Designing the various elements of a show stopping home starts with spatial planning and spatial relationships. A living room, not only brings family and friends together, but also acts as the common area for recreational activities. Create a welcoming aura for family and guests promises years of relaxation and serenity. An aesthetically pleasing, well-designed living space is the centerpiece to a home. An open living area is a great way to consolidate the flow of the family as they move and congregate throughout the house. A carefully planned corner of a spacious living room may serve as a seemingly impromptu office with communication, internet and printing capabilities. The combinations are endless.
Open up the living space
After renovation and construction permits have been acquired, non-essential walls can be removed to open the living room to the kitchen and/or dining area. What does this accomplish for the space? Ease of movement, light throughout newly acquired open concept areas, and movement throughout the house with a natural flow allows the homeowner to become very comfortable in new surroundings. An added bonus is that open and well-lit areas makes the home look larger than it actually is.
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A living room, not only brings family and friends together, but also acts as the common area for recreational activities. (Courtesy Photo) |
Once you’ve opened up your space, link the rooms through color. The living room and kitchen that work concurrently will have a more cohesive look. Match up accent colors and furnishings. For example, an Eames rocker in the living room would work well with Eames-inspired bar stools at the kitchen island for a little mid-century modern splash. A marble fireplace mantle is a story one could tell with a similar marble kitchen island. Art that is personal or important to the family can be incorporated to match the style. Abstracts that are displayed in the living room can have a beautiful effect in the kitchen as well. Big trends currently are abstract resin art.
Decor as a strategy
Whether the home is contemporary or traditional, lighting fixtures, window decor, furniture, cushions and rugs are all part of the overall plan. Neutral colors are the baseline for accent colors in trim and décor elements; art and centerpieces elevates the mood. Audio, video, home security, and all electronics are integrated to integrate the plan with modern conveniences.
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Designing the various elements of a show stopping home starts with spatial planning and spatial relationships. (Courtesy Photo) |
Design what is important to your lifestyle
An impressive living room, perhaps enclosed in glass with a view that sails across landscaped greenery or the blue seascape could be mesmerizing. Not all sitting rooms can achieve such a fairy tale effect, but well thought out designs can create masterpieces. Think floor-to-ceiling wall vinyl with beautiful scenery, textural paint effects or a painted mural.
There is a natural flow that starts with the home’s curb appeal, landscaping, architectural elements and leads to interior décor. Renovations are worth the effort; as it will raise the value of family enjoyment, as well as the value of your home.
