How i design my living room

Learn How To Decorate A Living Room In 6 Easy Steps

Of all of the rooms in your house, the living room is by far one of the most important ones. After all, your living room is your entertainment center, the place for cozy movie nights with the family, and where your guests mingle when they visit. So, it's not surprising to feel a bit intimidated about decorating this important room. Not to worry, we're sharing our step-by-step guide on how to decorate a living room to make it look like it came straight out of a magazine.

Step 1: Know Your Measurements

Even before you have all your living room design ideas on paper, you need to do one thing -- measure. Your entire living room design could be inaccurate or not work in the space from window treatments, furniture, and rugs if you do not measure each nook and cranny.

You'll want to pay special attention to walls with windows, doors, or inset, as these areas will limit the room’s layout. Make sure to take this sketch with you while shopping. It’ll help prevent accidents or order incorrect size furniture.

No one wants to PIVOT their new leather sofa into their new dream living room.

Step 2: Picture the Layout

You don’t have to be an interior designer or an architect to think about how you want your living room’s layout to be. When you take the time to draw a layout of your room, you can get a better idea of the furniture you need to buy.

It can help you figure out if you’ll have enough space for your new bar cabinet or your long sectional sofa. At the same time, it can also help you realize that maybe you won’t have room to add that additional cabinet to showcase your family’s serveware collection.

Think about your layout or floor plan as the first step into dreaming about what your living space will look like. Next, make a list of the important items for you to have in the room and prioritize the positioning of these items.

Are you having trouble creating a layout? There is a plethora of floor planner software available, or our team of expert designers can create the perfect living room layout for you.

Step 3: Choose Your Style

This is the trickiest part of creating your living room space. But, deciding how you want to live will set the baseline for where and how you’ll shop for furniture. Think about the style you wish to showcase: modern, contemporary, relaxed, formal, warm, farmhouse, or inviting. Choosing a style can help you figure out what you need.

Ask yourself:

What will I be doing in my living room?
How many people will usually be spending their time there?
Am I planning on hosting parties?
Do I enjoy watching TV in the living room?

While it might seem like unrelated questions, these can help you understand the type of furniture you’ll need.

For example, if you know that you’ll spend time watching TV in the living room, maybe investing in a comfortable sectional sofa is more important than adding accent chairs. On the contrary, if you’re planning to host parties, a loveseat paired with accent chairs and ottomans might give you more flexibility to create an inviting seating area that sparks conversations.

Step 4: Find the Sofa First

Whenever you're looking up living room ideas, the first results typically revolve around the sofa. It makes perfect sense; the couch is perhaps the largest piece of furniture in your living room and will dictate how you arrange the rest of the parts.

Find a sofa that will become your focal point. Remember to keep in mind the functionality of your living room. If you know you'll spend a lot of time here watching TV, then a sectional is a better option than a loveseat.

Additionally, lifestyle considerations like pets and children will make the material of the sofa more important.

Whether you’re choosing an accent, large sofa, or playing with various seating options, make sure you don’t over-saturate the space. While you want your seating area to be comfortable, you also want to leave enough room to walk around the area without continually tripping over the edges of the sofa or the coffee table.

Step 3: Pick the Area Rug

Area rugs can be tricky to buy if you don't know what you need. For a living room, you should find a big enough rug to fit all your furniture. Ideally, keep about 10-to-20 inches of bare floor between the edges of the carpet and the room walls. Keep in mind, when area rugs are too small, the living room will look disjointed.

Nowadays, you can even layer different area rugs to create more depth and add more texture. If you’re looking for an exciting look, consider mixing and matching different shapes and textures to create an intricate design that will make the living room look more grounded.

Step 4: Get the Right Lighting

For your living room to look put together, you need three lighting types: ambient, task, and accent. To make this happen, you might consider a mix of overhead chandeliers, table and floor lamps next to the main sofa for accent, and wall sconces for ambient lighting. Lighting can be quite tricky, so make sure to have an overall idea of how your living room will be arranged before you buy lighting.

