Living Room checklist ✔️

The living room plays an important role when it comes to family time. It’s where you come to relax and bond, whilst also being the place for some quiet and alone time. This space offers a warm and inviting atmosphere whilst also entertaining guests. You may also like to watch movies and unwind after a long day. A Living room usually symbolizes the family, their interests, family photos etc. There are lots of ways you could shine through your Living room!

A lot of living areas have different functions, and being able to create a space that allows all of these functions can be a challenge. I’ve put together this little checklist to see if I could help!

Budget and Finances

Everything always begins by checking your budget. Gathering as much information for this area. Keep in mind storage areas (would you like a bookshelf or simple units to store items without being visible), lighting, flooring and wall treatments, and extension work (if needed). Once you’ve gathered this information it’s then time to research companies that cover all these areas.

Create a wish list for items you really want but don’t need, and compare them to the items you need. Is there a way you could use the wants as needs?

When hiring an interior designer a lot of this is already known by them, JCavaree Interiors recommends local companies in St Albans, Hertfordshire and offers their trade discount too.

Sharing the information you’ve gathered with these companies will help to give you a better understanding of how much your project may be.

Ask local trades if they could help with an estimate, and state all the information you have gathered. A lot of trades will offer a free quote but make sure to shop around!

As an interior designer, I research materials and items before purchasing for a client. Remember to buy materials that are highly durable and cost-efficient, this doesn’t mean the cheaper option. Shop locally being based in Hertfordshire we will purchase from trades locally and small businesses!

Finally time! Time is money after all! How long will the renovation take? How long do you have for the renovation? Have you added in time for surprises? ( This is also included with money). When will this section be finished so the next section can start?

Planning permission

Your project may need planning permission if you’re adding an extension.

You can apply for planning permission or check if your project meets the criteria online through your local council. Here is the one for St Albans Planning Permission. If you have an Architect they can help with this process.

Space Planning

Now let’s get organised! Space planning is the most important step before moving on to the design.

Creating an easy-flow room minimises the risk of injury. So make sure you’re able to move freely around furniture

Begin with the largest piece of furniture possibly the sofa, and face it towards the point of interest this could be the TV, window or fireplace etc. Then begin to space out the small pieces like accent chairs, coffee table, lamps, rugs etc.

💡 A rule I also like to go by is having a rug big enough to place under the sofa and other seating items you may have, this allows the space to feel more cosy!

💡 If you have a slightly smaller room pulling the sofa off the wall will allow you to create the feel of a larger space. Placing a console table behind or shelving allows the space to go unused.

In love with this sofa from Soho home

Design

Now that you have a good understanding of how you would like your Living room to work and what you’ll need in it - work alongside an Interior designer to help create the perfect space for you!

Thank you for reading!

I hope you’ve enjoyed today's blog as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together for you.

Want to know more? or how I could help you renovate your Living room, click “book your free 1-2-1 today” below and choose a time that suits you best to have a chat!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Take care, and speak soon

Jess x