Have you ever walked into someone’s living room and it felt as though nobody really lives there?
Where is the evidence of life? There’s a reason living rooms are called living rooms: they are meant to be lived in!
To my way of thinking, anything that falls in the realm of communal living spaces – whether you call it your living room, den, game room, entertainment room, playroom, or rec room – should be comfortable, not too formal, and reflective of your way of life.
Live it up! Bring in the elements that represent the best aspects of your life – photographs, art, an awesome stereo, musical instruments, books, games – and you are going to have a room that you (and other people) are going to want to spend time in.
When you design the communal spaces in your home you are putting it all out there. You are letting other people know what your style is, what is important to you, how you spend your leisure time. But it is also all about what makes you feel relaxed and happy, so make it fit your needs.
If you like to spread out and watch TV, make sure you buy a sofa that is long enough. If your kids like to lie on the rugand run through the DVD collection, concentrate on finding a great rug or non-itchy carpet. If you want to spend your time with your nose in a book, find a fantastic reading chair and reading lamp to pit by its side. If you entertain a lot, create a furniture arrangement that will foster conversation. Really think about the purpose of the room you are creating – that is the key to making it functional as well as fun.