We spend most of our time in the living room. I want everything to be perfect in it, and most importantly - cozy and warm. Each element of the interior must be combined with each other. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately decide on the style, furniture, colors, layout and various attributes of the room.
Features of the
The living room is the room into which you will bring guests, arrange parties, celebrations, just relax, sitting in front of the TV. If you decide to make repairs in the living room, and create a cozy atmosphere there, you need to create a plan in which you must indicate all the details.
First, you need ideas for the layout of the living room, and also do not forget about the design of the hall. The living room requires a careful approach in the choice of material for the floor, ceiling and walls, as well as furniture. Choosing a style, as well as a color scheme, is an important task.
Living room purpose:
- pastime of the owners;
- reception of guests.
In the event that the living room is in a private house, it can play the role of a bedroom, kitchen and study.
When choosing a design, pay attention to:
- interior color,
- finish texture,
- the possibility of transforming space.
When choosing a style, remember that today you can easily combine several styles in one interior … Focus on your preferences and taste. The main thing is to create an interior that you like.
In the event that you decide to make repairs with your own hands, without the help of specialists, first of all decide on the color of the living room. It can have a primary color and one or more additional colors. For example, blue walls and ceiling, beige or sandy parquet flooring, stucco molding, airy snow-white curtains. Add to this wooden doors and furniture with gold or yellow upholstery and you have a unique interior.
If you are starting to renovate the living room in the "Khrushchev", then this is a difficult task. It is necessary to start implementing it with a work plan and with non-standard ideas. Take advantage of modern technology and striking design.
Minimalism is perfect for the living room in the "Khrushchev". For example, a convertible sofa, a folding coffee table and a TV that can be hung on the wall or made a shelf on which you can put it. All this takes up little space, but at the same time makes the room cozy and beautiful. Do not hang curtains, this will visually enlarge the living room.… However, if without curtains it seems to you that the room is "bare", hang a light tulle, a curtain made of beads, blinds.
Furniture can be with a smooth surface, which will create a sense of conciseness and completeness. Put fresh flowers, they always give the room freshness.
"Khrushchevka" is a small apartment in which there is always not enough space. Therefore, when choosing the right lighting, pay attention to spotlights that will help zone the space. The main source of light can be a beautiful large chandelier. It will not take up space, but, on the contrary, will make your living room truly luxurious. Do not choose multi-level ceilings for such apartments, as they will "eat up" the real height of the room.
So, in order to renovate the living room in the "Khrushchev", pay attention to the following criteria:
- Plain smooth walls.
- A minimum of furniture.
- Correct lighting.
- Space zoning.
- The minimum number of decorative elements.
- Simplicity.
If you are the lucky owner of a spacious private house, then you can be envied. You can experiment in the design of such a living room. The advantage of such living rooms is free space and large windows.
Most often, windows in private houses are panoramic, that is, from floor to ceiling. From this, the living room becomes not only bright, but also modern and stylish. Pick the right color for the walls and half of the renovation is done.
Pay attention to the retro style. It is characterized by:
- aged furniture;
- original decor, for example, things of your parents and grandparents;
- incongruous colors.
If you are a lover of modern designs, then the best fit minimalism … Large soft sofa for a company, lack of decor, versatility. You can create a library in the living room, put a rocking chair and a lamp. The space will still remain, so in the evening the library can be transformed into a place for a party.
The fireplace will become the highlight of your living room. The owners of apartments can only be supplied with an artificial version, while the owners of a private house are more fortunate. Everyone dreams of a living room with a fireplace. After all, you can put a sofa or a rocking chair next to it. In the evening, after a hard day at work, you can sit by the fireplace and drink hot tea.
Closed and gas models are more advantageous options, as they allow you to enjoy the sight of fire, warmth and crackling firewood. The fireplace not only relaxes, but also warms.
You can put an electric fireplace in the apartment, it functions as a heater. The main advantage is safety. The electric analogue is just an imitation of a fireplace. Nothing burns inside, but only the image of a light is present.
