Light colors that burst into fashion have dramatically revolutionized ideas about interior design. Suddenly the clutter disappeared, people fell in love with simplicity and freedom.
True, it is very difficult to make such a design without the experience of a professional designer. To avoid mistakes, just read our article with recommendations from interior designers!
Creating a bright living room design
Light shades traditionally include ivory, beige, sand, and warm gray tones. This color palette is suitable for rooms of any size, with small and large living rooms. Creating their design is not very difficult.
The basis of any room in an apartment is the floor, or rather its covering. The classic design of the floor is natural wood in golden and brown shades. But in rooms with light, modern designs, it gave way to other coating methods.
Features of a light palette
Each shade is individual, it has its own disadvantages and advantages, which should be taken into account when choosing a color scheme for the living room in your house or apartment. Generally, neutral tones are versatile in nature and easy to use and combine. But a bright living room can be different, because this palette is quite diverse - for example, corn also belongs to a similar palette, but has a brighter mood, cheerful and positive.
Among the advantages of light shades are versatility, the ability to create a variety of compositions, neutrality, calmness and positivity. In addition, this particular palette helps to visually enlarge small spaces. Light tones will look luxurious in a hall combined with a kitchen and dining room, when only by combining it is possible to physically increase the space. The interior of a small living room in light colors will be comfortable and quite free.
But there are always disadvantages that scare away owners:
- Markedness. This disadvantage is corrected by the choice of practical modern materials that have dust-repellent properties.
- A monochrome room always needs bright accents, otherwise it will be dull. However, it all depends on the ability to use simple colors and halftones.
The photo shows a living room design in light colors in a monochrome design.
- You should carefully select the light spectrum - the perception of warm and cold shades depends on it.
The mood of a bright living room depends on a specific tone, and only after choosing it is it worth thinking about the features of lighting and accenting the interior. The kitchen combined with the living room, the nuances of choosing decor, the design of window openings, the choice of finishing - literally everything depends on the first decision.
Laminate flooring in a bright living room
Laminate is a type of layered floor covering obtained from wood fibers by pressing and covered with a facing film. Light gray, beige, cream, and bleached oak colors are combined with the light design of the living room. A floor covered with laminate is resistant to abrasion, and there are no dents left on it from modular and upholstered furniture. Dirt and pathogenic bacteria do not accumulate in the laminate. It is warm to the touch and easy to care for.
New solutions for planning and decorating a bright living room
Now there is a tendency to combine living rooms with kitchens. In this option, a number of features should be taken into account. To ensure that the smells of cooking food do not interfere with the rest of your household, it is worth getting a powerful hood. It will also protect light-colored coatings from grease, dirt and soot.
- To make the studio more comfortable, it is advisable to separate the kitchen and living room spaces with a two-level floor.
- Moreover, each tier must be finished equally.
- For this it is better to use laminate. An excellent solution is a 3D poured floor.
Parquet in a bright living room
Parquet is one of the floor coverings that has not lost its popularity for many decades. Parquet has the ability to restrain sounds; it is an environmentally friendly material that does not require additional insulation. Heavy cabinets and legs from tables and chairs do not leave dents on it.
A floor covered with parquet boards can be easily restored if damaged. To do this, all you need to do is replace the parquet board that has become unusable with a new one. Thanks to different types of wood, oak, beech, ash, parquet boards are available in different colors, starting with white. So choosing the right color for the interior of a light living room will not be difficult.
Gray color in apartment design: photos of fashionable interiors
Gray color, which is obtained by combining red, blue and green, is considered one of the most complex and has many shades: from ash to anthracite. But decorators value gray not only for its wide palette, but also for its ability to be both neutral and warm or cool, which opens up almost unlimited possibilities for interior design.
Comfort in a modern interpretation
In the photo: Interior of a minimalist living room with a fireplace
To create a fashionable monochrome interior, you need to use as many shades of the selected color as possible in your design. This is exactly what the specialists of the Fundament Group of Companies did, who were developing a design project for a two-room apartment in the minimalist style on the street. Mosfilmovskaya.
