10 tips to infuse character into your living room

Mount a sleek console on the entrance wall and deck it with objets d'art. Place a seater for guests to slip in and out of footwear comfortably.

1. For homes with a dark, long passageway leading to the living room, artificial light is a must in the absence of natural light. Ideally, carve out openings to the outside, or opt for a quick fix with basic diffused light. Further, add some character by suspending fairy lights in the corner or a crystal chandelier in the centre.

2. With the passage lighting taken care of, create engaging moments by painting the passage wall with an interesting colour. Why not showcase your artistic skills with some DIY stencil wall art? This will make the space very yours and will surely spike your energy.

3. There is nothing more harrowing than coming to a mess of unceremoniously flung keys, magazines and shoes. Use the entrance wall to place a sleek console to store the read newspapers and magazines. Indulge in some healthy display of your treasures by placing them neatly on the console. Likewise, create a long bench-like seating with shoe storage below it. This is a perfect spot for you to share your final snippets of conversation with the guests, just before they leave.

4. Review your lifestyle to make decisions regarding the spatial organisation. Are you the kind of family that likes watching TV together? Does playing on the Xbox equal family time? In this case, plan your seating around the TV unit. For those of you who find having a TV in the living room an anti-thesis to the social nature of the space, create a more interactive layout with pockets of formal seating, informal seating and a cosy reading den. If entertainment and social gathering is your thing then how about a planrevolving around a central bar? This will surely keep the conversations and the alcohol flowing, alike.

5. Make your room look larger with a low Indian seating in the corner. Opt for a minimally polished wooden finish or an ornately carved fascia. Snuggle on it with brightly hued pillows or keep it classy with deep shimmery greys and teals.

(Left) The point of entry itself can be made interesting by having an unusual nameplate. (Right) Family treasures can be used to create accessorization with narrative.

6. Fill your walls with personalised photographs, works by favourite artists or customised pieces that highlight your storyline. These elements will automatically make you feel cheerful and happy. On a similar note, carve out niches in walls to store fun memorabilia, collectibles and other knick-knacks that bring back fun memories. But beware not to clutter. Too many objects can be an overkill and may actually appear like a museum, so use your discretion to keep it visually pleasing.

7. Right from indoor plants in a narrow passage and next to your seating to greenery on the window ledge and creepers on your grill; satisfy your every imaginable whims and fancy to include plants in the living room for a truly welcoming experience. Flaunt your skills by making a rangoli of fresh flowers at your enhance. Or place some fresh orchids or coloured flowers in a vase on your console. These will truly bring in fresh wave of positivity, natural colour and warmth to your home.

8. Why use Italian marble flooring when we have our very own Jaisalmer, Kota, Shahbad and Dholpur stones? These complement our tropical light beautifully, exude warmth and keep the house cool in summer. Most importantly, men can gift their women natural stone flooring as they can easily be maintained and cleaned without polish for 7-10 years.

Personal photographs always add an endearing, intimate air. Plus, restrained accessorization creates pleasing visual compositions.

9. Accessorise with a narrative. Reclaim your ancestral chest and use it as a centre table. Or place glass on your old console for a dining table with a story. Include a vintage arm chair and pair it with a retro-looking standing fan that is mounted on a tripod. These will serve as interesting conversation starters in your home.

10. Place a water-filled brass urli with flower petals for an ethnic and festive look. Make a feature wall with a waterfall flowing down it. The rhythmic sound is extremely calming and is known to brining in good chi.