The Best Home Theater Design Ideas for 2020
A trip to the movies is a treat that everyone loves, so why not bring that into your home to experience anytime you want? One of the most luxurious additions you can make to any home is your own personal home theater. This is the perfect room for anyone who entertains often or just for anyone who wants a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy their favorite movies. Like any other room in the house, some styles work best for home theaters. You need to make sure you have everything right, from getting the best equipment to finding media room seating in Houston, TX.
If you’re interested in having a media room added to your home, here are some of the best home theater designs that will be huge in 2020.
Gilded Theater
If you’re looking for a classic theater look, rather than a movie theater, a gilded theater is the right design for you. With a gilded theater right in your own home, you can always feel like you’re experiencing a world-class performance. Gilded theaters are incredibly opulent, with golden accents and plenty of plush red velvet. This will be sure to impress all of your guests. This design can be a lot of work to pull off and makes a big statement, but you can be sure that it’ll be in style for years to come.
Mid-Century Modern
What better way to decorate a theatre than by taking notes from Hollywood’s golden age? During the ‘50s, movies brought us some of the most famous stars of the century and had a major impact on our culture. If you’re a fan of old films with big names like Cary Grant and Elizabeth Taylor, you might want a home theater that fits with the trends from that period. Although Hollywood has changed since then, you can still feel like you’re a part of it with a mid-century modern style that many people had during this time.
Cozy Family Room
For families, the practicality of a media room or home theater can be much more important than the design. While you want something that looks nice, it also needs to be functional and inviting. This is also a good route if you want the design of your home theater to blend in with the rest of your home. Rather than individual setting like you would have in a normal theater, you might prefer large couches that everyone can pile on. The right home theater for families might also have other features, like tables or desks, so that the room can have multiple uses.
Modern Theater
No matter what style the rest of the home is, modern design for home theaters is one of the most popular designs. When it comes to decorating a theater, this can also be one of the most simple. This is perfect for people who want a real theater experience at home and no extra decorations in the room to distract them. Sleep designs and a simple color pattern are all you need to create the perfect environment to enjoy a movie.
Sports Room
Many people will use their home theater as a way to watch sports on the big screen. If you’re a big sports fan, you might want your theater to reflect that part of you. Including decor for your favorite teams is the perfect way to make the room unique. For the most devoted sports fans, having a home theater that feels like a sports bar is the ideal situation. Having a home theater is an easy way to be sure that you have enough room to have all your friends over to watch a game.
How to Choose the Perfect Dining Room Table
So, you have finally moved into your dream home and are tasked with getting a few rooms redesigned and refurnished. This kind of opportunity is enormously freeing but also a tremendous challenge. With the number of available options out there, how do you narrow down what you see to just a few favorites? And, of those favorites, how do you know that what you have chosen will seamlessly blend with the decor in the rest of the room?
Fortunately, you have access to a team of interior design experts when you work with Dream by MJS Interiors. We have more than 30 years of interior design experience in both residential and commercial spaces. If you’re looking for a uniquely stunning dining room design in Houston, TX, you will want to try out our luxury interior design services. We can help you choose everything from your dining room wall decorations to the dining room table that sits beneath them.
To that last point, how do you choose the perfect dining room table for your room? It isn’t an easy decision. After all, this is where you will likely be eating every day or at least for major holidays and other events that include family and friends. You want your table to give off the right message, to welcome people to dine in your home.
Let’s take you through some of our thoughts on selecting the perfect dining room table for your house. We hope this gives you an example of how we approach certain aspects of your redesign projects.
Finding the Ideal Dining Room Table
The perfect dining room table will encompass everything about you and your home. It will reflect the feeling you want to convey to guests while still being practical as a place for eating. Here are some pointers.
1. Select a Table for Your Circumstances
To start, generally, the perfect dining room table for your home is going to be one that meets your specific needs. For instance, will you use it for daily meals, or only for special occasions? In either situation, how many people will be eating at it? Furthermore, what kind of dining room do you have? Is it more of a decorative, indoor room that is meant to be kept nice? Or is yours located in an informal outdoor porch area? These details will determine the type and size of the dining room table you should select. A dining room table set in more of a formal room should appear as such to match. A table that gets a lot of use should be more durable and less formal.
2. Choose the Right Shape
You know better than anyone what table shape will work best for you based on the size and shape of your dining room. Most dining rooms are rectangular to allow for long tables that can seat numerous guests. However, if you have an unusually shaped room or want to be a little different in your selection, feel free to go for something people wouldn’t normally expect.
