How To Create Your Dream Modern Living Room

Open plan living is synonymous with the modern aesthetic. In modern design a kitchen will flow onto a dining room that will flow onto a living room... It’s a seamless transition from one space to another.

If you’re home happens to be open plan, lucky you – you’re halfway there, but if that’s not the case there’s no reason to worry (or begin knocking down walls). Here are some tricks of the trade to make closed off spaces feel more open:

1. Avoid boxy, chunky furniture: Invest in a sofa that has legs and a hollow base, and replace armchairs with low profile seating such as poufs, benches and stools. This will open up your space and allow more air flow.
2. Place your sofa against a wall: When large pieces of furniture sit in the centre of a room they divide the space up. Placing your sofa against the wall stops this from happening and opens up the spatial flow.
3. Pick a cohesive colour palette: Stick to one colour scheme throughout the space and paint all the walls in the same colour. This will create a streamline effect and connect your spaces.
4. Be consistent with materials: Choose a cohesive material palette for all your furniture, finishes and accessories. This will connect your spaces and unify your design.

When decorating a modern space, it’s all about using a sleek and minimal material palette in neutral tones.

• Materials such as leather and natural fabrics are great for upholstered furniture and soft furnishings such as decorative pillows and throws. Experiment with different shades and textures to make the space more interesting.
• Engineered materials such as steel, glass, and acrylic are the epitome of modern materials and due to their translucency, glass and acrylic help open up a space. These materials are great for furniture like coffee tables, side tables, and chairs.
• Steel, glass, and acrylic are the epitome of modern materials. Their translucency, glass and acrylic help open up a space. These engineered materials are great for furniture like coffee tables, side tables, and chairs.
• Natural (and sustainable) materials such as stone and wood help warm a space while still keeping it modern. The options available are endless and can be applied to flooring, walls and/or incorporated in the furniture.

A great way to tie your spaces together is though decorative accessories like bowls, vases, cushions, and throws. Just remember less is always more, so when adding the finishing touches to your space, try not to cover every inch of every surface. A great way to avoid this from happening is by walking around your room and removing one item from every surface. Allow the room space to breathe and let the furniture to speak for itself.