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How do I Choose the Best Living Room Interior Design?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

For many, the living room is the heart and soul of a home. Whether as a comforting retreat or a space for family gatherings, the main room can set the tone of a house and be a source of serenity to residents. Choosing a suitable living room interior design may be very important for these reasons. By focusing on comfort, personal needs, and the architecture of the space, choosing living room interior design can be an easy and joyful process.

It is important, when choosing living room interior design, to consider the physical space. Understanding which design styles would best compliment the room can help narrow down options from the enormous field of room design. Small, high windows are popular in English country or Tudor design styles, while large bay windows might inspire design choices that allow residents to focus on the view. Fireplaces can also help inform living room interior design; a stone fireplace will go excellently with arts and crafts or lodge-style elements, while a formal brick fireplace might be enhanced or reflected with colonial-style furnishings.

The living room style can set the tone of the home.
The living room style can set the tone of the home.

One point of vital consideration is what will be the primary use of the room. If it is going to serve as an entertainment center and playroom for children, kid-friendly and casual design elements may be the key. If it is to be a quiet sanctuary for rest and contemplation, the design should invite relaxation with simplicity and comfort as major considerations. For the frequent entertainer, using space well and providing various seating configurations may be very important.

Garage sales are great places to find cheap, creative decorations.
Garage sales are great places to find cheap, creative decorations.

It is rarely necessary that living room interior design elements be expensive; what is important is that they are suitable to the taste and style of the inhabitants. Search outlet stores and discount linen supply websites for window treatments, slipcovers, and rugs. If a particular period of design is desired, scour garage sales and secondhand furniture stores for heavily discounted items. Even online auction sites can provide great bargains on spectacular furnishings, so long as the buyer is true to his or her budget and doesn't get caught up in the thrill of winning at any price.

Decorated lampshades can complement a variety of living room design styles.
Decorated lampshades can complement a variety of living room design styles.

For busy people with a large budget and little free time, hiring an interior designer can take a lot of work out of the process of a beautiful living room. A good designer will interview clients extensively about exactly what is desired, and then do his or her best to procure the perfect items. From painting the walls to matching the sofa with the window treatments, an interior designer can give clients a beautiful, well-thought out room in little time.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

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    • The living room style can set the tone of the home.
      By: zhu difeng
      The living room style can set the tone of the home.
    • Garage sales are great places to find cheap, creative decorations.
      By: Alexey Stiop
      Garage sales are great places to find cheap, creative decorations.
    • Decorated lampshades can complement a variety of living room design styles.
      By: Greentree
      Decorated lampshades can complement a variety of living room design styles.
    • Living rooms are sometimes designed around a focal piece of furniture, such as an entertainment center.
      By: jojjik
      Living rooms are sometimes designed around a focal piece of furniture, such as an entertainment center.
    • The primary use of the living room should be considered when choosing the interior design.
      By: sergey02
      The primary use of the living room should be considered when choosing the interior design.