Fashionable urbanism in loft style
In the photo: Fashionable kitchen design in gray tones
Furniture facades and wall decoration with concrete texture, a steel hood, graffiti above the worktop, chairs and hangings made of metal fittings - an urban kitchen in gray tones will appeal to everyone who is used to living in the rhythm of a big city.
Romance in shades of gray
In the photo: Modern gray bedroom with fresco
The style-forming element in the bedroom design in the photo is a fresco in gray tones depicting a sea bay and a drifting yacht. It sets the tone for the entire interior and emphasizes its romantic character.
Thoughtful comfort in the interior of a studio apartment
In the photo: Interior of a bright living room in modern Provence style
The combination of light gray shades in the wall decoration with vintage modular parquet made of bleached oak creates a cozy Provencal atmosphere in the interior of the living room in the photo. At the same time, the living space looks very modern, and the main decoration of the room is a spectacular sofa from the Italian factory Visionnaire.
Gray and gold: a harmonious duet in the bedroom interior
In the photo: Art Deco bedroom design with golden accents
Wallpaper with a fabric texture, high soft panels at the head of the bed, flowing curtains, carpet that looks like a homespun carpet, an armchair upholstered in fashionable matting - textiles play a leading role in the design of the bedroom in gray tones in the photo. It creates a pleasant, enveloping atmosphere, and golden lamps add a touch of luxury to the interior.
Exquisite bathroom in retro style
In the photo: Bathroom with retro-style accessories
Light gray tiles are a great backdrop for a corner white bathtub and a vanity area that literally floats in the air. This finish changes the perception of space and goes well with retro-style accessories in brass color.
Impeccable purity and strict symmetry
In the photo: Bright bathroom with mosaic decor
Light gray marble tiles go well with white sanitary ware. And absolute harmony in the bathroom interior in the photo is achieved through symmetrically arranged mosaic decor.
Porcelain tiles in a bright living room
The material, created artificially, looks like natural stone. As a floor covering, it is suitable for areas with warm climatic conditions. By itself it is quite cold; in winter it requires heating. Cream and milky shades of artificial ceramic granite are suitable for decorating a guest room in a light color palette.
Optical illusions: choosing the right furniture
The use of design techniques allows for visual correction of the room. One of the optical illusions is the choice of small furniture.
Key items to highlight
The center of the composition can be a sofa or, for example, a dining table. If a large piece of furniture is surrounded by smaller ones (chairs, small armchairs, etc.), then the composition will not look overloaded.
We place the accents correctly
Do you have a plan?
It is better to arrange interior items according to plan. This will allow you to distribute the free space correctly and avoid purchasing unnecessary items.
The table and cabinet for the living room should be small and compact. A large sofa creates comfort, but may be inappropriate in a small area.
Advice A good solution could be a folding sofa. This will allow you to organize additional sleeping space for family members or guests.
A good option is a folding sofa
Furniture organized like transformers will help you “outwit” the space:
- tables with a sliding or folding mechanism;
- folding sofas;
- chairs that can change their size;
- modular furniture.
Corner sofa: yes or no?
Should you choose a corner sofa for your living room? It economically fills space and is laconically placed in a small room. One of the disadvantages is the impossibility of rearranging it, since the size of the living room imposes strict restrictions.
Corner sofa in a small living room
Additional storage systems can be organized in the form of drawers under the sofa, or in the form of hanging shelves in the walls . Despite its small size, you can even find space for a wardrobe in the living room.
Save space in the living room
It is important to adhere to the rule that all elements introduced into the interior should not look bulky. The largest of them are best placed along the walls.
This approach will save free space by removing all unnecessary items from open shelves. Mirror doors will be a good solution, visually adding volume. If the mirror does not fit the interior, you can try to introduce into the interior a model with frosted glass on the front or a pattern running along the front panel of the cabinet.
