Living Room Design

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It's important that the living room is designed properly since it sets a tone for the rest of the house. It says a lot of about you as a homeowner and as a person.
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Define the room's purpose.
The more specific the function, the more appealing the area. This preliminary decision will help determine the room's overall shape.

By: Life123 Editors
Camouflage the television.
Buy a cabinet that can be closed off. Or invest in a TV that can hang on the wall, thereby blending into the décor when not in use.

By: Life123 Editors
Furniture rearranging may do the trick.
Before you start moving around heavy couches and love seats, it's a good idea to make large templates of your living room furniture from newspapers or old bed sheets in order to test out different arrangements.

By: Life123 Editors

Trap Door

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Don't make the television the focal point.
Entertainment centers take up a lot of space and can often look clunky. Instead, be more original in your living room design. Focus on the fireplace, a painting or something more personal to you.

By: Life123 Editors
Avoid adding clutter.
Give your space breathing room by removing any objects that don't serve a purpose.

By: Life123 Editors
Don't forget walking space.
While arranging your furniture, don't forget to supply ample walkways for guests.

By: Life123 Editors

Experts Say

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Judith Sisler Johnston, Sisler Johnston Interior Design

With large rooms, it is important to utilize a design concept known as zoning, which visually divides a larger room into zones based on function, aesthetics, or both. One zone within a large gathering room may have a sectional sofa or a sofa and chairs facing the fireplace. Another zone may have a game table or billiard table while another area may be designed for home entertainment.

DesigningCrossing.com, Design Job Dynamics
Heather Paper, Author Decorating Idea Book

Creating comfortable living quarters is more than a matter of shopping for new furniture, however. Whether you're starting from scratch or simply doing a little redecorating, it's important to first take a look at the big picture. Determine whether your family members live formally or they are more laid back. Take a look to at what colors you like most. Last, but not least, be sure to figure kids and pets into the equation

Decorating Idea Book, Random House, Oct 9, 2007