No worries...what you need is a plan and some living room design ideas, and that's what we're going to do right now.

It's not wise to make any significant decisions regarding a home decor project, living room design ideas specifically, until you've determined what you want to accomplish and how much money you want to spend to accomplish it. How do you come up with home decorating ideas and a great plan?

First, take an inventory of everything you have in the room, from furniture to accessories. If the area is empty, it's a quick list. After the list is prepared (write it down on paper, not just in your head), circle anything that is going to stay in the room, for any reason.

Now you know what you are starting with. If appropriate for your situation, physically remove everything that is not remaining in the room.

Now, determine what your realistic budget is going to be. Do it first, before you start making the list of what you want to purchase for this area. It will avoid setting yourself up for disappointment later. So, now you have the budget set, right?

Here are some suggestions and living room design ideas for you to consider. Some may work well for you, and others not so much for a variety of reasons. But think about them, as one, two or more may help you create a brand new lifestyle look that is a unique expression of you!

If your budget is limited (most of us work within some type of budget!), read more about selecting the best affordable living room furniture!

Color Scheme - are you working with existing pieces? Then your color scheme has already been determined to some extent. If you are keeping the navy blue swivel chairs, then navy blue will factor into your color palette.

What other colors are in your home now? It is a good idea to have consistency from room to room, so include a shade of a color or two that are found in other areas. One color found elsewhere may be deep gold, for example, so now you have navy blue and deep gold on your color palette, etc.

Is the entire home brand new and painted white? Then the sky's the limit and you can go in any direction you desire! If you are unsure, spend some time with home decorating magazines and make a file of the pictures/arrangements/colors you like. The consistency of what you put in that file will help determine your living room design ideas and decorating direction.

Want more information and help with color?

Read Color Personality, to find out what your color choices may say about you.

Then, Decorating Color Schemes, to help you select the right color palette for your living room design project.

Room Function - give thoughtful consideration to how this room is or will be used - what is the function? Just because it is a 'living area', that doesn't automatically mean it will have a sofa.

Do you love to entertain, have young children, lots of family gatherings, very rarely have guests? All of these are living room design ideas to consider.

Decor Preferences - you may or may not have a defined decorating style, preference or theme. Are you immediately drawn to a room with a monochromatic color scheme or one with bold, dramatic color palette.

Do you love to see collections displayed and groupings of family photos throughout the area, or do you prefer to see a minimally accessorized space?

Your preferences may not necessarily be at one end of the spectrum or the other, but it's important to consider what you enjoy having around you, given the choice.

If you're not sure what your decorating style is, take the Interior Decorating Style quiz. It's fun and only takes a few minutes. And you'll also have immediate access to further details about many different decorating styles!

Room Size and Shape - what you want to do with your area and what the size and shape allow you to do may be two different thoughts.

Small and narrow, huge and empty, square or rectangular, bay window(s) or sliders...all of these factors contribute to your decorating decisions.

It's helpful to have room measurements as you are coming up with various living room design ideas. Measure possible room arrangements with masking tape to help visualize the size and shape of furnishings.

Flooring - what is in the room now? Carpet, wood (faux or real), tile, etc. Is it going to stay or be replaced. If the budget will allow and you want to take the room in a different direction, now is the time to make the change, particularly if it will suit your lifestyle and room function better.

Furniture - here is the big question with regard to your living room design ideas. What is going to be put into this room?

Or, you may have always dreamed of a living area with no traditional seating. You have a large living area, and want to have four over size chairs grouped around a large circular ottoman as the main seating in the room, with wood floors, plantation shutters and bamboo ceiling fans. What better time than now to turn your living room design ideas into reality.

Wall Color(s) - one more thought regarding color, and that is to consider an alternative to white walls (unless your dream room is an all-white space!).

Color on the walls, even a shade of off-white, will make a significant difference in the overall appearance of the room. It brings in warmth and personality, makes fabrics 'pop' with personality and can literally make you feel happier in the space. So, please find a shade that is in your selected color palette and put some color on those walls!

Now you can take these living room ideas and turn them into a beautiful reality. Have fun and enjoy your newly decorated living room.

Here are more living room design ideas and home decorating resources:

My Home Decor and More - Home and Garden Unique Home Decorating Ideas for the Interior Designer in you. We offer bedroom, bath, kitchen, dining, office, and garden decor and furniture. Styles include vintage, shabby chic, and contemporary.

Unique Home Decor An extensive collection of over one thousand fine art tapestry wall hangings, as well as thousands of other home decor items.

Metal Wall Hangings Online store featuring metal wall art and home decor accents, in a wide range of styles, sizes, colors and designs.

Willow Tree Home We carry a unique line of home and garden decor such as gift baskets, wrought iron, garden clocks,pewter dinnerware and home decor, outdoor clocks, candle items, wall sconces. Free Shipping on many items.

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