We are always looking for comfort and style in our homes - decor that we can be proud of, show off, and enjoy. Styling any space can be a challenge, but it becomes even more so when the space you are decorating will be one of the most used rooms of your home - the living room.
A living room is a homeowner's sanctuary. It can act as an escape from the world outside, warm and cozy in cold weather or a cool, refreshing retreat when temperatures soar.
The living rooms in most Western homes are used primarily for entertaining, curling up in front of a fireplace or in a cozy spot with a good book, watching favourite TV shows or movies, playing cards or board games, and just generally relaxing.
It has been said that updating your decor to match the season can give your space a much-needed facelift. This is not always possible, but this rejuvenation doesn't have to mean expensive changes, like buying brand new furniture, painting the walls, or getting rid of the fireplace.
A rejuvenation can be as simple as changing some cushion covers, adding or switching a painting on a wall, incorporating a new conversation piece, and perhaps even going one step further by slightly adjusting the furniture set-up - provided the elements of your space allow for this.
Do not shy away from colour. Accent colours can add warmth, entice conversation, or promote relaxation, all the while making the space even more inviting.
If you are looking for an organic, earthy feel, incorporate neutral browns with some darker shades to ground the room. For additional warmth, feature warmer colours like hues of red, orange, and yellow. However, if you lean towards cooler colours and an airy feel, accent colours in shades of blue, purple, and green can provide a sense of calm and peacefulness.
If your space is plain and lacklustre, consider incorporating some eye-catching new artwork into the space, like some African paintings. If you have a preference for abstract art and lean towards cool colours, you might like "Blue" by Khassim Mbaye. On the other hand, if you are searching for something with a representational feel, "Walking Women", a stunning representation of two women in traditional Senegalese clothing in warm browns and reds, by M Baba Ly, might be a better fit.
Not only can visual arts bring new life to a living room, but also mixing up textures can create extra depth in your space. Integrate foreign culture and add in a functional conversation piece with texture, like African crafts. A traditional African wood Brown Akan Bench is a great example of a functional design piece with an element of exoticism.
For a fraction of the cost of major renovations, simple changes like these are sure to give your living room the makeover it deserves.
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