And we bet you want it to look both pulled together and comfortable.
In this waterfront Fairhope, Alabama, home a sea-blue soft is the focal point.
Theprimary couchand pair of wingback chairs continue the purple color scheme.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Here, color and pattern is strategically incorporated to mask the mess of kids and life.
It tells a story using art collected by homeowner Dorothy Shain Henderson and her husband William.
“When William and I started dating, we decided to buy a work of art together every year.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty
It didn’t have to be fancy, just something that we both loved,” says Henderson.
Welcoming hues and patterns adorn every surface and comfortable seating beckons.
This living room is also furnished with accessibility in mind, as is the rest of the house.
Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli
This living room incorporates large plants to draw the eye in.
The sofas offer plenty of room and invite conversation and games.
With such a light, inviting space, the family is certain to spend hours here.
Alison Gootee; Styling: Page Mullins.
Vibrant pillows and drapes in bright, beachy colors add a tropical flavor.
Try a strong punch of your favorite color to add interest to a subdued space.
This living room uses a large wood cabinet to hold glassware in a decorative and practical way.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
When a living room provides such stellar views, the seating is the most important aspect of the room.
Bring the Outdoors In
Materials that connect to your location are key to adding character.
A vintage kilim is layered over the sisal rug in a spot that is protected from heavy traffic.
Credit:James Ransom; Styling: Alya Hameedi
A similar approach could be used with decorative wall paneling.
An Early American sofa is covered in a contrasting dusty rose silk velvet.
Invest in Antiques
As your budget allows, invest in one fine antique per room.
Cooper chose a performance velvet for the 20-foot banquette. “It’s so big you don’t want to have to re-cover it,” she says. An equally sturdy fabric adorns the chairs in the breakfast nook where dogs Biggie and Ivy hold court.Credit:DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS
A pair of armchairs by the windows creates a secondary gathering space in this Birmingham home.
I splurged on this space.
I wanted it to be a little fancy.
Credit:LAUREY W. GLENN
Theres purposely no TV, and we love to entertain here after dinner.
Visually Divide a Great Room
Modern homes often have an open floor plan in the living space.
In this Georgia home, a rug and a pair of leather chairs also define the space.
Credit:JAMES RANSOM; STYLING: Veronica Olson
Make An Indoor Garden
A classicfloral chintz patternwas used here for both the curtains and the armchairs.
The shades and lamps also add a natural element.
By using overstuffed furniture, this formal living room feels more relaxed.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Try washable slipcovers if you have a high-traffic area.
Embrace Ideas from the Past
Try a great idea from the past.
Glass-fronted cabinets are a common feature in historic bungalows that can be incorporated in a newer home.
In the living room, natural light showcases MacDougallâs eclectic style.Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; Styling by Christina Wressell
In this living room, green leather chairs offer a modern touch.
To find these treasures, the homeowners went to eBay, Chairish and estate sales.
The resulting bounty reinforces what the couple calls the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe.
Credit:Brie Williams
Close it to make your living room feel private and intimate.
Then slide the door open anytime you have a free-flowing party.
The rug and upholstered chairs also have similar prints that tie them together.
Credit:James Ransom
Play With Color
An elk antler trophy is the focal point in this primarily gold-hued living room.
Adding splashes of color in an otherwise monochromatic space makes for a more lively room.
Whitewash the Walls
Allow your guests rather than your walls to provide any color to the space.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A few touches of deep blue make the whites appear even more brilliant.
Forgo the Chairs
These oversize sectionals allow everyone to sit with plenty of room to spare.
The bench-style seat cushions look cleaner and don’t shift around like multiple seat cushions do.
Credit: Carmel Brantley
With afurniture arrangementlike this, you’ll be lounging and conversing comfortably for hours.
White or off-white walls and furniture stay the same while a rotating collection can change with the seasons.
You’ll have the freedom to add a splash of color or change things up with pillows and throws.
Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez
“If they share a similar vibrancy and color temperature, they’ll look good together.”
A base of whites and neutrals helps keep the space grounded.
Mix Up the Seating
Seating shouldn’t be limited to club chairs and sofas.
Credit:Cody Ulrich
Utilize benches, ottomans, and odd side chairs to accommodate more people.
Soft green walls and a seashell lamp make the space relaxed and beachy.