And a few more tips for arranging spacious living rooms:
- focus on only one or a few interior elements;
- do not clutter up the space;
- choose one primary color;
- do not use more than two complementary colors;
- distribute furniture and accessories evenly.
Layout
After you have decided on the areas in the living room you need, let's proceed directly to the planning. You need to start with the arrangement of large furniture.
The grouping of furniture is:
- Parallel.
- U-shaped.
- Corner.
With a parallel grouping, a fireplace, a wall, a TV can be located near the central wall, and on the contrary - a table, on the sides of which there can be small sofas. They will be in the middle of the room. This layout is more suitable for spacious living rooms.
Corner grouping of furniture implies a table in the center, on the contrary - a fireplace or a TV, you can choose a corner or straight sofa, but put an armchair on the side. U-shaped is a grouping that looks like a parallel one. It is distinguished by the presence of another sofa in the center, opposite the wall.
When planning, focus on the compositional axis. In the above groupings, sofas are oriented towards a fireplace or TV, which are the compositional center of the living room. Instead of a fireplace, audio or video equipment can be placed in the center. Pay attention to natural light and sun position during the day … This is necessary so that the sun's rays do not fall on the screen.
The living room can be designed as a kitchen, study, bedroom. When combining such rooms, it is necessary to properly zone the space.
Zoning
The living room is designed for outdoor activities, sleep, celebrations and family gatherings. When zoning, it is necessary to clearly delineate the space. This largely depends on the composition of the family.
Each room is a family-wide space in which any family member can be. But when staying in one room or another, you don't want to disturb the other. Therefore, you first need to determine the main purpose of the living room, and then create a frame from several functional areas.
You can choose the main zone and several additional ones. For example, a recreation area can be the main one. The rest of the zones will depend on the interests of the family.
The walk-through room is perfect for combining the kitchen and living room. Many people prefer to combine them. The division is very arbitrary: you can zone with the help of color, screens, and even with the help of furniture. Multilevel ceilings can be used.
For example, a seating area might be in a nice blue color, and a kitchen in white. In order to distinguish between the kitchen and the living room, different lighting can be used. For example, hang beautiful shades with bright light above the table, and provide spot lighting above the work surface. In the recreation area, you can use a chic chandelier or just use floor lamps.
Decorating the living room-bedroom is also not difficult. In it, you can safely allocate a place for sleeping and for receiving guests. To do this, you can use partitions, it will be stylish. You can put a small screen - this will be a bright design solution. Separate styles. For example, use "classic" for the bedroom area, and minimalism for the living room.
General zoning tips:
- Use partitions, screens.
- Use cabinets and shelving. They are designed not only for storing things, but also for dividing space.
- Divide the living room into zones with wallpaper.
- You can accentuate and divide the space with a carpet, for example, lay a soft fluffy carpet in the living room, and place a lint-free coating in the kitchen.
- The kitchen and living room can be separated by a bar counter.
Stylistic solutions
Classic style is a fashionable solution for your interior design. It is suitable for wealthy people, since in a classic style, furniture from natural materials is required. For example, a sideboard made of aged wood with carved doors, a mahogany armchair, a mirror with a gilded frame, a luxurious crystal chandelier.
Elite living room design in classic style Is a winning option that never gets old.
This direction is characterized by:
- a large number of patterns;
- color accents: carpets, paintings, furniture upholstery;
- carved natural furniture;
- lamps and luxury chandeliers;
- metal fittings;
- warm and soft colors;
- use of parquet;
- silk curtains and bedspreads;
- frames with gilding.
Another modern style for decorating living rooms is high tech … In this style, there are metallic materials in the interior decoration.
Key Features:
- clear geometry of forms;
- smooth surfaces;
- minimum decor.
High-tech style is a fantasy realized in the interior. It has a lot of details that may not fit together, but it adds a special magic to the living room. Hi-tech is suitable for a pragmatic and disciplined person.
Modern style means:
- multifunctional furniture;
- brevity;
- uncomplicated decor;
- geometric shapes.
