Separate living spaces can perform different duties in a grand design. Take a look at these creative design ideas for inspiration.
Image: Tile Mountain
A separate living room can provide an entertaining space, even if not used on an everyday basis. Here are a few design ideas to inspire a formal living room in a self-build or renovation.
Curves
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Curved designs are synonymous with luxury, as they're often more complex to construct. Differentiating a formal living room from a regular lounge space can be done by making subtle design changes, such as choosing curved designs for one space and more geometrical designs for another to define spaces.
Transparency
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A formal living space can be appealing for families who like entertaining but want to keep their living areas separate. However, if you still favour an open-plan feel, using transparent surfaces in a self-build design is a useful feature to create a broken-plan effect. Consider a glass staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows for an open and welcoming feel.
Formal wall coverings
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Subtle design features can transform the feel of a living space. Wall panelling and decorative coving is a way of elevating a general living area into a space that feels luxurious and has a sense of formality. Amplify this with statement accessories such as a chandelier and bold artwork.
Minimalism
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It's all too easy for homes to become cluttered with everyday essentials and homewares however, a formal living room is the perfect opportunity to keep a space as clutter-free and minimal as possible. Keeping things minimal with just a few design-led furniture pieces and a muted colour palette is perfect for entertaining in a more formal setting.
Create symmetry
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Symmetrical design is synonymous with a formal setting. Create a focal point in the centre of a formal living room with a statement fireplace for example, to draw the eye immediately to the centre of the room. Build upon this with a rug, two identical sofas and a coffee table for a statement symmetrical look.
Bring drama
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Be fun with a formal design by going after to the dark side with a moody colour palette and interesting textures. Dark wood and granite are two natural materials that would suit a dramatic living room scheme.
Do you have any formal living room design ideas? Let us know by tweeting us @granddesigns or posting a comment on our Facebook page.
