Ladies, it's time to uncover that wedding gift you never quite knew what to do with. Slow-cookers are one of the easiest ways to make a delicious meal. Simply mix together hearty ingredients like chicken, peppers and potatoes, season them and set the temperature. Voila! While you're off at work or running errands, a decadent meal is bubbling away, ready for you when you return. Let the different flavors meld together for an ideal Spring Vegetable & Chicken Stew or tender Picadillo Stuffed Peppers; the possibilities are endless!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes:
1. Spring Vegetable & Chicken Stew
Photographed for Woman's Day by Rita Maas.
Enjoy this vegetable-filled springtime take on hearty chicken stew.
2. Thai Chicken Legs
Photographed for Woman's Day by Frances Janisch.
This super-tender version of the Thai favorite combines authentic ingredients like chopped peanuts and soy sauce.
3. Picadillo Stuffed Peppers
Photographed for Woman's Day by Kate Sears.
This super-tender version of the Thai favorite combines authentic ingredients like chopped peanuts and soy sauce.
4. Chicken Paprikash
Photographed for Woman's Day by Mary Ellen Bartley.
Pull the ingredients for this simple recipe straight from your pantry.
5. Tarragon Chicken
Photographed for Woman's Day by Charles Schiller.
Use the high setting on your cooker to thicken up this recipe's delicious cream sauce.
6. Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken
Photographed for Woman's Day by Mary Ellen Bartley.
Take your dinner table on a vacation with this tropically-inspired dish.
7. Mango Chutney Chicken
Photographed for Woman's Day by Mary Ellen Bartley.
Change up your standard chicken dinner with this fresh and fruity sauce.
8. Chicken with Potatoes & Olives
Photographed for Woman's Day by James Baigrie.
A gourmet version of your basic meat and potatoes standby.
9. Chicken & Vegetables with Creamy Mustard-Herb Sauce
Photographed for Woman's Day by Dasha Wright.
Dijon mustard, dill and scallions combine for an unforgettable poultry dish.
10. Creamy Succotash Chicken
Photographed for Woman's Day by Charles Schiller.
A tastier, creamier twist on the Southern classic.
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Sure, well-made, beautiful furniture and a strategic layout are important elements of a living room design, but you know what literally sets the mood? Lighting. From understated and recessed to over-the-top statement pieces, the options are endless. Ahead, we're spotlighting fifteen living room lighting ideas (both ambient and task-specific) to keep your entertaining and hangout space well-lit, stylish, and functional.
Corinne Mathern Studio
1 of 15
Mini Pendant
If you have a small little niche in your living room, transform it into a reading nook. Take inspiration from this one designed by Corinne Mathern Studio, which features a built-in bench covered in throw pillows and comfy cushions. Add a mini pendant to illuminate the nook without taking up floor space.
Anna Spiro Design
2 of 15
Fun Lamp Shade
The pleated lemon yellow lampshade in this colorful living room designed by Anna Spiro Design is the cherry on top. Though the fun pillows and ottoman, elegant gilt mirror, and bright blue walls make the space fun and inviting, the lamp is what really makes it pop.
Fantastic Frank
3 of 15
Multi-Tiered Pendant
Want to go a little glam without looking too showy? Add in minimal brass accents, like a metal-frame coffee table and eye-catching metallic lighting. This living room is also a good blueprint for small space decorating. While the only three furniture items are two seats and a small coffee table, the ceiling light is all it takes to make the entire room feel special.
Annie Schlechter
4 of 15
Modern Chandelier
Designed by Studio Riga, this blue living room is lit up by a modern white chandelier that contrasts well with the more traditional elements, such as the tufted seating and chesterfield sofa. The two table lamps also provide some extra task lighting.
Reid Rolls
5 of 15
Paper Shade Pendant
Rice paper shade pendants are as affordable as it gets when it comes to statement lighting that also looks elevated and sleek. They also emit a soft glow. In this living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, it complements the all-white aesthetic beautifully.
Trevor Tondro
6 of 15
Matching Fixtures
If you have a super spacious living room, consider breaking it into two distinct sitting areas and creating symmetry by hanging identical light fixtures over each. Take a cue from this Spanish-inspired great room by Madeline Stuart.
Nicole Franzen
7 of 15
Sculptural Sconce
Opt for a sculptural sconce that doubles as artwork to spice up your living room wall. It's an especially effective way to embolden a minimalist living room like this one.