It's better not to clutter an already small room
A solid wall of furniture located along one of the walls in the living room will take up too much free space. It would be better to replace it with a slide with open, lightweight shelves that have simple organization and a minimum of decorative elements.
It is best to choose a furniture set of a light color that matches the shade of the walls . Open shelves can be used in limited quantities.
Light colored furniture set
No one can deny practicality
A beautiful interior in which you are not embarrassed to welcome guests is, of course, good, but what about practicality? Even in a small living room, you should provide space for your favorite books and music CDs, shelves for placing exhibits of your collection or souvenirs from distant countries.
Storage systems must be present, at least to a minimum extent. This is especially important if the rest of the apartment is small in area. If it is likely that guests will stay overnight, a folding sofa becomes necessary.
When there is room for guests
Fireplace in the living room interior
A small amount of furniture can be diluted by arranging a decorative fireplace, installing an original floor lamp or introducing other items that will dilute the atmosphere. Glass shelves and table top add lightness to the design. But this option is not suitable for families with small children.
Tip Indoor niches are best used for arranging furniture. Don't leave them empty.
Fireplace in the interior
Linoleum in a bright room
The floor covering is a dense fabric material impregnated with polymers. Linoleum has gained popularity due to its variety of textures and low prices. Its installation does not require special professional knowledge, it does not fade in the sun, and is easy to care for.
The color spectrum of industrially produced linoleum is very diverse. You can choose options with imitation tiles, laminate, natural wood boards or parquet. Its golden, gray and white shades go well with light furniture in the living room design.
How to combine colors correctly when decorating a living room interior in warm colors
Properly selected combinations of shades can create magic. Let's look at how to choose the right flooring color for a living room interior in warm colors, focusing on the walls and ceiling:
- A dark floor made of natural wood (parquet, boards) or laminate in a room with white surfaces visually expands the space.
- A dark floor combined with a dark ceiling and light walls reduces the height and lengthens the room.
- A light floor against a background of light surfaces increases the height of the room.
- The combination of a light floor with a light ceiling and dark walls narrows the space.
- Only one color should be predominant.
- An excessive variety of colors overloads the decor of the space being designed.
- To the main color you should add its own shades.
- Items of furniture must be chosen darker or lighter than the walls of the room.
- The colors of the floor and ceiling should be different. Otherwise, the space will look disproportionate, resulting in a feeling of discomfort.
For a room with light surfaces, an excellent solution is a dark color for the floor, as well as baseboards and doors, which will create contrast. White baseboards and doors against a dark floor will fill the space with air and soften the accents.
- Complex combination.
A universal solution for a living room interior in warm colors, which uses various combinations of traditional shades (white, beige, gray). This way, beautiful and modern classic interiors are created that do not have to be remodeled due to the installation of new furniture, replacement of flooring, etc.
- Triad, or a combination of 3 colors.
Three colors are taken as a basis, which are combined in different ways. For example, the popular triad of red, yellow and blue creates an atmosphere of cheerfulness and energizes. Using them in their pure form, you will get a bright, rich living room interior in warm colors. And if you want to make the room more calm and cozy, halftones are perfect.
The use of the triad in the interior of a room charges its visitors with positivity and tones, which is why it is often used when decorating a living room.
- Similar combination.
This solution works with two or three shades of colors located nearby on the color wheel. First, the main one is selected, intended for decorating the room. And then they select several tones to the right or left of it in the color wheel. This option is both simple and creative.
- Separate-complementary combination.
In this case, those shades are used that are located opposite each other in the color wheel, that is, contrasting. But there is a little trick here. In fact, it is not the color that is located opposite that is taken, but the one next to it. This way you can create contrast, which will not be as intense as, for example, with a complementary combination.
- Tetrad, or a combination of 4 colors.
This solution is different in that in addition to one main color and two additional ones, one more is used, specifically for placing accents. A living room interior decorated in this way in warm colors looks very unusual, interesting and positive. Most of all, such a play of color will appeal to young people, as well as those who are in constant motion and fast rhythm.
