Welcome Home: Checklist for a Homebuyer's Living Room Oasis

If you're in the market for a new home (or you want a fresh take on your current home), creating a welcoming living room is essential! This checklist will guide you through the essential steps, including incorporating the beauty and functionality of decorative fabric lampshades, to make that living room YOUR oasis. Now, it's time to create a living space that feels warm, inviting, and reflects your unique style.

Setting the Stage:

1. Function First: Before diving into aesthetics, consider how you'll use the living room. Will it be a family gathering space, a movie night haven, or a home office by day? This will influence furniture selection and placement. Think about traffic flow – ensure enough space for people to move around comfortably without feeling cramped.

2. Lighting Plan: Layered lighting is key to creating a versatile and inviting space. Overhead lighting, like recessed lights or a chandelier, provides general illumination. Task lighting, such as table lamps or floor lamps placed near seating areas, allows for focused light for reading or working. Accent lighting, like sconces or strategically placed lamps, can highlight artwork or architectural features, adding depth and ambiance.

3. Choosing Colors: Consider your existing furniture or a desired color scheme when selecting paint colors. Neutral wall colors act as a backdrop for bolder accents in furniture and accessories. This allows you to easily change the look and feel of the room over time by swapping out throw pillows, artwork, or decorative objects. If you have a favorite color you want to incorporate, consider using it as an accent wall or in smaller doses with artwork or rugs.

However, don't be afraid to go bold with colored walls! A jewel-toned accent wall can add a touch of drama and sophistication, while a sunny yellow can create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. If you're hesitant to commit to painting an entire wall, consider using colorful wallpaper. Wallpaper with bold patterns or interesting textures can add a unique focal point to your living room.

Creating Comfort:

4. Seating Arrangements: Create conversation areas by strategically arranging furniture. A sofa can be positioned against a wall, with armchairs facing it to create a central gathering spot. Consider adding accent chairs or ottomans to provide additional seating and encourage conversation. If you have a large living room, you can create multiple conversation areas by using area rugs and furniture placement to define separate spaces. Think about how you'll use the space – if you entertain frequently, prioritize ample seating for guests. If movie nights are your thing, position the sofa facing the television and ensure there's enough space for everyone to stretch out comfortably. No matter your needs, prioritize seating arrangements that encourage connection and interaction.

5. Area Rug: Define your living space and add warmth underfoot with a large area rug. Choose a size that allows at least the front legs of your furniture to rest on the rug, creating a visually cohesive seating area. A larger rug that extends beyond the furniture can also work well in spacious living rooms, anchoring the space and providing a more luxurious feel. Consider the rug's material, pattern, and color when making your selection. A plush wool rug adds a touch of luxury and comfort, while a natural fiber rug like sisal or jute offers durability and a casual aesthetic. Patterned rugs can add visual interest and help tie together the colors in your living room, while a plain rug provides a neutral foundation for bolder statement pieces.

This room gives a cozy feel with layers of color, texture and various seating styles.

Adding Personality:

6. Welcoming Touch: Personalize your space with items that reflect your passions and interests. Display artwork, family photos, or travel mementos that tell your story. Curate a collection of decorative objects found at flea markets, inherited from family, or handcrafted by local artisans. Let your personality shine through in the unique pieces you choose to showcase.

7. Light Up Your Style in Layers: This is where fabric lampshades come in! Choose lampshades that complement your existing décor and lighting plan. Fabric lampshades add another layer of texture and visual interest to your lighting scheme. With our luxury lampshades crafted from upholstery-grade fabrics, the lampshade not only adds to your lighting scheme, but it can also add coordination with your furniture upholstery choices. This creates a cohesive design aesthetic throughout your living room.

• Fabric: Select fabric based on desired light diffusion (sheer for a soft glow, opaque for focused light).

• Color & Pattern: Coordinate colors and patterns with your artwork, furniture, or area rug. Consider selecting a lampshade fabric that complements the colors and textures present in your upholstered furniture. This creates a pulled-together look throughout the space.

• Shape & Size: Ensure the lampshade's size is proportional to the lamp base and doesn't overpower the space.

Finishing Touches:

8. Greenery: Greenery: Bring nature indoors and harness the well-being benefits associated with biophilic design. Opt for low-maintenance varieties like snake plants, philodendrons, or pothos if you're a new plant parent. Houseplants not only add a touch of life and color to your space, but can also help purify the air and reduce stress levels.

9. Coffee Table Styling: Add a coffee table with a tray to organize books, magazines, or decorative objects.

10. Ambiance: Accentuate the mood with candles, scented diffusers, or a cozy throw blanket.

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! Rearrange furniture, swap out cushions, or try new lampshades to personalize your space over time.

By following this checklist and embracing the versatility of fabric lampshades, you'll create a living room that welcomes you home with warmth and style!

Yours Truly,

The Illuminated Designer™

P.S. Ready to transform your living room? Which tip from this checklist will you tackle FIRST? Tell us in the comments! 👇🏽