A rectangular dining room table is the most commonly seen because it fits the traditional dining room and can seat the most people. Remember that a lot of rectangular tables are sold with leaves that can be placed in the table to extend it and seat even more people.
Square tables appear more intimate since they usually seat only two to four people. They are also more unusual to see and can offer your dining room something for guests to look at as they walk in. Also, remember that should you ever need to, you can place a few square tables next to one another to create a single, larger table.
Finally, round or oval tables are perfect for smaller dining rooms, since they take up less space. They can also make people feel more at home, as round tables convey feelings of coziness and equality all around.
3. Choose the Right Size
As we said, you know better than anyone how a prospective table will look in your dining room and how many people it will usually seat. We have found that a good rule of thumb to use in the interior design business, especially when selecting furniture, is to go with pieces that are larger than you think you need. This is because people tend to have no idea how fast that space gets used up once you start placing decorations on your table, such as plants, napkin holders, and so on. Plus, you will always have that extra space for additional guests should you need it.
4. Choose the Right Materials
Just as important as all of these factors is the look of your table, as in, what will it be made of? By far, one of the most popular options is hardwood, since it’s durable and looks good. A nice, dark, wooden dining room table can lend your dining room an air of elegance. Meanwhile, if you have a more modern space, a glass table might be what you really need. Remember that glass will always need cleaning from smudges and fingerprints, but this is nothing some glass cleaner and a rag won’t correct.
As long as we are talking about modern looks, metal tabletops also work if your dining room is set in an industrial space, like in a brick alcove or just off a stainless steel kitchen. On the other hand, if classic and elegant are your top priorities, a marble table may be just the thing. A marble dining room table gives off an impression of luxury and old-time elegance. We recommend marble dining room tables for those truly ornate dining rooms.
Experienced Dining Room Designers in Houston
You can see now just how much time and effort goes into designing the interior spaces of your home. Your rooms deserve this effort because you have to look at them every day, and once those decisions are made, you are the one who must live with them.
For us at Dream by MJS Interiors, we put in the time to get to know you and your home so we can suggest the perfect decor for each room. When you want the best of the best in dining room design in Houston, contact us at 713-999-1222, or use our online contact form. We listen to your vision and get you a quote that works for you. Call us today to get started on your own dream.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating a Living Room
The living room is the gathering place in many homes. Your living room also serves many purposes, from entertaining guests, to enjoying a night in with your family, to spending some quality time on your own. Because of this, many want a living room that stylish while remaining functional, although the perfect blend can be hard to achieve. When it comes to decorating a living room, many end up falling short. For the perfect look, you might want to consider finding an interior designer who can do living room design in Houston, TX.
Decorating is a difficult skill to master, so many mistakes can come up when decorating. Here are four of the most common mistakes to try to avoid when decorating a living room.
Not understanding what sizes work
No two living rooms are created equal. Many living rooms are either stuffed and crowded or awkwardly sparse. If you don’t have a trained eye for design, the size of your furniture, and the size of your room might not be that obvious. However, when you see a room with ill-fitting furniture and that same room with the right furniture, the difference is clear. While it can be hard to envision in your own home, many people don’t consider the size. They often end up with a couch that overwhelms the room, or a rug that’s too small for where it’s placed. This leaves you with a room that both looks wrong, but can also feel uncomfortable. When you get furniture that works with the size of your living room, you’ll be able to feel the difference immediately.
Making the television the focal point
Television indeed takes up a lot of most people’s free time. This has caused many people to dedicate their living room to their TV. The truth is, even the most expensive televisions are an eyesore in living rooms. Living rooms can have a television, but that shouldn’t be the most important piece there. When all the focus is on a TV, furniture is often moved to cater to that, rather than in a way that encourages conversation. Instead, draw attention to a fireplace or artwork that you love. If you prefer to have a formal living room, this might even be something you should consider moving out of the room altogether.
Using the wrong lighting
Overhead lighting is the killer of many otherwise stylish rooms everywhere in houses. Getting rid of any overhead lighting might not be feasible, but it doesn’t mean you only have to rely on that every day. Incorporating table and floor lamps is a great way to soften the lighting in your living room immediately. You can also try testing out different light bulb tones to see which compliments your style. Ideally, during the day, you can avoid lights completely and open all the curtains in the living room and use only natural light. For more ambiance when you have guests over, try replacing some of your artificial lighting with candlelight instead.
