a clean, uncluttered look in your living room.

• Coffee tables with shelves or drawers
• Benches and stools with removable seats and storage compartments
• Decorative trunks

With so many options available for furniture that doubles as storage, it is easy to incorporate your sense of style into your space saving design. This way, you can have the items you want on-hand like the board games for family game night, or your collection of DVDs.

Getting rid of clutter

Your living room should not be where you drop any unwanted items. Since it is the main room of the house, it is easy to get into the habit of leaving unwanted items splayed across the furniture or thrown across the floor. Utilize hallway and closet storage for the items that end up scattered haphazardly across your living room. Make a rule that if someone is working or playing in the living room, their equipment must be cleaned up after use. Make use of other rooms in the house for storage of these items, including:

• The garage
• The bedrooms
• The kitchen
• The laundry room

It can be difficult to set up a cozy and welcoming living room with limited space. But with so many furniture, storage, and de-cluttering options, help is at your fingertips. Find the right pieces in the right style to not only make your living room look great, but appear spacious and less cluttered for friends and family to enjoy.

Southwestern Style Living Room Design Ideas

Inspired by the colors and themes of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California, a southwestern living room merges vibrant Native American patterns with the subtle neutrals of the desert. Perfect for Modern, Pueblo, Ranch or Spanish style homes, this theme incorporates the relaxed feel of nature with the rugged flair of southwestern culture.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in the southwestern style is the use of Native American art and influence. Taking its cue from the intricate patterns and lively colors of Native American blankets, art and pottery, this living room style should include at least several pieces of cultural art. Western culture has also heavily influenced the southwestern style. References to ranches, cowboys and the western lifestyle should be prominent in this living room, with color schemes, decorations and accessories reflecting the rugged way of life.

Colors

The color scheme for southwestern style living rooms should comprise of two categories - neutral and vibrant. Neutrals will represent the warm shades of the desert, while bright, colorful pieces will mimic the artwork of Native Americans, bright blue skies, and the oranges and yellows of a southwestern sunset.

• For walls, ceilings and floors, stick to neutrals.
• Think beige, brown, tan or white, resembling colors typically seen in a desert.
• Lighter shades create the perfect backdrop for the second color scheme - bright blues, oranges and yellows.
• For these colors, take inspiration from the sky and sun, as well as Native American artwork.
• Often using rich turquoises and bright oranges, yellows and reds, Native American blankets, paintings and pottery are the perfect place to find inspiration for your color palette.

Furniture

Southwestern furniture is highly styled and exudes the characteristics of this rugged, natural theme. Wood pieces are usually made of a light colored wood, typically oak or pine. Couches, chairs, tables and armoires should reflect the rustic, western style through their color, shape and detailing. Many wooden furniture pieces in this style have intricate carvings of southwestern and Native American designs.

• Frequently, the wood is painted white, then rubbed with sandpaper to create a weathered look, showing the color of the wood through patches of white.
• Furniture is often large, sometimes bulky, and can be carved with western or Native American detailing and design.
• Metal details on drawers, cabinets and chairs are usually rustic and worn. Iron and bronze are common metals to use in southwestern rooms.
• Large chests are great for coffee tables, side tables or living room storage. Keep the chest's finish similar to other wood pieces in the room for an authentic southwestern look.

Accessories

Accessories complete the look of a southwestern living room, and are a great way to add color and style. Using brightly colored accents against the neutral walls and floors instantly draws attention to the intricate detailing and brilliant shades. For the perfect southern look, try adding:

• Bright turquoise throw pillows on couches and chairs.
• Intricate Native American patterned throw blankets along the back or side of couches.
• Rawhide lamp shades with leather string detailing.
• Native American clay pottery.
• Artwork or photos of southwestern landscapes.
• Tan, white and rust colored candles in weathered tin or iron lanterns to create authentically styled mood lighting.
• Cowboy hats, lassos and equestrian tack hung on the walls as artwork.

Southwestern style is heavily influenced by the beauty and colors of nature, creating a contrasting palette of soothing neutrals and vibrant blues, yellows and oranges. Use the designs of Native American culture to guide you as you decorate your living room in this relaxed and rugged theme. Small accessories likes patterned blankets, bright pillows and metal detailing will complete your look for the perfect southwestern living room.

