Living Room

When it comes to designing the living spaces in a home, it’s all about personal choice and how you live, which makes these rooms the most versatile spaces in the home. From quiet parlors to cozy dens, the possibilities abound. Depending on your needs, you could opt for a formal living room designed for welcoming special guests. Or, you could eschew formality and take a more casual approach, creating a laid-back family room where pets, kids, and all who enter feel at home. No matter the type of room you choose—or if it’s one of each—these are spaces where being yourself is the only requirement.

The Elements of Good Design

1. Add interest to the ceiling with wood detailing, wallpaper, or a contrasting paint color.


2. Let natural light shine in.


3. Make seating arrangements ideal for conversation.


4. Bring in greenery to add signs of life.


5. Choose a rug size that fits the space and the furnishings.


6. Add in smaller pieces that can be easily moved around to make room for guests.

 

The Hearth of the Home

Although it certainly makes a space feel cozy, a fireplace isn’t just for adding warmth. It can also be the focal point of a room. Whether you choose a decorative mantel or a wall-sized surround, a statement-making fireplace might be just the spark your space requires.

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Sofas Just Wanna Have Fun

Sure, you could save your peppy patterns and bold colors for the throw pillows in your pad, but why not let your large-scale seating get in on the action? When it comes to upholstering couches, settees, and lounge chairs, don’t be afraid to take a chance on a vivid hue or spirited print.

Where to shop for fabric:

Culp Associates
Holland & Sherry
ID Collection
James
Lee Jofa — Kravet
Schumacher

Two Ways to Work with Color

When it comes to incorporating color into a space, there are several schools of thought. We prefer those that make a statement. One option is to go tonal, using the same shade throughout a space—a dramatic way to make an impression, especially when the hue is as bold as it is beautiful. Our other favorite method is adding pops of vivid color against a serene backdrop. If you want to use color but can’t commit to a single shade, consider introducing vibrant bursts in the artwork or accessories.

Go Tonal:

Using the same shade throughout a space is a dramatic way to make an impression, especially when the hue is as bold as it is beautiful.

Add Pops:

If you want to use color in a room but can’t commit to a single shade, consider introducing vibrant bursts in the artwork or accessories.

Home Is Where the Art Is

Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just starting out, the art you display in your space says more about your personal style than any other piece. It’s also an ideal starting point for designing any room. Be it contemporary or rococo, consider letting your art set the tone for all of your design decisions.

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Clockwise from top left:

1. Designer Louise Kemp chose a vibrant piece of pop art for this East Dallas sitting area. Why it works: The primary colors pop in the otherwise serene space. Jan/Feb 2009


2. William T. Wiley’s “In the Quarry” hangs in the late Betty Blake’s Turtle Creek-area apartment, which was designed by Joseph Minton. Why it works: Opting for such a large-scale artwork means you can’t take your eyes off the floor-to-ceiling piece. Mar/Apr 2007


3. Valley House Gallery owner Cheryl Vogel shows off a painting by her father-in-law, Donald Vogel. The piece, along with many others, resides in bins in the Vogels’ family room. Why it works: A floor-to-ceiling screen can be pulled down in front of the bins, concealing evidence that the room was once Donald’s art studio. Mar/Apr 2012


4. An 18th-century ecclesiastical painting found in San Miguel de Allende hangs on a limestone wall in this Tyler Cobb–designed space. Why it works: The contemporary feel of the bamboo floors serves as foil for the rustic wall and antique painting. Mar/Apr 2012 

Antiques Never Go Out of Style

They say what’s old is new again, but we say: What’s old was never out to begin with. Old World pieces offer history, style, and fine craftsmanship, so when you decorate a space with only antiques, it means every item will have a story to tell. That all-in approach works beautifully in Cathy Kincaid’s living room. But lest you think antiques are only appropriate in certain settings, think again: Blending contemporary pieces with fine antiques creates a striking mix that lets you honor the past while embracing the present.

Go All In:

Old World pieces offer history, style, and fine craftsmanship, so when you decorate a space with only antiques, it means every item will have a story to tell.

Consider a Mix:

Blending contemporary pieces with fine antiques lets you honor the past while embracing the present.

Book Smart

Everyone knows reading is fundamental, so give your books the home they deserve. Libraries can take many forms, from floor-to-ceiling shelves packed tight with decades of collections to well-styled nooks displaying only a few favorites. What’s important is to house your tomes to fit the way you live.

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