Heather Hilliard Design
8 of 15
Recessed Lighting
Though the classic floor lamp adds some nice task lighting, the recessed lighting in the coffered ceiling is what really brightens up this living room by designer Heather Hilliard, who added some unexpectedly edgy elements. The floral sofa and the green lucite coffee table are welcome surprises that break up the classic elements without overpowering them.
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
9 of 15
Spotlights
Modern and minimalist spaces, like an open loft or new development, can be warmed up with earth tones, layers of plush materials, and artful accessories. Here, Tamsin Johnson kept the edgy vibe alive with an avant-garde mirror and a low-to-the-ground chrome coffee table. She also added extra lighting by installing sleek black spotlights by the built-ins.
Roland Bello
10 of 15
Sconce Lamp
A blue velvet sofa stands out in the family room of a Manhattan apartment designed by the inimitable Miles Redd. The wallpaper is hung horizontally rather than vertically for a modern, offbeat look. The sconce lamp in the corner lights things up without taking up floor space or being shoved awkwardly behind the sofa.
Alexandra Ribar
11 of 15
DIY Pendant
Get creative! You don't have to invest in a super expensive statement piece to have beautiful lighting. Designer Leanne Ford painted the natural IKEA rug and custom-made rope light to coordinate.
Heidi Caillier Design
12 of 15
Drum Pendant
In this eclectic living room designed by Heidi Caillier, the jute rug, wood finishes, and brass accents—particularly the inverted drum pendant—bring plenty of warmth to ensure a cozy, inviting space. The off-white walls also help warm up the room.
Kingston Lafferty Design
13 of 15
Rainbow Sputnik
This fun and playful yet classic living room designed by Kingston Lafferty revolves around the rainbow sputnik chandelier. Sputniks are great for a burst of energy, as the very shape makes them appear to be radiating joy.
Tamsin Johnson
14 of 15
3-Headed Floor Lamp
Though understated and neutral in color, this living room designed by Tamsin Johnson incorporates plenty of personality, from the three-tiered arc lamp to the beachy rattan furniture. While the shapely floor lamp adds character, the abundant natural light also helps set the tone for the room. The window seat is a great addition to a living-room-family-room hybrid since it blends into the background when not in use but also provides a cozy spot when the occupant just feels like hanging out.
Studio DB
15 of 15
Whimsical Pendant
If your formal living room is also your family room, you want to make sure it strikes a balance between super comfortable and presentable. A cozy family room that cleans up nicely, if you will. A super soft sectional with plenty of space to spread out for movie nights is a must, but choose one that also looks elegant. Then add fun, eye-catching lighting for an extra punch of whimsy, like the pendant in this Studio DB-designed room.
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Hadley MendelsohnSenior EditorHadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.
How to Decorate a Small Living Room
Every small living space offers design challenges. While it's important to make all of the rooms in your home functional, the living room is especially key because many people spend a lot of their time at home in the living room. From selecting furniture that is an appropriate scale for the space to maximizing hidden storage solutions to strategically placing a mirror to add depth and light, there are an extensive range of practical and easily attainable design ideas that will help you create the living room of your dreams in your small space.
6 Small Living Room Ideas
1. Select Furniture to Fit the Existing Space
2. Consider Hidden Storage
3. Create a Focal Point
4. Add Light and Depth
5. Don't Be Afraid of Color
6. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
The trunk serves as a coffee table and storage piece while adding a funky vintage touch to the living room.
Amanda Holstein via Advice From a Twenty Something
1. Select Furniture to Fit the Existing Space
Determine Scale and Configuration
When you're working with a compact living room, large-scale furniture often isn't an option. Be realistic about the space. For example, if an oversized recliner won't fit, choose a pair of smaller chairs. Many people also get hung up on common furniture configurations. For example, nothing says that you need a full-sized sofa in your living room. A love seat paired with a bench and an armchair may work more naturally in your space.
Think Multifunctional
Choosing multifunctional pieces will also make the most of your living room. For example, a bench with storage will provide seating while housing pillows and blankets. A coffee table or console table makes a great addition to a living room but only when it makes sense for the space. Your small living room may be better suited for two small tables that open up the space and can be moved as needed to accommodate different functions.
