Leather is generally a more expensive sofa material than other common place fabrics like cotton linen or velvet. As such you need to be sure you won’t damage the leather on your sofa or risk breaking down the protective layer on the outside of the leather.

Imagine the covering of your leather sofa to be extremely sensitive skin, you wouldn’t dream of using abrasive soaps and creams if you know you have sensitive skin so don’t think of doing the same with your leather sofa! Make sure all the cleaning products you use are as natural as possible and don’t contain harsh and harmful chemicals.

On occasions you will need to use a harsher cleaning product for particularly stubborn stains and spills but just make sure you test this cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the sofa first like the back, which might not be on display. This will allow you to check if the product is going to lead to any discolouring of the leather or remove the protective layer on the fabric.

Over the years many different stain disasters have been remedied using household discoveries below are some of the following popular cleaning solutions for a spill on a leather sofa:

Baby Wipes

Using baby wipes is extremely popular amongst proud homeowners but over time the chemical contained in baby wipes can damage lining so make sure to use this solutions sparingly for stubborn stains or less regular thorough cleans.

Soap Flakes

This product is less common on the high street these days but can still be found in some household stores. When using soap flakes make sure you are choosing the least abrasive option available. Soap flakes are recommended above baby wipes by furniture retailers as they are less likely to remove the leathers protection lining.

Damp Cloth

This cleaning solution sounds obvious but often the simplest solution is the most elegant. A damp cloth can be used to get rid of lighter stains and the water helps to disperse any dirt which has build up over time.

Baby Oil

Baby oil is a good product to use for regular cleaning as it cleans, preserves and softens the leather. Also it will stop it from cracking and make your sofa smell nice.

Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is used for maintaining horse saddles and can be picked up from most shoes shops and cobblers. Rubbing over your sofa using saddle soap will keep the leather supple. This product can help to extend the life of your leather sofa.

Olive Oil

This solution is only for use of dark coloured leather sofas, olive oil applied to a cloth will help to give the leather sofa a good shine and keep the leather supple.

Steam Cleaner

A steam cleaner is something you have less likely to have lying around in your house but they will work well to clean leather as the steam will add volume to the leather and help to lift out creases and stains in the material.

When cleaning your leather sofa make sure that you consider the delicate nature of the materials and the colour of your particular sofa. As previously mentioned it is always a good idea to test out any new cleaning routine on a less obvious part of your sofa to avoid unwanted damage or discolouration.

Jonathan is a freelance writer who enjoy blogging from the comfort of his sofa

When you move into a brand new house or apartment, it can be difficult to get motivated to unpack your old stuff and move in. All of that empty space, combined with the full boxes and the fear of living somewhere entirely new, may prohibit you from wanting to make your new house into a home. But with a little organization and new furniture, you will be able to create a home that is absolutely perfect for you.One amazing way to motivate yourself to furnish and decorate your new house is to buy some excellent new high quality furniture to add to your home. One great piece to get for your living room is a coffee table with end tables. The coffee table will look amazing in your new living room or bedroom and you can place your sofa from your old home near it. You will love combining your new and old pieces of furniture and creating a look that is right for you.

Another good piece of furniture that you should purchase that every house needs is a high quality bed. By getting a new bed, you will get excited about spending time in your bedroom and will receive the full eight hours of sleep you need each night. Try and buy some colorful and beautiful accent pieces for your bedroom including bright wall décor, throw pillows and comfy linens. You will be able to create a bedroom that is serene and tranquil and will make you want to come home to for years to come.

Your kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in your home. Be sure to create an inviting kitchen atmosphere in your new house that will make you feel right at home. In order to do this, your new kitchen might need a fresh coat of bright paint. Also try and get some fashionable and functional pieces of furniture that will add style and substance to your kitchen.

Whether you want round end tables, a new bed or a fabulous dining set, purchasing new items and interweaving them with your old stuff will create a home that you will get excited about. The prospect of turning your house into a comfortable living space will make you feel great and help you adjust to your new life better. Yes, it can be scary to move to a new town or city and leave everything you know behind, but you will love getting to learn about your new home. You will love it.

First let’s look at the tools you will need to complete the process. While these may vary from sofa to sofa, a general list of supplies will include:

Photo by paintchipdiaries

• Staple or tack gun
• Chalk, fabric markers or colored pencils
• Sewing machine
• Fabric
• Replacement padding
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

After measuring your couch to determine your fabric needs, find a suitable replacement fabric for your reupholstering project. Keep in mind the wear and tear this fabric will be subjected to and any special needs you may require the fabric to have. Measure each part of the sofa and use these numbers to figure out a rough (generous) estimate of the amount fabric needed.

The first, and often most time consuming, step of the process is removing the old fabric from the sofa. Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, remove the staples or tacks holding the existing fabric to the frame of the sofa. This will make it easier to remove the cloth without further damage, which will be important in the next step. You might want to mark the location of the pieces you remove with a fabric marker or take step-by-step pictures as you remove the fabric. This will provide an easy guide for re-applying the fabric later.

