The curtains are too short, the carpet is too small, one color is too much… How to avoid common furnishing mistakes
Enter the room and immediately feel comfortable? This is the ideal case, especially in your own home! But why does the apartment seem too cold or restless, disharmonious? Home staging professionals are faced with this situation every day when they prepare a home for sale or rent. They can rarely embark on a major renovation job, but must work with the space they find. They found a suitable solution within a short time frame and within a limited budget. This makes them the perfect contact when facing minor interior design difficulties.
We asked professionals what to look for:
The problem: The sofa is against the wall. In Europe, furniture and especially sofas are always propped against the wall, making it seem suffocating, which is what professionals experience in their daily work.
The solution: People can be bolder and let the sofa stand freely, advises professionals. You don’t have to always face the TV either. If you have a beautiful mountain view or an impressive fireplace, it’s best to align your sofa accordingly. So, the back of the sofa does not have to be hidden, but can be seen proudly. Even in small rooms you can leave air towards the walls. The console behind the sofa is also a nice addition.
The problem: The curtains are too short. Half height curtains, don’t do that again. If you use curtains that are too short or no curtains at all, you’re wasting a lot of potential wellbeing, design experts say.
The solution: Even though there are curtains, they fulfill the function of privacy and darkening, but do not provide comfort. “I always put the curtains as high as possible, ideally at ceiling level. And then they have to kiss the ground, that is, hover just above the ground. This gives the room a sense of depth and luxury, even though the rest of the furnishings may not be the newest. Natural materials such as cotton and linen are very suitable for curtains,”. You can also use curtains to hide unsightly window frames.
The problem: The carpet is too small. You Like to use rugs to create different areas in open living and dining rooms. You have a clear rule: you cannot put a two meter long carpet in front of a four meter long sofa because the proportions are not right.
The solution: If the rug is too small, you can place it at an angle towards the furniture instead of in the middle. It works according to the golden ratio rule of photography, only one third of it goes under the sofa. The base under the dining table can also be placed across the table, rather than lengthwise, thus making up for the lack of size.
The problem: you don’t have a green thumb. You know the challenge: “Even though everything is beautifully decorated, it feels like there is no life without plants. I also can’t put potted plants in the apartments I look after because I can’t come to all the properties once a week to water them.”
The solution: “Seasonal cut flowers are always appropriate, whether on the dining table or in a large floor vase. Meadow flowers, grasses, and branches can also be easily collected and arranged during a walk in the woods. Your heart only opens when you come home.” You’ve also been a fan of pampas grass for a long time. Small effort, big effect: Place a large piece of dry grass in a beautiful vase and you will attract attention in the hallway or corner of the room.
The problem: The tiles are getting old. When I deal with heritage properties, I often come across bathrooms with colorful tiles, as was common in the 1970s and 80s. If possible, I at least paint the walls white, but you have to use the tiles as is.
The solution: “The most important basic rule is cleanliness and order in the bathroom. Old bathrooms with pink or light blue colors can be neutralized with white accessories, such as white towels, bath mats and soap dispensers. “The goods may be cheap, but they must look high quality, for example because they taste good,” said the expert.
Another option: bring colorful accessories. But stay in the same color world. Pink tiles can be combined with shades of purple and blue tiles in darker shades of blue. A shower curtain or new plants also add freshness. Wellness products like soap, candles and spices, artfully arranged on a tray or bench, distract from the fact that bathrooms have been around for decades.
The problem: The wrong light is shining. Ceiling lighting alone can never bring mood and harmony to a room, interior design professionals agree.
The solution: For balanced lighting, there must be at least three light sources that emit light in different directions. For example, a floor lamp that emits light upwards and a table lamp that emits light downwards. Indirect light is amazing. And if there is also a dimmer to meet the needs of each room, that’s perfect.
Living Room versus Family Room: What Sets Them Apart?
A home typically comprises various rooms serving different purposes, including a family room. However, not all homes feature a designated family room. If your residence has ample space, creating a cozy family room could be an excellent choice due to its versatility.
Understanding the Family Room
As the name suggests, a family room is a space within the home used as a gathering place for family members, accommodating various activities. Typically, the activities in this room revolve around relaxation.