Having items match too much
Buying furniture and decorations that match perfectly might seem like the easy way to tie your room together. Rooms, where everything looks as if it were made to go together, might be nice in showrooms, but it doesn’t hold up in real life. In reality, this often makes a room look dull. Few people’s personal styles fit neatly into one type, so this can often be a poor reflection of someone’s tastes and interests. The best-designed living rooms have a variety of styles. This includes mixing patterns and textiles, as well as taking inspiration from different periods.
Epic Home Decor & Furniture Part 1
Epic Home Decor & Furniture for 2019: Part 1
Timelessness is what exalts a piece of furniture to legendary status. Top interior designers select pieces that exude a classic look. But furniture must also function well for today’s world and most importantly a client’s home. Several epic furniture selections come to mind, but in this two-part post, I’ve curated the list to a manageable five traditional items. But all have their own new twists. Later we’ll do another five and take a look at some gems from the ageless mid-century era.
Wing-Back Armchair
The trusty wing-back chair was originally designed in the 17th century to literally envelope a person in warmth as they sat by the hearth. With their proud high backs and curved wing-like sides they were just the thing to protect one from a bitter English winter. Nowadays, these classic chairs look just at home in a breakfast area, study or living room, as they do next to a fireplace. They are being dressed in velvet or tweed-like fabrics, and even bold geometric patterns as they been unleashed on the entire house.
Chesterfield Style Sofa
No longer your grandmother’s Chesterfield sofa, these button-tufted delights are being updated for the 21st century – in any color and for any design style. Their charm remains the same with smooth contours, rolled arms and a low seat base. They exude the perfect refined look, yet plush and comfortable. These chairs named after the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Philip Stanhope, can be seen upholstered in leather to velvet. They take on an even more modern air with rounded steel legs.
Louis XVI Chair
Louis XVI chairs with their rounded upholstered backs, exposed wood frames also boast beautiful ornate legs. The chairs are now being overhauled with primary color fabrics and even cowhide. Stately and elegant, these chairs were found in the palatial homes of King Louis XVI of France and were examples of exquisitely crafted functional works of art. Matched with just the right side table, they would be a highlight of any room from the ranch to the ranch house.
Canopy Bedroom Sets
A canopy bed was originally designed to function as a means of privacy and protection from the cold for the aristocracy of medieval Europe. Their regal nature is now being stream-lined with clean lines and metal finishes. No longer adorned with fabric, most canopy beds now are open for all to admire, but still have the classic eye-catching four posters and frame across the top. Utilized materials can range from wood to metal finishes.
Antique Windsor Chair
A Windsor chair is easily discernible by its wooden poles which fashion the seat back. And they can have arms or not, or might even be rockers. Although the time origins are unclear, wheelwrights in the 16th century were making the iconic spindles as they did wheel spokes. In the 18th century with the advent of ‘steam-bending’ wood, the seat backs took on their characteristic bow shape. The Windsor chair is no longer relegated to traditional cottage or country homes, but it is now being utilized in Transitional and Modern homes, as it still cuts a dignified and timeless silhouette.
Bonus Tip: Get Cozy Outside with All-Weather Adirondack Chairs
As an added bonus I’ve included something for the outside. The distinctive Adirondack chair can conjure up notions of a log cabin by a lake, but now are for every architectural style of home. They can have flat or contoured seat with ample armrests, but it’s the backs with their slightly concave wood slats that are the most easily recognizable feature. Thomas Lee, while vacationing in the Adirondack Mountains, designed and made the first one, but unfortunately it was Harry Bunnell that patented his copycat design and the rest is history. You can see these quintessential chairs in a variety of hues from white to leaf green.
Color Springs Eternal with Spring Interior Design
“Nature is apt to be its loveliest in spring, as the earth revives so does the spirit.” mjs
The time has changed, days are warmer, everything is blooming. As a Houston interior designer, I know that spring decor is all about luxuriating in your interior surroundings. Home is where we spend the majority of our time, so why not make it the sanctuary we deserve. Here are my five top spring decor ideas to make your home a true refuge, where you can escape from worldly clamor and rejuvenate. There is no better time for a new beginning in your home.
One - A Pop of Color
How about a new sofa in a bright color? What about a gorgeous crepe linen fabric in an unexpected exotic saffron? New seating in a living room can be just the thing to make for a more inviting atmosphere for family and guests, or a perfect spot to relax and think about that next big idea. Pair it with a sleek new coffee table that displays a curated selection of interior design books, along with a vase filled with fresh-cut flowers and it will beckon guests and ignite conversation.
