Simple home interior designs
55 Chic Home Decorating Ideas
1
Find Another Spot for Flowers
Alison Gootee
If you constantly keep a vase of flowers in your kitchen or living room, extend that love for fresh blooms throughout the house. It's the perfect excuse to invest in a new vase for your bedroom or bathroom. In this New York apartment designed by Katie Ridder, a globe-shaped vase adds a nice bubble detail. Or if the upkeep for real flowers is too much, go for faux alternatives.
2
Swap Out Art
Shade Degges
Whether you have a few tiny frames—like in this bedroom designed by Jae Joo—or medium-sized ones on a gallery wall, you can easily swap them out with fresh finds. Tear our pages from a coffee table book, or stop by a flea market for new works.
3
Add a Mirror
Robert Peterson / Rustic White Interiors
Place a large mirror above your mantel as HGTV star Alison Victoria did in her Atlanta loft, or dedicate another empty wall space—whether it's in your hallway, entryway, or bedroom. Not only will it look good, but it'll make the room feel bigger and brighter.
4
Refresh Coffee Table Books
Paul Costello
If you can't resist a good coffee table book, bring a new one into your collection. Or if you keep them in various parts of your home, simply rearrange your stacks for a new look. Here, in a living room designed by Barrie Benson, the four stacks could easily be given a new layout and order using only the books on the table.
5
Attach Decor to a Shelving Unit
Genevieve Garruppo
Don't have any more room on your walls for art? No problem. Hang anything from paintings and sconces to plants and bookmarks on a shelving unit. Here's a tutorial for how to hang art on bookshelves to guide you through the process—which includes tips from designer Marissa Bero, who has pulled this move in plenty of home libraries, including the one seen here.
6
Set Up a Cozy Reading Spot
Heidi Caillier Design
No designated reading nook? No problem. If your home doesn't have any leftover real estate to convert into a reading nook, design your formal living room to serve double duty as a cozy lounge area. Here, Heidi Caillier strategically chose furniture with fabrics and shapes that are both sophisticated and homey, perfect for entertaining or unwinding alone.
7
Don't Be Afraid of Black Paint
Farrow & Ball
The soft black paint color in this bedroom makes it feel special and intimate in ways you'd never be able to achieve with a lighter hue (this specific shade is Farrow & Ball Railings). The eclectic furniture lends itself nicely to the darkness, too, adding a more lived-in and homey vibe.
8
Style an Empty Fireplace
Reid Rolls
Rethink how you style an empty fireplace.
In this texture-rich environment, interior designer Leanne Ford turned an empty fireplace into a little gallery to display pottery and artwork.
9
Treat Your Windows
Victoria Pearson
Adding the right window treatment can make all the difference. We're especially into Roman shades with a fun pattern. "It goes against decorating 101, but using small patterns together can be easier on the eye," says interior decorator Kristin Panitch, who designed this dreamy pink cloud of a bedroom.
10
Re-Style a Bookshelf
Fiona Lynch
From the inky stained wood to the modern side chair and clean-lined ladder, this home library designed by Fiona Lynch is a gorgeous contemporary take on traditional design. You could fill it with books—or you could add in decor accents and accessories like vases and sculptures to break up the monotony of a wall of books.
Or, color-coordinate your books. Not only will it feel more cohesive, but if you've got a lot of bright colors in your collection, they'll stand out even more.
11
Set up a Breakfast Nook
John Gruen
Breakfast with a view? We're in. This one is country-chic and just a touch rustic but still polished. It also proves you don't need to have an actual built-in nook to achieve the right vibe.
12
Spruce up Your Entryway
If you don't have a grand foyer—or you do but it needs some love–introduce a small console table. For a formal yet modern aesthetic, opt for a traditional table and then hang modern abstract art above it. Then lean some portraits against the wall for a laid-back take on the gallery wall.
13
Just Add Sheepskin
Leanne Ford Interiors
If any area in your home is feeling austere, sheepskin throws are the easiest solution.
They bring in warmth, texture, and comfort while also being super affordable and easy to move throughout your space as your needs and moods shift.
14
Swap Out Your Throw Pillows
Studio Ashby
Throw pillows are the easiest way to freshen up in the bedroom or living room. Introducing a new color, print, or shape with a throw pillow can make the whole space feel new again.