- Gradient effect in the interior.
The use of a gradient in the design of a room is a modern solution that is perfect for various living rooms. Its essence lies in a smooth transition from dark to light tones. This option is also applicable to the design of various furnishing elements. Professional interior designers advise making the transition so that the darkest tone is near the floor and the lightest tone is near the ceiling. This technique will also help you visually increase the space.
Modern style in a bright living room
The modern trend has absorbed several different styles, but the main thing remains the combination of minimalism and comfort. Living rooms designed in a modern style give the reception room an attractive look combined with practicality and rationalism. It is modern, stylish, and at the same time cozy and comfortable. Here everyone will find a corner for creativity and relaxation.
For small-sized living rooms in a modern design style, you should not get carried away with an excessive amount of decorations or stucco molding. It is preferable to cover the floor with a laminate that matches the color of the walls.
The furniture is selected in light shades, preferably with a glossy surface finish. Curtains look more noble if they are transparent or with a mirror effect. Mirrors, paintings in simple frames, and simple ceiling lamps will complement the interior.
Selection of modern furniture
A modern living room, decorated in light colors, can be monochrome or made in two or three shades. In the first case, both the decoration and the furniture will be the same color, but in different shades. If you choose objects to cover in the same tone, the space will turn out even more free and weightless. But most often they choose, if not contrasting, then harmonious models.
And choosing light furniture will not be difficult:
- The main subject of the living room is the sofa - a place for the whole family to gather and relax in the evening. In modern design trends, these are usually low models that have a simple geometric shape and plain upholstery. For decoration, they may contain several pillows - contrasting or the same as the upholstery.
- From a variety of current products, the most functional ones are chosen - not only those that fold out, but also have storage spaces, bars and drawers for linen. Transformable models can also have retractable footrests, armrests, and headrests, which will make relaxing in front of the TV even more comfortable.
- A light object for the same interior - light in the style of minimalism, hi-tech or techno - may have metal threads in the upholstery and a corresponding shine. This is true for glossy furnishings. But for matte finishes in the living room, more traditional models are used.
In addition to soft interior items, modern design mainly uses hidden storage spaces, minimalist open or closed shelves. There may be a coffee table here - both in a simple geometric and in an original form.
When there is not enough space in the apartment to hide things and cabinets out of sight, you can use the so-called wall in the living room. It will not have a slide for dishes, carvings and decorative details. Choose strict, smooth facades, preferably without protruding fittings.
Scandinavian style in the living room in light colors
The light tone of the Scandinavian style will enhance the design of any room. It is characterized by a limited amount of filling of the living room with pieces of furniture and accessories. All shades of white are used in the decoration of the rooms. They decorate the surfaces of ceilings, walls, and floors.
In the decoration it is possible to use light pink, blue, yellow, and light green tones. The furniture is selected exclusively in light colors from natural materials, complemented by metal. No curtains on the windows. They prevent sunlight from penetrating into the room. As a last resort, plain linen ones are allowed.
Advantages of white room design
White and light colors give the room sophistication and nobility. This is the basis of such styles as “loft”, “high-tech” and even “Provence” with its naturalness and ease. In “classic” and “modern” light shades are used locally, but “minimalism” simply “adores” cream, lilac, light beige shades.
- When decorating a room, you should use a couple of light shades.
- Designers also recommend layouts with darker tones.
- The interior, built on contrast, looks impeccable.
For example, order massive furniture in wenge or oak tone, and make the room decoration light, but with a dark floor.
Darker decor goes well with light drapery. And the gray-beige color scheme goes well with white wallpaper.
Classic style in a bright living room
The style is distinguished by rigor mixed with elements of luxury. It demonstrates the high status of those living in the apartment. Furniture items are selected from natural wood. It is allowed to finish furniture facades with imitation of valuable species.
Wood carving, gilding on handles and door trims, forging, glass inserts, a crystal chandelier on the ceiling, and a light carpet on the floor are appropriate. For those who cannot afford to buy antique furniture, you can restore it to its aged state yourself.
