Planning you home- living area

These are public rooms of the house where the family meets and friends are entertained. They also have to cater for a variety of specialized interests like playing or listening to music, studying or sewing. As you are likely to spend a lot of time there, it is worthwhile giving them some careful thought and action.

Layout

Layout needs careful planning, as the living room often doubles as a dining room, playroom or hall. A room with a view should take advantage of the outlook by grouping the seating by the window, while a wall covered with pictures, or a coffee table with a few ornaments, will also attract the eye. NOT FOUND: 1

Arrange sofas opposite or at right angles to each other and occasional tables in front or to one side to take care of drinks or books.

Dining room needs a serving table as well as a central one. Make sure the size of the table suits that of the room and remember that you will need a minimum of 30 inches space round the table to allow for access and comfortable seating.

Paint

Opt for matt finish emulsion for a velvety look or silk finish. Soft colours which create a restful background for various activities suit most living rooms but dining rooms can afford to look dramatic. A rich, deep colour scheme looks elegant. You can use deep shades like burgundy, ochre or indigo. Peach, cream or grey also look good.

Flooring

Flooring for living rooms mean some form of carpet to add softness and warmth. Moreover, carpet brings all the furniture together and gives a sense of unity. Abstract patterns, Chinese, Indian or Oriental carpets, durries, etc can be used.

Finishing touches

Window coverings- Choose a fabric in keeping with the style of your house and furnishings. Curtains, horizontal and vertical blinds can be used.

Furniture- Furniture should be considered for its contribution to the colour scheme as well as comfort and style. Plain upholstery with contrast piping looks smart and small geometric designs can be used to offset plain furnishings without clashing with other patterns.

Cushions- Cushions add coordination. Use remnants of curtain fabric to cover them and choose additional cushions in a colour which relates.

Pictures and ornaments- These are important elements of decoration in the living room. Concentrate them in a specific area for best effect, as dotting them around the room diminishes their impact.

Lighting- Lighting has to perform more roles in the living room than in any other. Therefore, proper and bright lighting is required. Mood and atmosphere lighting can be used as well.