The living room is the heart of many homes, where people unwind following a long hard day and gather to socialise with their friends and family. However, a number of us are guilty of overlooking the living room when designing and decorating our homes, choosing instead to use a basic colour scheme and furniture that just doesn't quite match. This may come as a surprise if we think about the level of inspiration which can be found. Creating an ideal living area is not difficult - whether you're after countryside comforts or possibly a designer inspired look, the ideal sofa, the right rug as well as the comfiest carpet are easier to find and incorporate together than maybe you believe.



Contemporary living room designs have grown to be one of the more popular style schemes for homeowners in recent years. This will usually combine various shades of neutral colours, which will create a calm feel about the room and can be considered a bonus if you choose to sell your home because this style can be attractive to potential buyers.



However, many homeowners are put off by the misconception that contemporary equals boring, but even something as stark as a plain white wall doesn't need to be. Plain walls provide a blank canvas for you to do whatever you fancy, such as hanging art. And it doesn't have to be all pure white and simple colours to help keep things contemporary; big, bold prints are incredibly stylish right now, just don't overload if you want to keep that minimalist feel.



The central feature in the majority of living rooms is without question the sofa, and whilst we would like our sofa to look great, comfort is usually the most important factor. Thankfully, contemporary settee designs are as varied as they come with soft round shapes and large corner sofas being the perfect choices for cosiness and elegance combined.



For some people period designs are their design of choice. This allows for the combination of comfort and classic within the design, and may be especially desirable when a property has maintained several of it's authentic features.



High ceilings and traditional fireplaces may be instantly transformed by using a fresh twist on vintage wallpaper. For a modern variation on a classic design you might opt for a floral design in a large and bold print, or for a more understated choice this bold print could be introduced through cushions along with other soft furnishings. For the modern room with a period feel pick period style wallpaper but only use it on one wall.



In case you have chosen to go for a period feel, wooden furniture is the perfect accompaniment, for instance a settee with wooden legs or supports and a classic coffee table. When you are thinking about the sofa design to complete your traditional room remember large sofas are a traditional design and will be extremely comfortable. Scatter your sofa with lots of cushions in contrasting designs to update the look and make your living room feel extra homely.



Exposed beams within a property can add an element of rustic charm, this is often complimented with the help of a leather armchair. Colours connected with nature such as greens and browns are perfect for bringing that countryside feel to your living room, but a plain room may be easily updated; a floral settee and some colourful flowers can create an immediate rustic feel. Or combine a modern sofa with some delicate floral curtains to incorporate the country style into a modern home.



For the truly modern day country living room, opt for natural colours in bright vibrant shades and large bold prints. Lime greens, sunny yellows and bright pinks will bring the summer straight into your house and will give out a real contemporary country feel.



If floral isn't to your taste but you still fancy a country feel, consider a wooden floor with a large comfy rug. Again be sure you use muted colours for that relaxed English outdoor feel.

This article was written by R. Deans on behalf of The Suite Company, experts in settees and sofas and sofas Leicester. For more info on settees and sofas and sofas Leicester please visit Suite-Company.co.uk