As people of the modern world, we all want our living room to feel stylish and contemporary – but at the same time, we want it to be cozy and inviting. Very often, when you want a room to look modern and stylish, you have to sacrifice the comfort and the overall “coziness.”
However, what if we told you there are several ways to balance them out? What if you can get a stylish room fit for the modern world, but one that also feels comfy and inviting to live in? Well, here are a few tips that can make that happen.
Paint it in soothing colours
The main thing that you’ll want to do when redecorating a place is to choose a colour palette. In most cases, many people prefer going for grey tones, as they feel more sophisticated and stylish. While this is somewhat right, it might also make the room feel cold and uninviting, according to colour psychology.
A good way to get the best of both worlds is to use a grey with warmer or calming tones – like a grey-blue colour. Rather than the classic grey, you will get a cozier feel due to these undertones. Also, colours such as ivory or tan suggest warmth, whereas baby blue and light green have a calming effect. They are the perfect combo between chic and stylish.
Get some blackout curtains
Curtains are a must in every room, as the right set might bring the style up a notch. Many people prefer the elegance of velvet, sheer or other fancy-looking curtains – but the best way to enjoy comfort is to get some blackout curtains.
These curtains will give your overall room a frame, making it feel more stylish. The blackout part, on the other hand, will add to the coziness of the room. It will make the living room feel darker, allowing you to perhaps light a few candles and watch TV in comfort, without the daylight bothering you.
Consider a transitional style
Did you know that there is a style that mixes traditional and modern home décor aspects? Many people prefer going for traditional styles, as they are cozier compared to the modern kind, but they still want to take that touch of modernity.
This is where the transitional style comes in, whose premise focuses purely on bringing a balance between style and comfort. It uses straight and clean lines with warm colours, and mixes elements that are either trendy or vintage.
Bring a touch of nature in
Nature is a beauty enhancer and a health promoter, which is why it makes a room feel stylish and comfortable at the same time. Greenery brings up positive energy, while making the place feel beautiful and even royal, so consider getting some plants to adorn the place. Don’t be worried about your green thumb: there are many plants there that barely ask for any maintenance at all.
Get functional yet stylish furniture
The bane of modern designs is that many homeowners order furniture based on their looks alone. Sure, the aesthetics are very important when it comes to decorating a room, but you also need to ensure that the furniture is functional.
For example, a stylish-looking couch may also have a chaise extension designed for lounging. Look for pieces that look elegant, but also give you that kick-your-feet-up-at-the-end-of-a-long-day kind of feeling.
Splurge on wall art and visual elements
A stylish living room will have several works of art on the walls. The same thing applies to a comfy living room. Colours have a way of soothing us, which is why we feel the need to adorn our living room walls with a variety of paintings. In the end, hanging a couple of beautiful prints will help your living room look more curated, all without sacrificing comfort.
Add some personal touches
If you go for a more modern design for your living room, you might want to strike a balance by adding some of your personal touches. If a room is going to be comfortable, it needs to feel personal as well.
A room that is completely impersonal will look unwelcoming and cold from the moment someone enters. You may change that by putting your favourite keepsakes on display, or perhaps some custom pieces of art. It can be a painting you made yourself, or even a picture collage. Just remember that if you want the room to be stylish, you must stay away from clutter.
The bottom line
A living room can be both stylish and comfortable. You just need to pick the right pieces to decorate your place. Everyone has their own sense of balance, so try different things until you find yours.
By Zana Dodig
About the Author
Zana Dodig loves interiors and everything related, from decorating to organizing and remodelling. For the last 20 years, her favourite part of interiors has been window coverings.
