Optimizing the spaces in your home for life at home - Part 4 (Entertainment area)

This is the space for all life at home fun and entertaining - alone and when guests are over. This space should make you feel alive yet relaxed. The living room should feel like a bar, a lounge or a theatre, depending on the mood you need at any moment. Music is essential in setting the desired mood for your entertainment area, so don't cheap out on your audio equipment. I always lean towards Bluetooth options for audio because it’s 2024, and I can start playing music from the moment I walk through the door. For all self-proclaimed audiophiles, you likely have a vinyl collection, a record player, some musical instrument, or just good-quality sound… show them off!

After dusk, the ability to control the colour and intensity of your lights gives incredible flexibility in setting the perfect vibe. Any dimmer bulb or switch that allows the user to change the colour can enhance the relaxing, sensual, romantic, party or after-party mood you are trying to create. More than anything else in your living room, this simple addition will create the ‘lounge’ ambiance, bringing the lounge into your home.

Men typically stick with dark furniture, but I challenge you to spice it up with some pop of colour - red, orange, blue or green and mix in some neutrals. It throws the ladies off when they visit. They seem to find it hard to believe I didn’t inherit my living room from my ex.

Hang paintings or photo frames on the wall and display items from your travels or pieces from extraordinary experiences. Every piece you put on display should have a story. If you think there’s no story, think one up. Why did you pick it? Did it remind you of an experience? Was it your first time at a concert? First time travelling to that country? Or was it simply the last one on display or the only one you could afford? Everything you have in your place contributes to your personality because your home tells your story. The story of who you are. How you live. Where you’ve been… what your interests are… or at least, what your interests used to be.

If you are not a reader, your mind is missing out, and I encourage you to start reading. Besides the intellectual benefits of books, they are perfect for making a space feel warm and lived in. Get yourself some books and place them around your living space.

You can feel free to eat in this space, but depending on the couch material and colour, you may want to use a throw blanket as a seat cover to protect your couch. There are no rules with dark leather, but with a beige fabric couch, you need to show it some extra love.

Note that the living room space is the only space in the house where watching TV/ TV shows is okay.

Living Room starter pack

Essentials:

1. Couch/ Sofa

2. TV

3. Speakers (preferably with Bluetooth)

4. Books

5. Throw Pillow/ Blanket

6. Flowers/Plants

7. Bar & Bar stools/ Dining table

8. Center table

9. Board games

10. Center rug

11. Figurines/ Story pieces

Recommended:

1. Apple TV (TV shows and interactive games)

2. Floor lamp

3. Philips Hue lights/ Dimmable lights

4. Statement Clock

5. Scented Candles (Masculine scents like Musk, Tobacco, Myrrh)

6. Video games