15
Bring a Stool Into the Bathroom
Annie Schlechter
Slide a stool next to the bathtub. Not only will the extra surface space help with organization, but it's also a great way to make the whole space feel more luxe.
16
Show Your Powder Room Some Love
Peter Murdock
It's easy to overlook a room when it's super tiny, especially because there simply isn't enough useable space for décor.
But it's definitely possible—and well worth it—to show these nooks some love. Take this powder room, for example. With a light blush pink wall color and a surrounding gallery of eclectic artwork, the small room packs a lot of punch.
17
Install a Canopy
Fantastic Frank
If you want to transform your bedroom into a palace fit for royalty, add a canopy. This white gauze fabric hangs so beautifully and brings an ethereal look to the minimalist bedroom.
18
Swap Accents Seasonally
Nicole Franzen
Plaid? For winter? Not even close to groundbreaking, but we're still here for it. Swapping out accents seasonally will also get you excited for what's to come.
19
Get Inspired by Nature
Leanne Ford Interiors
This space is rich with texture, which creates warmth and dimension.
There's also plenty of character even though it's sticking to a strict color palette. For a similarly inviting and grounded environment, get inspired by nature. Think seagrass, rattan, jute, wood, brushed concrete, and marble.
20
Reupholster Your Furinture
Nicole Franzen
Reupholstering your furniture will automatically freshen up an entire space. And if you love eclectic decorating, take notes from this impeccable living room. All the juxtaposition in this room is working so well—the angular mirror, vivid orange art, marble fireplace, rustic stool, and geometric pottery are all unexpectedly complemented by the softness of the blush pink chairs.
21
Simply Tidy Up
Mikael Axelsson
This probably isn't what you want to hear since we don't think of cleaning up as fun, but adding a few pieces that ease organization can make a huge difference.
Consider installing coat hooks or bringing in a stylish coat rack coat by the front door. Then place a small folding chair underneath it to sit on when you take off your shoes. This will prevent those dreaded (and previously inevitable) clothing pileups.
22
Color-Block Your Wall
PHOTO: Matthew Williams; DESIGN: Studio DB
For a graphic statement, color-block your wall. Paint half of it a bold color or opt for two neutral tones. Here, black creeps up about a quarter of the way while the rest is a nice shade of steel gray, creating an understated-yet-unique statement.
23
Touch up the Walls
Alexander M. Reid
Freshen up a bathroom by giving the walls a fresh coat of white paint. If that sounds like too much of a commitment, use a magic eraser to touch up smudges.
It's bright, refreshing, and the perfect blank backdrop for a fun gallery, as seen in this bathroom designed by Alexander M. Reid.
24
Apply Accent Wallpaper
Catherine Kwong
You don't have to wallpaper your entire room—just pick a wall and accent with it. It's fast, easy, and makes a big difference.
25
Layer Rugs and Patterns
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
This eclectic home designed by Sean Scherer is a treasure trove of antiques, whimsical fabrics, and fearless decorating. It's also a masterclass in layering. Why use just one rug when you could have three? Layer rugs in varying colors, prints, and textures to add visual interest to your floor.
26
Rethink Your Gallery Wall
Annie Schlechter
If the walls in a hallway are feeling tired or lackluster, add a gallery wall.
Bring in antique frames, or hit up a thrift store or flea market, and arrange a ton of hand mirrors into a gallery wall.
27
Introduce a New Throw Blanket
Robson Rak
Putting a colorful throw blanket at the end of your bed or flung over the sofa is an easy but transformative design trick. It's also a great way to experiment with colors and prints before fully committing to them.
28
Opt for Statement Art
PHOTO: Alexandra Rowley; DESIGN: Studio DB
Make a simple wall a little more exciting with oversized artwork. Choose large-scale photography or something abstract and vibrant to really make a statement.
29
Install New Lighting
Studio Ashby
If there's anything that can single-handedly polish off a room, it's a light fixture.
Case in point? That brass pendant light. It feels much more refined and sophisticated than a table lamp would and contrasts with the more traditional elements throughout the bedroom.
30
Paint Your Floors
Thomas Loof
Can you imagine how simple this bathroom looked before it had a bright blue floor? The quick change allows the tub to take center stage. We'd want to soak in there all day long.
31
Put a Bold Floor Lamp in the Corner
Studio DB
This little corner is sleek, stylish, and perfectly handsome as is, thanks to the modern leather lounger and graphic rug. But that floor-to-ceiling lamp is an architectural stunner that really brings in that added wow factor. Look for a floor lamp that doubles as artwork for a similar vibe.