Decorating Ideas For A Studio Living Space

Studio apartments offer the convenience of city living on a budget, but are often incredibly cramped, and offer little space to decorate individual rooms. Using tricks to designate the living area and decorating with strategic pieces of furniture can create a functional, space saving living room. Learn how to create a living room in even the smallest of studio apartments.

Room Dividers: There are various styles of room dividers available to physically segment one area of a studio apartment from another.

• Curtains: Try hanging curtains from a rod suspended from the ceiling, or a wire hung from wall to wall, to create a fabric barrier, separating the living room from sleeping and eating areas. Using lighter colored curtains will create less of a cramped feeling than darker shades, and help alleviate the loss of open space.
• Screens: Room dividing screens offer a smaller physical barrier between rooms, but create a more distinct wall feeling as they rest directly on the ground, and are typically made of metal or wood. Made in a range of styles, sizes and materials, choose a three to six paneled room screen that fits the theme of your studio, and is size appropriate. Screens can also offer more privacy, as curtains may be sheer or be moved along the curtain rod.
• Plants: Placing a row of tall potted plants around your living room area also creates a barrier for the designated living space, but offers more open air than other alternatives. Decorative reeds are a good option for their height and style. Reeds also won't require watering, soil or cleanup of fallen leaves. Choose tall, narrow pots that won't take up much space themselves, and that match the theme of your studio. Be careful to secure pots so they can't be knocked over.

Furniture: Your living room furniture itself can also act as a barrier to designate the room, when placed and sized appropriately.

• Couches: Your couches are one of the easiest pieces of furniture to use as a room divider. Place the back of the couch to the edge of your living area, acting as a low wall. Be sure to purchase size appropriate couches for studio apartments. Pick a small, lighter colored couch to increase the appearance of space, and place chairs where extra seating is needed.
• Benches: Low bench seating provides one of the least sight blocking options for studio apartment living rooms. Place a long, low bench along the edge of your living room area to designate where eating and sleeping stop, and the living space begins. Place cushions along the bench in a color scheme that matches the rest of the living room, separating it from other areas of the studio.
• Chairs: If you have multiple chairs in your living area, line them up, with their backs facing the eating and sleeping area. Like a couch, they form a line designating the specific living area.

Décor: Using decorations and paint to create rooms is a space saving trick to creating a studio apartment living room.

• Paint: Paint the walls of your living area, or the opposing sleeping and eating areas, one color, while leaving the other sections of walls white. Colored walls in one area of the studio will not only show a distinct barrier between rooms, but create the illusion of more space and depth.
• Decorations: Place specifically themed decorations only in your living room to signal the breakup of areas within the studio apartment. Also, Keep anything bedroom or kitchen related out of the living room. Whether by color or theme, select a specific look for the living room and stick to it. Decorate with that color or style solely in the living area.
• Rugs: Large area rugs are another great way to use color as a room divider. Place a large colorful rug under the living room coffee table and couch, defining the size and style of the space. Leave the floors of other areas uncovered, or choose rugs in different colors.

Creating a living room space in a studio apartment is challenging, but possible. Use flowing curtains, stylish room screens, or well-placed furniture to designate specific living areas in your space. By grouping colors, styles and decorations, you can instantly create a separate living room in even the tiniest studio apartment.

How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel

The living room is often the central gathering area of a home, with the fireplace as the main focal point. Decorating the mantel above your fireplace adds style and personality to the living room, and accentuates the room's main area of focus. Create a mantel decoration set up that reflects both your personal style, and the theme of the living room. Use these tips on how to decorate a fireplace mantel to quickly and easily transform your boring or mismatched mantel into a chic and affordadable design feature.

How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel

Photos: The fireplace mantel is a popular place to display some of the most beloved photos of family and friends.

• Select decorative frames in varying sizes to place at one or both ends.
• Choose frame colors that compliment your décor and living room theme.
• For larger photos that must be hung over the mantel rather than placed on it, select a frame that compliments the style of your living room. Think minimal for simplistically designed rooms, and ornate for more elegant and formal living rooms.

Books: If you have a large collection of books, or just a few favorites, stacking several of them on your fireplace mantel is a great way to decorate with and display your love of literature.

• To mix up the typical vertical stack placed between book ends, try resting a few beautifully bound books on their sides, letting their bindings face the room.
• You can place a candle, decoration or photo on top of the stack to add extra height and dimension.
• The books you display should not only be visually appealing, but also represent subjects important to you. Display your personality and your style.