Two - Springlike Wallpaper
Don’t forget about spring-like wallpaper. Nothing can excite the confines of a room like a new wall covering. For spring, a Phillip Jeffries selection such as Shangri-La in Euphoric Teal would set the perfect mood in a dining room or breakfast nook. The delicate flowers and beautiful birds of paradise call forth an irresistible spring day. Remember that wall coverings can be used anywhere, for wet areas opting for a natural grass cloth wallpaper, like Jeffries Extra-Fine Arrowroot in Mediterranean can be a great choice.
Three - Fresh Window Treatments
Let the sun shine in! Try framing your gorgeous view with draperies that create floor-to-ceiling drama. Don’t shy away from using bold bright colors that use nature as inspiration, like a lime green or pear color, or even the color of a hot pink tulip. These expressive shades can say ‘spring is in the air’ quicker than a field of Texas bluebonnets.
Four - White Is For Spring
Nothing conjures up spring like the graceful white bloom of a magnolia or stunning vase of white peonies. But think that same creamy white is out of the question for seating because it can be hard to take care of? Think white again with cool white slip-covered dining room chairs. They are easy to clean, easy to change out and create that fresh new burst of spring. Coupled with a dark wood dining room table and new light fixture, your hardly-ever-used dining room can become a tempting focal point for family and friends to linger over a spring supper.
Five - Something Blue Too
Kitchen cabinets that pop with color can also create a refreshing new look. A crisp blue color can suggest the sky on a pristine spring day. Whether you refinish existing cabinets or opt for brand-new cabinets, you can often pair two colors, one for the main cabinets, then a more provocative color for the island. Deep moody blues can be dramatic choice, but lighter blues can create a pleasing, calming backdrop – the perfect to way to set the tone for a new kitchen. Why stop with cabinets, go ahead and freshen up paint, add new appliances and a stunning quartz counter top too.
Bonus Selection - Nature, Metals, Patterns
Speaking of kitchens, you can spring forth with ideas that embrace nature. Check out Caesarstone’s Excava countertops that mimic the look of concrete, but ads interest with amber swirls.
New kitchen hardware can add an earthy organic look with mixed metals of black, copper, or brass. Sink fixtures in champagne bronze can spark the touch of romance. And check out kitchen cabinets in a rose blush pink that bring to mind a pied-à-terre in Paris. Who doesn’t love Paris in the spring time?
Back splashes are ripe for injecting eye-catching patterns. Consider handcrafted Moroccan tile in unique designs or geometric patterns.
Let us make your home spring to life, call us 713.999.1222 or check out the Dream website to view our projects: https://www.dreambymjsinteriors.com/
Media Room Decor: Designing Your Perfect Space
Have you ever curled up on your couch and dreamed of having a dedicated media room in your home? A room that exists solely for the purpose of watching movies. It might feel a little indulgent, but if you can dream it, we can do it. We’ll help you pick out the best home theater decor to personalize your house, and give you a media room so good, everyone will want you to host movie night.
If you’re not sure quite what a media room is, a media room is a multi-purpose room in your home that is often used for watching TV, listening to music, playing games, and entertaining guests. It can easily transform from a home theater to a game room or a listening room. Imagine enjoying some craft cocktails with friends one moment and then revealing a hidden TV to watch a movie or sporting event the next.
The media room has taken the place of the dedicated home theater, serving as a more functional, multi-purpose space that allows for other uses. With the cost of movie tickets on the rise, it’s no surprise that media rooms are becoming more popular. Media rooms allow you to be flexible, choosing when to start or stop the film, which movies to show, and more importantly, who to let in.
Every Night Can Be Movie Night
There is no limit to the type of media room design we can create. From basic to ostentatious, family-friendly to more man cave, Dream by MJS Interiors will take your multimedia room design to another level. We’ve designed home theater rooms for the bold, and for the more subdued palette.
Before we begin to transform your space, we’ll need to first have a solid idea of how you want your room to look. Often, media rooms require additional electrical needs, like special wiring or more outlets. Sometimes, but not always, they can even require a multi-level floor. We can create a space that is as high or low tech as you want.
Let us create the media room of your dreams. Contact us now for a free consultation.
How to Renovate a Bathroom
Tired of your old, outdated bathroom? If your bathroom is stressing you out, a renovation might be in your future. The bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house, but bathroom renovations can be the most stressful. Sometimes, what starts as a small redesign becomes a colossal construction project that leaves everyone tearing out their hair.
