Decorating Ideas to Make Your Living Room more Livable

Above all else, the furniture in the living-room should make it livable. It should be grouped so that it offers centers of interest, convenience and comfort. Look for upholstered seating with homespun-type fabric, or toss a pieced quilt over plain fabric or leather. An old rocker is a great addition.

By the time you are ready to choose the furniture for the living room, the walls and floor coverings should be in place so that the choice of furniture will be merely the selection of the best out of several possibilities. Of course, the quality, shape and color of furniture varies, and the quantity will as well.

Can one imagine a more livable living-room than one with a large, soft sofa in front of a fireplace, behind it a long table filled with books, while holding a lamp at either end. Or else, at the end of the sofa, a small table for the reading lamp and on either side a pair of comfortable chairs?

The main essentials are a comfortable sofa, a table large enough to hold books, magazines and lamps, and at least two comfortable, upholstered chairs and a smaller table.

While at the other end or side of the room, a pair of book-cases, cabinets or a credence. These balance the fireplace, since they are placed against the wall and have a corresponding shelf, cornice or mantel line.

In developing the original simple formula there may be added a chaise, a good-size table, another large chair, and another small table

Remember that it is always better to leave a space empty than to have it occupied by a badly placed piece of furniture. Good furniture needs space to be seen to its advantage.

If there is a large array of furniture in the living-room, keep the carpet, and furniture upholstery all to one tone.

Mantel accessories may be applied to the other shelves and the tables in the room. Keep them free from dust-collecting, trivial things, while creating a sense of order and cleanliness.

Balance is maintained by using objects in pairs a pair of vases, candlesticks, bowls, or jars. Placed at either end of the mantel, they should be higher than the intervening objects, to form a sweeping curve. Also they help to frame in the over-mantel picture or mirror.

In fitting furniture to its architectural background there are 3 things to consider

contour and proportion
design and decorative detail
color of wood.

The first two points are obviously necessary; it is in the last that the furnishing of many rooms fails. Oak and mahogany do not mix amicably; one does not set off the other because there is not sufficient contrast, nor are they closely enough allied to harmonize. On the other hand, black ebony and yellowish burr walnut, such as is used in inlaying seaweed pattern in oak, are examples of harmony gained.

Author: Lisa French
e-mail: decorat3@decorating-country-home.com
URL: http://www.decorating-country-home.com

C omments- Use of article requires a link to http://www.decorating-country-home.com

---

Marketing For The Home Builder

When one is looking into marketing for the home builder, one should find a number of tools to promote newly built homes and home-building offers:Advertising: the marketing for the home builder package should... Read More

Apartment Inspection Checklist

You have found an apartment you like and you are eager to move in this lovely place. Hold on! Before you sign the lease with the landlord, some inspection is necessary and it... Read More

Hand Stripping Furniture

Directions for HAND Stripping.Work with plenty of ventilation, safety goggles or glases, and skin protection. Stay out of the direct sun and stay protected from wind or strong drafts if working outside.Work in... Read More

Help With Buying A New Ceiling Fan

When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are a couple of things that you really need to think about before you go out and make a purchase. If you do not... Read More

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for both new and old homeowners. This may include painting, using new countertops, vanities, windows, retiling, floors, appliances, vents or better lighting. Before embarking... Read More

Sofa slipcovers - Give your home an instant makeover!

Sofa slipcovers are designed to be easy to fit over your existing upholstery, to give your furniture a fresh new look and protect the fabric underneath. If your favorite sofa is looking a... Read More

Building or Decorating Your Home Requires House Plans

There are some things to consider when creating plans for your home. There are two situations that call for plans or blue prints, either you are building a new home or decorating your... Read More

Can You Buy Luxury Home Brands Online and Save - Worry Free?

Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted for luxury home decor?What if you could safely take advantage of the great selection and value of online shopping for home decor items... Read More

Save Money On Home Improvement Projects

Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their expense. Granted if you are contemplating a "second-story" addition to your home, or the construction of a new "game-room", then most likely you... Read More

Replacing Aluminum Frame Single Pane Windows

In our past articles I talked about all the steps required to properly replace your old wood sash windows with energy efficient vinyl windows. I told you how to measure for the new... Read More

Planning Your Replacement Windows Installation

Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you see the outside world through them. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. For a home, you... Read More

Why Are There So Many Different Light Bulbs?

There are many different types of light bulbs. Each has its own uses and requirements. Some can save you some extra money because they are energy efficient. There are also many different brands.... Read More

Heres How To Know Which Kitchen Design Is Right For You

Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential. Color schemes, wallpaper and other aesthetic additions will make up the design portion of your kitchen. The future is here with the introduction... Read More

In The Mood

Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time when many of us think about redecorating or remodelling a room in our home and we begin skimming through glossy magazines, or visiting... Read More

Light Up Your Life

A house or any particular room can be carefully planned, well thought out and perfectly executed but without the proper lighting it never really comes to life. A perfect example is a tile... Read More

How To Choose The Canvas For Your Awning

The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's to choose to do in PVC, because will be light and malleable.Between their advantages we have the following ones:It's resistant to the UV... Read More

How to build an energy-efficient home

There are just a few important things to know and to remember, when building an energy-efficient home. These are; insulation, air intrusion, thermal mass, and that windows and holes in the wall of... Read More

Buying The Right Bed Sheets For Your Bed

You spend a lot of your life in your bed sleeping and rejuvenating for the next day's activity. Sleeping is a process that takes up roughly about about a third of the average... Read More

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home Theater ? Without Spending a Fortune

So you've scraped and saved, now you've finally gotten together a semi-respectable home theater system. You want even more, but the idea of spending another few thousand on new front speakers doesn't cut... Read More

6 Saving Tips When Moving

Moving households, whether it is due to a job transfer or upgrading your home, and whether moving across country or across town, is an expensive proposition. Even when a new employer sponsors a... Read More

Add Value to Your House - Interior Remodelling

Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look and value of a house. I would definitely recommend getting professionals to do the job for you unless your good at renovation yourself.... Read More

Metal Carports: Steel Carport Guide

Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a very frustrating task. With hundreds of manufacturers claiming to have the best product, how do you know who to trust? First you must... Read More

Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am, you may be looking for a fun form of water recreation where you can get some relief from aching muscles and joints, be... Read More

Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design

You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your latest novel with a cool beverage nearby...the aroma of your favorite BBQ drifting from the grill teases everyone...catching a few rays of sunshine... Read More

Router Bits Basics

A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a quality finish to woodwork. It cuts wood providing a way to give a clean and even a decorative edge to woodwork. The following... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes apparent that there is much more variety than one would ever think. Not only do log homes come in all shapes and sizes,... Read More

Basement Dehumidifiers

Basements are the most common location for dehumidifiers. Because of their low elevation and lack of air circulation, the air can moisten and stay moist for a long period of time. This causes... Read More

Buying the Right Garage Door Opener

If you have recently built a new garage you might be having a difficult time deciding on the right garage door opener. It is certainly something that seems simple at first. Once you... Read More

Clear Wax Candles vs. Gel Candles

In the last five years a new type of clear candle has emerged - freestanding resin-based (aka clear wax) candles. Using a base of mineral oil, the candle uses a patented resin as... Read More