083010-livingroom1.jpg When you talk about a living room, there are all sorts of images that come to mind. It can be a place to relax and watch TV, a place to entertain guests or it can even double as a home office, guest room and dining area (all at the same time)! If you're just starting out, here's a few things we advise decking your halls with.

It doesn't matter how you'll be putting your living room space to use, there are still a few basics that can really be used in almost any living room. Here's a few of our suggestions:

• Seating: Seating will depend on the size of your space (obviously), but we suggest having enough room for at least 4. If you don't have enough room for a sofa and a pair of chairs, try sticking with just chairs and some floor cushions. They can tuck under furniture easily and won't take up any floor space when they're not needed.

• 3 Sources of Lighting: Even the smallest of spaces need 3 light sources. A pair of lamps can complement an overhead fixture, or even dualing uplights on the floor if you only have room for a single lamp.

• Rug: Although this item makes the top of our living room list, we know it can be a pricey purchase. It is however, an important one. A rug can anchor your furniture to the space and provide a sense of warmth that can instantly make any space feel like "home."

• Art You Love: Even if you claim to have no interest in art, there's so many accessible sources to inexpensive art there's bound to be something you'll love. They don't have to be big and you don't have to have walls filled with frames, but your personality will show through in the pieces you do keep.

The rest of the things in your space are subjective to how you'll be using it, side tables, coasters, family photos, a ping pong table — all items that are on you to implement. What would you add to the list of bare essentials for the space?

Image: David and Jo-Nell's Warm Modern Loft