When it comes to lighting, you can have some fun. We always get questions like, “Should I use two matching lamps?” The answer is: you don't have to! Depending on your living room’s style, you can play around with the pieces you add.

For example, you can use a statement lamp on one side that goes with your side table, but on the other side, choose a floor lamp that provides different lighting. Not only are you choosing the right light style for each portion of your living room, but you’re also adding more pieces to make the space look more intriguing.

Here are some lighting ideas for your home to give you some inspiration.

Step 5: Decide on Your Color Palette

When it comes to living room ideas, choosing the right paint color is crucial. Pick a color palette that compliments your furniture choices, your home’s overall aesthetic, and the style you want to achieve in this room.

Remember, lighting will also play a critical role in choosing the right paint colors, so don't forget to look at steps four and five together.

Remember that you can mix decor trends and different colors. Don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and styles throughout your living room. However, make sure that there’s a common theme, whether it’s the color, the style, or the subject matter, to ensure you don’t make the space look overwhelming.

Step 6: Add Wall Art & Accessories

No living room decor ideas would be complete without wall art and accessories. Don't go crazy, thinking that every inch of the room needs to be filled. Empty space is vital in designing comfortable spaces as it provides a place for your eyes to rest. Including wall art and accessories like pillows, blankets, mirrors, decorative items will pull the space together and complete the look.

It can be challenging to choose artwork to match your space. However, think about the overall theme when selecting your wall art. Remember that when you’re adding wall accessories, these are often pieces that are deeply personal choices and speak about your personality. Other components can be more strategic, like an oversized floor mirror over a small wall to make the room seem more spacious.

More Tips on How to Decorate a Living Room

Regardless of your style, there’s an art to decorating a room that fits your aesthetic. Now that you have the basics, here are some tips on how to decorate a living room like a professional.

1. Mix Light and Dark Paint Colors

We’re used to seeing rooms in one color only. But, when you combine dark and light living room paint colors, you create a dynamic look that adds depth and balance to your space. Check out some of the most popular living room paint colors to get you started.

2. Contrast Neutral Colors

On that same note, remember that you can contrast neutral colors as well. For example, white walls can create a crisp contrast to caramel leather accents and brass hardware. Using contrasting tones makes the palette feel richer, and it will give you a striking look as you start adding more color and texture.

3. Play With Texture

If you don’t feel confident using color to create a unique look, incorporate different textures instead. You can include texture by adding leather, cotton, wool, stone, glass, and many other textures as you wish.

4. Mix Your Upholstery

As you start to be more creative and playful with your furniture choices, try to mix up your upholstery. Mix and match pieces to give your decor more personality and break up the style. One of the safest ways to do this is to mix leather chairs with a fabric sofa or vice versa.

5. Choose Movable Furniture

When choosing your tables, stools, and ottomans, make sure they’re easy to move. This will give you many options to choose from, and it creates a more dynamic living room space that can adapt to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start decorating my living room?

Hopefully, the tips above will help you get started on planning your living room space and decor. Try to start small. Otherwise, a whole redesigning project can be too overwhelming. Usually, most people begin with picking the rug, sofa, and accent art wall. Work your way around your TV and media console and start creating a conversational and enjoyable space in this space.

How can I beautify my living room?

Beautifying your living room can be easily achieved with a few steps. Try to incorporate more color using pillows, throws, and decorative elements to break with the monochromatic look of the space. Use furniture to decorate as well by choosing tables and chairs with ornate legs. Make your lighting part of your decor by choosing statement light fixtures that blend with the design. Try to work all of these tips by following a theme, so it’s easier to stay focused.

How can I decorate my living room on a low budget?

You don’t have to redesign your entire living room to make an impact. Start by rearranging the furniture to play with your living room’s layout and change the way it looks. Get a few frames and upgrade your art wall decor using family photos, prints, and easy-to-find posters. Add greenery with house plants to elevate the space, and think about painting a wall or two to create more depth. These small steps can make a huge difference in how your living room space looks without having to spend a fortune to make it happen.