With the sofa stripped down, check the padding, supports and frame for damage. Tighten any loose springs and replace padding as needed. This will increase the comfort of your sofa and provide a cleaner final appearance.

Photo by paintchipdiaries

Take your old fabric pieces and lay them on your new fabric. Trace and outline of each part onto the new fabric. Allow an extra inch or so around the edge of the traced pattern when cutting to help compensate for securing the pieces. If your old fabric is damaged, consider tracing onto art tissue or newspaper before transferring to the new fabric. This will make it easier to compensate for any changes in the original fabric shape.

Attach your new fabric pieces to the frame of the couch. Start by securing the corners. While pulling the fabric over the couch, pull the fabric just tight enough to eliminate wrinkles. However, over-tightening the fabric increases the chance of rips and tears. Working from the corners of the piece towards the middle, secure the fabric using staples every inch or two. Repeat this process for each part of the sofa.

All that is left is to sew the cushion slipcovers. Simply remove the covers and split the seams. Trace these pieces onto your new fabric and sew the new covers. If you do not wish to re-use the old zippers, using buttons, snaps or loop-and-eye fasteners can offer the same benefits with easier sewing.

This is a guest article by Jurgen Heidenreich. He runs a German website about sofas, which features useful information on many types of sofas, including big xxl sofas and sectional sofas (called wohnlandschaften in German).

Space – A Limited Frontier?

Not all living rooms are equal and one important reason for hiding the TV in many rooms is space.  For smaller living areas the need to keep TVs and other electronic equipment out of harm’s way may be partly due to space limitations.  In addition, there may also be aesthetic reasons to keep the TV either hidden, or limit the amount of space it takes up.  Simple wooden screens can be designed, built or bought to achieve this and can offer a flexible solution.  Where funds and space allow the TV could even be built into a wall or unit and covered by a sliding screen in the form of a picture when it’s not in use.

Dual Personality

Whether it is limited space or purely aesthetic considerations that require the TV to be less prominent in your home, another simple solution is to frame the TV.  TV frames are widely available and can be designed and built to your own specifications.  This option is actually among the cheaper solutions and yet is one of the most original.  TV framing options can include a traditional frame of any design, modern wooden finishes, painted or otherwise – to suit exactly your own décor.  Additional options include mirror glass – this is a great option that turns the TV into a functional and attractive item when it’s not in use.

Gadget-Free Living Without Losing the Gadgets

Today, more than ever before, we rely on electronic devices around our homes.  In many cases these are now hidden from sight, kitchen appliances have long since disappeared behind attractive units.  Creating a relaxing ‘gadget-free’ appearance is a priority for many homeowners and designers and a TV frame can certainly help to achieve this in living rooms and bedrooms.  Despite our plugged in lifestyles we still love to decorate our homes with traditional materials.  Framing your TV or hiding it in other ways offers the chance to incorporate traditional materials as part of your design and minimise the impact of the ‘box’.  By framing, camouflaging or building in your TV you can put the ‘home’ back into home entertainment!

TV Mirrors are an attractive, functional solution to the age old dilemma of where to hide the TV,  www.frameyourtv.co.uk create hand crafted frames for any size TV and to suit your personal interior design. 

There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing furniture for your main room. The first thing to consider is size. Making sure your sofa is sized for the room. You must be sure to suit your new sofa to the rest of your contemporary furniture. Then you must take into consideration materials. What the furniture is made of will make all the difference in the world. Here are the different materials a sofa can be made of and the advantages and disadvantages of each;

1. Leather

This material has long been used for higher end furniture. Leather is great with children as spills can be wiped up easily. There are many variation on quality with leathers. The higher end, often referred to as Italian Leather, is soft and luxurious. There are also lower end leathers that are more stiff. While often leather is preferred there are some downsides. Leather can easily get holes punctured in it from animals or children. It will require special cleaning materials and conditioners to keep the leather soft. If leather is not kept conditioned over time cracks can appear as well as fading and ruin the entire piece.

2. Cotton

The most popular style of couch is cotton. These sofas can be found in all price categories and are versatile. Most pieces of furniture made with this popular material can easily be cleaned. All most always the seat cushions unzip for easy washing. They are comfortable and do not require any chemicals to maintain. The disadvantages to this material is it can easily tear or rip and it is hard to repair. Overtime cushions will flatten, but can be re stuffed. Materials made of cotton will begin to look dirty after a while. Since it is usually cheaper to purchase new than to have one recovered, if you have active children or pets, cotton may not be the best choice.

3. PVC

This is a radical new style of fabric for couches. It is made to be similar to that of leather but it has plastic feel. It is very price effective and can look great in any setting. It has many of the same advantages of leather, however significantly less in price.

4. Fur

Animal fur can be one of the most expensive materials to use. Using skins of animals to wrap couches can be expensive. They are often luxurious and add an exotic flair to any room. They will come at a price, depending on where and what kind of animal fur you purchase. This materials are not good for children or pets.

