The living room is much like the heart of the home. It’s here that you spend time with the family, catch a movie, unwind with a book or simply chill and do nothing. This is also the space where you entertain guests. So while doing up a living room, you would want it to be comfortable, functional and at the same time give a sneak peek into your design aesthetics. After all, this is what your guests will see when they visit you. So it’s important for your living room to be outfitted with the right furniture and decorative pieces.To help you out we asked Priyanka Singh, the Director at VO Living, a Delhi-based furniture and lifestyle brand to share a few fail-proof tips. Read on before you go out shopping.
Wing Chairs
Wing chairs are incredibly comfortable and impart a grand and classic feel to any living room. Bold in design, they speak for themselves and have lasted for centuries; since the times of Louis XIV. “The use of bright colours and bold patterns in upholstery, especially when placed in contrast to a relatively muted furniture and interior scheme, can easily make a wing chair a showstopper of that space,” says Priyanka.
Swivel chairs
Swivel Chairs are a modern spin on the conventional comfort chair with a pivot at the base that allows it to move with the user and, thus, is easy to get in and out of. Traditionally considered ideal for workspaces, the wide range of designs and styles available in the market for these chairs makes them a superb addition to living areas, study rooms, and comfy nooks in bedrooms.
Wall Art and Wallpapers
Wall art and wallpapers play a massive role in making any room come alive. Whether classical, modern or abstract, wall art can be a stand-alone element, or multiple pieces can be coupled together to create an art-themed wall. “Wallpapers come in several prints and patterns, and can be used as a backdrop to highlight a distinct piece of furniture or to emphasise a particular vibe,” says Priyanka.
Rugs and Carpets
There is nothing like a large, stunning rug to underline and complete the look of an area. They are available in multiple shapes, sizes, patterns, and styles to help add more definition to a space. However, rugs should be carefully selected, depending on how one intends to occupy a room. For example, woollen rugs are more durable and easier to clean than silk rugs, which are quite delicate and relatively expensive. Cotton rugs are cheaper, but need to be replaced frequently as they wear off quickly.
Movable Pouffes
Pouffes are amongst the most stylish and versatile pieces of furniture. They add flexibility to a zone's furniture configuration and can be easily moved around to create an informal change in the furniture layout. “Using pouffes in vivid patterns and colours in contrast with the existing theme can make a space more vibrant and dynamic,” says Priyanka.
Chandelier
Lighting brings out the best of everything in design; a large chandelier embodies a visual drama and provides the illumination needed in living spaces. Whether made from vintage crystal glass or contemporary metal and glass, hanging lights are an essential decor item that greatly elevate the interiors. They can be used in almost any room, but the size and ornamentation of a chandelier should be selected depending upon the hierarchy and mood of the space.
Cushions
Cushions ensure a cosy feel while adding class and comfort to sofas and chairs. One can choose from embroidered classic cushions and whimsical animal prints to houndstooth and fringe cushions, all of which, in their own accord, add a graceful and exotic accent to the space. One can use similarly styled cushions for a furniture piece or mix and match various shapes, sizes, and finishes to put together a holistic look.