Let's Design Your Perfect Living Room

When in doubt, you should always turn to the experts. Look for inspiration on Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, and other interior design outlets to get an idea of what a professionally designed living room should look like. It can also help you get an idea of the different layouts, styles, and furniture pieces you can add to your living room to make it stand out from the crowd.

There are millions of living room design ideas you can source for inspiration. But, the vast number of living room trends out there can make the design process a bit less fun and more overwhelming. Luckily, that's why you can start a project today and work with a talented Spacejoy interior designer to make your living room a dream come true.

How to Decorate a Living Room in 7 Simple Steps

While the process of decorating a space as large as your living room may feel daunting, designing a space that will appeal to you and your family both in terms of form and function is easier than you may think. We spoke with experts who outlined the seven steps one must keep in mind when planning out a living room concept. Read on for their pro tips.

Meet the Expert

Rozit Arditi is a designer and the founder of Arditi Design.
Mia Jung is the director of interiors at Ike Kligerman Barkley.
Mark Lavender is the principal designer at M. Lavender Interiors.
Kate Lester is a designer and the founder of Kate Lester Interiors.
Tracy Morris is a designer and the founder of Tracy Morris Design.

01 of 07
Measure Your Space

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Before you can make any drastic decisions about decorating your living space, you'll want to have an accurate sense of its square footage. After all, designer Kate Lester notes, "Proper measurements will ensure you select the correct size rug, furnishings, and window treatments." And keep in mind that doing your due diligence ahead of time will save you both time and money—ordering and returning furniture and accessories because they don't fit into a space as you had hoped can be a hassle!
02 of 07
Establish Your Intentions

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Determining the way in wish you wish to, well, live in your living room will significantly shape the decorating process. "It is critical to fully understand how you want to use your space before you begin the design process," designer Mark Lavender states.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all use for a living area. "Personally, I knew our living room was meant for conversation and reading," designer Tracy Morris says of her own space. "So, I placed the furniture in a grouping that allowed maximum conversation and allowed me to read by the window. " In other spaces, existing fixtures such as a fireplace or built-in shelving may affect the furniture arrangement from the get-go and ease the decision-making process.
It's critical to be realistic about your intentions for the space, too, and not just base your design off of what you see in high-end design publications. "Make sure the room reflects you and your lifestyle—whatever your needs are at the time, make sure the room serves for that," designer Rozit Arditi states. "If you have kids, you do not need a glass coffee table or too many floor lamps that could be tripping hazards. Opt for a wood table and wall sconces instead."
03 of 07
Focus In On Your Aesthetic

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Asks Lester, "Are you feeling modern farmhouse vibes, or more romantic and feminine?" Of course, it may be challenging to determine the direction that you wish to take with your living room design if you find yourself swooning over many types of decor styles. There's no need to commit solely to one particular look, but establishing a general scheme is important. "The space doesn’t have to be a total theme party, but determining and overall design direction will help when narrowing down selections for the space," Lester says. Upon making this decision comes the fun part—turning to favorite resources for inspiration. Lester enjoys looking through design books, magazines, or Pinterest. "I like to have at least 10 images that help inspire a room design," she offers.
04 of 07
Make a "Room Board"

Chris Bradley for M. Lavender Interiors

Before grabbing your wallet, you'll want to consider how your ideal furniture pieces will function in a space. "Gather images of the pieces you intend to use and make a small 'room board,'" Lester suggests. "See how all of the pieces interact with each other and play off of one another before you get them home." You may find yourself catching key mistakes—far before they're too late to fix, fortunately. "Oftentimes, this is when we see that we have pulled too many items with the same leg style or that a rug pattern may be competing with a drapery fabric," Lester explains. "It’s a great way to make simple changes and swaps and fine-tune the look before you place the final order!"
05 of 07
Get Shopping

