Your living room is probably one of the most well used spaces in your home.

Being a multi purpose space, you want to make sure you nail the styling.

It is the space that your family relax in, but also the space that you invite guests into. It has to be both functional and beautiful. And it all needs to work together harmoniously.

Sometimes that can be a hard balance to strike.

But don’t panic. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed about pulling all the pieces of your living room together, we have the basics for you right here. Follow these steps and your lounge will be looking amazing in no time!

Step One: Establish Your Style

Before you go running out to the shops, you want to establish your style. If you know the overall look you are wanting to achieve, then it will be easy to choose colours, furniture, window coverings and accessories that will all work together.

The easiest way to establish your style is to look through magazines or to browse Pinterest and see what jumps out at you. The sky is the limit, but make sure you choose something that is going to work well in your space.

Step Two: Measure Up

If you are buying new items for your living space, then you don’t want to buy a sofa that is too big for the space or a rug that is too small. So, measure your room to start. Also, have a bit of an idea of the layout so that you can choose furniture and other items that match the proportions you are trying to achieve. You won’t be able to remember it all in your head, so make sure you note it down so that you can refer back to it in the shop or on the go.

Step Three: The Furniture

Before you buy anything, decide what you want the room to achieve. Often people will push a sofa against one wall, put a television opposite it and then point a couple of armchairs at the TV. Think about what you want the focal point of the room to be and work from there. Consider how the traffic flows in and around the room, what areas you want to be connected and how you can create an inviting conversation space.

If you are buying new furniture, then choose pieces that support your style and layout. If you are using your existing furniture, think about how you can arrange it to create defined spaces and a good flow.

Step Four: Rugs

Rugs are another great way to help define a space in your lounge. However, don’t just pick something you like. You need to check how the proportions will work in your room and if it will match with the rest of your decor.

How do you choose the right size for a rug?

If a rug is too small then the room will look disjointed. Ideally, all of your furniture in the space should be sitting on top of the rug and there should be approximately 30 to 40cm between the edge of the rug and the walls.

Step Five: Lighting

Once you have the placement of your room set up, you want to light it. There are lots of options to choose from. Downlights in the ceiling, feature light fittings, pendants, floor lamps, table lamps or wall sconces are all potentials.

One bulb in the middle of the room will not provide enough light or atmosphere for the whole space. Instead, try a mixture of sources at different levels in the room. Also think about the bulbs you choose, whether you want a warm, inviting lighting or a cool more clean light.

Step Six: Artwork

You don't want to have a room of empty walls. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to fill every inch of space, but having artwork on your walls is important.

Creating a warm and inviting look does not have to cost the earth. In fact, it is great to have family photos on the walls. Follow your instincts on what you like and try to make sure the colours will work with the rest of the items in your room. Then, simply test how you can arrange them and the right way to hang them.

Step Seven: The Walls

If you are repainting, then you want to leave the task of choosing your colour right to the end to ensure it matches the other aspects of the room. Paint is less expensive than statement decor items. So choose all of those first and the paint colour last. That way, you can base your choice on those more expensive items.

Step Eight: Soft Furnishings

Tie everything together with some well selected soft furnishings. Window coverings, cushions and throws can all make a room really feel finished. Check out our recent blog on how to style with soft furnishings here.

Stuck for living room inspiration? Then give the team at Amazing Interiors a call. We can help you with some design tips or a whole interior makeover - whatever you need!