Consider Floating Furniture and Low Seating
Floating furniture and low seating can make all the difference when it comes to keeping the space open and flowing. Design a floating furniture arrangement in the center of the room instead of pushing pieces up against the walls. Install shelves and other built-in components off the floor to create the illusion of space. If you choose low seating, select pieces that don't distract from the focal statement in the room. For example, a pair of low stools in front of the mantel will keep the fireplace as the focus of the living room.
The wall length built-in keeps this narrow living room streamlined and clutter free.
Tory Kingdon via House and Garden UK
Concealed storage is a great way to house items in the living room without creating a cluttered space. Furniture pieces that boast concealed storage, such as an ottoman with built-in storage, are a great option. You may also want to consider decor pieces that do double duty as storage, such as colorful baskets or jars. Do you have a hard time finding concealed storage pieces that don't take up a ton of floor space? Think about biting the bullet and devoting a single wall to built-in storage. To further streamline the storage, keep your items in the built-in hidden behind doors or curtains.
Read More From Dengarden
The living room layout showcases the focal fireplace and mantel.
Kendyl Young, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.com
3. Create a Focal Point
A focal point is ideal for drawing people into a space while making it more uplifting and even sophisticated. Think about focusing your living room around a fireplace, sofa, coffee table, artwork, or mirror. Once you've settled on your focal point, design the rest of the living room around your statement piece to pull the entire look together.
The mirrors reflect the whole space, making it appear larger, while bringing more natural light into the room.
Brunet Souet via Milk Decoration
4. Add Light and Depth
Small living rooms with flat features and dark corners look dreary, even when they boast unique furniture and wall hangings. Maximize the natural light in the room, and don't be afraid to add artificial light sources as well. You'll bring even more light and depth into your compact living room with wallpaper and strategically placed mirrors and plants. Purely decorative mirrors still pack a visual punch and draw extra light into the space.
The floral theme ties the colored items in the room together.
House to Home UK - link no longer active
5. Don't Be Afraid of Color
Many people steer clear of color in small living rooms, believing that it will overwhelm the space. While there is nothing wrong with designing a small living room that features neutral shades, color can make the space appear larger. Select a color scheme with a maximum of three shades to create a unified aesthetic. If you want to use additional colors, incorporate them as accents. Typically lighter shades make a space look larger, but careful use of darker shades takes the style and drama in the room up a notch.
When you paint a small living room, select a satin or semigloss finish to reflect the light. If you want to tie the color scheme in the room together without painting or buying new furniture, consider an area rug. Layer a rug over carpeting to make the room feel cozier or conceal dark flooring with a brightly colored rug to lighten up a dark space.
This set of floating shelves draw the eye up while adding room for knick knacks in otherwise wasted corner space.
Sarah and Joshua Rhodes via A Beautiful Mess
6. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Build up instead of out to maximize the available space. When you hang curtains, place the curtain rods right below the ceiling. Then choose curtains that extend all the way to the floor to make the ceiling look higher. If you're selecting art or other wall hangings, consider designing a gallery wall or choosing a few large pieces that fill the whole space. Do you have an odd nook that currently serves little or no purpose in the living room? Think about constructing shelves to simultaneously add storage and draw the eye upward.
Small Family Room Design
Finally, creating the ideal flow for your small living room is an ongoing process. It often takes weeks, or even months, of living with a living room arrangement to determine what is and isn't working. Don't be afraid to keep making tweaks and adjusting the layout until you find a arrangement that suits you and your family.
Additional Small Home Resources
Frugal Storage Ideas for Small Homes: Creative, Unique Organization Methods Creating functional storage for a small home is simple when you're equipped with the right organizational tools. Pick up purchasing resources, general organization tips, and much more.
How to Make the Most of a Small Kitchen: Simple, Affordable Kitchen Solutions for Every Budget Organize and brighten up your small kitchen space with practical solutions to create a functional yet inviting space for family and friends.
Very good article you wrote very helpful tips and pictures are so beautiful you added.
Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on April 05, 2016:
Excellent hub!
I enjoyed going through your tips and suggestions to design and lay out a small living room. Using the place below staircase is a very nice idea. Very attractive pictures to complement your interesting and useful hub.