Greg Powers for Tracy Morris

Given that furniture can be quite pricey, you may wish to spread out your purchases over time. If you're not sure what to buy first, think big—literally. "Start with the larger pieces to ground the room, like the sofa or the area rug, and build from there," Arditi says.
Arditi offers another key piece of advice, for buying sofas: "Always invest in the best sofa you can afford at the time," she comments. "We spend so much time in our living rooms and most of that time is spent on the sofa—make sure it is the most comfortable and the best one you can get. You won't regret it."
06 of 07
Address Your Walls

Michael Hunter for Kim Armstrong Design

By no means should the walls be left blank, either. Wall decor is essential. "Walls are always a great opportunity to add more character to the room," Arditi comments. Adds Lavender, "Artwork, pillows, and decorative items always act as the jewelry for the room. These pieces really add that next layer of panache to the space.”
Not sure what to hang? "Either a large piece of art—or a gallery wall, depending on your style—or a mirror to reflect the sunlight through the room are always great ways to decorate," Arditi adds. You can always go the secondhand route, too, to source an artifact that will make your living room truly shine, notes Mia Jung, director of interiors at Ike Kligerman Barkley. "Having a special vintage or an antique piece and art will set it apart from the family room," she states.
07 of 07
Don't Forget About Greenery

Kate Lester Interiors

According to Arditi, plants make for the perfect finishing touch in any living room. "If you are tight on budget or live in a rental where you cannot invest much in your decoration, make sure to get some plants," she encourages. "The greenery adds life and freshness to any room without breaking the bank."

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How to decorate a living room

There are many options for decorating a living room interior. You can prefer, for example, modern ideas in design or dwell on the always up-to-date classics. To make it easier for you to make a choice, in this article we will review the living room interior styles that are popular today.

Classic style solutions

1. Classicism

Classicism in the living room interior has a number of features that distinguish it from other trends in classical design. First of all, it is conciseness and a sense of proportion, symmetry, balance of all details, the use of natural materials. He does not accept cheap things and an overabundance of interior items; all decor elements must be clearly balanced.

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The restrained atmosphere of the living room is achieved thanks to pastel calm tones and natural shades. Classical furniture should be made only from natural wood. Usually it is characterized by simple, regular geometric shapes, but can also have smooth curved lines.

2. Modern classic style

Neoclassic has taken over from its predecessor all the same clarity and symmetry of the interior, where every little thing matters. The color scheme also does not recognize flashy shades and pronounced contrasts.

However, the classic style in a modern interpretation tends to replace expensive materials and objects with their imitation. So, it is not necessary to use furniture made of natural wood - the main thing is that it looks solid and is chosen with taste. The same applies to textiles: high-quality synthetics can serve as a material for curtains, which does not differ in appearance from natural fabrics.

Modern classic does not deny antiques and antiques, but at the same time allows the use of fashionable elements in the interior design of the living room.

3. Palace style

If classicism and neoclassicism can be called noble grace, then the palace style in the living room interior “breathes” with pomposity and aristocracy. Bulky crystal chandeliers, large fireplaces, heavy curtains, expensive antiques, an abundance of stucco and draperies, marble and natural stone finishes are appropriate here.

The palette is based on pastel colors, against which decorative elements made of velvet, silk, crystal or gilded look advantageous. The furniture is especially luxurious: soft armchairs and sofas, chairs and coffee tables on curved legs and decorated with carvings.

4. Provence

The Provence-style living room interior creates an atmosphere of home comfort. It is light and simple, but at the same time quite noble.

The peculiarity of this style is maximum naturalness in everything. Therefore, light pastel colors and natural shades predominate in the color scheme. For interior decoration, mainly natural environmentally friendly materials are used without any gloss and polishing.

When designing a living room in Provence style, much attention is paid to furniture. Made of wood, somewhere shabby or artificially aged, often in combination with decorative forged elements - it creates a special atmosphere of rustic Provencal color.

Modern style solutions

1. Modern

ceramic and glass mosaics, the presence of furniture and decor of an unusual shape. This style preaches maximum lightness, the rejection of massive bulky interior elements.