Lighting: The fireplace mantel should not be your main source of lighting for the living room, but adding small touches of light creates a stylish way to accent photos, paintings and adornments.

• Place several candles in varying sizes on either end of the mantel to create a romantic, flickering light, or a small lamp on one or both ends for brighter, more constant lighting.
• During the holidays, placing a string of white or colored lights along the top edge of your mantle adds extra flair.
• Placing a mirror above your fireplace will not only reflect the surrounding room, but the light as well. If your mantel is opposite a window or lighting fixture, the mirror will reflect light back into the room, making it appear brighter without the addition of an actual window or light.

Novelties: If you keep a collection of something, try displaying several of your items on the fireplace mantel.

• Small statues, figurines, artifacts or souvenirs from foreign countries are all great ways to add your personal touch to a mantel.
• Display some of your favorite items as conversation pieces for guests to enjoy.
• Holidays are a great time to place seasonal decorations along the mantel.
• In spring, use natural items like flowers, branches and eggs for Easter.
• In fall, place small pumpkins, leaves and straw along the mantle
• In the winter, use garlands, pinecones, white or red flowers and holiday related figurines to celebrate the season.

Flowers: Flower arrangements are always a great way to add color and life to a room.

• For the mantel, use clear vases to create the illusion of less space being taken up, or pick vases in colors and styles that match the theme of your living room.
• For larger mantels, taller, bolder flowers are appropriate and add to the grand scale of the fireplace.
• For smaller mantels, stick to shorter, smaller flowers in modestly sized and styled vases.
• Choose floral arrangement colors and styles that not only blend well with the living room, but the season as well. Stick to light colors in spring, bright pinks and oranges in summer, orange, yellow and brown in the fall, and red, white and green for the winter.

Art: The mantel is a great place to show off your favorite piece of art. Decorate a fireplace mantel with pieces you created, or some favorite works you've picked up through the years.

• For large paintings, simply set them on the mantel like an easel, rather than hanging.
• For smaller paintings, chose a frame style that reflects the theme of your room, as well as the size and scale of your fireplace and mantel. The frame should accentuate the painting and the room around it, rather than appear overwhelming.

Learning how to decorate a fireplace mantel is easy. Select a few key pieces to place on your mantel, and create a stylish space in your living room. Display family photos, books, works of art, collectibles or an arrangement of bright, beautiful flowers. Make sure your mantel decorations reflect your personal style, as well as the theme of your living room, and you'll be sure to create a display you'll love.

Six Different Types of Couches You’ll Love

Designing and decorating your home requires picking the perfect furniture. Couches are the primary piece of furniture in living rooms, and come in many forms for a range of spaces and styles. Choose the best fit for your living room to complete your design set up. Focus on size, shape, price and use to narrow down your options.

What Is A Loveseat?

A loveseat is one of the most common types of couch, and offers seating for two. Loveseats are great options for small apartments, lofts or studio apartments as the sole couch in a living room.In average to large sized living rooms, loveseats are typically paired with larger sofas.When paired with another couch, loveseats should be the same pattern and style. Love seats usually range in price from $100 to $2000, depending on size and materials.

What Is A Sectional?

Sectional couches are large, multi-part sofas designed for spacious living rooms. Pieces typically meet at a corner angle, with one end functioning as a sofa, while the other end may be designed as a chaise lounge styled couch.Sectionals are a good option for anyone with a large living room and a need for generous seating. Sectionals usually range in price from $500 to $5000, depending on size and materials.

What Is A Chaise Lounge?

A chaise lounge acts as an extended chair, often the size of a small couch, designed to seat one person. Rather than extending to the side for multiple seating like a sofa,chaise lounges extended forward, to provide room for a person's legs. Chaise lounges are often attached to one end of a sectional. Chaise lounges usually range in price from $200 to $3000, depending on size and materials.

What Is A Divan?

Divan couches are based on the traditional seating of the Middle-East, designed for lounging or sleeping, and upholstered with tall pillows. Long and low, divans typically have a low back and arms, or none at all. They are often used for sleeping as much or more than seating. Divans usually range in price from $300 to $3000, depending on size and materials.

What Is A Daybed?

Daybeds are designed to be used as beds as well as seating. Good for lounges, dens and spare bedrooms, these small, two to three sided couches function well during the day as a couch, but are easily used to sleep on. Daybeds usually range in price from $100 to $3000, depending on size and materials.