Regional Plastic Surgery Center and Regional Skin & Laser Dominate the Living Magazine Readers' Choice Awards in 2020
We are proud to announce that three of Regional Plastic Surgery Center's board-certified plastic surgeons and two of Regional Skin & Laser's medical spa personnel have won "Best Of" in the Living Magazine Readers' Choice Awards for 2020! Each recipient received awards in all of the categories and geographical areas they were nominated in. This is an outstanding testament to the remarkable experience, expertise, and results they provide to our patients.
Here is a complete review of our 2020 wins:
Dr. Bruce Byrne – Named "Best Plastic Surgeon" and "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" in Lakeside Living Magazine edition (which covers the cities of Rockwall, Heath, Rowlett, Fate, and Forney). This is the 8th year in a row that he has been honored with these awards!
Dr. Joshua Lemmon – Named "Best Plastic Surgeon" and "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" in the Richardson/Murphy Living Magazine edition (which represents the cities of Richardson, Murphy, Sachse, and Garland).
Dr. Denton Watumull – Named "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" in the Richardson/Murphy Living Magazine edition (which represents the cities of Richardson, Murphy, Sachse, and Garland).
Regional Skin & Laser Center – Named "Best Place for BOTOX", "Best Medspa", "Best Facial Treatments", and "Best Laser Hair Removal" in Richardson and Murphy. These cosmetic treatments are performed by Vaunda Hickman, RN, CANS (Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist) and Jamee LaPoint, LE, SLT.
All of our plastic surgeons and team members at Regional Plastic Surgery Center and Regional Skin & Laser Center are grateful to the patients, friends, colleagues, and other supporters who took the time to vote for our contenders. We are committed to continuing to provide award-winning care and results for each and every one of our patients!
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Having a dedicated pooja room at home isn't always a feasible option.. When we're struggling to fit storage and furniture into small homes, setting aside an entire room — even a tiny room — for a place of worship is tough. But, not to worry! We have curated over 25 mandir designs for small flats that will fit right into your living room.
Wondering why you must pick the living room of all places to fit in a pooja unit? This is mainly because living rooms are typically the largest space in the house. Also, all family members have access to the pooja room as it is in a common space. Last but not the least, bedrooms are not ideal for placing a mandir as per vastu.
Now let us move straight to some of the best mandir designs for small flats that can fit right into a compact living room.
#1: Simple Mandir Designs for Small Flats With Jaali Doors
Made of plywood, this compact design is replete with details
The wall-mounted modern mandir design for small flats with its intricately carved jaali doors is a beautiful addition to any living room.
#2: Beautiful Mandir Design for Small Flats in Step Design
Create elevation for a layered look
If you have a wall that isn't used, then create a small elevation to keep your deities. The jaali design brings in a temple-like ambience as do the bells.
#3: Pooja Corner Cladded With Stones for Rustic Look
Highlight pooja corner with the stone-cladding on the walls
This design is beautifully made to spread serenity with its wooden finish and unique stone-cladded backdrop. If you have a wall niche like this one, use it to the fullest.
#4: Wall-mounted Wooden Mandir Designs for Small Flats
Make sure there is storage for pooja essentials
A mandir design for small space doesn't have to be small. But, you can save space using a large wall-mounted unit with shelves to store your pooja items.
#5: Minimal Pooja Unit Design on Purple Wall
Make a bold statement with rich paint colours
Even in a simple mandir design for the walls, you can definitely give it a buoyant look with a bold colour. It makes the pooja shelf stand out and also glams up your living room.
#6: Sleek Pooja Corner With Storage
Carve out a quite niche
Pooja room designs in flats can be created using a small partition to separate the space from your living room. Also, add a chest of drawers to store essentials.
#7: Partition to Segregate Your Pooja Corner From the Living Room
Add a simple jaali partition to the living room
This mandir designs for small flats uses a gold jaali partition to give it a luxurious look. The jaali partition gives enough privacy when you offer your prayers.
#8: Pooja Unit Design With Wooden Backpanel
Go for the wooden back panel and roofing for a stunning effect
Let your pooja room design in the flat have the centre stage with a beautiful golden decal to highlight the space.
#9: Wooden Mandir Design With Bells
Don't miss the Om mandala motif in the back panel
Instead of a simple mandir design for a small flat make a statement with delicate details. The Om background brings in a sense of calm visually.
#10: Portable Mandir Design for Small Flats
If you move homes a lot, you need a portable unit
Portable mandir designs in small spaces are beneficial when you need to make room for different occasions like festivals and more. It can be moved according to your convenience.