Art Nouveau furniture is quite functional, yet visually light. In the interior decoration of the living room, in addition to pastel solid colors, ornate floral or other fancy patterns are welcome.

Art Nouveau is individuality and unique design solutions, which, in particular, are expressed in a mixture of different shapes and textures, creating contrast. However, it is important to carefully consider all the details of the design of the living room so that the interior looks harmonious and holistic.

2. Minimalism

The philosophy of minimalism is spatial freedom. It manifests itself in conciseness and simplicity of forms, the absence of small details in the decor, even, clear lines of furniture and other items, and a restrained palette (white, beige, brown, black, cream color).

The interior is usually decorated in 2-3 basic colors that complement each other. The floor, ceiling and walls are smooth and plain, but discreet photo wallpapers are also allowed. Despite its simplicity and conciseness, a minimalist living room looks quite stylish and presentable.

3. Hi-tech

Hi-tech living room is pretty close to minimalism. Simplicity and rigor also dominate here.

At the same time, the hallmark of this style direction is the lack of connection with nature, cold shades, shiny artificial materials (usually glass and metal), smooth glossy surfaces, an abundance of modern technology, as well as high functionality of interior items. Various built-in furniture, wardrobe sofas, low shelves that can serve as a table - all this is appropriate for high-tech style.

Furniture is usually well-defined, but there may be elements with smooth lines or bizarre space objects.

4. Art Deco

Art Deco living room interior does not accept simple and cheap things. The hallmark of this luxurious and bohemian style is exclusively expensive materials and decor items. These are precious woods, natural stones, unusual types of leather (for example, deer, crocodile), ivory figurines, expensive paintings and fabrics.

The furniture is a model of natural leather and wood, as well as high-quality textiles with a glossy surface. When decorating the living room interior, along with neutral shades (brown, beige, white, black, silver, gray), bright colors (purple, red) and various ornaments can be used.

Read other useful articles on our website.

What color to decorate the living room in: 5 examples from designers

And also tips on how to quickly update a boring interior only with the help of color accents.

Publication date: 04.02.2022

Material prepared: Olga Sonj

We asked top Russian designers to share interesting examples of living room design in terms of color. They also learned how to update a colored interior if you suddenly get tired of it.

Natalia Istomina: “In one of the projects, the color palette of the living room was inspired by the view from the window”

Designer Natalia Istomina.

“The color palette of this living room was inspired by the view from the window. At the base is the color of the Moscow, slightly cloudy sky. Warm textures echo the facades of neighboring houses, and bright accents resonate with the patchwork of roofs in this old district of Moscow.

I often analyze whether it is possible to make a connection between interior and exterior space. If the answer is yes, we have a chance to visually enlarge the room by “protruding” a little beyond its limits.

There are quite a lot of shades of blue in the room, but they are all of different saturation and lightness — this is how the interior looks voluminous and multilayered.

I wanted to give my own character to this living room, to make the space “not passable”, so all the shades are original, the color is clearly read in them. But in the rest of the rooms in this project, the shades are more basic, neutral - undertones of beige, gray, pink.

The main color contrast is set by the sofa group: a bright blue-green shade of the sofa and the pillows on it. Of course, by changing the textiles, for example, to a greener gamut, you can tell a slightly different, calmer story. But do not forget that everything is interconnected in the interior: along with the change in textiles, it would be good to look for alternatives in the art that decorates the walls.”

Lyubov Pivovarova: “Basic colors always look advantageous and never get boring”

“When choosing shades for this project, I relied on my knowledge of men’s preferences in the interior: I said “no” to complex shades and excessive decor, “yes” to convenience, practicality and comfort.

It is extremely important for a man to be in a cozy environment, while being able to invite friends, acquaintances or a girlfriend to a stylish and modern apartment. Therefore, I chose the basic colors - they always look advantageous and do not bother, but I played with the textures: the curtains with the pixel effect successfully echo the textures on the blue pillows, which gives the interior a harmonious look and balances its neutrality.

