It’s no secret that lifestyle trends have changed in recent years, and the evidence of this can be seen all around us – from what we wear to the homes that we live in.
In particular, our living rooms have seen a major transformation from the days when they served as formal entertaining spaces to now being casual and comfortable lounging areas for family and friends – but why is this?
Here are just a few reasons why formal living rooms are quickly becoming a thing of the past:
Functionality. As lifestyles have become busier, people have needed more functional areas within their home in which they can multitask. Formal living rooms were typically one room used solely for entertaining guests – but with relaxed open concept designs that bridge dining, lounging and media spaces together, homeowners are now able to do more activities within one larger area.
Change in entertainment styles and activities. Years ago, entertaining was often done with more formal sit-down style dinners or cocktail parties which were perfect for large formal dining and living rooms.
Nowadays, entertainment trends have changed to less structured activities like game nights and movie screenings which don’t require as much space or seating capacity as before.
Décor preferences change. Decorating styles nowadays lean towards the simpler side so that small things like furniture arrangement won’t get overwhelmed by busy patterned wallpaper or too many decorative accessories.
This level of minimalism lends itself easily to an informal design scheme which eliminates the need for overly decorated sitting areas.
It also allows homeowners to move pieces around more freely without worrying about it looking “out of place” if it isn’t kept in its original spot – something that would not be true in a heavily decorated traditional setting.
In short, today’s homeowners are looking for multi-functional spaces that can serve many purposes while still remaining comfortable – something not attainable with large formal living rooms of days gone by.
That doesn’t mean you won’t ever use your living room to entertain though – just keep it more casual when doing so!