Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to plan or change your Living space? With countless design options, it's easy to feel lost and need help figuring out where to begin. The last thing you want is to make costly errors that could have been easily avoided with clever planning.

As a professional Interior Decorator, I understand the abundance of decorating choices that can lead to decision fatigue. I have successfully guided many clients through this process, and I'm here to share some invaluable tips that will undoubtedly set you on the right path.

You can read below to learn how to plan and decorate your Living room like a pro.

Styling & Selections: Selene Interiors
Photography: Sharna James Photography

1. Measure:

Before making any major decorating decisions, measuring the size of your living room accurately is crucial. This will ensure that furniture, art, soft furnishings, and decor fit perfectly into the space, saving time and money.

2. Brainstorm the Primary Purpose of the Area:

Your living room reflects your lifestyle. It is vital to understand how you want to use it, whether for conversation, reading, or entertaining. Your intentions will shape the design and layout of the space, making it functional and inviting.

3. Establish an Overall Style:

Determine the overall design direction for your living room to create a cohesive look that reflects your taste and personality. I have written a whole blog post dedicated to creating a coherent style, which you can view here: The Art of Creating a Cohesive Interior Space

4. Use Visualization Tools:

Creating a vision or room board is a powerful tool in your design arsenal. It lets you see your ideal furniture pieces and layouts in one place, helping you visualize the final look. This way, you can make necessary adjustments before purchasing, preventing potential design clashes.

5. Create a Cohesive Colour Palette:

Plan for a cohesive color palette to make choosing prints, furniture, and textiles easier and ensure a harmonious and visually appealing living space.

6. Strategic Shopping:

Consider starting with larger pieces like the sofa or area rug to anchor the room. Investing in high-quality statement pieces is crucial for creating a sophisticated and comfortable living room. I have written a whole blog post dedicated to common Furniture-buying mistakes, which you can view here: Five Most Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Furniture

7. Mix and Match your Furniture:

Select complementing, not matching, furniture pieces. This approach creates a living room that is sophisticated and stylish.

8. Rug Size Matters:

Ensure that the area rug is the right size by considering all the furniture within the living room and how they interact. This will create a balanced and visually appealing space. I have written a whole blog post dedicated to rug sizing, which you can view here: Why Does Rug Size Matter

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