It’s not easy to get your living room looking like the pages of a magazine. There are so many elements that need to come together to get the look just right.
If your lounge room is looking less than lovely and you’re stuck on just what it is that’s not working well, take a leaf from a professional stylist with this checklist for where you may be missing the mark.
1. No natural touches
A little greenery goes a long way in the living room and even if you’re not a green thumb, an indoor plant, bunch of fresh flowers will literally breathe life into the room. “Pick some fresh greenery from your yard and display in vases around the house,” suggests stylist Fiona Gould. “They instantly make the home feel fresh and organised.”
2. Too much clutter
“Stylish storage baskets and boxes are key for keeping the clutter out of sight,” says Fiona.
Imagine you’re selling your home and want to present it in the best possible light to potential buyers by clearing the decks and hiding the mess and collected clutter of daily life. Why not present it this way all the time for your own enjoyment?
3. Dirty surfaces
Even if your cleaning is on point, but particularly if housekeeping is not a priority, Fiona suggests avoiding buying coffee tables and dining tables with glass tops. “You will forever be cleaning away the fingerprints,” she warns.
4. No texture
Style up your sofa with textured linen throws to bring interest and depth to your decorating.
Natural linen is especially beautiful as it looks even better when it’s a little crushed. “It’s meant to have an organic messy look about it so crinkles and a rushed drape on the sofa is welcomed,” says Fiona.
5. Shopping straight from the showroom
Avoid choosing pieces all in the same style or you’ll be left with a showroom feel. Instead, combine items from different styles or eras, with a mix of some old and new, for a look that feels authentic and balanced.
6. Karate-chopping your cushions
Now a tell-tale sign of dated interior decorating, steer clear of this once-loved method of sofa presentation. Instead, group cushions together and try a gentle press towards the top of each for a more relaxed look.
7. Visible power cords and TV cables
One thing that quickly makes your house look ugly is the spaghetti salad of cords and cables running everywhere around walls and under footed furnishing. Opt for wireless Bluetooth connectivity or hide cabling in conduits or inside the walls if possible.
8. Your rug is the wrong size
“Picking the right rug for your space is vital,” says Fiona. “Too small and it will feel dwarfed and awkward, too big and the room can feel cluttered. The perfect size is approx 30cm underneath your sofa and armchairs so that everything sits on top comfortably.”
9. Too many cushions on your sofa
Rather than working as beautiful decor pieces, overloading your sofa with too many cushions can really make the space feel too busy and messy. “Stick to two per corner or three in one corner for a more considered look,” Fiona advises.
10. Too much furniture
While homeowners with newly built houses and large living rooms may find it hard to believe, it’s possible to over-furnish your living room. Furniture must be functional or beautiful to earn its keep – preferably both. Cherished chairs that collect coats and books or overloaded coffee table shelves do nothing for the design and usability of your room. Make a point to edit out furniture that is not essential to aesthetics or comfort.
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