32
Introduce Contrast
Catherine Kwong Design
To create an interesting contrast, replace one thing in an otherwise totally traditional room with something super modern, like this geometric coffee table and abstract-painted floor.
33
Add a Bench at the End of Your Bed
Nicole Franzen
You don't need a footboard. A bench will get the same job done. It'll help anchor your bed, act as a spot to sit and put shoes on, and serve as storage for extra pillows and blankets.
34
Rearrange Your Furniture
Nicole Franzen
Symmetry, who? Your chairs and couches don't have to line up—in fact, you don't even have to have chairs. Put your side table in the corner flanked by two sofas, and if you don't have enough armchairs for a classic living room setup, just place floor cushions by the coffee table.
35
Go Minimalist
Leanne Ford Interiors
Pare your stuff way down and your room will look totally different.
This doubles as a makeover and spring cleaning all in one.
36
Add a Statement Tablecloth
House Beautiful
A bold, patterned tablecloth can instantly make a traditional space a little more eclectic. This one picks up the blues in the wallpaper.
37
Play With Proportion
PHOTO: Dustin Askland; DESIGN: Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design
This exquisite living room is playing with shape and scale in so many ways—each design detail offers a universe of inspiration. For extra impact and proportional intrigue, hang an oversized mirror. Keep it simple and sleek, opt for a cool shape or color, or keep it classic with an antique.
38
Put Your Collectables on Display
Leanne Ford Interiors
If you've been collecting something for a long time and aren't sure where to put your knick-knacks, install a floating shelf in your room of choice and then line them up.
We love the sense of nostalgia these vintage glass bottles add to the bedroom.
39
Screw in a Colorful Light Bulb
Black Lacquer Design
For an unexpected (and easy) pop of color, trade in your classic bulb for a bright one. It adds the same vibe as a neon sign without taking up any space on the wall. Try it in a hallway or entryway, where décor moments are precious and square footage is limited.
40
Introduce Florals
Robson Rak
Adding a nice floral arrangement can beautify a whole room on its own. The shapely vase, accompanying artwork, and unique rose gold faucet in this bathroom don't hurt either.
41
Add Seating to Your Floor
Courtesy of Jesse Parris-Lamb
You could sit on your couch—or you could sit on the comfiest floor pillows ever.
We'll take the latter.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
42
Swap Your Window Shades
House Beautiful
You've been there and done that with fabric drapery and Roman shades, so swap your window treatment for an alternative texture, like bamboo. We're swooning over this wild bathroom.
43
Mix in Metallics
House Beautiful
Does anything make a statement like something shiny and gold? Add a metallic light fixture, sculpture, or vase to instantly upgrade your room.
44
Update Bedding Seasonally
Courtesy of Ronen Lev for Nicole Franzen
Jonathan Scott, home design expert and brand ambassador for Stearns & Foster, recommends owning two sheet and comforter sets, so you can swap them out by the season.
"In winter, you want warm and inviting bedding, like faux fur and bulky blankets," he says.
See more at Nicole Frazen.
45
Wallpaper a Small Space
Nicole Franzen
Wallpapering a small room or closet will give it a surprising edge. Do the whole room, or just use scraps to line drawers, cabinets, and backsplashes. You could also opt for a statement ceiling.
46
Create a Statement Wall
Jonny Valiant
Designer Zim Loy discovered Harkerware on eBay: "There's tons of it, and it's so cheap!" She started collecting it for her dining room, then covered the whole wall with plates to create the same effect as one big piece of art. (Here's how to hang your own plate wall).
47
Move Furniture Away From the Walls
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Floating furniture away from the walls creates more intimate seating.
That means all you have to do is shift your furnishings a few inches to totally transform the vibe in a room.
See more at Amber Interiors.
48
Add Cozy Textiles
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Printed, colorful textiles add so much personality. And as if the bright-colored rug and sleek mounted lights weren't enough, this bedroom has also got a seriously swoon-worthy pendant. The Moroccan-inspired fixture adds eclectic appeal and helps anchor the space.
See more at Amber Interiors.
49
Show Off an Antique
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
The copper tub is obviously the star of this bathroom, but it doesn't have to feel dated. A ladder and cool, bohemian rug help it feel more modern.
