Photo: zen.yandex.ru The living room is the center of the apartment, because this is where household members, relatives and friends gather. But how to make it truly convenient for everyone? Especially if the living room is neither more nor less, but exactly 15 sq.m. We are ready to share with you the secrets of choosing colors, materials and interesting stylistic solutions!
Modern living room design - we tell you how to arrange a living room from A to Z
The living room, also known as the hall, serves many important functions in apartments, so the design of the living room should be tailored to your needs. Don't know how to decorate your living room? Think carefully before you start processing it. Remember that the living room serves several important functions: you can relax here, watch TV, read, eat with your family, receive guests, and sometimes sleep. So the layout of the living room should be such that it can easily perform all these functions
When starting to design a living room on your own, you first need to pay attention to several important features of the room:
- size and height of the furnished living room,
- the location of electrical or heating elements - sockets and radiators - is especially important when arranging small living rooms,
- location of windows in the room,
- side facing the windows
- floor.
Without taking these elements into account, it is impossible to design a living room.
Some small living room designs, such as Scandinavian or modern designs, require leaving windows unadorned or using sheer curtains to increase the flow of natural sunlight into the room. Living on the ground floor on the street, such interior arrangement can be very problematic due to curious passers-by
Let's take a look at the determining factors of your chosen living room design style. This is especially important when furnishing a small interior, or when you want to rent out or sell an apartment. Not every tenant or buyer will be thrilled with poorly done renovations, which can impact the speed of the selling or leasing process.
Living room with kitchen - is this solution worth choosing?
The latest fashion statement is the design of a living room with a kitchen. In professional terms, such an arrangement is called a kitchen open to the living room . This is the most commonly used plan in modern construction, especially in small apartments. The developer immediately creates one room: a living room with a kitchen. It is almost impossible to separate them due to limited space.
However, this maneuver can be performed in an old apartment in a block of flats or apartment buildings by simply removing the wall separating the living room and kitchen to gain more space.
Connecting the living room with the kitchen allows you to slightly improve the layout of the room. Remember that you can completely separate the living room from the kitchen only by inserting a partition - and it also takes up space.
You can also use solutions such as an island or half-wall made of glass. Remember that they also take up a lot of space in the room. Glass walls may not be suitable if there are children or pets in the apartment. The island, in turn, will significantly reduce the width of communication routes.
The main objectives of interior design, in which the living room and kitchen become one, are:
- increasing the available space in the living room through an extension,
- the opportunity to cook and spend time with family,
- the ability to receive guests in the living room with kitchen and treat them without leaving them,
- better control of children in the living room with kitchen corner,
- minimizing equipment in the apartment.
When creating a living room design, the question arises whether to start with arranging the living room or the kitchen first. There is no clear answer.
A living room with a kitchen requires a single concept , so the easiest way is to use ready-made sets of furniture and equipment for this type of room.
If you are buying custom furniture and other items, it is best to start your design by arranging the living room. Having decided to order furniture individually for your interior, you have complete freedom to choose the character, size and shape.
Before you move your furniture, and certainly before you buy new furniture - be it sofas, tables, dressers or beds - be sure to measure both it and the room for height, width and depth. Failure to do so can be a very costly mistake in your living room design.
Arranging a living room in an apartment building - basic tips
First of all, you should choose a living room design style that does not require many additions and decorations:
- loft style,
- minimalism style,
- Scandinavian style,
- modern style.
In addition, it is important that the colors in the living room be kept in light colors , they optically enlarge the interior. It is also worth making sure that there are many mirrors and lamps with different types of lighting.
Avoid gloomy interiors - classic, postmodern or office. Large photo wallpapers on the wall also look interesting . It should use motifs depicting open space. Maybe:
- ocean or sea,
- open meadow,
- sky with clouds and bright sun,
- view from a skyscraper in a big city.
Living in a small apartment, unfortunately, there is not much space to create a functional space. In two-room apartments, the living room usually serves as a bedroom, living room and dining room at the same time. However, there are several ways to arrange a small living room in an apartment building. Find out below!
- For a small living room in an apartment building, it is best to choose low furniture that will not overload the room. Thanks to this, the access of light from the window will not be disrupted, and at the same time it will visually enlarge the room.
- It is important to highlight different zones in the room. For example, place a table against one wall and then place a comfortable sofa with cushions in the center against the wall.
