Creating the comfort zone of your dreams.

• Position: Your Life - Living room

Since it is where you and your family do most of their living at home, the living room is perhaps the single-most-important area in your residence. We're not talking about the living room of yore--the hands-off room that, as a child, you weren't allowed to venture into. We're talking about the room where you and your family gather for watching TV and movies, playing games, reading by the fire, or just enjoying being together.

Because it's meant to be lived in, the living room should be inviting, warm, and cozy--your very own comfort zone. At the same time, it's the perfect place for you to express your personal style, and you should be proud to use it and show it off when entertaining guests.

To help ensure you are on the right track in creating the living room of your dreams, the American Furniture Manufacturers Association offers the following guidelines:

Consider your lifestyle. Do you have young children who will be jumping on the sofa or teens who will be bringing their friends over for fun, games, and snacks? Or do you live alone or with a neatness nut who desires a clean, pristine look with white upholstery and glass-topped tables? It is important to think about how the area will be used before deciding what furnishings to buy. Your goal is to create a room that is practical and convenient for everyday living, but one that you love and that you want to share with family and friends.

Develop a buying plan. Knowing how much money you can spend over time will help you prioritize your purchases.

Think first about seating. Start with a sofa or sectional since it will serve as the centerpiece of your room. If you have children and/or pets, you may want to select leather, chenille, or another highly durable cover. A chair and ottoman make a good choice for relaxing, as do recliners.

Choose occasional tables. End tables and cocktail tables can serve as places to rest your feet or set a book or drink down. If there's room, a sofa table is handy for lamps and can display framed family pictures or collectibles.

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