For small living rooms provence does not fit. It is better to choose this style for spacious rooms in a private house. Provence is a very gentle, light style. It has a floral ornament and a large amount of decor.
A fireplace will perfectly fit into the Provence style. Use white ceramic tiles for cladding. Place light armchairs and a sofa around - this will create coziness in the living room. Provence "loves" the use of vintage furniture, the presence of a large number of pillows and textiles.
Minimalism Is a versatile style that suits both small apartments and spacious living rooms in the house. This style is characterized by severity and elegance. Minimalism means the absence of everything superfluous. A minimum of accessories, decor and furniture. All this is necessary to expand the space.
But you should not completely abandon furniture, since you will turn a cozy living room into a cell. When choosing a material, pay attention to glossy panels. Chipboard can only be present in cabinet frames. It is better to choose facades from natural wood. Plastic can also be used, for example, for facades, countertops. The material must be of high quality.
Loft Is a style that originated in America. At a certain time, many industrial premises were abandoned there, which they began to equip for apartments. The loft is perfect for small spaces. This is a very striking and extraordinary design.
For a loft you need:
- to decorate the walls with bricks;
- put comfortable sofas;
- put cute plush blankets.
Loft is more masculine style. However, if you dilute it with chic organza curtains, family photos, fresh flowers, then the living room will turn into a common one, and not just for a man.
Scandinavian style Is a very popular destination. It is characterized by simplicity and comfort. The design is done in warm colors. Traditional patterns are used. In the Scandinavian style, it is common to use a large number of home textiles.
Country style became popular not so long ago. Its distinctive features are simplicity, eclecticism, the presence of elements of decorative and applied art. This style is suitable for spacious apartments, and for small one-room apartments, and for a private house. Use handcrafted items to add a rustic feel to your living room.
Color palette
Renovating a living room is easy if you have the plan and the funds. But do not forget that it should be cozy, and for this you need to choose the right colors. Be guided by your preferences, the size of your living room, the location of the windows, lighting:
- A living room in peach color would be a great option. Peach is not only a trendy color, it is also pleasing to the eye. A living room in this color is a fruity splash in your apartment or home. This color will fill your home with energy and positiveness.
- Brown tones are versatile and the most popular. Brown is the color of nature. If you choose brown furniture, you can use any wall color. If you are settling on light brown walls, then you can choose furniture of almost any color.
- Green color opens up new possibilities, tones up and gives optimism. It relieves stress and improves mood. Wallpaper, furniture, or just decor (pillows, curtains, bedspread) can be green.
In order for the living room to look harmonious, you must remember about the combination of colors:
- if you want to visually expand the space, choose white with deep chocolate. Brown can be used in both provence and country;
- in the interior of the living room with lilac color, you can combine white, gray, green and turquoise. These shades are suitable for the unsurpassed style of Provence, especially the color of lavender;
- the black and white room is a very contrasting design. If you nevertheless decide to decorate the living room in black and white, then it would be best if one color is more than another. It is better if white predominates, since with a large amount of black, the room will seem dark, gloomy. Black takes up space.
To decorate a black and white interior, use bright saturated colors such as yellow, red, purple. To complete your interior design, use decor with geometric elements and patterns.
If you are going to make a renovation in an apartment, and you have a small one, then use light colors.
Sequence of work
The workflow begins with accurate measurements of the parameters of the living room. All work is divided into several stages:
- Project development.
- Preparatory work.
- Rough finish.
- Furniture and decor.
At the first stage, it is enough to develop a plan in which all the repair points will be clearly spelled out. With accurate calculations, sizes and prices. And also you need to decide what kind of repairs you will be doing - cosmetic or European renovation. The preparatory work will be different.
After that, you can proceed to the second stage - preparatory work.
For cosmetic repairs it is typical:
- repainting walls and floors;
- replacement of windows, doors and furniture.
Overhaul or renovation, in addition to these items, involves:
- complete replacement of electrical wiring;
- erection or dismantling of partitions.