Remodeling your bathroom can be as simple as changing towels, and bath mats, and swapping out the shower curtain, or more complex involving knocking down walls. You don’t need to spend a fortune to complete a successful bathroom remodel-- these budget bathroom renovations will surprise you.
Decide on Your Must-Haves First
Never go into a renovation project without a plan. This means that you’ll want to choose what your deal breakers are. Focus on your absolute needs first, like a tile floor or converting a tub to a shower, and then plan your project around that. Obviously you’ll set your budget and determine what kind of project you can do based on that number. Use that number to figure out if you can afford any extras and then decide what those extras will be. Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t stress over budget--there are plenty of bathroom renovations you can do on a budget.
You may also want to decide on a theme or color scheme during this time, as well as choosing fixtures and accessories.
Give Yourself a Reasonable Timeframe
One issue we see over and over is clients who don’t set a reasonable timeframe for their bathroom upgrades. It is believed that because a bathroom is small, it will not take long to renovate--this is a myth. A bathroom renovation can take a long time, particularly if you opt to do the work yourself. Hiring a professional may cost more money, but the job is often done in a fraction of the time. If your home only has a single bathroom, you’ll want to stay away from jobs that will take a long time.
Lay it Out
You don’t need to be a designer to do this. Start with a basic sketch to get an idea of how you’d like your powder room to look. Laying out the room will also help you find ways to maximize your space, and if you hire a contractor, it will give them a clear picture of what you’re expecting.
A key thing to remember is to keep the plumbing in the same location. Plumbing changes can cost well above $5,000. If you are unsure about which layout changes you can make, consult the help of a professional.
Know When to Hire a Professional
Electrical work and plumbing are particular tasks that may be better left to a professional. If you’re not sure where to begin, you will benefit from the guidance and expertise of a contractor or architect. They will give you the best possible ideas for an efficient, timely bathroom renovation. They will also keep your bathroom up to code.
You deserve a beautiful bathroom. At Dream by MJS Interiors, we’ve got more than 30 years transforming bathrooms. Let us help you design a more beautiful bathroom in Houston. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Kitchen Design Trends 2019
A great kitchen is the focal point of any home. Used for more than just cooking, kitchens are rapidly becoming the epicenter for entertaining. Keep an eye on these trends to watch for in 2019 and get ready to create your perfect kitchen.
Create a Kitchen that Dazzles
Ignore what you think your kitchen should look like. 2019 is going to be about bucking the trends with more bespoke design cropping up almost everywhere. 2018 had no shortage of interesting designs, and 2019 does not appear to be any different. You can expect a more industrial feel, brass taps and hidden storage. Without further ado, here are the trends in kitchen design to watch for in the coming year.
Storage is King
Multi-purpose spaces will reign supreme this year. Instead of more traditional butler’s pantries, storage walls will take the lead. Floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets flush with the wall, lower storage spaces, and a centralized island will round out the space. Enjoy the convenience of a large amount of storage without being seen.
Open Shelving
Poised to take the place of more traditional cabinetry, open shelving is an excellent way to display your dishes or cookware, enabling you to keep an eye on your personal inventory and display special pieces prominently. It is worthwhile to note, though, that open shelving is not a good idea for pieces you use only occasionally. The open design means they will accumulate dust. Use this concept for pieces that you use regularly.
Gold and Copper Accents
Gold, especially rose gold, and copper adds an extra element of class to your kitchen. Use these for small fixtures such as taps or door handles. They can provide a contrast of color and a bit of texture to change the vibe of your kitchen. These finishes also create a vintage, upper-class ambiance to the room without emptying your pockets.
Matte-colored Appliances
Dark matte finishes are taking over in 2019, replacing the once-popular glossy black appliances of years past. The matte finish reduces the appearance of dirt and fingerprints while offering a sleek style reminiscent of sleep, sexy supercars.
Pendant Lighting
Suspended lighting has made a comeback in kitchens recently. Consumers enjoy the visual effect that only pull-down lighting delivers, and fixtures can be matched to existing accents.
Unique Kitchen Materials
2019 is going to be all about making a statement. Incorporating stone, natural wood, and even concrete will give your kitchen a timeless look, keeping on trend without being too trendy. Pair these finishes with plants, an indoor herb garden, and minimal hardware will give you a touch of the outdoors inside, making for an almost garden-like space.
Make 2019 your year. Stop dreaming about your new space, and make it real. The team at Dream by MJS will turn your vision into your gorgeous new kitchen. Contact us now to make turn your ideas into a possibility.
