Living room basics
Whether living in a cozy cottage in the country, a modern loft by the sea, a rustic lodge in the mountains or a trendy apartment downtown, the first room people usually bring their guests to is the living room, also known as sitting room, the den, drawing room, parlor or lounge room.
The lounge is a room for entertaining guests, watching television, reading, or other social activities, and its style and decorations often reflect the personality and taste of the entire home. Some living rooms are classic and aesthetically pleasing, with a lot of artistic design elements, while others are fascinating because of their enormous antique furniture collection and glamorous fabrics and drapery.
Depending on its size, a typical western living room will typically showcase a sofa, chairs, coffee and end tables, a television set or stereo equipment, a curio cabinet, bookshelves, and art work as well as other furniture pieces. Most architects also try to incorporate a fire place, not so much to provide heating, but more as a mood enhancer. Watching the fire burn and spark is quite stimulating and relaxing.
Every living room genre, whether classic, modern, urban or contemporary needs the perfect lighting. Accent lighting, table lamps or chandeliers all have to be carefully chosen to blend into the decor. For example, metal cable ceiling lighting would be a complete misfit for a wood dominated den, mimicking a nineteenth century hunter’s lodge.
Living room decorations are as important as the furniture and indoor plants play a major part in sprucing up the area. People who have little patience with live plants can always strategically place artificial specimens on decorative stands throughout the room. Today, many fake plants look so real guest will have to feel them to find out the difference.
Having a wall or mantel clock in the sitting room is a matter of taste. Some people want to forget time when relaxing, while others still want to keep track. It is all a matter of need and taste and only you can decide what is right for you!