If you live alone, as I do, selecting the perfect furniture for your home is fairly simple; if I like it, I buy it...BOOM...DONE! If, on the other hand, you a have a spouse or family, it can make choosing furniture for your shared living spaces a bit more complicated. Everyone has an opinion; spouses, children, parents, in-laws, siblings...sometimes even your neighbours. They all want to give you their opinion on what you should or shouldn't put in your home. When choosing furniture for your home, especially in shared living spaces such as the living, dining, family room, and kitchen, it’s important to ensure that all members who will have use of that space get a voice on what you choose...after all, it’s their home too! It’s all about BALANCE. Here are a few tips that can help you to choose the right furniture that will make everyone happy:

1. Keep larger, signature pieces (such as sofas) neutral in colour, as it works with both feminine and masculine decor.
2. Balance light and dark values when choosing accent colours. This creates a palette that feels both light and airy, as well as dark and bold.
3. Mix textures and patterns. Combine florals with geometric patterns on items such as toss pillows, bedding, drapes, and area rugs.
4. Keep it simple! Choose transitional or contemporary furniture with clean, straight lines. This creates an uncluttered decor and will stand the test of time with changing trends and tastes.

Although decorating for the entire family may seem like a decorating dilemma, it’s really quite simple. You just need to remember to find a happy medium; consider the energy you’re hoping to achieve and who will be using the room. Everyone’s opinion is important; your spouse, kids, even the family dog...your neighbour? Not so much!!

Article Written By: Beatrice Espinola

Design Consultant at Decorium

Beatrice@decorium.ca