What Is A Futon?

Originally a traditional Japanese design, futons have become increasingly popular for dorms, guest rooms and small studio apartments. Consisting of a thin, flat mattress set against the frame of a couch, the frame can be unfolded into a bed and used for sleeping. Unlike a day bed, which requires no movement or changing from couch to bed, the futon must be unfolded to be slept on. Futons usually range in price from $100 to $1000, depending on size and materials.
Selecting the right couch for your living room requires you to decide how much seating you would like, how much money you can spend, and what style you are going for. Small spaces do well with love seats, futons and daybeds, while larger, more spacious living rooms benefit from the ample seating of a sectional and/or divan and chaise lounge. Narrow down your options by determining a price and size range, then pick the perfect couch style for your home.

Cape Cod Decorating Ideas For The Living Room

The Cape Cod theme brings the casual elegance of New England beach towns to any room of the house. One of the most common areas to decorate in this style is the living room. Perfect for colonial, farmhouse, and of course, Cape Cod styled homes, this theme combines the rugged nature of the sea with the relaxed sophistication of a quiet, East coast beach home.

Cape Cod Colors

Cape Cod living rooms should primarily be decorated with three main colors: blue, white and brown.

• Sticking with neutral browns and whites will make any blue accessories, furniture or art you incorporate into the living room pop with color, creating a fun, eye catching design.
• Typically, walls are painted bright white, creating a clean canvas for artwork and collectibles to show.
• Use blues in throw pillows, cushions, blankets and wall décor. A deep royal blue is the most common shade for Cape Cod themes.

Cape Cod Themes

Cape Cod design is heavily influenced by the sea, boats and the classic elegance of East coast beach towns. Incorporate these influences into your decorations.

• Select a few stylish pieces to represent a nautical theme in your living room. Try throw pillows with a starfish design, small replica boat collectibles, or a small boat rope coiled up inside of a decorative metal bowl.
• Keep it clean. Though many Cape Cod homes have artwork, collectibles and replica boat models, they are not cluttered. Let the plain white walls be your guide to keeping a fresh open space, and avoid using too many decorations on tables, walls or furniture (yes, you can have too many cute throw pillows).
• Use woods in furniture, flooring and decorations to incorporate the elegance of rich wood paneling on boats, yacht clubs and beach homes.
• Hang paintings of boats, the sea and other traditional Cape Cod scenes above couches, chairs and fireplaces. By using a weathered wood frame, you can incorporate nautical and classic east coast themes in one piece.
  
  
  

Cape Cod Furniture

Stick to the dominant characteristics of the Cape Cod theme, even when purchasing furniture. A few key pieces can go a long way.

• Large white or blue couches are a Cape Cod standard. Decorate with pillows in the opposite color.
• Wicker furniture can be found in nearly every Cape Cod home and makes a great addition to this living room style. Purchase a wicker chair in classic white, or paint it a bright royal blue to make a stylish statement next to white and wood furniture.
• Nautical chests are a great option for coffee tables. Depending on your budget, find a simple wooden trunk or an authentic travel chest complete with metal detailing to use in place of a traditional table. To dress up less expensive models, paint them white or blue, then distress with sand paper to create a weathered, beach-worn look.
  
  

Cape Cod Accessories

Cape Cod living room accessories are simple, clean and relatively easy to find or make.

• Think boats. Display small replica boats on tables, shelves and mantels to play up the nautical theme. Depending on the size and quality, at least one small collectible boat can be bought on nearly any budget.
• Use unfinished wood for frames, side tables and chairs. Reminiscent of classic New England homes and boats, the exposed wood will further the nautical theme.
• Lanterns are a great way to add functional lighting while keeping with Cape Cod style. Use with regular or flameless candles to add a traditional touch to side tables, window sills and mantels.
• Old glass bottles, starfish and seashells also make perfect accessories for the Cape Cod living room. Line the bottles in a window sill to catch light, or collect starfish and seashells in a decorative bowl on the coffee table or a side table.

New England evokes images of sophistication and relaxation, as should your living room. Take advantage of the Cape Cod style's mixture of comfort and class, and create a space for family and friends to relax in east coast style. Mix woods, whites, blues and browns for the perfect Cape Cod color scheme. Add decorations like boats, shells and nautical pictures to complete the look. Keep it simple, clean and relaxed, and your living room can become a Cape Cod escape.

