Watching Architect's TOP 10 Living Room Design Mistakes (& How to Fix Them)

• Use painter's tape to mark down the dimensions of an item of furniture to get an idea of how it would feel to occupy that space, before you buy that furniture item. This helps you decide what you want and where you want to put it.
• Draw up a budget and spread it evenly across your living area instead of focusing on one specific item.
• In an open plan layout, you have to consider more ways to intentionally partition the space.
  • Use a projector screen where a window is, so that the focus of the room from the couch is still the same.
  • Use curtains as a movable partition.
• Use rugs to visually ground any furniture placed on top of it, so that the furniture doesn't look like it's floating in the space. Make sure you buy a rug that is big enough to at least put the front legs of the furniture in that space on top of it.
• Use multiple lights around the room to make it feel more cozy. You don't want one harsh overhead light. Smart lights also let you change the brightness and color temperature of the light at will.
• Use cellular blinds, Venetian blinds, or daylight blinds to maximize the amount of natural daylight and views in a home while providing some shade and privacy.
• Don't always use bookshelves! Use things like sideboards and cabinets to hide clutter.
• Light colored fabrics bounce light well but soil easily. Instead, pick fabrics which can cleaned easily and age gracefully with wear.
• Prioritize versatility and usability over features and comfort. This is because versatility allows you to adapt a furniture item for use in multiple contexts and saves you space.
• Make sure there is a balance between hard and soft surfaces, for aesthetics and also for better acoustics.