A living room worth living in

Has it become toxic to navigate the urban jungle every single day? Then create living spaces that are conducive to unwinding and reclaiming one’s peace of mind.

Let this home improvement series give you ideas for designing or refurbishing—the ultimate goal being to create an atmosphere that’s calm, cool and relaxed—starting with the living room.

Use comfy but low-maintenance furniture and accents.

Use comfy but low-maintenance furniture and accents.

BoConcept’s Marseille sectional sofa uses the so-called Bristol fabric, which can be cleaned with just a damp cloth. The sofa can actually be customized to fit one’s needs, such as a different shade of upholstery if one is uneasy about sitting on this cream confection.

The geometric rug seems like it would need a lot of care and attention as well. But then it’s made of cowhide which attracts less dust—a lot less than the average rug—and thus ideal for households with kids who have dust allergies.

BoConcept is at Unit 446-447, L/4, Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza; tel. 6341292, 09175727976; boconcept.com.

Bring (some) green indoors.

Bring (some) green indoors.

Nature has a way of uplifting mood and atmosphere, so put plants and flowers in the living room. No need for bulky planters. Small receptacles are easier to move around and can better accent low furniture, such as this coffee table that doubles as storage space and, in the background, a gray Vogan convertible sofa. Both pieces of furniture are available at Design Pod.

Design Pod is at Unit 474, L/4, Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza; innovationlivingphilippines.com.

Set up a nifty—if possible, discreet—space for clutter.

Set up a nifty—if possible, discreet—space for clutter.

At BoConcept, the nifty storage spans an entire wall, from floor to ceiling. It’s got a neutral color scheme that makes shelves look like blank canvases for books and knickknacks, as well as integrates the covered compartments (drawers, cupboards) to the minimalist aesthetic. One can simply deposit one’s briefcase or handbag in a cupboard upon arrival and proceed to TV time in the living room.

Avoid anything too loud, busy, and which unnecessarily takes up space.

Avoid anything too loud, busy, and which unnecessarily takes up space.

This Linden marble-and-steel side table at Design Pod looks classy and yet simple enough to be laden with other room accents, such as the sleek MIB table lamp and, yes, a small tin of green.

There’s value in mood lighting. Photos by Earvin Perias

There’s value in mood lighting.

Strategically placed lighting fixtures can help set up cozy nooks and basically evoke the mood you envision for a particular space. These tri-bulb Mogden ceiling lights at Furniture Republic can moderately illuminate one’s favorite corner for lounging in the living room.

Furniture Republic is at L/2, Main Wing, Shangri-La Plaza; tel. 6364939; furniture-republic.com.ph/store/fr-shangri-la-plaza.