Fragment of the interior. Design: Lyubov Pivovarova.

The blue color was not chosen by chance: after all, the palette of fabrics should match the character of the room. For example, delicate pink, lilac and other “girlish” colors will be out of place here, but gray, brown, blue and other masculine shades are what you need.

Fragment of the interior. Design: Lyubov Pivovarova.

I diluted all this “seriousness” and neutrality with mustard-gold pillows: such a bright color accent added character and color to the interior. At the same time, again, everything looks concise due to the neutral background.

If this color seems redundant, instead of bright mustard-gold pillows, you can add textured white pillows - and we will get a completely monochrome interior.

Maria Filshtinskaya: “If you want to add color to your interior, start by choosing an art object”

Designer Maria Filshtinskaya.

“If you want to add color to your interior, start by choosing an art object. In the photo you see a small living room from the completed project of our studio. The room is made in neutral natural shades. The main focus is a bright picture.

If you wish, you can easily change the general mood of the room by changing this canvas, for example, to one-color painting, which is now popular. This art is interesting. Up close and with thoughtful lighting, relief, thin lines, depth are revealed - and monochrome no longer seems so simple.

Periodically changing paintings, you will replenish your art collection, and this, as you know, is a great investment.

Let's not forget about the most obvious, at first glance, solutions - changing the carpet, furniture upholstery, bright blankets and pillows. With the right approach, you can change the interior beyond recognition. Live plants in pots of different sizes will add color, life and beautiful shadows.

I am convinced that there are no good or bad shades. It's all about their combination and mix of volumes. In 2022, the trend for the value of form and the holistic perception of objects continues. The trend arose from the need for simplicity and fatigue from information overload and emphasizes the importance of seeing the essence of things.

Inna Soltmann: “It doesn't matter what color is relevant this season”

“For me, an interior is always a story about a person. You need to look at him very carefully, listen to what he talks about, what he dreams about; try to imagine this person in a new space: how he moves, what he does, how he looks, what his sensory sensations of color, light, volume will be.

At some point there is a story that I tell through beautiful combinations of objects and finishing materials. For example, this interior was made for a wonderful young couple on the eve of their wedding; they are young and happy, and I remembered Marc Chagall's painting "Above the City", where the artist conveyed the same state of complete happiness of lovers, their soaring in the clouds.

Fragment of the interior. Design: Inna Soltmann.

I wanted to create for them the same magical feeling of lightness, light and air, detachment from the earth, which appears during falling in love. Therefore, sky-colored wallpapers with white cloud patterns appeared on the walls of the living room, and a bright carpet appeared on the floor. It symbolizes flower meadows over which lovers fly. Decor added color accents.

Fragment of the interior. Design: Inna Soltmann.

If the composition is based on objects that are neutral in shape and color (as here), then the character and mood of the interior can be changed with the help of other textiles: for example, change the upholstery of furniture, curtains, pillows or decor. But that will be another story. And it doesn’t matter at all what color is relevant this season.”

Arina Volkova: “I don’t think that in choosing color accents it is necessary to chase fashion, to use the “colors of the year”

“I have always believed and continue to believe that the basis of any interior should be calm and fundamental, both in its technical and aesthetic aspects.

Creating a clean and practical space with perfect proportions is an essential part of every designer's job. The overall color scheme or used color accents should complement the space, and not be its basis. They will also make it possible in the future to transform or complement the interior, changing its character.

The easiest way to change this very character is with the help of textiles, art objects, plants and other decor. I don’t think that in choosing color accents it is necessary to chase fashion, use the “colors of the year”: the interior is not created for a year, and people who have favorite shades and their own preferences will live in it, whether it be green or purple . ..

In my interiors, in addition to calm tones, I most often use natural colors as accents: terracotta - “clay”, calm green shades of “bog and mosses”, various “wine” reds, deep blues, reminiscent of the sea abyss. I rarely use bright oranges, pinks and light greens: this is probably due to the place of my birth. Where did the Petersburger get light green ?!

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