An engaging, well-appointed living room can turn a rarely used room into one of the most satisfying spaces of your home.

It seems the living room is the least-used and most misunderstood space in the home, or so my clients indicate. I’ve seen them turned into an office, a game room, a children’s playroom, a storage area with a hodge-podge of leftover furniture and accessories, all for lack of a better way to utilize the space.

I often hear clients say they never use their formal living room and don’t understand why builders continue to include them in floor plans. I wonder if it’s the “formal” description that makes homeowners shy away from using it as a comfortable living room for everyone to enjoy.

Although it can be a challenge to figure out how to design the living room to make it truly livable for a family, here are six inspiring ideas that can transform the way you view and use your living room.

1. Keep it warm. Low maintenance upholstery fabrics like chenille and cotton invite you to sit and stay a while without the worry of having to feel too perfect in the space. Keep the high-maintenance, more formal fabrics, such as silk, limited to draperies and valances. Toss in a few extra pillows in a pattern that will further set the mood of the room.

2. Create a broad focal point. An area rug is a fantastic way to define the seating area. It pulls all the seating in, away from the walls, which allows for better conversation. An area rug can be layered on top of solid carpet, hardwood or tile. Just be certain to use the appropriate padding and carpet tape for the application.

3. Minimize clutter. There should be room to breathe in the space. A few well-appointed items can go a long way in creating an enjoyable and entertaining space. In this room, less is always more.

4. Include artwork. Often there are large expanses of wall space in this room with no idea how to fill it. Make sure the size is proportionate for the area and that there is adequate negative space on all four sides of the art. If the space is just too overwhelming, then strategically add groupings of art. Include a balanced mix of art, from framed paintings and prints to sculptural pieces of iron, ceramics or figurines.

5. Create ambiance with lighting. Lighting should be dispersed throughout the room for a balance of warmth and functionality. This includes the ceiling, walls and lower levels. If there’s no opportunity to mount lighting on the walls, include two or more areas with floor or tabletop lighting. Do this and you are sure to one day find yourself curled up in a chair with a good book or magazine.

6. A little green goes a long way. Be it live plants or plants that just look fresh and alive, include tabletop or floor plants in your living room for energy and liveliness. Without it you’ll find the space a bit idle and uninviting. Floor plants in beautiful planters also add height to an area that needs emphasizing.

So, stop ignoring this wonderful, beautiful space that sets the stage for how your home is observed and used. Take a moment and consider ways to add warmth and love to your living room for your family and friends to enjoy. You’ll find that it’s not just the room you walk past anymore.

Penny Law is owner of PCL Interiors, a personalized studio specializing in residential design. Visit her Web site at www.pclinteriors.com.

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