The Role of a Family Room
1. Area for Relaxation
While the bedroom is primarily for sleeping and resting, a luxurious family room offers an appealing alternative for lounging during the day. This space can serve as a spot for relaxation after daily activities.
2. Discussion Space
When there’s something to discuss with your family, the family room is the most suitable place. Unlike the living room, interruptions from guests are less likely here, making it an ideal setting for conversations, whether it’s about work or school activities.
3. Entertainment Hub
The family room often houses the television and other entertainment amenities, making it the designated entertainment area for the household. With its inviting atmosphere, even simply using a smartphone can be enjoyable without hindering family interactions.
Distinguishing Between Family Room and Living Room
Some individuals believe the functions of the family room and living room can be combined, assuming these two rooms are essentially the same. However, the family room is distinct from the living room, serving different purposes.
As the name suggests, the family room is designed for the family, accommodating various family activities. In contrast, the living room is intended for guests, serving a more formal function.
Considering their purposes, the layout of a luxurious family room and a living room can be differentiated. Ideally, the living room is positioned near the main entrance of the building to welcome guests upon their arrival, while the family room is often positioned centrally.
Luxury Family Room Design
1. Opulent Family Room with Classic Design
A luxurious family room boasting a classic design evokes a sense of old European films, featuring numerous vintage elements to emphasize its classic style. Vintage sofas, hanging lamps, wall lamps, and wallpaper contribute to this aesthetic, and a piano can be considered for added flair.
2. Opulent Family Room with Minimalist Design
Contrary to popular belief, a minimalist design can bring luxury to a family room. Many people favor the minimalist style for its artistic appeal, incorporating a large, luxurious-looking sofa and neutral colors to enhance the minimalist impression.
3. Opulent Family Room with Fairy Tale Design
For those seeking something beyond classic and minimalist designs, a fairy tale-themed family room can create a warm and harmonious atmosphere. This design involves incorporating fairy tale-inspired furniture, such as chandeliers reminiscent of Cinderella’s dance party and candle holders reminiscent of Beauty and The Beast.
Creating a Luxurious Family Room
1. Develop a Concept for the Family Room
To achieve a luxurious family room, start by establishing a concept. This involves deciding on a design theme for the room. There are several design ideas to choose from, and you should pick one that aligns with your preferences. Having a concept in place will simplify the interior arrangement and furniture selection process, so ensure you complete this step early on.
2. Upgrade Electronic Devices
Enhancing the electronic equipment in the family room is essential for creating a luxurious ambiance. Consider using a flat-screen television, incorporating a DVD player, or even setting up a home theater if it fits your budget.
3. Align the Interior with the Concept
Once the concept is determined, adjust the room’s interior accordingly to achieve a luxurious and harmonious look. For instance, if you opt for a fairy tale concept, transform the interior using vibrant colors to stimulate the imagination. When choosing wallpaper, look for a pattern that reinforces the design concept.
4. Select Luxurious and Comfortable Furniture
In addition to creating a luxurious ambiance, it’s important for the family room to be comfortable. Therefore, be discerning when choosing furniture. Typically, a sofa is a key piece of furniture for a family room as it provides comfort for relaxation and family gatherings. For instance, the Alamba 3 seater Sofa can accommodate parents and a child for family activities in the room. Additionally, consider adding a television for entertainment and a TV rack to enhance the room’s appearance. Other furniture choices should be based on individual needs.
Living Room Decor Without a Sofa for Comfort!
Everyone desires a warm and comfortable home, especially for spending time with family. Achieve this by creating a living room decor without a sofa, known as “lesehan,” to cultivate a cozy and familial atmosphere.
Furthermore, this type of decor can also be cost-effective as it eliminates the need to invest in an expensive sofa.
Let’s explore some sofa-free living room decor ideas that will enhance the comfort of your home!
- Living room design with floor cushions
One option is to use floor cushions or floor pillows as an alternative to a sofa. Floor cushions are smaller than traditional sofas, making them easy to move around. They also typically come with washable covers, allowing for easy maintenance and the option to change covers for a fresh look. Complement the room with a soft carpet and a low table to add to the comfort. Additionally, consider adding wall decorations and decorative lights to enhance the room’s aesthetic.