#11: Wooden Pooja Unit With Storage
Storage for all pooja samagri
This pooja unit is fixed in a corner of the living room with two jaali partitions to create a niche of its own. The trick is to stick with a colour scheme similar to the living rooms.
#12: Traditional Wooden Mandir on Floor
Make it a part of your home
Your pooja unit doesn't have to be tucked away into a corner. This design makes the pooja room design in the small flat a part of the interiors.
#13: Simple Pooja Unit for Living Room
All you have to do is place bench against the wall
Give even the simplest mandir design in small flats flair by adding bells that bring in a traditional vibe. Adding gold accents completes the look.
#14: Wooden Mandir Designs for Small Flats Placed Against a Beam
Use the beams in your living room to create your own pooja space
Another modern mandir design for small flats that makes use of a floor-to-ceiling wooden paneling to carve out space for the pooja unit.
#15: Contemporary Pooja Rack for Living Room
Think outside the box
A multi-shelving unit put to good use in this mandir design for small flats. Fusing tradition in a contemporary setup, this design works for most modern Indian homes.
#16: Floating Pooja Unit in Living Room
Don't miss the frosted glass partition here
In an energetic world where chaos reigns, a meditative space brings in peace of mind. As a depiction of this idea, this mandir design for small flats tones down the vibrance of the orange walls with it's compact and rich wooden presence.
#17: Solid Wood Pooja Unit for Living Area
Rooted in tradition
Even in modern designs with their cool, straight lines, adding a wooden pooja unit can bring in a soothing look.
#18: Veneer Finish Small Pooja Unit for Wall
When in doubt, keep it simple!
Using a simple wall-mounted unit can be helpful in creating a zone to pray in peace. Subtlety eases the mind; a principle of Vastu that the design follows.
#19: Wood and Glass Pooja Unit With Storage
Use a jaali cover on top like this pooja unit if you want to keep lamps lit in there
Glass doors that cover up the pooja room when not in use. Making the mandir part of your storage space is a great idea.
#20: Compact yet Comforting Mandir Designs for Small Flats
Sleek and in a niche
When you put your mind to it, you can place your mandir design in small flats easily. This small mandir design with wooden slats for partition is the proof.
#21: Pooja Unit With Backlit Panel
Light up the pooja room
The bright backlit jaali background acts as a great highlight for the mandir placed atop the chest of drawers.
#22: Mandir Designs for Small Flats With Wooden Pattis
Warm and traditional
By paying close attention to details, even a simple design can stand out in your small home. These criss-cross wooden carvings add to the elegance of the simple mandir design for small homes.
#23: Pooja Unit Design With Wooden Rafters
The glowing backsplash is shimmer gold-coloured wallpaper
A simple mat in front of your pooja corner can help you spend some quality time in silence or prayers.
#24: Mandir Designs for Small Flats With Green Motifs
Use colours and patterns of nature
Nature brings you closer to the meditative state with its vibrant greens and soothing natural aura. Adding a wallpaper with leaf prints works for your mandir design.
#25: Rustic Steel coloured Mandir Designs for Small Flats
Blend into the ambience
Your mandir can be a core part of your home by blending in well with its interior style. This rustic look is elevated with a marble background for the deity.
#26: Jaali Design for Pooja Unit
See the delicate carvings on the jaali panels?
Creating space by simply using a jaali enclosure can also make your mandir a part of your living room. Add in some pouffes to sit and meditate as you like.
#27: All in White Pooja Room
The colours of serenity and purity, an all-white mandir design for small spaces not just sets the mood but also suits small flats.
Having a mandir at home gives you a space to relax and focus. Even the smallest pooja room design can help you achieve this. Here are 35+ pooja room designs you can check to find your inspiration.
How Can Livspace Help You?
We hope you found our ideas useful! If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Delivering safe home interiors has been our No. 1 priority. Click here to find out how interiors are being delivered following all safety protocols.
Let us know your comments and suggestions at editor@livspace.com.
We are proud to announce that three of Regional Plastic Surgery Center's board-certified plastic surgeons and two of Regional Skin & Laser's medical spa personnel have won "Best Of" in the Living Magazine Readers' Choice Awards for 2020! Each recipient received awards in all of the categories and geographical areas they were nominated in. This is an outstanding testament to the remarkable experience, expertise, and results they provide to our patients.
