How To Furnish A Large Space

How do I furnish a large room without it looking sparse?

When looking at a large room, thinking about how to furnish it may feel overwhelming. Here, I will share a few key points to help you create a cohesive space. 

Divide the space. 

First, determine the function of the room-how do you want to use the space. If we are talking about a large family room, for example, you may want to use it for watching movies with your family, as a place for your kids to play, or a retreat to quietly relax and read a book. Keeping all those functions in mind, divide the family room into sections. Create a comfortable seating area around the TV, a kid's play area with a game table, and plenty of storage to keep the space tidy.

Add a chaise with an accent table and a pharmacy lamp to make a reading nook where you can cozy up with a book but still be part of the room. Dividing a space by function is an efficient way of thinking about space layout. 

Pay attention to scale.

To make sure that the room does not look cluttered or sparse, pay attention to scale. Consider both the scale of the room and the scale of the furniture, as well as the ceiling height. A well-balanced space uses scale correctly and has visual interest. Knowing your most prominent furniture and choosing an appropriately sized rug will help you start creating a well-balanced space. Make sure that at least all the front legs of the furniture creating a grouping are on the area rug. 

Scale is the biggest mistake I have seen in a large room. Often, furniture is either too low in a room with a fifteen ceiling, or too small, or everything oversized. The key to creating a cohesive space is to make sure you have a good mix. Pair a big sofa with a large and a small chair, so the room looks balanced, place a petite martini table next to a floating chair to anchor it. In rooms with high ceilings plays up the height with window treatments or oversized artwork or one or two tall etagere and chairs. 

In rooms with a very tall ceiling over 12', try to bring the height down with moldings and trims, oversized light fixtures.  

Tie the whole space together. 

For the room to look beautiful and visually cohesive, you want to tie it all together. Sprinkling colors, patterns, finishes, and materials throughout the space in subtle ways without going matchy-matchy will help you do this. Do not be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and textures.

Texture and pattern-rich spaces are inviting and personal. If you are scared to commit to color, then start small. Things like throw pillows, artwork, lighting, window treatments, and accessories are a great way to make a room look more personal and more exciting and a great way to create a personalized space. 

Add you in the space.

The most crucial point do not forget to add yourself and your experiences to your space. Often, I walk into so many sterile homes with no personality that are interchangeable. Your home is an essential space in your life; make sure it speaks to you and speaks of who you are. The white sofa with grey walls and everything neutral may look fabulous in a magazine but would it function well with your family of kids, grandkids, and pets? Probably not! Think about how you will use the space when you select materials and finishes for your home. 

Make sure you have fun designing and collecting your space. Interior Design has a lot of intuitive quality. If a piece speaks to you and you think you will still love it five years from now, get it. Surround yourself with things that hold meaning and that you enjoy, so every time you come back home after a long day, your home comes and hugs you with a feeling of inviting comfort and joy.