Living Room Styling Tips You Can Do This Lockdown Lull Time with Hurray Design & Studio Soliven
If you’ve missed our webinar last Friday on Living Room styling tips you can do this lockdown lull time with Hurray Design & Studio Soliven, fret not because we’re here to give you the low-down on what went on.
Sorry to say, we cannot recreate the lively and entertaining banter between Marco Soliven, Founder and Owner of Studio Soliven, and Hurray Design Design Manager, IDr. Karizza Uy.
(But you may scroll to the bottom of this post for the recording of that webinar!)
Here are the 5 Simple Steps to STYLE your Living Room:
Style Tip # 1: Identify the Situation
In order to be able to properly solve a problem, it’s important to identify what the real problem is with your space. And you do this by honestly answering the following questions:
Does my current Living room serve its purpose?
What do I want to improve?
Once you’ve done that, it's easier and less complicated to move on to the next tip.
Style Tip # 2: Which design Theme defines you?
If you don’t know where to start, it’s usually helpful to check your wardrobe first. Objectively find patterns in your fashion choices, and these may translate to what you like in terms of interiors as well.
It’s also helpful to review your pinboard, and create a moodboard. Check for patterns: What do you always pin? What aesthetic are you usually drawn to? What kinds of pieces resonate with you? And from here you can make a mood board, and in no time, you’ll be able to more clearly understand your style.
You’ll be able to find inspiration everywhere!
Contemporary Minimalist: Sofa Cassina | Accent chair Stellarworks | Coffee table Hay | Accent light &Tradition | Rug Studio Soliven
Casual Eclectic: Sofa, Coffee table, Floor lamp Hay | Accent char Vitra | Rug Studio Soliven
Modern Functional: Accent Chair, Sofa, Coffee table B&B Italia | Floor lamp Flos | Rug Studio Soliven
Neo traditional: Sofa, Accent Chair, End Table, Coffee Table Bernhardt | Rug Studio Soliven
Style Tip #3: Tidy up your space!
Tidying your space, also tidies up your mind. It promotes clearer thinking and alleviates anxiety. It also helps give you a sense of accomplishment, as well as serve as taking care of the people in your household.
It’s not easy letting go of this, so a good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it in months, then maybe it’s time for it to go. Create a Yes pile, and a No pile. Yes for the items you’ll keep, and No for those you can give away, sell, or dispose of already.
Do not proceed to the next tip without doing this; you need to make room first.
Style Tip #4 - Look for the pieces!
Okay, we know you’re excited for this part, but don’t go crazy. There’s a systematic way doing this so you don’t miss out on the important things.
Create your checklist:
Know when to splurge and when to save
Consider quality items that can withstand years of wear and tear. Consider it more as an investment, rather than as a bigger expense. Scrimping on big ticket items can cost you more in the long run, because that may mean having to buy a replacement or have it repaired. You can save up on the smaller items, though- things you can change over time.
Have on a focal point
It may be a painting or rug - something that will draw your eyes toward it. They seem like a small part of the room, but they create a big difference. It’s like eyebrows for the room, it helps frame the space and it would look like there’s something missing if you don’t have it.
Consider your personal needs
It’s important to weigh what looks good vs what’s practical. For example, a smaller sofa might look good for a space, but if you’re entertaining a log or people in your living room, a bigger sofa might be more ideal. Invest in your sofas, chairs, and carpet, as these are the ones that people usually see right away, as well as use more heavily.
Light it right
Of course it might be challenging to change a chandelier right now, so for now, change the smaller, more accessible lights, such as your table lamps or floor lamps. Simply changing a bulb from daylight to warm white will also help drastically change the mood of a space to a more cozy ambiance.
Roll out a rug
A wise man once said, “A room without a rug is like a wall without an art piece.” That wise man is Marco. He believes rugs add life and warmth! It also brings all the colors together.
If you want to make your living room the center of attraction, choose a rug that people can see as an ART PIECE, and not just as an ordinary accessory.
You’re ready to shop!
Once you’ve taken all the necessary considerations in, you’re ready to go.
In the end, go for something that makes you happy! It's your house! Make sure that whenever you head home, you are in a state of happiness.
Style Tip # 5 - Execute
When filling up a shelf, keep in mind the 30% Rule. This means keeping 30% of the shelf space empty! This way the shelf won’t look too cluttered or too empty.
As for styling your space, the odd number is the magical key! 5 books, 3 decor pieces, etc. It also helps to arrange them in a triangle. This creates visual interest because it forces your eyes to move around.
Bookshelf and Coffee table, Vito Selma | Sofa and accent chair Kettal | Coral decor Kenneth Cobonpue | Rug Studio Soliven
It’s easy to get a rug size wrong as it will depend on your space. So better get a bigger rug so it covers the furniture, or at least lay under the sofa at least half way. For enclosed spaces, it’s best to maintain a rug size that’s 12-18 inches from the wall. Bonus tip: For you dining room, there should be a 6” allowance around your dining area with your chairs out, and not tucked under the table.
Play the video below to view the Studio Soliven x Hurray Webinar, and see what Karizza and Marco had to say about some of the questions asked to them about styling!
If you don’t want to miss on our future webinars, follow us on Instagram @hurraydesign_