5. Wool

For years sofa makers have been creating masterpieces with wool. While today it tends to be a harder find, it is still popular in some areas. Wool is a durable fabric and can last. It may not be as soft and comfy as cotton, but it can hold up under pressure.

No matter what sofa material you choose one thing is for sure, you want the best bang for your buck. Consider the room it is going in, the dynamics of your family and selecting the right sofa can be easy. To find the perfect designer sofa, it is well worth investing some time in testing them. Most showrooms allow you to test before you buy, so take your time, and make sure you make the right decision.

Ligne Roset offer a wide selection of modern designer furniture.

Working Around Potential Problems

The TV, whether you like it or not, will be a focus in the room and remembering this can help to minimize the impact it can have.  The TV is going to be located where it can be seen from every angle in a room, which is fine when you are viewing, but not so great when it’s off.  Designing the room to fit round the TV, may seem extreme, but doesn’t have to be.  TVs tend to be black, if not the surround at least the screen; mounting the TV on a wall with a darker colour – either paint or wood panelling – can help to blend it seamlessly into the background.  Even highlighting woodwork or other features with a dark colour can tie the whole scheme together.

A Broader Picture

Home entertainment units, TV stands or bookcases can be used to turn the TV into just one feature amongst many – this limits the visual impact of the equipment.  If you are on a budget, a simple way to achieve this effect is to center the TV on a wall (either mounted or freestanding) and add pictures around it.  This makes the TV one of several focal points that should work together and draw attention away from the TV when it is not in use.

An Individual Answer

We love our traditional crafts these days – and adding unique handcrafted items to your home is one way to show off your individuality and taste.  A TV frame can be a great piece of furniture that can be handmade to your specifications, using either warm wood or sleek metal, to frame the TV in a simple, effective and cost efficient way.  TV frames can incorporate speakers and other audio systems to suit your requirements.  Framing your TV also has the advantage of getting it up on the wall away from potential hazards – children for example.  In addition many of the manufacturers of TV frames will offer a mirror glass solution – this is a great way to allow the TV to take pride of place when it’s in use, but ensure that it ‘disappears’ at the flick of a switch!

Around the House

The range of options for minimizing the impact of your TV on the room it is housed in grows every year.  From simple paint effects to large entertainment stations and stands there are options to suit nearly any budget.  The TV frame is certainly one choice that is flexible and adaptable in any room – guest rooms and main bedrooms are particularly suited to this technique, creating a secondary but very useful function for any TV.  As technology adapts, and screens get larger but flatter, framing a TV can be the ideal solution to creating a seamless look to your décor and designs.

TV Mirrors are an attractive, functional solution to the age old dilemma of where to hide the TV,  www.frameyourtv.co.uk create hand crafted frames for any size TV and to suit your personal interior design. 

It wasn’t that anything was really that bad. It is just that the carpet had a design that might once have been described as groovy and the curtains wouldn’t have looked out of place on an episode of Jason King. Add to that a big, chunky TV and it was clear to me that a good make over was needed.

I think that this slip into an old fashioned living room came about because it is a place I traditionally didn’t spend much time in it. I seemed to have let it gradually get way behind the times without even noticing. Now what could I do to sort it out? I  must confess that I considered calling one of those TV decorating shows but couldn’t bear the thought of my house being ridiculed by people who get all excited over a couple of fluffy cushions.

In the end there was nothing for it except a shopping trip. If there is one thing I hate more than going shopping it is going shopping for something other than food, so I decided to do it online. This turned out to be a startlingly good idea and in no time I had found a lot of things which could be used to update my home to the 21^st century.

Let the Changes Begin

I got some wooden flooring which instantly transformed the room into a sleeker and more modern place. Well, I say instantly but it took me a whole day to work out that someone who knows their way around a hammer and measuring tape would need to be called in to do it for me. The saddest part of all is that a friend who is even more behind the times than I was claimed that the old carpet would bring his own living room more up to date if I gave it to him.

The curtains were next to go, and a simple, classy look was soon obtained with a bright and subtle set of curtains which didn’t cost me much at all. Inspired by this I then went one further and got the walls painted to match.

After all that was taken care of, probably the best purchase I made was a stunning TV mirror which now sits in pride of place on my wall and looks miles better than the old model which took up a big corner of the room. I don’t how they do it but it turns from a TV mirror into a mirror TV when it is switched off, or maybe it is the other way around.  Either way, it is a classy mirror when you aren’t watching it as a telly.

I have told a few similarly outdated friends that they should move onto wooden flooring, modern window coverings and TV mirror systems as well as it is easy to do and makes you want to spent more time in the living room too.  However, I fear that some of them just aren’t as modern and hip as I am.

Choose a TV mirror frame from www.frameyourtv.co.uk and move your viewing pleasure onto a new level. With this cutting edge technology you can mix style and practicality without spending a fortune.

Use one or a few of these tips and tricks to create the inviting and stylish living room that you have always wanted.

• Create more space on side tables and floors by replacing table and floor lamps with hanging pendant lights. This is an almost effortless trick that gives your space and updated and modern feel while freeing up some space.