Tips to Design for Eclectic Style
Think about your personal style. Do you like clean, minimalistic designs? Bright pops of color? Antique furniture or vintage pieces? Do you like them all? If you answered yes, your style can be described as eclectic.
ec·lec·tic
/əˈklektik/
adjective
- deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Eclectic design seeks to bring together a variety of styles, textures, and colors to create an entirely new look, one that cannot be found in any design magazine or manual. Such broad-based tastes can only come from your own imagination. If your particular vision doesn’t look like anything other designers have created, you haven’t worked with Dream by MJS.
How to Bring Your Eclectic Tastes to Life
Eclectic style can look cluttered if not done correctly; it can look busy and feel overwhelming. Use these five handy tips to create a refined eclectic look in your home, one that doesn’t look random.
- Plan a color scheme
Even the most eclectic design will benefit from the continuity a set color palette will provide. Choose the colors you want, whether they’re neutral, or bright, and weave that color throughout your design. Don’t hit anyone over the head with color, but make sure it is clearly woven throughout your design.
- Don’t buy the entire set
Resist the urge to buy an entire living room group. Instead, find a few distinct pieces you love and create your own design by marrying several styles. By purchasing pieces separately, you’ll avoid your home looking like a showroom.
- Play with textures
Mixing different textures is an easy way to create a unique looking space. You can create a glamorous look by pairing rich golds and reds with velvet; create an industrial look by mixing exposed brick and metals. Mixing textures can make a big impact and create a beautiful visual.
- Choose a focal point
Your focal point could be an accent wall, a fireplace, or a bold personal piece. This becomes a conversation piece for the room, tying everything together and showcasing your personal tastes.
- Mix time periods
This is where you can really have some fun. You can combine art deco with shabby-chic, mid-century modern with vintage pieces--there is no right or wrong way to do this. If you have a few different styles you love, like rustic and industrial, this is a great way to build yourself a completely unique room that you will love spending time in.
A final word, don’t overdo it. This is probably the most important takeaway we can provide. There are a right way and a wrong way to build an eclectically styled room. You don’t want a design that feels chaotic. If you’re going for an eclectic design, keep it consistent throughout your whole home. Choose eclectic decor that doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Dream by MJS will help you create your personal, eclectic style, giving you the look you’ve always dreamed of. Why be trapped by someone else’s style? Call us now for a design consultation in Houston.
How to Arrange Living Room Furniture
Your living room was designed to be lived in. You can create literally dozens of furniture arrangements to best suit your needs, but where do you start? There are a lot of things to consider, like how the room gets used, budget, your personal style and more.
A little planning can go a long way in helping you decide how to arrange your living room. Don’t overthink it. Find the right living room seating for your home to make the best use of your space.
Arranging Your Living Room Furniture--Where to Begin
In many homes, the living room is the social hub. Family gatherings, or casual TV watching, movie nights--whatever you use the room for, creating the right seating arrangement matters. The wrong furniture layout can make a room feel off, or disrupt the natural flow.
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of how to use the space. Take your cue from the design tips, and start planning your new furniture layout.
Keep Entryways Clear
Create a clear path for everyone to walk on. Taking traffic flow into consideration will prevent you from walking into furniture or having to move things out of your way to get around. The room will feel more welcoming and won’t feel cluttered.
Don’t Push Furniture Against the Walls
As tempting as it might be to push all the furniture against the walls, it actually makes a room feel smaller, not larger. This breathing room is important, as it allows people to move around and find their comfortable spot. The furniture should “float”.
Use the Right Sized Rugs
Aim for rugs being underneath all of the furniture if possible. If you’re using an area rug, you’ll want it to be large enough that all the furniture should comfortably rest on it. If that isn’t an option, at the very minimum, the front legs of your furniture should rest on the rug, with the back legs on the floor.
Light the Way
Lighting is one of the most important elements in a room, one that we fail to pay attention to. Most people just stick a lamp in the corner and they’re done. Incorporate a variety of lighting, including overhead lighting, table lamps, and corner lamps. Open curtains to let as much natural light in as possible as well.
Use Arrange-A-Room for Some Ideas
If you are considering making a change to your living room arrangement, Arrange-a-Room is a great tool. This virtual room arranging tool helps you arrange your space without moving your furniture. Explore different seating arrangements, or add new pieces of furniture in with just a few clicks.
Don’t change your living room seating until you use this tool. If you’d prefer, sketch out the design to plan your new arrangement or just takes jot down ideas. You can also find inspiration on sites like Pinterest.
With this helpful guide, you'll be on your way to designing a new living room in no time.