How to Plan…Your Perfect Living Room Design

As a Denver based furniture showroom, it’s probably comes as no surprise that we *adore* a finely designed living room. From lounging in style to festive parties and casual gatherings, your living room is one of the most important spaces to integrate form and function. How can you impress guests with unique furniture and decor that also provides your family with comfy-cozy sensibility? It all comes down to planning and strategy. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered below!

Understand The Purpose

First things first, step back and take in the whole space while thinking of how you and your guests may use the room. Questions to ask yourself: What purpose will this space add to my home? How many people will be spending time there? Am I planning on hosting parties in this room? Is this a room for reading, watching TV or both? These questions can help you determine the true function of your space. Additionally, make sure to keep in mind the wear and tear from pets and children when planning materials and surfaces.

You may have two separate living spaces within your home to use for separate functions. If one area is your haven for relaxing and putting your feet up, the other can offer a bit more sophistication to show off your style to friends and guests. On the other hand, if you have one living area, it probably needs to be designed with multiple functions in mind. Whatever the case may be, start by thinking about functionality and the rest of the process will be easier to navigate.

Navigate Your Floor Plan

People often make the mistake of moving onto the furniture selection right away. Did you just fall in love with a gorgeous 96 inch sofa for your 84 inch space? Our owner Stephanie Holmes notes one of the most important aspects of living room design is making sure to think about the space as a whole:

“You may have always wanted a sectional with a chaise, but when you begin to plan out your space you may realize that it doesn’t work within the floorplan. Depending on your specific needs, try different combinations of chairs, sofas, sectionals. Floor plans are like puzzles. You can’t force a piece to fit. It is better to plan first and then look at furniture options so you don’t fall in love with something that you can’t have.” 

Designing with a floorplan in mind will give you reassurance knowing that your selections will fit well together and save you a heck of a lot of time in the long run. If you have a unique or limited floorplan, consider choosing a smaller couch and adding two accent chairs. This will not only make the space feel homier, but it will also maximize the space by adding more seating options for your family or friends. And remember, if you are not a master planner, hire a professional interior designer to get the perfect plan for your space. Choosing the right interior designer will be well worth the investment and can save you money in the long run by not making costly mistakes of choosing the wrong piece. 

Selecting Furniture

Now comes the part you’ve been waiting for; picking out your living room furniture! Once you have determined your room’s purpose and floorplan, furniture can depend on a multitude of factors. Is there a signature piece you had your eye on? Whether this is a rug, sofa or accent chairs, start here and build the rest of the room around your signature piece. If you know you want a royal blue sofa, an interior designer can help gather fabric samples for the other furniture pieces within the living room. Choosing one statement piece will help give your designer direction, allowing the space to obtain a cohesive look based on your unique style.

Again, this all depends on the living room’s purpose. For example, a good sofa is key to comfort, but it’s also central to how a room feels and looks. Do you want to kick off your shoes and dive into a plush couch after a long day? If so, a comfy sectional with a soft-handed fabric may be the best option for you. If you want to be the hostess with the mostest and use the space for entertainment, a loveseat paired with some accent chairs or an ottoman will give you more flexibility and intimacy for a conversational space. 

When selecting end tables or a coffee table, don’t forget about traffic flow. You will want to leave enough room for people to easily walk around furniture and navigate the space. Pro tip: pull your furniture away from the walls and think about ways to create small vignettes in one room. Placing your pieces closer together creates intimacy and causes the eye to focus.

Developing Your Unique Style

Last but not least, adding the final design touches to your space will help the room feel unique and meaningful. The main goal is to create a visual reminder of what you love through design! Maybe it’s that vintage end table that was passed down in your family, or it could be something as simple as wallpaper that just makes you smile. Whatever the case may be, a designer can help you express your own style through their design expertise. 

We hope this guide helps you create a space you love, and one you can feel like the best version of yourself in. Afterall, your living room design should be an extension of your personal style; so remember to enjoy the process! If you need any help picking out the perfect chaise lounge or stunning side tables, contact us! We are here to offer our showroom services and help you create your dream design.

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