The living room is meant to feel vibrant and full of life. This is the cozy place where everyone gathers to hang… watch Modern Family, play Monopoly and entertain family and friends. If your living room is lacking inspiration, well tis’ the season to change and I’m amped to share some ideas on how you can do this, easy-peasy.
Paper lanterns can add a romantic and dreamy feel to any living room!
Check out this living room makeover I did in one day which was featured on NBC’s Openhouse (see video here). Whether you have a small or large space, you can re-invent your living room with my speed decorating tips.
Bright, open and airy - the perfect living room!
The Right Arrangement. The key to creating a cozy space is to define the room – when you have a wide-open space you want to break it up into two gathering areas. First, pick a focal point. In my NBC segment the fireplace was the first thing you saw when you walked into the room, so I accesorized it with two ceramic lions to give a playful vibe. To brighten up a dark nook next to the fireplace, I installed an antique chest, some books, a glitter skull and mercury glass to bring in the sparkly reflective light.
Play with Lighting. For rooms that have amazing natural light but lack depth, I love to add a stunning light fixture. For the room in the NBC segment, I created an art installation by hanging a bunch of of paper lanterns at staggered height. For your own living room think of lighting in the following categories: overhead, floor lamps/table lamps, uplights and natural to determine what’s the best solution for your space.
Curtain Call. High ceilings can make a room feel desolate and cold. In the NBC video the ceiling was 18’ high so I installed white flow-y curtains that puddled on the floor. I really love how this shows good tailoring and drama. It also creates a dreamy and romantic vibe that warms up the space so it doesn’t feel institutional.
Bringing it all Together. Of course you’d never dream of buying a “living room set” or even all the essentials from the same store. BORING. Now that it’s spring, have fun exploring Brooklyn Flea or other design stores and select pieces that you love. Stroll West Broadway on the weekend and pick art from local artists. Missing a side table? Stack books or pile records to create your own DIY table. No rug? Scatter sheepskin throws for a simple solution.
There you have it – my simple steps to creating the living room of your dreams! Remember to plan, get organized and have fun with your concept.
jill vegas 