Spending more time at home has made it clear: our environment has a big impact on our mood and mental health. More than ever we’re looking for safe and comforting spaces that inspire us.
A dramatic change, like repainting your walls a vibrant green, could be just what you need. On the other hand, there are plenty of simple ideas that can help reinvigorate your living room. In either case, a little inspiration won’t go astray.
Check out these living room ideas to transform your space and feel inspired at home.
A touch of nature
It seems like natural elements and earthy colours are here to stay. Introducing leafy indoor house plants does much more than make things look attractive. Many people testify that plants help create a calming and fresh atmosphere at home.
Keep in mind that most plants need lots of natural light to be healthy. Do some research before purchasing a plant so that you know what it’ll need to thrive.
Large plants like a fiddle leaf fig or monstera deliciosa look great on the ground. For smaller plants, try and elevate them so that they can be admired better. Alternatively, hang them from the ceiling with a macrame plant holder.
If plants aren’t your thing, you can still bring a touch of nature home by using natural materials throughout your living room. Linen throw pillows, woolen rugs and wooden tables are all great choices.
Cosy textures
Texture is the way something feels and looks. If your living room is dominated by smooth, hard surfaces it can feel cold and impersonal. Introducing cosy textures is a great way to make the space feel more inviting.
Bouclé is having a comeback at the moment. The looped yarn gives a highly textured surface and a safe, comforting vibe. Hand-knotted rugs are also a great way to introduce interesting textures.
To achieve a sense of balance, make sure you contrast your intense textural elements with more solid pieces. For example, balance the fluffiness of a bouclé couch with a simple and grounded timber coffee table.
Curves and soft edges
Furniture and room layouts that embrace curves instead of straight lines are becoming popular. Curves can help make your room look more fluid and organic – and they’re a great complement to natural elements.
An easy way to introduce softer edges into your living room is to choose a round coffee table, floor rug or ottoman. Artwork with round shapes or patterns can also help soften things up as can live edge furniture.
Round pieces are great for small living rooms where you’re pressed for space. They also work well in awkwardly shaped spaces and you’ll have less trouble figuring out how to orientate them.
Adding depth with layers
If your living room is feeling a little flat, try adding layers throughout the room for more depth and visual interest. You can layer everything from the rugs on your floor to the decor displayed on your coffee table and the artwork hanging on your walls.
Layering your bookshelf or coffee table is a great way to add more personality at home. Create a moment of interest by placing a candle on top of a stack of books or overlap two framed pieces of art leaning against the wall.
The fun thing about layering your living room is that you can rearrange and restyle whenever you need a fresh look. Go with your gut and have fun with it.
Statement pieces
Many people are looking to inject a bit of personality into their living rooms. When buying new furniture or decor items, steer away from large department stores and look for boutique pieces that tell a story and have a unique look.
Not only will a boutique coffee table or couch help you curate a living room that feels like you, it’s also a great way to support local furniture makers and artisans.
You might also be able to find some beautiful vintage pieces by browsing secondhand marketplaces. Go for pieces that appeal to you and work with your existing space – that way you’ll have a treasure you can love for years to come.
Multifunctional furniture
Furniture that can be used for more than one purpose is hot right now. Nested coffee tables are a great example. You can store them together to save space, and pull them out when you’re entertaining.
If you’re pressed for space, multipurpose furniture is a great way to make the most of what you’ve got without overcrowding things. It’s a nod to the minimalist way of thinking. Why buy a single-purpose item when you can achieve two goals with one piece?
Old meets new
Just because you want a trendy living room, doesn’t mean you have to get rid of historical or vintage elements. In fact, embracing the old elements in your space and balancing them with modern pieces is a great way to reinvigorate a living room.
Features like old timber frames, high ceilings and rustic flooring tell a story. Instead of covering them over, see if you can inject them with new life.
Rustic timber flooring can look amazing with a Turkish rug layered on top. Vintage wall details contrast well with modern-style curtains.
Coloured walls
Beige and white walls have long been the standard, but they can make a room look a little lifeless. Painting your walls a bold colour might feel intimidating, but it’s a really effective way to transform the entire vibe of the room.
Colours that are trending now include calming greens, dark charcoals, and dusty pinks. Just keep in mind that colours can affect your mood, especially if they dominate the room. Avoid angry reds and bright yellows which may signify danger.
Creating a living room you love to live in
It can be really fun to embrace new trends at home and give your space a facelift. While you’re having fun restyling, don’t forget to make decisions that are right for you and your lifestyle.
If you do yoga in your living room every day, make sure you’ve got space to roll out your mat. If you’ve got kids and pets running through the house, invest in hardy rugs and furniture that can cope.
When buying furniture, especially statement pieces, opt for ones that will transcend trends. That way you’ll have staple items that you can love and treasure for many years to come.
