Having extra space is a blessing, unless you’re at a loss for how to use it best. Every now and then, your decorating challenges have nothing to do with what you’re missing, and everything to do with how to use what you’ve got. These are the luckiest problems, because all it takes is some inspiration and smart advice from an expert to set you straight. Hometalker and home design expert Lory, of Designthusiasm, has the perfect tips for getting the most function and style out of a large, unused room.
One of the most important things to do with a large room is to create intimate conversation areas. You can either create two or more separate areas focused around distinct focal points like a fireplace, TV or French doors, or, if you prefer, one central focus, don’t be afraid to move the furniture away from the walls, more towards the center of the room.
My family room is very much like this and I chose to create a central conversation area with sofa and chairs in the center, oriented towards the TV and entertainment center along one wall. I’ve then used the free walls to place elegant but useful pieces of furniture, like an antique bookcase, an English writing desk and a French buffet server that we use as a bar.
In terms of color, I’m a huge fan of light colors, but in a large room, you need to make sure you “dress your walls” to delineate boundaries. I would choose warm tones to feel more enveloped and cozy, so for me that means a buttery yellow, but if you enjoy darker colors, anything on the warmer side of the color wheel will yield the same effect.
Furniture should be properly scaled, so a large lush sectional sofa will do the trick, while accessories such as warm throws and soft pillows will add to the intimacy of the space. And finally, no room is complete without fresh flowers!
Looking for more words of design wisdom? Follow Lory on Hometalk, and find more inspiration and how-tos on our Home Decor page!
Hometalk Experts are standouts in their industry and provide trusted advice on home improvement and gardening projects. Experts include reputable interior designers, painters, contractors, craftsmen and real estate professionals. Hometalk Experts are an active part of Hometalk's community, answering individual questions and providing inspiration through their own completed projects.