Sequence of work for the second stage:
- First you need to take out the furniture.
- Remove wallpaper. You can use a putty knife or any other suitable tool.
- Remove paint from walls. Use special solvents.
- Linoleum, laminate flooring and a park will not be difficult to remove.
- The tiles will be more difficult to remove, so you may need to consult a specialist.
- It is at this stage that it is necessary to demolish or combine walls, balconies, a loggia and a room, to erect partitions. Of course, this requires the permission of the special services.
- Understand the electrical wiring. If you plan to replace it, you may have to chisel the wall and lay electrical cables.
Rough finishing implies:
- alignment of walls, ceiling and floor;
- replacement of windows and doors.
Fine finishing includes the following works:
- Ceiling decoration: painting, whitewashing, decorative plaster. If you decide to make a stretch ceiling, then first you need to glue the wallpaper and paint the walls.
- Installation of flooring.
- Installation of ceiling and floor skirting boards.
- Installation of sockets, switches, lighting devices.
- Installation of an air conditioner, if any.
And the last stage is furniture placement. We will talk about this stage in more detail a little later.
In order for the design of small living rooms to be beautiful and cozy, you will need the help of a professional. However, if you decide to refuse their help, then pay attention to the fact that living rooms with an area of, for example, 15 sq. m and 17 sq. m are very small rooms. It is difficult to combine a kitchen and a living room in them, for example.
To do this, you will have to think about combining two rooms or using a corridor. A two-room living room would be a great option. The area will increase, the interior design will become more interesting.
Floor
A variety of high-quality floor coverings are used to decorate the hall - these are laminate, parquet and carpet. Before choosing a floor material, decide on the style of the interior. For example, if it's minimalism, a plain floor is the best option. Parquet flooring will suit any interior. Buyers choose parquet for its durability and high quality.
If your living room is in high-tech or modern style, then choose laminate for the floor. He is very diverse in his appearance. Laminate flooring differs in structure and type of surface: it can be mirror, glossy and plain. Laminate with a wooden texture is considered popular.
Carpet is a flooring material that gives a room a cozy, warm and comfortable environment. The carpet has a wide variety of colors. Everyone can choose the color that will be closer to him.
Walls
Most often, people start their repairs with wallpapering or painting walls. Today in the store you can choose wallpaper and paint of any color. Although even plain walls can be attractive in and of themselves, many people believe that without wallpaper, the living room loses its meaning and becomes uncomfortable. The walls should have some kind of clothing that will decorate them and emphasize the entire interior of the living room.
If you have chosen a wallpaper, then decide on the style. After that, it will be easier to choose the texture of the wallpaper. For a classic style, it is better to choose wallpaper in warm colors. It can be sandy, beige, milky tone. Pay attention to wallpaper with patterns, small flowers.
If your living room is made in high-tech style, then give up wallpaper. Accentuate brightly painted walls. They may be uneven.
"Natural wallpaper" Is a type of wallpaper that is gaining popularity. These wallpapers are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, straw and cork. The advantage is the texture. They are pleasant to the touch. It will even be easier to breathe in the living room with "natural wallpaper".
Not every person will choose metallized wallpaper. This is a stylish and extraordinary solution. They are made from aluminum foil, which gives them sophistication, uniqueness and magic.
Fabric wallpaper - also an environmentally friendly option, pleasant to the touch. However, such wallpapers are expensive and not everyone can afford them. Canvases with silk thread will look royally. They are strong and durable. Your living room will look very noble.
Often wallpaper used for small, narrow rooms. Such wallpapers visually increase the space. For this purpose, buy wallpaper with a small pattern, with a perspective or geometric orientation.
An important nuance is the choice of a picture for the wallpaper, which should not bother you. Buy photomurals with mountain panoramas, marine themes, jungles. You will feel like a traveler, especially if you decide to change them once a year.
If you love decor, it is best to paint the walls. Photos, paintings and other elements will look great on plain walls. Therefore, we choose white. Any decor on white walls will be relevant. The only negative is the contamination of such surfaces. They need constant care.