- When choosing a sofa for a small living room in an apartment building, choose a foldout sofa that will become a bed within two minutes, or choose a slightly larger modular sofa.
- In a small living room in an apartment building, the most important thing is functionality. Therefore, whenever possible, choose multifunctional furniture.
- When choosing a design style for a living room in an apartment building, choose those options that are not distinguished by bright colors, minimalistic and functional solutions.
Living room 15 sq.m. — layout options
The basis of a comfortable interior is the planning stage, which depends on the number of items, the geometry of the living room, the location of windows and other specific details.
But in general, there are several standard options that will allow you to make maximum use of the available space.
1. The room is divided into three main areas: a sofa area for entertaining and relaxing, an area with storage and a TV screen, and a reading area. At the same time, it will be possible to accommodate the entire necessary set, including a folding sofa, a portable table, and shelves for household items.
2. In the center there is a sofa, several armchairs and a table. The walls are occupied by compact cabinets, as well as appliances. Suitable for living rooms with a square shape.
3. Owners of rectangular rooms can afford to use the principle of zoning. For example, on one side there is a relaxation area, which is separated from the workspace with the help of shelving or the back of a sofa.
Living room layout options 15 sq.m. there are many and they are all quite comfortable if you approach the organization of housing correctly.
Living room design - design features
Must-have furniture for a small living room that will add lightness
Before you buy furniture for your living room design, you should think about your decision. Furniture largely determines whether the interior will be functional and whether it will be comfortable to move around in. Choose only the essentials to decorate your living room. The more devices, the less space for comfortable relaxation.
When choosing furniture for a small living room , it is worth remembering that it gives the impression of lightness. Fans of fashion trends in the interior will love furniture made of plexiglass . In addition, we recommend using smart solutions, that is, 2 in 1 furniture that will perform more than one function.
Comfortable sofa
Design recommendations
Modern living room design ideas offer the following ideas:
- Rich colors combined with natural shades.
- Simple rustic decoration is also relevant.
- Every free corner should be used as much as possible in accordance with trends.
- In modern style, smart intelligent technologies play a significant role.
Most importantly, the final result should please you with a stylish and cozy room. Every designer should consider the principles of ergonomics when designing a living room. In small rooms, attention should be paid to multifunctional furniture.
The space should not be cluttered; it allows free movement around the area. Therefore, you should distribute functional items not in one room, but throughout the apartment. Many people want freedom and life changes. By creating a comfortable and cozy room, you can feel changes in your life for the better.
Accessories for the living room - little joys
How to create a beautiful living room design and decorate it fashionably? First of all, choose a small number of accessories so that they decorate the space without overwhelming it.
- In a boho living room, holiday favors and other sentimental decorations can be displayed on a console, small table, or wall shelf. And on the coffee table or windowsill, place the most fashionable trend of the season: a vase with pampas grass. And fans made of macrame or straw are suitable as wall decorations in a boho living room.
- Cotton ball lamps, downy sheepskin rugs and plaid blankets will perfectly highlight the coziness of a Scandinavian-style living room .
- Use the design world's most popular pieces, such as a futon sofa or an egg-shaped chair, and light fixtures with an animal motif.
- Velvet upholstery, gold decorative trays and vases of fresh flowers will add glamorous style and class to the living room. Hang stylish metal wall hangings and trendy graphics on your walls.
Furniture
Tables should be selected in compact sizes, they will relieve space. Metal designs in gold or silver accentuate the sophisticated style.
A sofa with a console will eliminate the need for additional shelves and racks. To visually add space to the living room, mirror elements are installed, and glossy material is used to raise the ceilings.
Accessories add coziness to the room. The room can be diluted with beautiful lamps and living plants. Florariums are suitable for any style direction; they do not require special care. The composition can be decorated with decorative stones or sand.
TV stand in the living room - an all-time fashion
Modern and classic TV stands can not only accommodate all electronics, such as a set-top box, console or remote control, but also hide protruding cables from the equipment. In addition, speakers or home theater elements can easily be placed on the cabinets.
Modern TV stands are available in different styles and suit many interiors. For example, a hanging TV stand in white or wooden color is suitable for both a minimalist and Scandinavian-style living room. The latter is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to home furnishings. White and shades of gray often disturb the wooden elements that insulate the interior. If you have a Scandinavian-style living room, consider a wooden nightstand.