Deeply stained wood floors and furniture add additional warmth to the space.
Credit:Brian Woodcock
A loveseat is covered in an unexpected lilac, while an animal-print chair heightens the drama.
A floral rug and coordinating pillows add further texture and color.
Let the Light In
Short on windows to capture natural light?
Credit:Alison Gootee
Replace solid exterior doors with glass ones for an airy feel and pretty views of your yard.
A skylight was added when renovating this 1935 cabin to make the room even brighter.
Beaded board is cheaper and looks great too.
Credit:Joseph De Leo
It adds historic charm to any brand-new house.
Ditto for chunky window casings.
Add Color to Collectables
Don’t be afraid to personalize the items you buy.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The honeycomb mirror over the fireplace was an inexpensive purchase from a chain store.
It’s unique enough to look like a custom-made piece.
Diamond-shaped molding on the walls provides an unusual focal point, while grass-cloth walls also add interest and texture.
Credit:Laurey W. Glenn
Accent with Red
Use bright colors and strong patterns to punctuate an otherwise neutral space.
The red upholstery and fabric in this living room add energy without overwhelming the area.
Boldly patterned pillows also bring in a touch of blue.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The uniform wall color also allows the original mantel and wood-paneled ceiling to shine.
Wingback chairs and an antebellum piano hearken to the past in this historic home.
The coffee table and built-in furniture provide space for storing games and books.
Credit: Photo: Laurey Glenn
Since guests typically gather in the kitchen, a keeping room is ideal for overflow and comfort.
They can relax in a small seating area while still keeping company with the cook.
The secretary also provides a spot for note writing and gift-wrap storage.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH
A blue-striped rug repeats the theme.
Slipcover in Style
Ready for a change?
Washable slipcovers in lighthearted new fabrics perk up old upholstery and give the furniture a longer lifespan.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Stools at the counter are slipcovered in coordinating fabric.
In this Nashville home, the simple symmetrical arrangement above the fireplace is clean and elegant.
The stain-treated fabrics in this formal-looking room are designed to stand up to wear and tear.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
She also wove in menswear-inspired fabrics like wools and plaids with floral and chintz patterns.
Create a Cozy Spot for Reading
This armchair is re-covered in a botanical print fabric.
The legs are painted white to lighten the visual weight of the piece.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
As a result, this prefab coastal college is airy and bright.
Books on South Carolina’s coastal area lie stacked on the coffee table and topped with shells.
Vases of palm fronds simply picked up from outside complete the tropical decor.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell
Pick Interchangeable Furniture
Use furniture that can be used flexibly around your home.
Repeat Prints
Repeating patterned fabrics in adjoining spaces is a great way to tie them together.
Here, the dining chair upholstery is repeated in accent pillows on the living room sofa.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
At the same time, other prints on drapes and pillows keep the space from becoming matchy-matchy.
They also removed a wall to open up the space into the kitchen.
Now everyone can get in on the action in their Alabama home.
Credit:Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins
Retrofit Your Lighting
Don’t be trapped by a light’s intended use.
This homeowner painted an outdoor lantern and wired it for the indoors.
It’s a whimsical choice for a room painted in a lighthearted pink and green.
Credit:Dane Tashima, STYLING: Buffy Hargett Miller
Painting the ceiling an airy blue also makes it soar.
The translucent chandelier and long drapes help the room feel taller.
The outdoor-rated fabric won’t fade and will easily shed stains.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Outdoor, washable rugs can also be used in a high-traffic family room.
The long upholstered ottoman does double duty as a coffee table and a bench.
In this Tulsa, Oklahoma home, everything is designed to be family-friendly.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Curate a Rotating Mantle Display
Display an ever-changing arrangement of artwork and accessories above the mantel.
Pick up one-of-a-kind finds at the flea market or antique store.
As you find new collectibles, swap them out as a quick way to change up the look.
Credit: Laurey W.Glenn
A mostly blue palette sets apart the area, which has plenty of seating to accommodate a crowd.
Hang Mini-Galleries
Hang mini-galleries throughout the house to maximize limited wall space and showcase art.
Create groupings within her collection of artwork based on styles, weight, and frames.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Use artwork wherever you see an opportunity above doors, between windows, or even wrapped around the TV.