- Scandinavian-style design with bean bags and decorative photo frames
Scandinavian-style interiors are currently popular. You can create a sofa-free living room decor with this theme by utilizing vinyl flooring and adding a soft carpet. Instead of a sofa, opt for comfortable bean bags. Adorn the walls with photo frames to enhance the living room’s visual appeal.
- Aesthetic living room with sturdy bean bags and distinctive sofa cushions
For young couples with small families, this living room design is a perfect fit. Create an aesthetic living room by placing thick bean bags in front of the TV. Add unique and soft sofa cushions for added comfort. Incorporate a standing lamp to introduce a warm glow to the room.
- Straightforward embellishment with a cozy throw and a plush rug
An uncomplicated yet cozy setting is a popular interior design concept. To achieve this look, simply lay down a plush rug and add a thick throw. Include soft pillows for relaxation or lounging in the living room.
- Coastal-themed design featuring a mix of hanging chairs and wooden seats
This decor can evoke a vacation vibe every day. The coastal theme brings a hint of the seaside into your home. Opt for a hanging chair with comfortable cushions instead of a traditional sofa. Then, incorporate attractive wooden or rattan side chairs.
- Minimalist living room decor with window seating
The minimalist concept aims to maximize the functionality of every furniture piece in the house. If you have a sizable window in the living room, utilize the space to create a window seat or bench. Clear approximately 50 cm to 1 meter of space by the window. All you need to do is add cushions and soft pillows to create a relaxing spot while enjoying the view outside.
- Japanese-style living room with low wooden floor chairs
You’re probably familiar with Japanese interior design. The floor seating design commonly seen in Japanese animation can also be implemented in your living space. Use a low table and floor chairs with a touch of wood to cultivate a warmer ambiance. Opt for floor chairs with comfortable backrests to ensure a comfortable seating experience.
- Bohemian-style decor with patterned floor cushions and rattan swings
If you’re a fan of Bohemian interior style, consider this design. Use a carpet with a beautiful, soft pattern and add a small table made of brightly colored wood, along with Bohemian-style patterned floor cushions. To enhance the room’s aesthetics, incorporate a uniquely patterned rattan swing with pillows. You can also incorporate various vibrant and unique decorations in the family room. Your family room will certainly become more inviting and comfortable, even without a traditional sofa.
Understanding the Character of the Family Room
Psychologically, the arrangement of the family room is believed to impact the closeness of family relationships. Therefore, careful consideration is necessary when designing the space so it can effectively serve as a place for family communication. Every family has different leisure activities, and the family room should reflect the habits and needs of the family during gatherings and relaxation. Before embarking on the design process to create a comfortable family room, it’s important to grasp the actual function of the living space, so that it can become a cozy corner and a favored gathering spot for the family. Rooms with sizes smaller than 16m2 or larger than 30m2 encounter similar challenges, primarily centered on how to create comfort and accommodate activities based on needs.
Basic Function
In Japan, the family room serves as a tea room (cha sit shu), holding the highest status in the house. In the Middle East, this family gathering area is divided into two sections: a room for women (birun) and a room for men (anderun). In the West, the family room, aside from being a relaxation space, serves as a place for hosting guests. According to Eastern culture, the function of the family room in Indonesia is to serve as a gathering and relaxation area for the nuclear family members. In the past, this area only consisted of rows of chairs and tables, used for sitting and chatting. As times have progressed, the family room has taken on an additional function, serving as an entertainment space for activities such as listening to music and watching TV.
The family room is often designed as a play area for toddlers, with furniture combined with children’s toys to retain the function of the living room. It is also commonly used as a study or hobby room for parents and young people due to limited space. Moreover, it serves as a space for hosting guests, relatives, and small gatherings due to the informal lifestyle in big cities. However, the busy city life sometimes limits its original function, and it may end up being used mainly as a temporary stopover. In such cases, the family members’ busy lives and the availability of facilities in their private rooms contribute to the underutilization of the family room for its intended purpose. Therefore, determining the function of the family room should begin with identifying the specific needs of the family.