A simple hanging vanity with lighting suits a modern style - the LED lights create a romantic ambiance, perfect for romantic movie nights with your partner. Hanging TV stands are great for small interiors - this type of apartment usually uses light colors, stylized in Scandinavian fashion. Bright furniture in combination with white walls will visually enlarge the room, so it is worth considering this solution in studio apartments or narrow spaces. We do not recommend black TV stands in narrow, small and dark living rooms.
However, there are people for whom a TV stand will be a much more practical solution. A TV stand in a classic style with legs is suitable, among other things, for classic interiors, colonial, industrial or boho styles. Here, the choice of cabinet depends on the style in which your apartment is furnished - we recommend solid wooden TV stands for classic interiors and simple, simple TV stands for industrial and colonial styles.
Hanging TV stands will fit perfectly into a minimalist interior. We especially recommend white TV stands with different colored inserts, which will give each apartment a unique look and warm up a slightly damp, simple living room. Remember that the furniture must match each other in color and shape. Avoid choosing cabinets with a high-gloss finish if your living room is dominated by matte or glass furniture.
How to choose the perfect minimalist TV stand?
- Less is more - look for simple shapes and one- or two-tone furniture.
- Pay attention to drawer capacity - sometimes cabinets with two deep drawers will be better than cabinets with four shallow ones.
— Think about whether you want a classic cabinet with legs or prefer a hanging option.
- Don’t follow the name, but the shape - it is possible that your living room will be equipped with a cabinet, which the store calls “Scandinavian style” and not “minimalistic”.
— If you choose a hanging model, remember that the TV should be at eye level, not a cabinet, and you will not be able to watch movies comfortably.
Racks for CD and DVD discs
By the way, many homes still have dozens and even hundreds of packages (sometimes even iconic video cassettes!), which are used very often, but for those who find it quite difficult to find a suitable place for storage. Fortunately, there is a great solution for this - CD and DVD racks. You can find a large selection of racks for CD and DVD discs on the website https://tumbazakaz.ru/catalog/stojki-dlya-diskov-cd-dvd.
Zoning 15 sq.
Before renovating an apartment, you should decide on the functional purpose of the living room. How will it be used?
The room can be combined with a bedroom: in this case, the relaxation area is separated from the sleeping area by a light partition, screen or shelving. To save space, a transforming sofa is often used, which, when unfolded, serves as a bed at night.
If the living room serves not only as a place for receiving guests, but also as a work office, then it must be equipped with a desk and a comfortable chair. An unusual but very functional option would be a workplace hidden in a closet.
In a rectangular room of 15 square meters, various colors and materials are used for visual zoning, highlighting a particular area. The same function is performed by lamps that are hung or placed in a certain area: light not only divides the space, but also makes it more comfortable.
You can delimit functional areas using low partitions or a bar counter if the living room plays the role of a kitchen.
Interior design of a living room in your home
Home interiors should be not only visually aesthetic, but also functional. This is something to keep in mind, especially in the case of small homes where a well-kept space is essential to maintaining order. Don't give up on practical solutions. Home should be a place where we feel good, so it's worth arranging it so that you enjoy living in it.
If you don't have an idea for a living room design, you can use the inspiration available in catalogs or online. It's also a good idea to hire the services of a professional design agency to help you design your space and come up with the best solutions.
The living room should also be tailored to the interests of the household members who share them in this room, that is, watching movies or playing board games or watching TV. The most important furniture in the living room is the sofa, armchairs, table, bookshelf. To see what your living room should look like, check out our gallery of beautiful interior designs.
The size of the living room should always depend on the area of the entire house. In a small house of about 100 meters, you will have to settle for a 20-meter living room. When a house has two hundred meters, the living room area can reach 40 or even 50 meters.
The height of the living room should strictly depend on the area - you should choose a design in which the living room is higher than other rooms. A large room with a standard height will look flat. A small and tall room will create the impression of a tower. The high height of the living room will emphasize its importance in the house, thanks to the large windows it will better connect the interior with the garden.
Matching furniture with an already painted wall will be much more difficult than the other way around, so choosing a paint color before purchasing your furniture (sofas, rugs, etc.) is an important point in interior design. But if you are one of those people who have already made a mistake, then we suggest working with your sofa first. Bring fabric samples to your paint store to help choose your color palette.