• Focus on your book shelf or shelving displays. Are they cluttered? Is there any theme? If they are cluttered and lack a theme, then you need to create an intentional display on your shelves. When you choose coordinating items and color palettes, you will achieve an instantly chic look. You can also use books as an accessory to add height to shorter items and give the shelf even more charm.

• Update your pillows with a punch of color in mix and match prints. This tip is super easy and super fun. Try to find a variety of fabric types and different prints in similar colors. Arrange pillows with other sizes and prints as opposed to pairing them up.

• Fill your empty walls with a big art piece or a gallery. When you do this you will create a focal wall, and you fill up that blank space easily. Large artwork is a quicker fix than a gallery, but with a gallery you can add more interest when you arrange the frames asymmetrically.

• Use texture to add more interest to the room. Find updated textured wallpaper or brightly colored grass cloth to add to a focal wall or throughout the space.

• Customize your furniture and give it new life. You can use a classic old chair and totally change it by adding a new current fabric. A vintage chair that has a modern update will be a get piece in a living room. You can also customize your furniture by using nail head trim along the edge for a subtle but obvious update.

• Use a divider to define your space. If your entryway opens right into your living room, then using a modern divider to separate the entryway and the living space will create an entirely different look. This will also make your living room seem cozier.

With some planning and a minimum amount of money, you can easily update your living room to reflect your style.

Author bio:  P. Downing is an interiors specialist and works with many people to redesign their spaces.

Comfort and Workability

Your living room should be a comfortable, workable space for you and your loved ones. Avoid a mish-mash of styles and influences by giving it a theme that appeals to you. It could be traditional country house, retro-chic, beach style, art deco or minimalist black and white. Think about your existing furniture and how this fits in or whether you will be purchasing new items. For example, an Asian inspired living room would favor browns and golds with sleek lines, so fussy paisley flower decorations would look terribly out of place. Use design secrets: a large mirror will create an illusion of space, floor length curtains will create the feeling of height and one expensive painting or piece of furniture will give the whole room a grander status.

Accessorize Carefully

If you prefer neutral colors use these as your base but add rich, warm tones such as shades of scarlet and browns as accents. Complement smooth neutral painted walls with a feature wall in a deeper color or detailed paper or add pleasing tactile items such as velvet curtains and plush cushions. Mixing fabrics and textures will give the room more interest but avoid the dreaded cushion mountain that happens when people fill every space with one! Whatever style you choose rationalize the cushion count, candles or objects d`art because a crowded room is less pleasing to the eye and not as relaxing.

A Personal Focal Point

In the past the television would often be the focal point of the living room but with advances in technology these can be much more discrete than before. A flat screen can be built into the wall or you can use clever storage ideas and hide these items behind attractive screening. If you have children choose design ideas that prove their durability against scuffs and stains. Sofas with washable covers are a fantastic idea when sticky little fingers are around! Patterned carpets hide dirt and stains more so than plain ones. Although wooden flooring is perhaps the easiest surface to clean be aware that it will be louder that carpet, particularly with children running across it or ladies` high heels. Incorporate a soft rug that will absorb some of the noise and give a warmer feeling than wood alone.

The latest living room design ideas are really about creating a happy and relaxing space for you to enjoy. Picture how you want it to look and feel and think about the colors, textures, the purpose it serves. Choose a quality Berkline sofa for absolute comfort and enjoy your lovely space. You deserve it!

Reflect Your Style

Your home should reflect the person you are, and it should create a lasting impression on anyone who is lucky enough to be inside it. Don’t compromise on design; make sure it truly reflects your style and personality. One of the best ways in which to do this is to have custom furniture designed for your home.

Why Custom Designed Furniture?

Custom furniture ensures you can make your own decisions regarding the size of a piece of furniture, the shape, the materials, anything you wish – its custom designed for you! One of the biggest benefits of having custom designed furniture is that you don’t have to compromise when you’re making purchasing decisions. You may have seen a certain design which you like but the exact materials may not have met your needs. You may need something to match your already existing furniture or you may have a uniquely shaped living space and need something to fit perfectly into your home. With custom furniture all this and more is possible.

Involve the Experts

If you love your home and know exactly what you want, it may seem out of the ordinary to seek the opinion of another person even if they are an expert, but this is one of the biggest benefits of custom furniture. You may not always be able to see the bigger picture when looking at the design aesthetic of the room, whereas inviting an expert into your home who can design custom furniture – unique for your needs – will alleviate this problem. Knowing how to make the best use of the available space in a room is one of the most important aspects of ensuring the decor stands out. Having furniture custom-made for your needs really is the best way to achieve this.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for a boring spring clean, revamp your home today with beautiful custom furniture.

