How Different Is A Formal Living Room And An Informal Living Room? The Design Basics!

Are formal living rooms synonymous with drawing rooms? What truly distinguishes a formal setup from an informal family room? Questions like these pop up in the minds of new homeowners. Are you dubious about the differences too? No problem! Let’s clear the doubts and spill the differences.

Formal And Informal Living Rooms—A Brief Overview

A formal living space can well be described as a stately successor to drawing rooms. Unlike the latter, the design elements of a formal premise are refined and tastefully curated to cast a good impression on guests dropping by. A drawing room, on the other hand, serves more as a cosy lounging area for family and dear ones to hang out and carouse together. Hence, the space is also referred to as "informal living rooms."

In a nutshell, the purpose of a space defines a conventional living room and an informal drawing area. Wondering if that’s all? Certainly not! The location, design elements, purpose, and a couple of other factors signify the difference between a formal setup and a casual lounging space. A homeowner may not be familiar with the differences and, therefore, use the terms interchangeably. However, a good interior design company in Gurgaon always makes an effort to explain the ins and outs of design narratives and the differences between a formal and informal living area in prior.

Are you curious to clear your doubts regarding the living area and the drawing room? Let’s begin:

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THE LOCATION

Of course you are versed about a foyer, aren’t you? A well-decked entryway to your beautiful and cosy abode. For a palatial bungalow, the space is sometimes referred to as the porch. Although layout plans matter big, a formal living room is often located at the very beginning of a house, adjacent to the foyer.

Wondering where an informal living room is positioned then? Well, Chalk Studio, a renowned interior designer in Gurgaon, explains that architecture plays a key role in the layout of living spaces. However, an informal lounging area or a drawing room is mostly adjoined to a kitchen. Earlier, the doorway to a sprawling backyard also stood out as a significant difference between a formal living room and a drawing room. As per architecture, a conventional living room typically bars access to a beautiful backyard or any outdoor landscape.

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THE PURPOSE

Formal living room—the term clearly suggests that the space is meant for formal entertainment. A well designed room that accommodates guests in a prim and decorous setting sums up the primary purpose of a formal living room. Wondering if the space is suited for everyday living? No!

A not-so-conventional drawing area - The best interior design company or Chalk Studio, describes an informal setup as a lounging area for family and close ones residing in the house. Describing the space as a family room isn’t incorrect too. Since the space is typically meant to accommodate kith and kin, comfort, convenience, and knicks and knacks of entertainment define the aesthetic of the room.

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THE CONCEPTS

Are you hoping to spot a comfy bean bag or colourful cushions in a prim and classy formal living room? Definitely not! None of these spell formal. For instance, a bulky and oversized sofa is more appropriate in an informal, casual setup. Chalk Studio, a known interior design company in Gurgaon, reveals a few interesting decor ideas to amp up the formal vibes of a living room. Let’s take a look:

• Neutral and white colours pair beautifully with the elegant aesthetics of a living room

• Unless you are keen to spark a visual interest, stay clear from adding pops of bold colours on walls and ceilings.

• Colourful accent walls aren’t necessarily a good fit. Try sober and refined wallpapers instead.

• Play around with the textures of fabrics and upholstery. Velvets, brocade, and silk lend a pretty charm.

• Ceiling medallions add a luxe touch to the ambiance.

• Lay out rugs, preferably the classic over-dyed rugs, for a gorgeous appeal.

Decking up a formal living room is not a cakewalk. From furnishings and wall accents to decor pieces and lights, a proficient interior designer in Gurgaon keeps tabs on the minute details. It is no surprise that lights work wonders in uplifting the charm and exuberance of a formal setting.

Do you adore a lavish crystal chandelier? Accessorising a living room with a modish and contemporary chandelier lends a sleek and regal look to the space. Compact wall scones and timeless floor lamps are beautiful additions too. Lamps serve as gleaming visual enhancements, adding ornate accents to a formal theme. Exquisite artwork and paintings induces a nice dramatic touch to the understated, monotone, conventional space.

Certain decor pieces have a thriving place in a formal living area, like exclusive sculptures and family heirlooms. Don’t you agree? While a minimalist design approach enhances formal splendour, leaving the nooks and crannies of a living space void deviates from the space's aesthetic.Add marvellous art pieces or handcrafted sculptures. If there are expansive spaces to fill, do not shy away from placing potted plants and large vases with fresh and bright flowers. Little did you know that hints of nature lifts up the vibrance and fresh vibes of a space.

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THE DECOR

Do you want to learn about designs that work well in a casual, laid-back setting? Great! Chalk Studio, the best interior design company in Gurgaon, shares a few interesting design tricks.

• Hints of colour add to the warmth of a family room

• Family heirloom decor accessories are a marvellous fit in lounge areas too

• A cosy throw or a blanket neatly folded and kept lends a welcoming and homely touch

• Fluid and open floor plans enhance and brighten up the joyful room in a house

• Verdant accents and plants always stand out as enticing additions.

A formal living room or an easy-going family drawing room, each space has a distinct connotation. Seek assistance from a skilled interior designer in Gurgaon to design and setup the most impressive and aspiring homes.