Shea McGee Is Begging Us All To Avoid This Living Room Myth

When ensuring each room in your home has the perfect atmosphere, there are many design options that can help you set a specific tone. For example, when it comes to your living room, you may play around with colors to match a vibrant vibe, add natural materials to up the room's calming factor, or experiment with other living room décor ideas that will inspire you and your guests. 

For formal living rooms, on the other hand, it can seem like there are more design rules to follow than there are uses for them. That's because, historically, this room is more about aesthetics than it is about function — many formal living rooms are left unused unless guests are over. However, HGTV star and interior designer Shea McGee shared with Realtor.com that the one formal living room myth to avoid is the idea that it should only be used for special occasions.

Historically, formal living rooms have been used to entertain guests. In the Victorian era, formal sitting rooms were where artwork and fine décor were displayed, often as a symbol of their wealth and social status. Formal living rooms today, much like they were used in the Victorian period, are very much unused spaces for entertaining guests who are passing through, rather than being coveted for everyday use. While it's true that each room in your home should serve its function, a formal living room should still be used casually, according to Shea. In fact, she warns about these rooms lacking the intimate, cozy feel. With certain design choices and hacks on how to make your living room feel extra cozy, you're on your way to transforming your formal space into one you can feel comfortable using often.

There are a variety of ways to design the perfect entertainment space for hosting guests in your formal living room, but the truth is, it typically goes unused 95% of the time. It might be a no-brainer that the first way to make your formal living room more efficient and lived-in is to use it more often, but it can get tricky when you have a standard living room competing for your leisure. The trick to that, according to Shea, is to add cozy elements that will draw you in and allow for maximal connection. 

For example, formal living rooms tend to have matching sets and fancy pieces that are more for showing off to your guests. To make this space less formal and more cozy, mix things up with mismatched sets and colors. Depending on the kind of mood you're going for in your living room, you might add a deep forest green to maintain a sophisticated feel or gorgeous neutrals to add an airy, open element to the space.

Another way to create a cozy atmosphere, explains Shea, is by adding furniture pieces, such as nooks and sectionals, which encourage a space for relaxation and socialization. Adding a built-in bookshelf can be a great way to make a space feel cozy and lived-in, and can easily soften up a formal space. Adding natural elements, such as potted plants, can be a charming touch to this space. Overall, the trick here is to avoid cold, unused spaces and instead, add furniture and décor that will be appreciated for everyday use, based on the leisure activities and on the idea of connecting with your family intentionally.