Wooden Flooring

Don’t have wooden flooring yet? If not, then you are clearly missing one of the key style elements that can give you just the flare in your home decor that you need. People looking to purchase a home value wood flooring very highly. Visit a few show rooms nearby and see what is available that suits both the desired ambience of your home and more importantly your budget. Laminated wooden floors can be an enjoyable and inexpensive way to add style to your floor. A number of styles are available, ranging from wooden effects to faux tiles. There are many choices at hand so that you can choose the design for that suits both your taste and needs. Wisely chosen laminated wooden flooring can create a warm and inviting atmosphere to your home.

Revamp your Color Scheme

Change the colors of your walls from time to time to give any room a fresh look. With time paint tends to dull and does not have the same luster and the effect it did when you first painted your walls. By repainting your walls, you will brighten up your living space and give a fresher appearance overall.

Adapt Unnecessary Rooms

If your old guest bedroom has become a storage area, than maybe it’s time to empty it out and give yourself a new space to utilize. Maybe you have always wanted a study or an office or even a play room for the kids. Now is as good a time as any to give it a makeover.

Spice Up Your Living Room

Living Rooms are the focal points of most households and should look as if they are. Keep them tidy and well maintained. Try adding some couches and floor cushions to introduce new colors into the room and why not add some new gadgets, such as an LCD TV and Home Theater System to put some functionality back into your living room. In short, just be up-to-date!

Keep Care of Your Garden

Add seasonal flowers year round and take care of your garden with proper maintenance of your lawn and flower beds. By keeping your lawn neat and trim and making sure that your flowers are doing well, you can easily add an elegant and fresh appearance to the outside of your home.

These are just a few of the many ways you can add beauty and style to your home. If you are serious about giving a new look to your house, then plan well and budget accordingly to make sure your house make over is a success.

In spring 2011, indoor and outdoor home décor is stepping up to the plate and hitting a grand slam in the field of design, fashion, quality and home decor.

Don’t want to be left behind? Here are the top trends and must haves in home décor and renovation:

Goodbye Carpet, Hello New Flooring

Yes, that’s right. That shag, berber or all white show every stain carpet said goodbye in 2010, and flooring trends are  taking the home decorating scene by storm. Start by considering your everyday lifestyle if you are debating which type of flooring to choose. You want floors that compliment you. For areas of your home that are high traffic, hard wearing floors are the best choice. Areas like your bedroom, however, should remain nice and cozy on your feet. Area rugs are quickly becoming the hottest accessory in home décor. Area rugs are replacing carpet because hardwood and tile flooring is the new luxury in home design. Area rugs give you the warm and comfortable feel of a room without the use of wall to wall carpet.

Today, hardwood floors are taking on a new edge. It is no longer the dark and light oak in exact same size panels. The new trend of hardwood flooring is moving towards exotic woods, wide widths and distressed, vintage and old world finishes.

Hardwood flooring has many benefits besides its timeless beauty and luxury feel. It is easy to maintain, it comes in a variety of finishes, it adds value to your home and it promotes healthy indoor air quality because it doesn’t trap dust and dirt. Hardwood floors are shaking up the world of interior design by adding ambiance and luxury to make homes look elegant and trendy.

Go From One to Several

Do you have one large room in your home that does not fit your needs just right? Maybe you want a guest bedroom and an office in one? Maybe you have two children, but only one room? Maybe you want an office in your living area. Whatever the case, there are ways to divide a large room into multiple spaces without spending a fortune.

Curtains and shutters are a great solution for this problem! If you opt for curtain, all you need is a spring rod, a fabric or curtain that accents the room and curtain rings. Make sure you measure from floor to ceiling so you know how long the fabric needs to be. You also want to pick a color that adds to the room. If you have neutral walls, drapes and curtains can be a beautiful accessory, plus they divide your room into sections. Drapes Curtains N More is a great web site that allows you to customize your fabrics so you can get the perfect match for your space.

If you want to use shutters, make sure you purchase enough panels to separate the room into two parts. Panels usually do not go from floor to ceiling; however, they do add a very contemporary feel to the room. Shutter room dividers come in a variety of colors so you can match the divider with your wall color or use it to accessorize as well.

Fashion Leads Home Design

If you love fashion, use your wardrobe to merge into your home! The same zebra or leopard print on your Dolce & Gabbana purse makes a dynamic chair in your sitting room and on the area rug in your living room. Stripes are a hit this season too! Stripes are making their way from runway to entry way. The nautical feel with bold navys, reds and purples are the must-haves against a neutral stripe, and black and white will never die. The stripes are the focal points of the outfit as well as the focal point of the room. Try throw pillows with dramatic stripes in the living room and a window seat or a chair cushion in the kitchen or sitting area. In your outfit and in your home, stripes are all about drawing attention.

Let’s talk about shoes. Wooden shoes are coming back and so is wooden furniture and flooring. Next time you are in a department store, stop by the shoe department and notice how much wood you see. Do the same when you watch HGTV. Notice a trend?

The skin-tight-barely-there clothing is out and silk, loose billowy blouses and dresses are in (phew, isn’t that great news ladies?) The same goes for your home. Oversized furniture, floor to ceiling drapery and silk textures in solid colors are what’s hot.

