Living room trends to try

CREATE an inviting space with simple style choices

Quiet luxury

Experts note the living room has become a smaller and more intimate space for quiet conversation. As our lifestyles are evolving, there is need for more quiet areas. This is part of a larger trend of emotional escape rooms.

Comfortable chairs are a must; swivel chairs are recommended as they are perfect for inclusive conversation. Custom and built-in bookshelves are also necessary so that when the space is not being used for entertainment, it provides a comfortable spot for reading, writing or reflection.

Cosy textures

Texture is a key way of bringing comfort into living spaces. Everything, from upholstered furniture to accent pillows and area rugs, is an opportunity to add texture and ramp up physical comfort.

In particular, bouclé and teddy bear textures are popular.

These fabrics are not only soft and inviting to touch, but they also have a visual, nubby dimension that adds style, too. Although less visual, velvet is another abundant texture in living spaces. Both textures are available in multiple colours and products, so they can find a fit with already established decorating styles.

Calming neutrals

In the living room, we are seeing warm, calming neutrals everywhere. Popular colours like sable, mushroom and ecru are present. There is need for accenting these earthy hues with soft whites and creams, natural woods like walnut, oak and alder, as well as unlacquered brass.

Bold marble

Marble is a timeless feature of kitchen and bath design but its elegant look is now trending in other rooms of the home. Instead of the hard, sleek natural stone that is an almost overlooked accent in monochromatic and minimalist spaces, marble is going bold in living spaces.

Marble, as both a stone and pattern, is being used for living space statement pieces, including tables, ottomans, flooring and fabrics. And, instead of dominant whites, popular marble colours include reds, greens and browns. The stone material is also a natural complement to biophilic designs.

Organic forms

This year, it has become increasingly important to both designers and homeowners to create fluid experiences within the home. Organic movement, smooth curvatures and pieces marked with wavelike constructions are emerging as the grounding features of living spaces. Look for ways of adding undulating shapes, sweeping profiles and soft curved lines that entice people to relax and enjoy a space. You can also bring in fluid forms through natural elements like warm hues and earthy materials such as stone.

Transitional pieces

Furniture that can withstand time in terms of both performance and style is a smart investment. This desire for timeless, long-lasting pieces is resulting in a trend towards transitional style furniture in living rooms. The concept of transitional design is all about allowing your space to maintain its style through the seasons of trends, marrying traditional and contemporary design with sophisticated lines, neutral hues and timeless textures.

Experts encourage incorporating pieces with open grain woods and smooth leather for the ultimate restrained, transitional luxury. Transitional pieces can come from new collections inspired by classic designs, but do not forget to consider antiques that have already proven to be long-lasting and stylish.

Interesting lighting

Sculptural and decorative lighting, especially wall sconces and chandeliers, are dressing up living spaces. Natural reeded shades, brass finishes, warm bases, rod iron and black matte or stone finishes and details like fluting or sculptural and organic forms are making a presence. — bhg.com