Bring some paint samples home and test again at home. We also highly recommend that you test a few shades of your preferred color on your walls before you start painting them. While paint swatches are very accurate, the natural light in a room varies at different stages of the day. Leave paint samples on for at least 24 hours before choosing your final interior color.
Don't be too impatient - don't buy too much. Don't buy everything at once. And don't spend too much. Buy the best you can afford today, not what you think you can afford tomorrow. Create a budget and stick to it. A well-designed interior is something that is curated over time, so it's best to take your time.
Today, many people are tired of using square and rectangular furniture with straight lines and are now moving towards round shaped furniture and smooth fabrics. These shapes are often reminiscent of furniture from previous decades, so it seems that the interior design trends of the 80s and 70s are making a comeback this year.
Walls
It is recommended to choose a monochromatic coating or an option with faint patterns that will not attract attention. Painting remains the most budget-friendly solution, but its application requires perfectly smooth walls.
For non-residential spaces, you can even purchase vinyl wallpaper, which is not recommended for use in a bedroom or nursery. Non-woven varieties are safe, but paper ones are suitable for those who want to change the design often.
It is better to implement unusual finishing ideas only on one wall, while the rest will gently balance the partition.
Color combination in the living room interior
Don't buy all your items from one source or store. You want everything to coordinate, but you don't want everything to match. A well-executed interior design has personality and character, and that simply can't happen if everything looks the same.
They say you can never go wrong with black. And as the 2022 interior ideas trends unfold, our designers have concluded that black is taking over the design world. From black furniture, black prints, black walls, trim and fixtures, black is pretty much everywhere.
For example, you will find that one of the popular 2022 home design trends is black walls . It may seem a little intimidating, but a black wall creates a powerful and elegant accent. One of the most common misconceptions about using black for interior design ideas is that it can make a room appear smaller. However, our experts suggested pairing black with light shades as the contrast can help further enhance the overall size and appearance of the room.
Hanging curtain rods too low is a very common mistake in living room design. Curtain rods should be hung as close to the ceiling as possible to create a sense of height. Curtains that hang too low make the ceiling appear lower and can make the room appear much smaller than it is. The sense of scale and proportion is automatically thrown off and it is likely that windows will appear dwarfed and natural sunlight will be blocked.
This may be perhaps the most common mistake made by newbies. What you need to do is move your furniture and create a cozy environment that is conducive to good conversation. By doing this grouping in your interior, you will create a flow that will allow people to move in and around the furniture.
Focus gives you direction and order to your interior design idea. Find that one thing you want people to notice when they walk into your living room. It should be something big and bold—something that makes an accent. Choose something like a large bay window, fireplace, or large piece of art. Work from there and build around it and your interior will look well thought out, organized and balanced.
Decor and lighting
The first decorative element that comes to mind when thinking of a living room is a fireplace. Should I use it in a room with limited space? Designers recommend choosing artificial, compact options that will bring the desired comfort, but will not take up much space.
Moreover, such an object can be inspired by photographs or books.
- The main decoration of the room can be textiles: be it a pillow, upholstery, blanket or carpet. Fabric with a pattern will be appropriate in an interior with plain walls.
- Don't forget about wall paintings. You can use your favorite items as a color palette, borrowing color combinations from there.
- Designer lamps have wide decorative possibilities, and multi-level lighting will only highlight the interior. For example, a central chandelier, built-in appliances, floor lamps next to the sofa or sconces - this combination will make your stay in the living room comfortable and cozy.
Living Room Interior Design Ideas in 2022
When it comes to the evolution of interior design ideas, a lot has changed when it comes to more rigid, formal techniques. Nowadays, there are no design traditions that need to be followed. For example, instead of having a standard sofa in your living room like everyone else, why not be a little more daring? Forget about the classic sofa and go for something more unusual, for example, a bench, a combination of additional chairs facing each other, there are a lot of options.
A stylish sofa will add a special touch of sophistication to your interior, while a group of comfortable chairs will help the space look attractive and sophisticated. Arrange chairs around the table to bring everyone together, and a bench can be ideal for relaxing after a hard day.
Floral fabrics and wallpapers are new interior design ideas that can be expected in 2022. But there's a big difference between the 2022 floral interior design trends and the old pink floral wallpaper and furniture you may have seen in your grandma's house. Traditionally, flowers look good on wallpaper. Modern wallpaper design ideas today include floral patterns in various sizes. There is also a strong attraction to bright colors like yellow and contrasting colors that will make your walls pop.
