The living room (a.k.a. the “drawing room”) is the heart of many Bangladeshi households, offering a warm space for activities we as Bangladeshis hold dear, like family gatherings and entertainment.
Yet, it’s astonishing how some common design mistakes can disrupt its charm and functionality.
In bustling cities like Dhaka, where every square foot counts, making the most of your living room interior design space is crucial.
Let’s dive into some of the most frequently encountered living room blunders in Bangladesh and how you can sidestep them, ensuring your drawing room remains inviting and aesthetically pleasing.
Having a poorly designed layout
Many households in Dhaka tend to design their living rooms with just the TV and sofa as primary considerations.
And they will often push the sofas against the wall directly facing the TV, and miss out on many multifaceted decor possibilities.
Remember, the drawing room is more than just a space to watch television; it’s a hub for family gatherings and relaxation. That’s why the drawing room is such a core part of Dhaka home design.
To create a well-rounded layout, assess your drawing room space. Think about the various activities and moments you’d like to facilitate.
Incorporate essential furnishings, ensuring that every seating spot offers a pleasant view.
Establishing a focal point can be a game-changer, guiding you in organising your furniture harmoniously.
Pro tip: Introducing a unique coffee table or an art piece can serve as an effective focal point, letting you arrange seating in a more interactive and cohesive manner.
Being too minimalistic
Minimalism in living rooms is about simplicity and avoiding unnecessary clutter. A key feature of such designs is to maintain a neutral colour theme.
However, many a time, people overdo that and create a room that looks plain and uninspiring.
Even a minimalist drawing room should not lose its charm.
It’s easy to address this – A touch of colour, a hint of texture, or an interesting print can greatly enhance a room’s aesthetics.
For instance, imagine a drawing room with white walls. Now, picture a wooden panel on one of those walls. This simple addition can transform the room’s entire feel.
Not considering armchairs
When planning a drawing room, many of us think of putting a couple of sofas in it immediately.
But have you considered using one sofa and a couple of armchairs?
Armchairs are not only a great complement to sofas, but they also make the living room design more flexible. That’s because they can be easily moved around when you have guests.
Choosing an unsuitable sofa
Sofas have an implicit feeling and look of comfort and luxury, which is why everyone wishes to have a sofa in their living room.
And there is nothing wrong with making the sofa a main attraction of the space.
However, some people end up using their old sofas – whether for emotional reasons or to save some money…HOWEVER…
An old sofa can sometimes spoil the entire look of the drawing room.
A sofa that’s too large can make the room feel crowded, while a too-small one can be inconvenient.
If you opt for our design services, we’ll ensure you always measure your living room’s dimensions before buying a sofa, and choose colours and fabrics that complement the room’s overall decor..
Placing the sofa against the wall
You will remember we referred to pushing the sofa against the wall opposite the TV while discussing drawing room layouts earlier. Let us now check this issue on its own merit.
Instead of pushing your sofa to the wall, consider placing one or two sofas in the middle of the drawing room with a small table between them.
Balance and symmetry are key; use them to design a room that feels open and welcoming.
Even if you think placing the sofa against the wall saves space, setting it in the centre can actually make the room look bigger.
Pro tip: To enhance the sense of space in your living room, add a rug beneath the central seating arrangement. This visually anchors the furniture and gives a cosy touch to the room.
Lacking sufficient lighting
In our experience as luxury interior designers in Dhaka, a common oversight is the lack of proper lighting.
It’s quite usual for homeowners to rely on just one large light fixture placed centrally.
This can create an overpowering brightness in the middle of the room, making it appear washed out and unevenly lit.
So, use multiple light sources.
Using a combination of local lamps can help create layers of light in different areas of the room.
This approach not only beautifies the space but also serves practical purposes. Think of adding table lamps, floor lamps, or even wall lights.
Wall lights, in particular, are excellent for rooms where space might be limited as they efficiently brighten up the room without taking up much space.
Pro tip: Using dimmers can also provide versatile lighting options for different occasions.
Choosing an unsuitable rug
Rugs play a key role in drawing room decor, adding depth and beauty.
However, a rug that’s too small can disrupt the room’s overall look and feel as it will look out of place and interrupt the room’s flow.
So, when choosing a rug, remember to look beyond just the colour or pattern.
The size is crucial too.
Many believe that bigger rugs often work best as they should be easily seen and support the furniture’s legs.
Not hanging art on the walls
Embrace large and eye-catching artwork for your drawing room.
A majority of Dhaka living rooms have a huge wall TV which grabs attention.
By adding vibrant and significant pieces of art, you can divert focus away from the TV.
Remember, a blend of simplicity, beauty, practicality, and a touch of colour can transform your living space.
Also check out our living room interior design tips for more inspiration.
Trying to make everything match
A frequent mistake in drawing room designs is trying to make every item match. But here’s the thing: combining different furniture styles is the current trend.
For example, if you like a chair that’s a little antique, don’t hesitate to place it next to a modern sofa!
The key is to bind different pieces using colours or patterns. Harmony in design doesn’t always mean using the same shade everywhere.
For instance, consider a living room with black and white walls and furniture.
Now, adding green curtains or a yellow chair can introduce a burst of colour, making the space more attractive.
Having your curtains hanging too low
A common mistake in many drawing rooms is placing curtains too close to the window. This can make the room feel small.
Instead, hang curtains about 6 inches or more above the window frame.
This simple change can make the room seem taller and more spacious.
Avoiding living room interior design mistakes – a final word
A well-designed drawing room is more than just about furniture placements or choosing the colour palette; it’s about creating a space where memories are made and stories are shared over evening tea, perhaps.
While individual preferences vary, avoiding common design mistakes can lead to a more cohesive, functional, and inviting living room.
Remember, design is a journey, and sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.
So, whether you’re starting from scratch or considering a revamp, avoiding these design blunders will help you to create a living room that is uniquely yours.If you’re thinking about designing or revamping your own drawing room interior, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help!
