A place to unwind and relax

Suman Bajpai

If you look at your furniture, do you see fingerprints and dust deep enough to write a note in, then yes, you can breathe and take pleasure while munching your favourite French fries. Here is the place in your house where the entire family spends time together. This is the family room or living room. In this most used place in the house, any amount of clutter or mismanagement is allowed. The focus of family activities, this is the place where you are not bothered to clean up the floor as soon as a piece of pizza falls or biscuit crumbs get scattered all over. In this space, you nurture your inner call. You can throw magazines, newspapers all over without any pangs of guilt, children can eat, play, scatter their toys, and shoes can lie around. As the need to relax and enjoy life becomes important, the concept of a ‘family room’ as a place to relax is emerging fast. In this room, a family spends its evenings, watches TV, plan their holidays and relaxes. Therefore, the interiors of the living room should be such that all members of the family can feel comfortable and cozy in this room. Here are a few pointers for this room: 

Use pillows

Decorative pillows are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room. Similar to decorative pillows, throws add texture to your furniture. Find a pattern and style that you like, which comes in natural and fabricated fabrics.

Shades and tints 

If you are using many colours in one single room, make sure you use a colour at least three times in the same room. You could use shades and tints of that colour. Like curtains, pillows and tablecloth can be of the same colour. This gives a symmetrical look help avoid the feeling of ‘too much’ or something out of place. For a tranquil and soothing look, use pale pinks. The closer pink gets to red, the more energetic it becomes. 

Use area rugs

Though it seems odd at first, an area rug cannot only be used on wood or tile floors, but on wall-to-wall carpeting as well. For defining a space while using an area rug, ensure that the furnishings either rest on the carpet or touch the edges visually. 

Different lampshades

Changing the lighting in your room can make a difference. Different lampshades can create a different atmosphere as they diffuse soft light with a hint of colour about the room. 

Avoid heavy furniture

Replace heavier drapes with lighter fabric as it is not a private zone. You can try a lightweight valance or scarf across the top of the window. The idea here is to let the sunshine in. Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. Avoid heavy or expensive furniture, rather you can choose the floor arrangement. Some cushions or bedspreads over the carpet are a good idea. Resist the temptation to buy the latest trends in furnishings or accessories. A good solid recliner is a good idea to add to your living space.