The spring 2011 fashion and home design season is all about simple drama. Wood bottoms on a solid pump, a bright stripe on a neutral color or a flowy fabric in a solid color. Fashion has met its match in home design!

Go Green

People everywhere are taking interest in the “eco-friendly” movement and looking for that “green” label before making a purchase. If the item is tagged all-natural, organic, recyclable or environmentally friendly, there is a pretty good chance that will make it into the shopping cart over the competition. As we progress to a natural way of life, there are many things you can do to heal our planet and green your home.

There are several types of organic bedding made from all-natural fibers such as bamboo, soy silk, hemp, cotton and more. These sets are made with all- natural dyes and are biodegradable. Conventional cotton is made with toxic chemicals and harsh dyes that hurt our environment. These chemicals surround our children and families daily. However, there is a healthy alternative available: organic cotton! It has softer and higher quality fabric plus it saves energy and reduces the amount of pollution in the environment. Fabrics such as Sunbrella and BioComfort are mindful of chemical waste and provide an eco-friendly organic option in beautiful colors, patterns and designs to customize the perfect cushions, drapes and pillows for your home.

Another way to dress up your home with eco-friendly styles is with plants. Plants not only provide beauty to your home, but they also clean the air. Plants have the power to absorb harmful chemicals and make your living space a pleasant experience. Gerbera daisies, peace lilies, english ivy and bamboo all fall into the eco-friendly category.

Finally, blackout curtains not only block all of the light coming in and out of the room, but they also save energy! Thirty-three percent of home heating and cooling energy loss comes via windows. Not only are you sleeping longer and saving money, but you are helping the environment.

Outdoor Space Brings Property Value

In today’s economy, people are reconsidering their mansion dream home and making changes and updates accordingly. Make the most of what you can afford. The best way to do this is to create a higher property value in your home. This is not just indoors, but outdoors as well. Researching products that are high quality and last a life time is what people want to purchase. Yes, you will have to spend some money, but having beautiful furniture and curb appeal increases your property value and makes your outdoor space beautiful. It is a great investment if you think about it!

Enhancing your outdoor setting makes your indoor setting look that much better. Today’s latest outdoor furniture is nothing like grandma’s outdoor wicker chair. High end brands such as teak are crafted to hold up against the outdoor elements and last a lifetime. Teak is not only beautiful, but it requires no maintenance. It does not split or require paint every spring, and it is made from all natural wood.

The same is true for outdoor fabrics; fabrics from brands such as Sunbrella will not fade from the sun or mildew from the rain. These fabrics come in a variety of textures and patterns and can be used for your indoor and outdoor living space. Sunbrella drapes hanging over your teak furniture set holding bright Sunbrella cushions makes your own “Better Homes and Gardens,” right in your very own backyard.

Whitney Hicks is the marketing coordinator at My Home Furnishings and Drapes Curtains N More. She enjoys writing feature articles and engaging in social media and blogging in areas such as home decor, design and home improvements. Whitney is a public relations graduate from Auburn University.

Whether you’re looking to give your living room a whole new look with a fresh coat of paint or want to spice things up with some new artwork and accessories, choosing the right color combinations can make or break your living room design.

Read on to learn the latest in color trends, color theory for interior design and how to update your living room or sitting room with the perfect color scheme!

Dramatic Living Room Color Palettes

Choosing a color scheme that truly highlights your living room is all about the unexpected. Color affects how small or large a space feels, whether you want to relax or feel more energetic and much more.

With a nearly unlimited spectrum of interior wall paint colors from which to select, the colors you choose should fit everything from the direction windows face, to the shape, height, width and depth of the space, the style and design aesthetics of your living room design and, most of all, your lifestyle and personal tastes.

Warm Tones Inject Energy

The trend in living room colors these days is definitely toward the warmer end of the spectrum. Warm shades of mocha and gold, paired with sensual tones of red and orange make for a dramatic and energetic living room, well suited to entertaining guests.

Warm gold, tan or taupe are always favorites, a trend that won’t change anytime soon in living room colors. Spicy colors such as an earthy brown, chocolate brown or even a rich, dark purple can add drama and energy.

One reason warmer tones like gold are so popular is that they create a warm glow in the room and reflect this warm light on your skin, which complements people’s faces and is “conversational” in tone. Gold accents work well with these warmer colors; a gilded gold mirror frame on the wall or painted gold drapery rods for example will nicely complement the warmer color palette.

Cool Tones Sooth the Soul

Often the living room is the ‘front room’, located just off the entry where you can greet guests without exposing the more private rooms of your home. It also typically has large windows and if the windows are south-facing it gets a lot of direct sun. If this describes your living room you may want to consider a palette that features the cooler color tones such as blues or greens.

These days you can find many shades of gray with undertones of blue or green if your preference is toward the cooler side of the color spectrum. Silver accents will complement these cooler colors nicely; silver or pewter candlesticks on the mantel, a silver tea set on the coffee table, etc.

Neutral Tones Showcase Other Design Elements

Many people still prefer the neutral white or off-white colors for wall paint in their living room. This is a natural choice if you have artwork to display since a neutral background won’t compete with the colors in your paintings, fine art prints or photographs.