Tips on How to Design an Eco-Friendly Living Room

When decorating your home, common design ideas like contemporary, traditional or modern styles typically come to mind, but what about an eco-friendly theme? Going green is fast becoming a common lifestyle trend. It can be seen in what people wear, what they drive, what they eat and it can even be seen in how people decorate and design their home. If you're looking for a means to adopt a greener lifestyle, why not start in the living room? Here are a few tips on how to make your living room eco-friendly.

Home Electronics

The best place to start making your living room more eco-friendly is with your home electronics. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests using electronics with the "Energy Star" label. Energy Star labeled products like televisions, stereos, DVD players and cordless phones meet strict efficiency guidelines that are set by the EPA. Electronics with the Energy Star labels benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The great thing about Energy Star labeled electronics is that they use energy efficiently, so you get the same features, performance and comfort you would from any other piece of electronic equipment, while saving money on energy bills, and making your living room more eco-friendly at the same time. Even the Energy Star labeled products that cost more than a less-efficient product can eventually save you more money in the long run.

Lighting

Well-lit rooms can, literally, brighten your mood, and a great way to light up your living room is through natural lighting. To increase natural lighting in your living room, try switching to light-colored and loosely woven curtains, which will help allow more natural light to enter your living room while protecting your privacy. Using glossy paints and adding decorative mirrors to your living room walls can also help bring more natural lighting into your living room by reflecting sunlight from outside. The great thing about natural lighting is that it's free and will help lower the electric bill.
If you find the natural lighting in your living room insufficient or, for some living rooms, completely non-existent, make sure you swap out all of your incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient ones. Fluorescent bulbs use a fraction of the energy it takes to power incandescent bulbs, and are usually a lot brighter. Like natural lighting, this tip to make your living room more eco-friendly will help you save money on the electric bills.

Furniture

So, what kind of furniture is considered eco-friendly? The EPA suggests looking for furniture and decorations for your living room that are "greener" than the standard stuff you might across. When shopping for living room furniture, look for products made from recycled or reclaimed materials. Certain manufacturers sell furniture that is made from an eco-friendly production process, minimizing energy waste and utilizing energy efficient methods to create furniture. Some manufacturers use alternative materials other than wood that are renewable or can be easily recycled. The EPA also recommends eco-friendly furniture because it has little to no toxic or hazardous compounds like volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Flooring

More and more people are becoming aware of the environmental hazards related to carpet flooring. Carpet floors can trap allergens and dirt, reduce indoor air quality and can even emit certain VOCs. If you prefer carpet over any other type of flooring, the EPA recommends looking for carpets that are: recyclable, made from recycled material, do not contain any toxic dyes, have little to no VOCs and are made from sustainably grown materials.
Those looking for non-carpet flooring for their eco-friendly living room should consider cork or reclaimed lumber. Cork flooring has the same appearance of hardwood, but is less expensive and sustainably harvested. Reclaimed or salvaged wood flooring is eco-friendly and can be obtained from reuse stores or marketplaces.
If you are considering tile flooring, look for tiles made from recycled materials, and use low-VOC adhesives and sealants.

Recycling or Restoring Old Furniture and Items

One of the best ways to create an eco-friendly living room is by keeping the old stuff you already have. Throwing out old furniture is not being environmentally conscious and leads to excess waste. Rather than tossing that faded coffee table or ripped couch, try restoring them. A quick sanding and stain using eco-friendly materials can make an old coffee table look like new. Slipcovers are a great way to give an old couch a facelift. Old quilts, comforters and blankets can also be converted into slipcovers, and falls under the eco-friendly practice of recycling and reusing old items and materials rather than throwing them out.
If you can't find any use for an old piece of furniture, or there is no way to restore it, try coming up with a new way to utilize the item in your eco-friendly living room. Many would consider a coffee table with a broken leg a piece of junk. But, maybe you could turn that piece of junk into a new shelf, or saw off all the legs from the coffee table, repaint it, then hang it on the wall and call it a piece of art.

How to Choose Living Room Colors

The color or color scheme you choose for your living room is not only a reflection of how you want the room to feel, it is a reflection of you. Before you settle on a basic shade of white, take a step back to think: Is this color right for me? What are my objectives for my living room? Do I want a family-friendly space or an artistic representation? Am I willing to invest in new furniture, or is it best for me to work with what I already have? How much am I willing to spend to decorate my living room? Your design objectives and budget are two factors that you need to consider when planning your color choices.

