Most of us spend a lot of time in our lounges. It’s where we relax with our families after a hard day’s work, and where we invite friends to gather at week’s end. Because it’s already so much of a part of our lives, not much thought might be given to how welcoming a lounge can be. But if you can’t remember the last time you redid your lounge, it might be time to think about how you can give it a contemporary yet comforting look and feel. And one way to do it on a budget is by thinking about changing your flooring, as well as other elements.
Alter the Atmosphere
The flooring of any lounge will make a significant difference to the atmosphere it has. That being said, there are many things you can do to create a certain look and feel for your lounge. If your lounge floors are currently made of real wood or engineered wood flooring, adding a rug or two can add a lot of warmth and texture.
A carpeted floor can also add plenty of warmth. But whether plain or patterned, it’s important to choose the right carpet for your specific needs. For example, if your lounge receives a lot of foot traffic, it may be better off with a strong Berber that can handle that traffic as opposed to high-pile carpet which may be more susceptible to fraying over time.
The colour of the carpet you select should correspond with the colour scheme you’ve chosen for your room. For small lounges, consider that a dark carpet with lighter-coloured walls can make the room seem larger.
Add Furniture
The furniture in your lounge not only needs to be functional, but also as warm and welcoming as your floors. Once you’ve measured the space, choose your desired furniture or simply rearrange existing furniture. Careful planning will allow for a layout that has an open concept, but that will encourage interaction among family members or visitors.
If you’re purchasing new or new-to-you furniture, you will also have to consider the materials it’s made of. If you want something different, consider leather or metal for your lounge table. An old flat-top trunk covered with one or two trays can provide a decidedly rustic feel, while a glass tabletop can provide a hint of elegance.
Walls
As stated previously, the colour of your walls can have a significant impact on the perceived size of your lounge. A popular colour for lounge walls seems to be those in the neutral range, such as beige. However, many are also opting for the use of bright colours. One way to do this effectively is to use coloured walls as accents.
Another way to feature a bold colour is by creating an accent wall. Choose one wall in your lounge that you want to be the focus of the room, and then paint it in your desired bold colour. You can then match it by placing accents in the same colour around the room.
Although an easy option, too-neutral walls can give your lounge a cold and clinical feel. If you’d rather not change the colour of neutral walls, consider adding artwork or photos, or add some personality to the room by showcasing them in bookcases.
To finish the look of your lounge, you can add unique yet subtle lighting, such as those which are dimmable. And don’t forget those tried and true decorating methods; the simple addition of a vase of fresh flowers can be enough to make all the difference in any living room, new or old.