Formal Living Room — Sarasota, FL Interior Decorator & Event Designer - Tippy creates traditional designs with a colorful and whimsical twist.

We are between homes at the time but both our first home and this home have a family room AND a formal living room. Call me old fashioned, southern or whatever but I still like having a formal living room. For one, this is my quiet space where I can retreat for a comforting cup of tea or coffee while I pause and ponder(when I can find the time). Second, I love the fact that this room remains tidy and untouched by daily life clutter(tidy from lack of use my husband would argue). Third, it is a nice transition room to welcome guests. It gives a glimpse of your personality(the ideal polished side appropriate for first impressions). And finally, I love that it has not been overtaken by toys, remotes and electronics.

On behalf of my argument, I present our current living room(for resources, see end of post). Here is a glimpse as you first enter the house from the foyer. The console table along the back of the sofa always features this carefully selected pair of lamps and a centerpiece that changes with the seasons. Framing the sliding glass doors are my most coveted draperies that I had custom made at my shop years ago. They are my favorite color teal and are crewel embroidered with various shades of chartreuse. They have been repurposed from the dining room to the living room and I still never tire of them.

The next photos show the pair of antique chairs that I found for a steal at an antique shop years ago. I had them reupholstered in teal velvet and added some eclectic pillows for a touch of whimsy. Between the two chairs is a round table covered in round table cloths. On it I like to feature a few of my favorite things. I change the objects out from time to time but I like how the collection reveals little things unique to our family. For example, the silhouettes of my children from their toddler days, a painting I found while on vacation in Seaside, a gifted Limoges lion(I’m a Leo), a handmade cross from a trip to Honduras, some funky pottery art from the local farmer’s market here and a special photo of my family are all sentimental to me. (All of which would likely be broken if displayed in a high traffic area like a family room.)

Here is the front view of my sofa that I love. With its curvy profile, comfortable length and single seat cushion, it is both comfortable and elegant. I also love how it offers a blank canvas that goes with anything. Everyone thought I was crazy buying a white sofa with children but it is slip-covered and honestly I have only had to wash it a couple times. I change the accent pillows out periodically but here I am showing two square Suzani patterned pillows with a custom size lumbar pillow in the center. The tapestry over the lumbar is a textile find from Thailand that just speaks to me. Grounding the furniture is a floral kilim style rug.

The coffee table(which would not be ideal in a casual family room) shows a rotating collection of my latest musings. My daughter and I are obsessed with seashells right now so we like displaying some of our treasures on this wooden tray. On my coffee table, you can always find a book stack and a candle or small plant. The decoupage bowl usually holds some sort of decorative balls and the cross is representative of my faith.

With my argument presented, what is your stance on the formal living room vs. family great room? My husband is trying to convince me that we only need one big family room in the next house. I am on the fence about it. While I love the idea of not wasting space and the idea of an open living concept, I fret over not having a retreat I can call my own. How do you live in your home? Are you able to live peacefully together in one grand living room? How do you prevent the toys and screens from taking over? Help me with this dilemma. Leave your suggestions below.