Selection Tips

A basic concept used in interior design for color selection is the rule of 60-30-10, which translates to: 60 percent of a dominant color, 30 percent of a secondary color and 10 percent of an accent color. Accent colors are typically bold or vivid colors that are used for emphasis, or to create a bit of contrast in the room.
If you are having trouble deciding on what colors you would like to use in your living room, try looking through your closet. The colors most commonly used in your wardrobe are a good starting point for inspiration. Other places to find color ideas are interior design pictures of living rooms, model homes, living rooms seen on some of your favorite television shows or even the living rooms of your friends and family.
No matter what you decide, make sure that you apply your color scheme to everything from your flooring to your walls, carpets, couches, pillows and other décor. Minimizing the loose ends in your living room will help you streamline your space.

Modern Colors

Modern design utilizes a minimalist style with the absence of clutter from accessories and decorative materials. Modern furniture typically features clean, straight lines, polished surfaces and geometric patterns and shapes. Colors often associated with modern design are neutral colors like black, white and grey. If those colors aren't enough for your living room, then you can infuse vibrant, accent colors from a wall, a piece of furniture or a bold work of art. It is quite common to isolate these accent colors for stark contrast, or to bring attention to a certain area of the living room. Imagine a bright, red lounge chair in a room using black and white as its dominant and secondary colors.

Traditional Colors

Traditional design is another living room theme, utilizing furnishings styles from the 18^th and 19^th centuries. This design style is a classic motif for homeowners who wish to express elegance and grandeur, with the furniture being used as a focal point for the room. Colors most commonly used for traditional living rooms are generally mid-tone, nothing too vibrant or eye-popping, and should incorporate color schemes and patterns of the furnishings you choose. White and other neutral colors are typically used for walls, while rich shades of red, blue or brown can be incorporated through floral and plaid patterns found in traditional style furnishings.

Contemporary Colors

Another common style for interiors is contemporary design, which mainly focuses on solid, natural colors like light shades of brown and soft shades of gray. The objective of a contemporary style living room is to create a comforting atmosphere, streamlined and clean with smooth curves, void of any unnecessary color patterns or complex shapes. Contemporary living rooms should be subtle and simplistic, so focus on muted-colors to induce a calm atmosphere that is not overly stimulating to the senses.

Transitional Colors

Transitional design incorporates themes from traditional and contemporary styles, giving your living room a timeless feel that is both simplistic and elegant. Traditional elements like fabrics with floral or plaid patterns and wood finishes can be combined with furniture featuring the simplistic profiles of contemporary design. Transitional color schemes can incorporate contemporary design's soothing colors of tan, vanilla and beige with rich colors found in traditional design. An example would be a beige couch with maroon throw pillows seated in front of a rich, dark mahogany coffee table. With a transitional living room, you have a broader color palette to work with.

Eclectic Colors

If none of the more common styles are to your liking, or you're having trouble deciding on what style would suit your living room best, why not try a combination of multiple interior design styles? The idea of an eclectic living room is to use different aspects of various styles and tie them together with a certain design element like a color scheme, pattern or type of furniture. With eclectic design style, it doesn't matter what colors you choose as long as they are fluid with the rest of the room. Think of an elegant, Victorian sofa that has been reupholstered with teal-dyed fabric, resting on top of a zebra-print rug, in the middle of a living room with the walls painted in a black and white color scheme.

Modern Living Room Design Ideas

Design Concept

Modern design principles revolve around two key concepts: minimalism and functionality. The basic idea is that less stuff is more aesthetically pleasing and that your most beautiful works of art and decorative elements are your everyday items.

If you are someone who appreciates sophisticated simplicity with a touch of unique flare, then a modern living room design will complement your needs and personality. Make the most out of less with a streamlined style that illuminates the aesthetic benefits of practicality.
Following the design principles of functionality and minimalism, you can incorporate a variety of stylistic elements into your room's overall look. While you focus on elements of your room's bigger picture - your color schemes, shapes, and textures- remember that even the most subtle details can create a dramatic overall effect.
With a modern design, you will not need to invest in expensive artwork, sculptures, or décor. Instead, you should follow the approach that your furniture items are each works of art. This idea will enable you to use your imagination when planning your living room's overall style. Choose basic shapes, or feel free to choose items with a unique structure, texture, or color. Just be sure to avoid items that are overly-ornate since these types of items may detract from the room's simplistic look and feel.

