Design Recipes: Cathy’s Travel To Design - How to Make Your Living Room Feel More Airy

Design Recipes: Cathy’s Travel To Design - How to Make Your Living Room Feel More Airy
Cathy Hobbs
3/19/2015
Updated:
4/23/2016
A light color scheme and plenty of natural light can help a space to feel more open and airy.
A light color scheme and plenty of natural light can help a space to feel more open and airy.

Spring is on the way! With springtime in the air, most of us are looking for ways to bring some fresh air and sunshine into our homes.

While rooms that are small, or spaces that don’t have much natural light can be a challenge, with the right colors, lighting, and furnishings –you can open up a room, and help it to feel more spacious and welcoming.

If you’re looking to give your living room a spring makeover, and incorporate some light and airy details, here are some ways to transform your space, helping it to feel more open.

Light Colors

Light colors can instantly transform a room. Painting a room white can open up the space, and make it appear bigger. Of course, you don’t have to use white; other colors can also create the feeling of space. Soft colors or a neutral color pallet can also help a room to feel more open. Consider leaving the trim white –regardless of the color that you choose, to keep the room light and open.

View: <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/AV-Home-AV-Home-Lattice-Silk-Dupioni-Pillow-AS-Pinwheel-YPN1031.html">AV Home AV Home Lattice Silk Dupioni Pillow</a>
View: AV Home AV Home Lattice Silk Dupioni Pillow

Minimal Accessories

It’s is important to keep accessories to a minimum. Opt for a few carefully chosen pieces, and avoid the temptation to fill the room up with too many details. When it comes to furnishings, choose smaller and more delicate pieces so as not to overwhelm the room. Whitewashed furniture, wicker, or light colored natural wood are all good option. For décor, a few plants, some small sculptures, or a piece of carefully chosen wall art can add to the room, without detracting from the space.

View: <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Crystorama-Imperial-4-Light-Crystal-Chandelier-3324-CH-CL-MWP-CRT5216.html">Crystorama Imperial 4 Light Crystal Chandelier</a>
View: Crystorama Imperial 4 Light Crystal Chandelier

Lighting

In a room that doesn’t have much natural lighting, bringing light in is important. Consider adding in suspended lighting that will give you the needed light without taking away valuable space. If the ceilings are high enough, you could choose a chandelier, but for a room that’s smaller, you may want to consider something more minimalistic or even opt for recessed lighting.

Window Coverings and Flooring

Make the most of natural light. Consider keeping your windows bare, or using sheer window coverings, which allow daylight into the room, while offering a measure of privacy. For the flooring, consider hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring to help the room to feel more spacious. If you prefer a softer floor, consider adding a light colored area rug that will complement the room, without making it feel smaller.

Remember to LIKE Cathy Hobbs, Interior Designer on FACEBOOK, and Follow Design Recipes on TWITTER for more design tips and inspiration.

Top Image: www.wayfair.com

Original Post: Cathy Hobbs Design Recipe 

5-time Emmy award winning television personality Cathy Hobbs (ASID) is the founder and creator of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™. Cathy currently hosts her own self-branded design television series, Design Recipes, airing on the top rated “PIX Morning News” on WPIX-TV in New York City. Cathy was a finalist on Season 6 of HGTV's Hit Reality Series "DESIGN STAR and most recently served for a year as the green expert for “The Life Improvement Squad” a national campaign with IKEA and O Magazine.
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