Modern décor often eschews bright colors on the walls, allowing design elements of line, form and geometry to take center stage instead.

Getting Bold with Vibrant Colors

Another color trend gaining popularity is the use of vibrant colors such as gulfstream blue, gold crest, red ablaze or luau green. If you want a living room that really pops go with vibrant, highly saturated colors. Bright colors will certainly add interest and zest to your living room design.

A good way to use these colors without turning your living room into a carnival funhouse will be to paint one wall a bright color and leave the others white. Use white paint on your door trim, window trim, crown molding and baseboard to create a clean, crisp color contrast. Black accents can also work well with these assertive colors and create contrast; a wrought iron coffee table with glass top for instance.

Top 10 Living Room Color Tips

You may not have the budget to redecorate your entire living room but adding color with paint and a few accent items can go a long way to updating the look of your décor. Read on for our top ten ways to add color in the living room:

1. Paint one wall in a bold color – you can add nice color by just painting one wall in your living room; especially if you want that wall to be the primary focal point. Pick up accent colors in your furniture upholstery or choose a color that really creates contrast. Be sure to try painting a few test swatches before you settle on one to pain the entire wall.
2. Add house plants or floral arrangements – Mother Nature always has plenty of color. If you aren’t the green thumb type go for an artificial floral display on the mantel or coffee table. Changing out floral arrangements is also a great way to give your living room a fresh new look with each change in the seasons.
3. Add a new floor or table lamp – lighting can really change the color and tone in a room. Pick a lamp with stained glass lampshade and you’ll be surprise how it can change the feel of the entire room.
4. Buy a new area rug – especially if your living room has a wood, wood laminate or stone tile floor, adding a new area rug will warm the room and add color at the same time.
5. Recover chairs and sofas – if you can’t afford new furniture, you can re-upholster an existing love seat, chair or sofa to give it new life and change the color until budget allows for a replacement.
6. Throws and decorative pillows – one of the most obvious ways to infuse color in your living room is to add pillows on the sofa or love seat or drape a handmade quilt, nubby woven throw or colorful blanket over the back or arm of a neutral-colored chair or sofa. Practical and colorfully stylish!
7. Add a mirror to help reflect light and color – mirrors make a space feel larger and help brighten things by reflecting light and color. Choose a large wall mirror with a decorative gold or silver metallic frame to add even more color and complement the rest color scheme in your living room.
8. Add some new art – paintings or art prints nicely framed can really help add color, especially in a living room with neutral wall colors.
9. Paint book and display shelves – changing the color of a bookshelf unit can give it new life and color. One trick is to paint the face frames one color and the inside/back of the unit a contrasting color.
10. Buy one new piece of furniture – when budget is tight you can still add color and update the look of your living room with a single new piece of furniture. Pick the one item in your room you hate the most and which will impact the color scheme and look the most if you replace it!

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Many smaller homes and apartments will have a combined living/family room living space. Informal styles are typically more practical if you do not have a separate living room, lounge or sitting room since the practical aspects of the interior design must take precedence.

If you are lucky enough to have both a family or ‘great’ room and a separate living room then you probably will want to shift design emphasis in the living room to a more formal interior design style, since it likely won’t see everyday use.

Designing a Comfortable Living Room

Modern or traditional, comfort is important regardless; the living room is meant to be a place to entertain so having plenty of comfortable seating is critical in designing your living room. Choose sitting chairs and sofa that match the style you want to achieve but which are also comfortable.

Living room design tends toward more formal styles, but modern and contemporary styles are the trend, with sleek lines and bold color combinations often creating the most striking contrast. Look at plenty of photos, visit showrooms and talk to your interior designer about your ideas as you plan and select the design elements, furnishings and accents you want to pull together.

Taking your time to select furniture or even starting simple and adding pieces over time are both good ways to be sure you end up with a living room that is both comfortable and matches your design taste and goals. Rush to purchase an entire room full of furniture at once and you may find it doesn’t fit your living room’s style in the long term.

Traditional/Formal Living Room Styles

Often, people use the term ‘theme’ to describe a room. For instance, you might opt to design a ‘period’ room, meant to emulate the look of a certain period or culture, such as French provincial, English Victorian or Elizabethan.

Don’t over-emphasize the use of theme though; you can mix furniture, colors, fabrics and other design elements as long as these elements fit together cohesively to create a formal living room décor.

Rich fabrics, ornate trim such as crown molding and paneling will often be used to give the living room design a formal look. Draperies or interior shutters are more often found in the formal living room than blinds or shades. Patterns such as floral prints, flourishes, etc. often add to these traditional formal design aesthetics.

Modern/Contemporary Living Rooms

Modern and contemporary living rooms typically rely on clean lines and contrasting colors combinations. The look should be uncluttered. Bold geometry is characteristic of the modern living room, with rectangular and circular shapes being the norm.
Modern designs appeal to many people because they feel more relaxed and open.

