A contemporary home is both a sanctuary and an environment in which we relax, cook, eat, sleep, bathe and possibly work. If you have children it is also where they will play and explore the world around them as they grow up. 

The living room is generally a public place. Here we entertain our guests. It denotes our social position, pride and personality. A family living room is different from the formal living room. Here members of the family can gather and spent quality time. 

This week, we discuss a modern, contemporary house. With almost 4000 square feet of area we opted for an 'open plan' concept for the interiors. The main door of the house is grand but it is offset by a simple and welcoming lift lobby. Long, uninterrupted walkways, from the foyer to the family living room provide the first impressions of an open plan space. Our column today focuses on the family living room, designed particularly for relaxation. These days we have lost sight of restrained and tranquil sitting rooms, with a solitary clock marking the time and soothing vistas of green.

Relaxing areas are conventionally where people meet and socialise. An impression of softness and a sense of sanctuary are key elements in a relaxing area. Softness doesn't just mean soft furniture to sit or lie on, it means creating a cumulative effect with paint colours, furniture, textiles, lighting and accessories. Combining white or off white walls with beige floors, modern furniture and some antiques and paintings creates smart and trendy décor ideas.  Furniture that encourages relaxation is an essential element in a living space, whether you prefer a traditional cushioned sofas or comfortable, contemporary bolstered sofas.

As a designer, I recommend an area for family living, which is located near the bedrooms so that all family members have ease of access to this room at all times. In this particular family living room, we used a comfortable upholstered leather sofa that can also be used as a day bed. The owner of the house also included a single sofa for the comfort of the most senior member of the family.

An important part of a family living room is the entertainment corner. In keeping with the news and cricket match viewing preferences of the family, we placed 56 inch TV on the wall using an attached wooden panel made of gorgon wood and Burma teak board with horizontal group lines. We incorporated two open shelves close to the top to display artifacts and two step shelves at the bottom for a music system, family photographs and albums. 

For more enhancements, I continued the sleek straight line false ceiling. The illuminated effect from spot lights and indirect lights from the false ceiling enriched the whole area. I also included a dramatic curved floor lamp for special reading or games.The round shape perforated shade provides a point of visual interest.

Every person feels uplifted when they are put in a light and bright environment and colour is the first and most important means of creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. For this open plan house I used a light beige colour palette and white window curtains to create a soothing atmosphere. The walls in the family living room are covered by beige textured wall paper and beautiful paintings. The bright colour of the paintings, bold red and black carpet and white and pink flowers and candles generate a cozy and comfortable ambience. Certain colours can be spiritually uplifting and inspiring, helping us connect with the cosmic forces around us and it is important to incorporate these into spaces intended for relaxation and recreation. 

NAZNEEN HAQUE MIMI
Interior Consultant
JOURNEYMAN
E-mail: journeyman.interiors@gmail.com
Photo Credit: journeyman archive 
Special thanks: ShumonaYesmin