The budget option is plastic wall panels. They are easy to install.
Pay attention to the designs of living rooms with a bay window. It will expand the space, create a wonderful panoramic view. However, it should be insulated separately. If you decide on a design with a bay window, be sure to think over all the nuances.
Panel houses were built about 30 years ago. The walls in such houses are already old and precarious. During the repair, they will have to be restored. In order for the walls to become straight and strong, they need to be leveled. Use plaster or other building materials.
Rebuilding the walls will take you a long time this requires a special permit.
Ceilings
If you decide to make repairs, it is important to think through the entire process associated with decorating the ceiling step by step. He sets the tone for the entire living room. For a small room, it is better to focus on the light colors of the ceiling. This will create a sense of spaciousness.
First, let's select a material:
- Giprok. From it, you can create a ceiling of the most complex structure. However, if your living room is only 18 sq. m, do not get carried away by a large number of levels. There are protruding beams, do not worry, they can be sewn into horizontal boxes. If your living room has a flat ceiling, then it is sewn up in one level.
- the cloth … Sometimes fabric is used for the ceiling. It is pulled along the perimeter. It looks interesting, but not practical, as dust and various stains are released on the fabric.
- Panels. Many people use plastic panels not only for the walls, but also for the ceiling. This is a budget option that is easy to install.
Most often we meet a stretch ceiling. Although, in addition to this, suspended counterparts are widely used. Painted or plaster ceilings are considered popular.
An expensive option is the ceiling, which is painted with decorative plaster. Your living room will become vibrant and unique.
Whitewashed and painted ceiling is always the best solution. This finish looks neat and modern.
Follow these simple rules when decorating the ceiling:
- Do not use false and duplex ceilings in small living rooms.
- A prerequisite is the unity of style throughout the living room.
- Focus on neutral colors.
Furnishings
If the finishing was successful, then you can proceed to the purchase of living room furniture. Decide what exactly you want to see in your living room. It can be a rectangular sofa and two armchairs, a coffee table, a wall and additional shelves. Maybe one soft sofa, a small rectangular table and an electric fireplace will be enough for you? If you have a spacious living room-kitchen, then you can walk around with furniture.
If standard furniture does not fit your living room, then you can make it to order. Sometimes this is the best solution. After all, this is how your design will definitely be unique. You can choose the color that you definitely won't find in the store. You can choose the material: an expensive natural or a budget option (chipboard, MDF, etc.).
For small living rooms, choose small-sized furniture. The room will look neat and sophisticated. In addition to sofas and armchairs, you need to decide on a place to store things. Use open wooden shelves. They are suitable for many styles.
To save space, they use a storage system that is built into the closet. Usually it is made to order, as it is difficult to find in the store exactly the system that is right for you.
Once you have figured out the furniture, you can add uniqueness and completeness to the interior with the help of accessories. It can be a bright ottoman, a pear chair, an original tall vase, a vintage-style box.
And the last one is lighting. Determine where and how many light sources will be, their power and type. The accent of the living room should be a chandelier. For the Provence style, this is a forged product; for the classics, a crystal chandelier is suitable.
If you have a living room-kitchen, then the light should be in each zone. Choose wall lamps and floor lamps for additional lighting.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Design magazines continually offer original and unusual novelties that can be used in the renovation and decoration of the living room.
In order for a living room of 17 sq. m everything was in its place and the feeling of gloom was not created, you can use built-in furniture. In the middle, place a round table with several chairs. This will help save space.
A spacious living room decorated in a retro style will look incredibly extravagant. Red armchairs combined with a white square sofa will attract attention, a warm carpet and fireplace will create coziness in the living room, and a mahogany coffee table will add chic to the living room.
Lovers of ultra-modern design can also please by choosing a huge soft sofa, a minimum of decor and accessories, a large TV, a round table and small armchairs. All this will allow large companies to gather in this living room to watch films.
See below for more details.