Step 1: Free Your Windows From Furniture Prison
Heavy furniture blocking windows is the #1 culprit behind dark, cramped-feeling living rooms. When sofas or bookcases sit directly against windows, they obstruct up to 40% of potential natural light.
For optimal space planning, maintain at least 30 cm (12 inches) of clearance around windows. Consider low-profile furniture options that fall below windowsill height to maximize light penetration while maintaining your comprehensive design vision as outlined in our Complete Guide to Residence Design.
Remember: natural light is free design gold!
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Step 2: Size Up Your Rug Game
An undersized rug creates visual fragmentation and makes spaces feel smaller. The most common mistake? Choosing a rug that only fits under the coffee table.
For proper spatial definition, your rug should accommodate at least the front legs of all seating furniture, creating a cohesive conversation area. Aim for 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) of floor showing between your rug edge and walls.
This foundational design principle helps establish the perfect balance of proportion in your living space.
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๐๏ธ Step 3: Pull Furniture Away From Walls
The "wallflower effect" happens when all furniture hugs the perimeter, creating an empty central space that feels more like a dance floor than a living room. Instead, create intimate conversation zones by floating furniture pieces.
This technique instantly generates a more welcoming atmosphere while optimizing traffic flow around the room. Our Complete Guide to Residence Design demonstrates how even small rooms benefit from this approach by creating defined functional areas rather than one cavernous space.
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P.S. Want to see these principles in action? Check out this Reelโ
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