Jacquard, fur, brocade, and velor are suitable for upholstery of upholstered furniture. Tables and chairs are selected with curved legs and massive backs. Among the armchairs, preference is given to deep ones, decorated with hanging tassels and laces. The interior is complemented by satin or velvet curtains on the windows in beige and gold tones.
Key points in creating a living room interior
Upholstered furniture should not be placed around the perimeter of the room. This is not relevant in modern trends. In addition, you cannot clutter the space with objects that will not leave room for functional areas.
It is better to choose a central group; other items will be placed around it. Most often this is a TV and a sofa, maybe a fireplace.
Furniture that should be present in the living room:
- armchairs;
- sofa;
- shelves and racks for books;
- coffee table.
For a large room, you can put a chest of drawers, cabinets and bar counters, and a computer desk. If the room is cramped, then it is better to choose transformers. This furniture is functional and space saving.
Italian style in the living room in light colors
The style is characterized by furniture with geometric patterns. The interior is decorated with columns and shabby gilding, large floor vases, figurines, and sculptural compositions. The floor in such a room should ideally be laid with marble slabs, but parquet boards will also do. The surface of the walls is decorated with paintings in gilded frames, the ceiling is decorated with a voluminous chandelier. The bright interior is complemented by furniture made in a classic style.
Pros and cons of a room in light colors
White color relaxes and a person who is in such a room can feel cozy and carefree. This color gives a feeling of cleanliness and something airy, and it is in such a room that you can rest well and relieve the fatigue that appears during the day. But there are several pros and cons that can be found in using soft tones to decorate a room.
Its interior sets the rhythm for the entire house.
The advantages of white in the interior of a bright living room
The advantages include the following:
- There is a wide variety of light shades to suit any requirement.
- A light shade visually expands the room and the use of this color in small rooms is more practical.
- Even a rather dark room that receives little natural light will become much sunnier if you decorate the room in soft colors.
- This background solution can create a calm and relaxed atmosphere in a bright living room.
By decorating a room in pastel, soft colors, you can get an enveloping atmosphere of warmth and comfort throughout the house.
Disadvantages of this tone in the living room
There are several such disadvantages:
- The soiling of such colors contributes to the rapid contamination of interior items and surfaces that are made in light colors and therefore such a room needs to be cleaned more often.
- Delicate tones should be combined with some bright shade so that such a room does not become faceless and the design boring.
The main role of the living room is to be comfortable, conducive to coziness and relaxation; it should be: soft, fresh and cozy.
Combining the kitchen with the living room
Recently, it has become fashionable to combine the living room space with the kitchen or dining room. Light shades unite the common space of the rooms, making it whole and harmonious. For living rooms combined with a kitchen, pastel colors are suitable, soothing and relaxing.
When decorating a combined space, you can use one color, but with different shades. Dark colors are used in parts of the room with plenty of light. Surfaces with poor lighting are covered with light shades. Combining shades allows you to create the effect of three-dimensional space with an original design.
In the apartment
A room in pastel colors gives a lot of light, so this color scheme is suitable for small spaces. For the north side, warm neutral shades are used.
Classic, bright living rooms in soft vanilla tones look irresistible. This is a great option if your home has uneven walls. When using the original structure, it will be possible to hide minor surface imperfections. The plaster is mixed with the pigment of your choice to obtain the desired shade. This composition is applied to vertical surfaces.
Lighting in a small living room
Correct placement of lamps visually increases the size of the living room, so a small room should have several of these devices:
- built-in lamps in the ceiling, in corners on the floor and on the table (it is best to select lamps covered with lampshades in cool colors);
- small sconces near the mirror, above the sofa and armchairs.
Light sources in the interior of a small living room also help to emphasize and decorate certain areas, providing contrast between bright and shaded areas. The play of light and shadow will emphasize the dignity of the interior and create cozy comfort.
