| Is your living room a place for show, only used | | | | the Buddha you brought back from Thailand or a |
| when you're entertaining? Living rooms, as their | | | | wall of bookcases that not only hold your books |
| name suggests, should not only reflect who you | | | | but also display your collection of antique toys or |
| are to the outside world, but they should also be | | | | Bennington pottery. Area rugs work well over |
| lived in. Here are some suggestions for making | | | | waxed hardwood floors or neutral, wall-to-wall |
| your living room warm and inviting for guests as | | | | Berber-style carpeting. |
| well as functional and comfortable for family | | | | A decorative room divider, such as Japanese shoji |
| members. | | | | screens, can be used to separate a large room |
| If your living room is large, divide it into smaller | | | | into a living room and a TV room. In a smaller |
| areas through the positioning of furniture. You | | | | place, face the couch to a wall unit that holds the |
| want the "conversation pit" to be cozy - a couch | | | | television - it's sure to become a favorite |
| and loveseat and a couple of chairs around a large | | | | gathering spot for the family. |
| cocktail table will seat many people, yet they'll all | | | | The days of covering the "good" living room |
| be able to hear what the others are saying. A | | | | furniture with plastic are over! Leather or the new |
| great place for family meetings as well as for | | | | microfiber fabrics are easy to clean, look great, |
| entertaining. Make sure all seats are within reach | | | | and can survive guests, kids, and pets. If the |
| of a table - someplace to set down those drinks | | | | furniture is in neutral colors, add colorful |
| and chips! | | | | decorative pillows. Remember to keep a few |
| Face the couch to an architectural focal point, | | | | throw blankets around to stay cozy on cool |
| such as a fireplace or a large window that looks | | | | nights. |
| out to your garden or the city lights. If you don't | | | | If your living room walls are painted in light neutral |
| have an architectural element to work with, | | | | shades, you'll be able to change the furniture and |
| create one by hanging large pictures or a mural | | | | decorative touches easily. Other ways to change |
| on a wall. This allows people to admire the art and | | | | the look of your living room are by adding tall |
| it's safer than hanging anything heavy right above | | | | plants or a silk tree, a permanent flower |
| the seating (especially in areas prone to | | | | arrangement in a basket or tall vase, or even a |
| earthquakes!). Hang cloth wall hangings or small | | | | fountain and small pond in a large enough space. |
| pictures on the wall behind the couch. Don't, | | | | Don't forget about lighting! Floor lamps, especially in |
| however, hang a mirror where people will see | | | | dark corners, can brighten large areas, while table |
| their reflection all the time. Not everyone is thrilled | | | | lamps can provide good light for your favorite |
| by his or her image. | | | | reading/knitting chair. An arrangement of candles |
| If you divide your living room in two or three | | | | on the mantelpiece or a table adds ambiance to |
| seating and/or dining areas, use rugs to define the | | | | your living room. Now go ahead, live in your living |
| conversation grouping, another under the dining | | | | room! |
| table, and another to set off a place to exhibit | | | | |