Your home is not only a reflection of your personal style but also of your life. Everything you choose to put in your rooms should say something about who you are otherwise you will never feel completely at ease in your lovely abode.

Magazines and brochures are a great way to get inspiration but instead of replicating something you see in a book, it is always best to take some time and evaluate your lifestyle first. A white living room in a magazine may look fantastic but if you have two kids and a dog does it really make sense.

The upkeep and cleaning alone will surely drive anyone a little mad. While it is important to appeal to your aesthetics it is just as imperative to keep the practical aspect of furniture in mind.

Here are some simple things to keep in mind when arranging your living room:

1. Focal points

Choose a focal point: In some cases, these will be obvious like a fireplace or a magnificent view from a window. In others, you may have to create your own focal point. This could be a TV armoire if you're a sports fanatic, a painting if you're an art lover or a sofa you especially love. Place this piece first and design your room around it.

A roaring fire in a grey themed fireplace in a living room — Credit: Unsplash

2. Functional spaces

Divide your room into spaces: First, you must make a list of what you will be doing in your living room. Do you love to read, watch tv, play games with your kids, entertain or exercise, etc? Once you know what you will use your living space for it is time to divide the room into sections and design each area for that particular purpose.

3. Comfort as well as style

Select comfortable furniture: If you find a beautiful couch that you can't sit on for more than 15 minutes then don't buy it! All your seating should be comfortable and usable. My golden rule for decorating is that if you don't use it then you don't need it and it's better to look for something else.

A comfy looking couch with cushions in a room full of neutral coloured decor and plants — Credit: Unsplash

4. Accessorise

Hang artwork or framed prints to add color, texture, and personality to your walls. Choose pieces that complement your decor style and reflect your personal taste. Consider mixing different sizes, shapes, and mediums for visual variety.

Hang mirrors on your walls to create the illusion of space and reflect light. Mirrors can also serve as decorative accents and focal points in your living room. Choose mirrors with interesting frames or shapes to add style and personality to your walls.

Hang textile wall hangings such as tapestries, woven baskets, or macramé pieces to add texture and warmth to your walls. These decorative accents can soften the look of your living room and add a bohemian or eclectic vibe.

Display personal photographs, artwork created by family members, or sentimental objects to personalize your living room walls. These personal touches can add warmth and character to your space and make it feel truly unique to you.

5. Fresh coat of paint

Paint your room: This is the easiest, quickest and most cost-effective way to make a room look really pulled together. I suggest using neutral warm colours on the walls that will complement almost anything you buy and will provide a nice, clean, background for all your furniture and accessories.

Lastly, decorating a room is a learning process and if you take some time and plan your living space you will be surprised at your own results. Your home is the place you go to feel comfortable, relaxed and re-energised so enjoy the process and you will quickly learn what works best for you.