The contemporary living room will more likely have windows left bare or use window coverings such as Venetian-style blinds or cellular shades that are less obtrusive than draperies; open the blinds or shades to let in light and open the view. When raised, a blind or window shade is almost unnoticeable.

Living Room Furniture Selection

Sofas should not be so tall or deep that people cannot sit comfortably; if you’ve ever sat on a sofa that forces you to sit up because you can’t recline you know what I mean. Throw pillows can help guests get more comfortable but if you have too many they may also just get in the way. Ottomans are always popular in the living room since you can either pull them up to rest your legs or place them strategically to provide extra seating when needed.

Tables should be at the right height to reach from your seating so that guests can easily set drinks down without having to get up and down. I’m not a fan of crowding tables with so many accessories and other objects that people do not feel comfortable actually using them, but this will be a matter of both personal taste as well as how often and how many people you typically entertain in your living room.

Light Up Your Living Room

If budget and time allow, use ceiling light fixtures to give your living room optimal ambient lighting and also to highlight design features such as a fireplace mantel or larger artwork.

The use of lighting cannot be emphasized enough in setting the tone and mood in a living room. Install dimmers or automated lighting controls so that you can easily change the mood as desired. Lighting makes the difference between an interior design that feels comfortable and one that lacks depth.

Remember that color and texture only stand out when properly lit; a living room without attention to lighting often feels flat or dark, especially if you select rich colors and fabrics that absorb light. Lighter colors such as pastels or a more neutral color scheme will tend to work better in a living room if you can not install additional ceiling fixtures.

Use floor and table lamps to add light and interesting accents to your design. These should be supplemental to natural light sources including glass sliding doors or French doors, windows and/or skylights. In a room where ceiling lights can not easily be retrofitted, rely on table and/or floor lamps to augment light levels as needed.

A well-lit interior can take on many looks if adequate lighting and light controls are installed so that light levels can be adjusted properly. A living room without adequate lighting will seem dark, while attention to ambient, task and accent lighting will give you a room design that is flexible enough to suit any occasion.

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Perhaps no room in a modern home deserves more attention to design and aesthetics than the living room. In countries such as the U.K and Australia this room is called a sitting room or lounge and it evolved from the 19th century ‘parlor’, a room which was where a recently deceased person was laid before funeral services.

Today, the living room, sitting or lounge is the room in our home where we tend to entertain guests, curl up by the fireplace with a good book, watch TV or converse with friends and family.

Many larger American homes will have a family room or great room which tends to be a more casual everyday living space while the living room is more formal, away from the bustle and noise of the family room.

Living Room Design: Architectural Focal Points

In terms of its placement within a home’s floor plan, it is commonly in the front of the home, just off the foyer or entry. This makes it a more ‘public’ room to greet guests without revealing the more private living spaces in the home.

A fireplace, entertainment center with large screen television or large picture window(s) with spectacular view will most often serve as the primary focal point in a living room or sitting room. It is critical to situate and arrange the room around your focal point as it becomes the starting point when arranging furnishings and design elements.

If your living room does not feature an architectural focal point you can create one by adding a feature such as custom built-in cabinetry and display shelving, a large screen TV or dramatic artwork. A secondary or supporting focal point can be distinguished by using accent colors or design elements that add interest without overpowering or competing with the primary focal point in your living room design.

Living Room Design Balance

A room with too many points of interest will feel out of balance and visually distracting. If you are lucky enough to have a living room with more than one focal point such as a fireplace and a picture window, the picture window with a spectacular view would be the better choice as your primary focal point.

Framing a picture window with an elaborate window treatment will help emphasize and give prominence to the focal point. Alternatively if you want to keep the view as open as possible you could use a simple Venetian blind or window shade treatment that stacks up neatly out of the way. Decorative casings and trim work can also add style and visual emphasis to your living room’s picture window.

If a fireplace serves as the main focal point, you can add emphasis and character by adding a unique mantel, surround and/or hearth. Use these design features to display interesting artwork or other objects to adorn the mantel. Woodwork, stone or masonry fireplace surrounds will highlight and emphasize a fireplace as the central focal point.

Choosing the Right Design Style for Your Living Room

Setting the tone and mood for your living room begins with selecting a design style. While the living room will often be the most formal space in the home, it should also be in keeping with the overall aesthetics of your home’s architecture and interior design.

While it may be tempting to choose a formal style for your living room décor, it is often a mistake to choose a theme such as baroque or Victorian in a home that is otherwise very modern in style. Remember that any style, modern or traditional, can be made more formal; you don’t have to go with a super-traditional style in order to establish a formal look, but you want the living room to integrate with and enhance the overall look of your home.

A key aspect of design that separates great architecture and interior design from the average will be how everything ‘fits’ together. Using repetition is one way to ensure a cohesive overall look; design elements that repeat or refrain such as arched entryways or windows or some design motif such as a specific pattern or shape help give a home a pleasing, unified look. This doesn’t mean that every room has to look the same, far from it! You just don’t want rooms to feel completely disjointed from each other.

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