Have you ever wondered why some spaces look deliciously inviting and others look cold and flat? Or why some people’s living rooms, while nice, look uninviting whereas others look deliciously cozy?
It all has to do with how a space is crafted, and how the impression of each component makes you feel. The real science behind these subconscious feelings can be rooted in the ancient art of Feng Shui as well as in the modern interpretation known “Biophilic Design.” These concepts aren’t as heady as they might seem. While I have studied a bit of both, I’m less worried about the ancient icons and antiquated rules such as needing gold coins or a cat in the room. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some easily applicable tips to be tried.
For example, if you want your living room to be a place where you can settle in, relax, and do something that requires you to let your guard down, the space has to feel safe and protected, with an easy accumulation of energy without feeling stifling. I often invite my clients to imagine there was a giant flood coming in through the open doors. In order for you to be able to feel safe and settled in a given space, it needs to be a place where the water would eddy and swirl; where you wouldn’t get swept away in the gushing current but that wouldn’t grow moss either! If you stand in your space and imagine this flooding water scenario, you will immediately feel that visceral sense I’m referring to.
Next, you’ll want to consider the colors, shapes, and textures in the space, as well as any influences creating discomfort. In general, darker colors and blockier shapes create a sense of heaviness and an anchoring, either of actual weight or of attention. Sharp corners or pointy shapes remind our reptilian brain of weapons that can harm us, everything from predators’ teeth and claws to spears and blades. Textures such as pillows, blankets with soft, silky, or warm materials remind us of the nurturance of a caregiver or our sleeping dens. So what does this all mean for your living room?
First, you’ll need to look at what kinds of activities you want to do there and how you want the space to feel. Do you use your living room for entertaining and conversation? Or more for winding down after a long day at the office? If your home is large enough to have a second “family” space and you want your living room to be more lively and stimulating to conversation, I recommend richer colors, bold art, and an arrangement that centers around a single, central point such as a coffee table. You’ll want seating that’s comfortable without being too squishy, and with legs that are visible so as to feel less rooted. There should also be multiple accent tables with surfaces for beverages or other held items within easy reach of each person. Shelf and table styling should be grouped in vignettes with some negative space in between so as not to feel too busy or overwhelming (the brain sees groups as a singularity, whereas if the same number of items are spread out the brain will see them all individually and therefore cluttered). Finally, you might consider reducing the number of family photos if you want to host guests in your living room. The human brain is wired to make eye contact, so not only do photos with people in them require the brain to unconsciously see those faces as people which creates a sense of busy-ness, it also can give guests the subtle feeling that they’re being watched.
On the flipside, if your living room needs to be a place of respite, you might consider an arrangement toward a non-human focal point such as television or fireplace. You’ll also want plush seating, possibly with an option to recline or lay down that has very short legs or even upholstery that goes to the floor, which creates a sense of being settled and held. You’ll want ample throw pillows and blankets, with softer fabrics. Art will be more conducive to rest if it’s abstract or of nature scenes. Lighting should be warm and even dimmable. Finally, shelf and table decor should be orderly and somewhat personal such as keepsakes from a family vacation or even as simple as coffee table books with photos pertaining to something you enjoy.
Finally, for living rooms that need to meet all of the above needs, you’ll want to consider how you can layer these components to allow the space to be used both for stimulating conversation and for relaxation. To accomplish this, I might still recommend the primary seating (usually the sofa, in this case one with either a slipcover or low, short legs) to be oriented toward a fireplace or TV. Then you might consider a pair of accent chairs with longer legs and less plush throws, maybe even leather upholstery and only a small lumbar pillow. Multiple accent tables will still provide a place to set down beverages, but a larger central coffee table can still give guests something to gather around. If you anticipate having more than a couple guests, you could consider a sectional sofa or a second set of chairs (maybe one pair that’s more sleek and the other more cushy) and even a bench or set of soft stools in front of the focal point so as not to block the view but can be used for extra seating if you have more than a couple guests. Finally, consider layered lighting; starting with overhead ambient lighting in the form of can lights or a chandelier, then floor or table lamps around the perimeter, and finally, if space and budget allow, add some wall sconces or picture lights above your favorite art. A living room need not be large to allow one to layer components in this way, but understanding the visceral effects of color, shape and texture can help you to sculpt both your own and your guests’ experience of your home.