Architecture

Some remodeling projects are more extensive than others. You may be lucky enough to have a budget that allows you to remodel your entire room, or you may be limited between the four walls and ceiling that hold your living room together.
When planning your living room's design, make sure that you have a thorough understanding of your living room's size and shape. Otherwise, the décor that you use will not pull off a modern design-it may look cluttered instead.
Remember that what's most functional is what works best for your space's unique architecture. Choose furniture in shapes that complement your home's design, and don't try to squeeze more than will fit in your space. When it comes to a modern design, less is more.
Even when creating balance through principles of minimalism, you should be as efficient as possible. Don't pack your living room with too much, but at the same time, make sure that you have enough. After all, what good is a living room that can't seat your entire family? There's no need to create pressure on yourself to get by with less than what you actually need. Remember to aim for practicality and balance-too little is just as impractical as too much.

Electronics

Minimalism is a trend that especially affects today's electronics. Smooth, sleek, wireless, and compact are buzzwords that describe some of the most common items on the market today. To a large extent, our family activities and lives revolve around our electronics, so the televisions, speakers, and video game consoles in our living room are just as important as the couches, coffee tables, and other décor.
If you're redesigning your living room with a modern look & feel, and if you can afford it, upgrade your electronics. Slowly, replace your wired devices with wireless ones. Considering surround sound, for example? Invest in wireless speakers and a wireless amplifier. If you enjoy video games, opt for devices with wireless controllers. For wired devices, strategize to keep loose ends hidden, subtle and under control. Use cables in a color that blends into your walls, carpets, and furniture, and use zip ties to keep your wires organized.
Whenever possible, mount your furniture to the walls and ceiling so that you can minimize the amount of shelving required for your room. If you opt for cabinets or shelving make sure you select a streamlined design so that you can keep all of your electronics organized and in one place.

Furniture

If you're giving a room a modern design, you will be able to choose from a range of furniture options, whether you prefer a basic, elegant, or unusual style. As a general rule, avoid shapes that are organic or ornate - instead, select linear, geometric shapes. If you have multiple couches or chairs, make sure that they coordinate by color, style, or both. Instead of choosing furniture with patterns, select bright and bold shapes. If you do choose furniture with patterns, make sure that the shapes are big and bold.
If you choose furniture that is wooden, try to stick to very dark or very light shades. If you choose wood in a medium brown shade, be sure to overemphasize the modern style of the furniture's shape in addition to other bright and bold colors throughout the room.

Walls

Because modern designs are simplistic, paint will be your ideal option. In general, wallpaper creates a look and feel that is ornate. A bright and bold color will make your room appear more streamlined.
A number of colors work well for a modern style. Feel free to choose dark colors, light shades, neutrals, and bold tones. You can even make earthy tones work by overemphasizing your living room's modern style.
If you like the idea of painting your living room a bright color but are worried about overwhelming your space, consider painting an accent wall instead. Paint your dominant wall a dark, bright, or bold color, and leave the other walls a neutral shade. In a living room, an accent wall should be the wall that is behind your television and other electronics.

Color Schemes

For a modern room, a monochromatic color scheme is your most basic option. Choose black, white, and gray to create a simple and aesthetically appealing arrangement of contrasting colors.
Feel free to incorporate brighter shades and earthy tones as long as you are able to accentuate other modern stylistic details. As a general design rule, choose no more than three colors when decorating your space. Choose one or two bright tones, and balance them with lighter colors.

Floors

Carpets and hardwood floors are both ideal options for a modern living room. Ultimately, you should choose whichever option is most practical for your needs. Hardwood floor is relatively easy to clean and wipe down while carpet can become significantly more dusty and messy.
No matter which material you choose, select a light color and avoid dark shades. Dark carpets and floors, especially in a small living room, can make a space appear crowded.

Lighting

Incorporate a balance between natural and artificial lighting. Large windows with sliding doors, skylights, and bay windows are all ideal options for creating natural light sources in a modern room. Instead of using curtains, use streamlined blinds to contribute to the living room's modern look and feel.
For artificial light, recessed lighting is your most ideal option. Try to avoid hanging fixtures that are ornate and instead, incorporate a chrome table or floor lamp for additional light. To diversify your effects, create a layered look with bright whites with subtle yellow hues. Mix and match the bulbs in your lighting fixtures for varying effects.