AUTHENTICITY, COZY AND MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY - FASHIONABLE LIVING ROOM 2021-2022
A noticeable difference between the interiors of past years and those that are being designed now and will appear in 2022 is the emphasis on comfort, authenticity and versatility.
What solutions do designers use to get not only a beautiful, but also a comfortable living room? Instead of designer, but often not very comfortable furniture, the fashionable living room of 2022 will feature cozy soft sofas and armchairs, especially models with rounded lines, as well as wooden furniture with a traditional oval look.
Designers will also be increasingly willing to use multifunctional furniture - provided that it is of high quality. Accessories will match the real needs and interests of the residents, and not the color of the walls or the style of furniture.
The Grand Millennium style is gaining popularity, which is especially popular among young people. It consists of bringing antique or “grandmother’s” furniture and accessories into modern interiors. However, in the United States, modern country style, which is a variation of the Millennium style, combines elegance with rustic elements.
LIGHT WOOD - FASHIONABLE LIVING DESIGN IN 2021
Light wood will be the most fashionable finishing material in living room design in 2021-2020. It has been successfully replacing dark wood for some time, especially the exotic wood that was fashionable a decade ago. In its natural version it is solid, veneered, layered wood, but as a high-quality imitation it will be used not only for floors. The latest designs use light wood, such as Scandinavian whitewash, or warm but light oak options, including all walls and ceilings.
Windows of these shades, lined with wood veneer, will also be readily used in the interior. The wooden slats already known last season that cover the walls will be very popular. Mid-Century Modern inspiration will also come to the fore, i.e. the walls are lined with veneer panels, on which doors in the same veneer will be “hidden”.
Light wood, with its raw appearance and elegance, is ideal, especially in multifunctional living rooms. Large elements, such as walls, openwork partitions made of lamellas or large-format wall blocks made of this material, will look especially good in living rooms combined with a kitchen and dining room.
Interestingly, this material is not assigned to one interior style - it is perfect for both more traditional and minimalist interiors. Where did the growing interest of designers in this material come from? It refers to nature and thus reduces the distance between the outside world and the interior and easily creates a relaxing, cozy and comfortable environment.
Monochrome living room design, i.e. the omnipresent color of white in the living room.
The white living room is a fashionable proposal for lovers of monochrome, calm, stylish interiors. The presented living room is a monochrome interior, in which the decorator opted for simple, minimalistic white glossy furniture. A combination of elegant lacquered furniture with an elegant corner on steel legs, giving the room lightness. Matte white walls and exposed beam ceilings give the decor a modern feel.
Loft-style lamps painted white contrast perfectly with fluffy decorative pillows made of white faux fur. Floors in various shades of white and gray also add rhythm and flair to the entire composition. The matte black bench matches the TV equipment perfectly and gives the impression of a well-thought-out design.
Bottle green plants make a cool, modern living room feel friendly and extremely energetic. When arranging a monochrome living room for 2021-2022, it is worth remembering this year’s trends, which include:
- variety of textures;
- large trinkets imitating sculptures or authentic works of art that will make the interior unique and individual;
- Graphics and Portraits - If you like graphics, portraits and sketches done in pencil or black ink, this is the perfect decoration for a monochrome living room. In 2021-2022, focus on multifunctional interiors that can be easily adapted to your needs without disrupting previous decorating routines.
The versatility of the presented monochrome living room design lies in the skillful integration of an elegant desk on the wall behind the living room. In addition, the spacious sofa can accommodate several people, each of whom can do something different. A small coffee table is enough for a board game or puzzle.
The choice of a rectangular and flat pouf is also not accidental; if necessary, it can be used as another mini-table. The corner sofa is deliberately located in the middle of the living room, the space behind it is invisible to people watching TV. The wall behind the sofa is a place for a double mini-office, which has two independent modular white lacquered tables, a filing cabinet and laptops. The connected tables form a comfortable 6-seater table, at which you can comfortably eat.
Studio interior 28 sq. meters
The interior is made in gray and pink tones. There are two main zones: the bedroom and the kitchen-living room. The balcony has been converted into an office. In the hallway there is a large mirrored cabinet in which a dressing table is hidden.