Create a Nook for Artwork
A stacked fieldstone fireplace takes center stage in this family room.
Splash on the Color
Don’t be afraid to try a rainbow of colors.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
This cheerful space incorporates lemon yellow, green, and tangerine.
A neutral sofa and rug help keep the room grounded.
Built-in shelves and floating shelves add additional display space.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Beautiful baskets can do double duty, hiding away your collection of remotes.
Salvage Original Materials
Salvage materials to add unique architectural features to your home.
This multi-functional room can serve as a workspace, a quiet escape, or a fun entertaining space.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Especially with more families working from home, these multi-functional areas are becoming more popular and a priority.
Divide Up Large Rooms
How do you make a gigantic room look cozy in an open floorplan?
Turns out it’s all about dividing the room into cozy seating areas.
Credit: Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
A console table and lamps behind the sofa help to separate the space.
She fearlessly painted these bookshelves in her remodeled home a bold navy to great effect.
Thebookshelveswere an Ikea purchase that she repainted and framed in for a custom built-in look.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Barn builders used post-and-beam construction in rough-hewn yellow pine in this farmhouse living room.
Linen curtains with vintage trim add elegance to the rustic room.
Mix Up Monochromatic
Make monochromatic more interesting.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin
A print over the fireplace also plays up the monochromatic theme.
“Original artwork adds so much soul to a home.”
Tip: A large sofa needs large pillowsours are 26 inches square.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Bonus Tip: Reinvent vintage finds in a new setting.
Here, an old flat file cabinet works as a coffee table.
Interior decorator Phoebe Howard balanced the rustic elements in this Nashville house with color.
Credit: Photography: Laurey W. Glenn
Colorful, loose abstract art pieces keep a formal room from feeling stuffy.
Hide Private Spaces
Use design elements like these louvered doors to make private spaces inconspicuous.
The antique hutch in this room gives a sense of history.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Try a knotty pine table that won’t be ruined by spills and scratches.
Cottage style is all about creating a comfortable space for the entire family.
The walls and sofa reflect a color pulled straight from one of the pieces.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
With such bold colors, matching the sofa to the wall color prevents it from overwhelming the room.
Keep it Neutral
Keep the beautiful views the primary focus.
The soft color gives the room a restful feel.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
Don’t underestimate your living room’s greatest feature: the view.
The two-story-tall window in this living room maximizes natural light.
An undivided lower sash and a window seat take maximum advantage of the serene exterior view.
Credit: Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
Give Your Living Room a Sense of Place
This home’s boho beach style is well-developed.
Palm fronds and shells are scattered around the room.
A large rattan coffee table gives the room a mellow, beachy edge and doubles as a game table.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Liz Strong
The living room had to be equal parts hangout spot, entertaining center, and functional pass-through.
While a crisp white sofa and chintz slipper chairs dress the space, McGregor favors ottomansover coffee tables.
“I want people to lie back and put up their feet.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll
Comfort is my number one goal,” she says.
“I look for furniture you’re free to feel comfortable in.
A neutral color palette and beaded board ceilings throughout the home allow historic features to shine.
Credit: Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
“There’s not one thing that feels contrived about this house.
It’s relaxed and natural,” says homeowner Terry Banta.
Harmonize High and Low Style
This unpretentious living room seamlessly blends one-of-a-kind finds with discount-store purchases.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Luxe custom upholstery and antique-auction furnishings mingle well with bargain buys such as a modern flower chandelier from Ikea.
The soft neutral upholstery and wall color allow each piece to pop.
At the same time, the limited color palette of the prints prevents the room from being overwhelmed.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Celebrate the View
Stunning views of the marshland drove the design of this Palmetto Bluff living room.
To balance the towering white walls, the dark, richly colored floors and hearth draw the eye downward.
fire up the Floor Plan
These days most every homebuyeror home remodelerwants an open plan house.
Credit: Charles Walton IV
That’s why this practical layout is undoubtedly here to stay.
Additionally, choose seating arrangements that encourage conversation or help situate a space for a specific task.
Finally, adding plants or scented candles adds a warm, welcoming touch to a room.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Decorating on a budget is about making the most out of what you have.
Minimalism will also transform your area, making the room feel fresh and modern.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Photo Robbie Caponetto / Styling Anne Turner Carroll and Fran Keenan
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Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
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Credit: Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
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