Making a Living Room a Welcoming Space

NEW YORK – A kitchen is widely recognized as the most popular room in a home. Though it might be true that the hustle and bustle of home life runs through the kitchen, many memories are made in the living room as well.

Living rooms tend to be go-to spaces for family movie nights, game watches with fellow fans and places to gather during holiday celebrations. That's a lot of quality time spent in the living room, and those moments can be more enjoyable if the space is as comfortable as possible.

"Comfort is always key. If possible, it's best to try out your main pieces to make sure they are comfortable," said Debbie Tucker, an interior designer at Signature Contracting. "Look for high-quality cushions and frames. If that piece doesn't fit your budget, keep an eye out for sales and scour the internet for the exact same piece to hopefully find a better deal. I always check reviews as well; the amount of stars but also the number and quality of reviews."

Tucker has been working in the industry for over 20 years. She has a certification but also says that interior design "is something that you either have or you don't." She says she admires Joanna Gaines' work and loves what she does.

"Main thing to keep in mind when choosing upholstery is comfort. Style also plays a role in your selection. Determine the look you want and that will help select the style," said Len Goddard, owner of Red Door Home in Huntington.

Comfortable couches and furnishings like ottomans can make it easier to relax in the living room, whether you're watching a movie, cheering on your favorite team or reading a book.

"Motion furniture is a large part of what consumers are looking for today. Power seating is designed for comfort and relaxing around the fireplace or TV. Power recliners have been popular for a long time but now there is power in sofas and sectionals as well. People are enjoying reclining with options for the articulating headrest that supports the head while watching TV, power in the lumbar region for optimum back support, heat and massage. Modular furniture is popular to allow optimum seating to fit the room and choices of options on each individual piece," said Mimi Wells of Wells Home Furnishings in Charleston.

In an era of Instagram, it's easy to fall head over heels with images when designing a living room. Aesthetic appeal certainly has its place in a living room, but it's important to remember how much living will be done in these rooms when designing them.

"I never suggest following trends, they come and go so quickly. There is never a sure way to know if you'll be happy following trends," Goddard said.

Wells said wood-framed furniture is seeing a comeback and has advice on how to make it work for you.

"Although it can be challenging to mix wood and wood stains from the floor to other occasional pieces, doing so adds interest to the room. Just be sure the woods are lights and darks in the same tones etc. brown tone, red tone, yellow to orange etc.," Wells said.

Redesigning also doesn't have to be expensive. There are ways for it to be accessible for everyone.

"Working with a budget is important. If you're limited, shop wisely and take your time. Even some thrift shop finds can save you money. Or getting advice from an interior decorator can help get you on the right track," Goddard said. "Pillows are a good inexpensive item to freshen your look. And you can switch them out with the seasons. A good colorful throw will also add color and warmth."

Tucker suggested flipping or redoing old, out of style pieces that you might already have or can get at a used furniture store.

"You can also DIY a lot of secondhand finds, which will not only save you money, but give you a piece you are proud of. YouTube, Instagram, and other social media sites offer a ton of DIY projects," she said.

It can be hard to feel comfortable in cramped quarters whether you're welcoming friends and family into your home or simply lounging around on Sunday mornings.

"I always try to think of functionality first. What will your space mainly be used for, entertaining, relaxing, or a mix? Determining this will help you to choose the right furniture. For example, if you plan to host large gatherings on a regular basis make sure you have plenty of seating," Tucker said.

If comfort is your top priority, arrange the room so there's ample seating throughout and people don't feel like they're sitting on top of one another when spending time in the room.

"The world of furniture is huge, and the possibilities are endless. So, finding the perfect furniture for your living space takes time, effort and the help of a trusted and knowledgeable furniture salesperson or designer," Wells said.

Furnishings are not the only things that can affect how comfortable people feel in a living room.

"When it comes to choosing paint, it is best to choose fabrics or the rug you have selected in the room first if possible. Paint colors are in the thousands and can be matched to the one rug you love or the one fabric that you must have in the room. It is much more difficult to find that fabric or rug that looks good with the paint color you have already put in the room," Wells said.

The home improvement experts at The Spruce note that neutral paint colors with warm undertones help to establish a cozy feel in a living room. Various shades of white, beige, tan, or even gray can help to establish a warm, comfortable vibe in a living room.

"Paint color is important to create a welcoming room. Select a color that's not wild, but soothing. Neutral colors are always easier to decorate around," Goddard said.

Choosing paint colors can be a very tricky one as most colors pull more than one hue.

"Some beige colors will pull green, while others will pull yellow or gray. I always like to look at the full paint strips that display multiple shades of a single color, often arranged from light to dark. Each shade pulls different undertones, which can significantly impact the final look in your home," Tucker said.

The great outdoors can have a calming effect on anyone, so it makes sense that incorporating the outdoors into a living room can make the space feel more comfortable. Furnish the room with plants and look for items with earth-toned furnishings to create a calm and comfortable vibe in the space.

"Lighting makes a huge difference in your space. Natural lighting is always preferable, but for nighttime I love the look that table lamps and accent lighting offer to create a cozy feel," Tucker said. "You can also add warmth and comfort by using soft textures and layers like area rugs, throw blankets, and soft pillows."

In addition, new windows that allow for more natural light and offer views into a yard can help lift spirits and make the room feel more comfortable.

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