Make your living room more inviting

PROPERTY NEWS - The living room is the space that should offer one a sense of lived-in accessibility, cosiness and comfort.

Here are a few tips you can use to change your functional lounge into a welcoming space your family will enjoy relaxing in.

Find a focus
Due to the fact that a lounge can take on so many different functions - from a study to a make-shift dance studio - it's important to have a focal point in the room. This will help ground the space and give those who use it a sense of something to congregate around. It could be the TV unit, your big, comfy couch or even a fireplace. Once you've found your focal point, arrange the rest of the room around it in a way that complements how you want people to use the space. For example, instead of placing your furniture against the wall, rather opt for an arrangement that facilitates natural conversation and connection.

Play with lighting
Lighting contributes hugely to the overall mood and natural ambience of a room and therefore can add to or detract from the warmth and welcoming feeling of the space. The key to good lighting is layering, i.e. having many different types of lighting in the correct proportions in one space.

This could therefore be a mixture of ambient, accent and focused lighting, such as a few types of lamps of varying height and brightness or candles in addition to the room's ceiling lights. Adding a dimmer switch to your ceiling lights can also be an easy way of creating or maintaining a warm and inviting environment.

Bring in the detail
No matter how big or small, accessories play a role in the "persona" of a room. It's therefore important to bring in accessories and elements that reflect your personality and give your lounge that personal touch.

This can be achieved through the showcasing of photos or the displaying of prized art pieces. On a similar note, accessories such as an area rug, bespoke wallpaper, scatter cushions or couch throw can also be used to bring in a sense of cosiness, personality and warmth.

Include a scent
While it might be an odd suggestion, it makes sense the more you think about it - a good-smelling room can immediately add to the overall sense of invitation.

With this in mind, be sure to include a few scented candles or make use of an incense diffuser or room spray to introduce a scent that complements the invitation you want to extend.

For example, lavender or vanilla scents can be used to promote a sense of peace and tranquillity, which can add to the general appeal of the room.

Get rid of clutter
There is nothing more off-putting than a messy or cluttered room with piles of clutter taking up most, if not all, available surfaces. Clutter doesn't only refer to stacks of paper or piles of books, however - it could also refer to having too much furniture or too many accessories in the same space, leading to a sense of claustrophobia. Take a look at your living room and assess it to ensure it looks welcoming and inviting and that all unnecessary clutter or mess is removed or neatly organised. At the end of the day, the lounge should feel like the warm embrace of your home and offer a much-needed sense of comfort and safety - especially in today's busy and chaotic world. Taking the time and considering the above tips could go a long way to making you and your guests really relax and feel right at home. www.privateproperty.co.za

Lighting contributes hugely to the overall mood and natural ambience of a room. houseandhome.com