See more at Amber Interiors.
50
Recover Your Furniture
David A.
Land
The super-easy way to switch up your furniture game? Buy a slipcover. It'll be much quicker than fully reupholstering a piece.
51
Ditch Your Coffee Table Base
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
If you've got a marble-top coffee table, take it off and place it on the floor. Prop it up with some books for a bohemian update.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
52
Lay Down a Rug
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Boho? Rustic? Traditional? The rug you choose can instantly change the whole aesthetic of your room.
See more at Amber Interiors.
53
Mix and Match Chairs
Miki Duisterhof
Swap out your formal chairs (in this case, bright blue and green ones) for a few rustic metal ones.
This creates a more casual atmosphere in the dining room.
54
Hang a Colorful Curtain
JULIAN WASS
For the entrance hall of this Pennsylvania farmhouse, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber opted for a curtain instead of a door. The deep yellow fabric pops against the regal blue wall color and adds rich texture to the space.
55
Add Color on Open Shelves
NGOC MINH NGO
Open shelving allows for fast and easy decor changes. Blue accents stand out against a neutral palette.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
40 Best Simple Living Room Design and Decor Ideas
Design: Emily Henderson Design, Photo: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
The living room is arguably one of the most important spaces in your home.
It's where your family gathers at night, you wind down on a Saturday afternoon, and where your guests first rest their eyes when entering your home. It's natural to make this space look and feel its absolute best. But while living room design is always an exciting process, it can also turn into a serious money pit (and quickly) if you don't prioritize and maximize what you already have.
If your living room is feeling a little uninspiring or stale but doesn't necessarily warrant a full redesign, there are plenty of easy ways to transform your space without spending too much time or money—and it can be as simple as moving some furniture around or adding a rug.
Below, read on to discover our favorite ideas to design a living room.
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Design: Jeremiah Brent
Sometimes, all you need to refresh your living room is to switch up its layout. Is your furniture pushed against the walls? Try floating it in the middle of the room. Is there too much space between your seating arrangement? Consider dividing the room into multiple zones, like interior designers Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus did in their L.
A. living room above.
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Design: Jeremiah Brent
Is your living room design almost done, but lacking a finishing touch? Adorn your coffee table with books, vases, décor, and flowers to give it that Pinterest-worthy look. Play around with scale (varying tall and short objects works well). It's also helpful to group similar objects together, swap out seasonal décor, or mix up the textures of your decorative objects to refresh your coffee table.
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Design: Elizabeth Roberts
The classic layout in a living room is to position the sofa to face the TV, but what if it were to face the window or another sofa instead? (We know, this usually works if you keep your TV in a different room, or are looking to nix it altogether.) Consider how you use your space the most, and arrange your sofa in a way that makes the most sense for your household. Your TV can even be encased in a console with stylish doors that stay closed when it's not in use.
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Design: Tali Roth
Are your curtains hung just below the ceiling and wide beyond the edge of your windows? If not, consider taking them down and re-hanging them.
Placing your curtains as high and wide as possible will make your windows appear larger and allow more natural light to enter the room—making it look instantly more expensive. You might also style them in a different way. For example, if you typically push curtains aside during the day, consider tying them back or picking up a few curtain hooks to secure them.
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Design: Charlie Ferrer
Sometimes, you just need one antique to give a modern living room a little character. Whether you find a collector's piece on 1stDibs or Chairish or scour your local vintage store for something unique, décor with a little age and patina will make your space feel more collected and elegant. Mixing different style genres is also a great way to personalize your living room, and avoid feeling like you're living in a staged home.
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Design: Stefani Stein
When it comes to décor, there's a lot of power in repetition. This goes for colors, but also for shapes: If you have one or two dominant colors in your living room, try repeating them in various items throughout the space.
For instance, in the living room above by interior designer Stefanie Stein, the tan leather of the sofa and the teal blue of the pillows are repeated in other accessories like lamps and benches.
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Design: Liljencrantz Design
To redecorate with items you already have, consider taking a minimalist approach to your living room's design. Once you've decluttered and rid the space of unnecessary pieces, remove things like plants, art, lamps, and décor. Slowly reintroduce items until you find the right fit—you'll often find that adopting a less-is-more mindset can make the room feel open and refreshed.
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Photo: Julia Robbs
A little greenery will always make a room feel more put together. Whether you only have the space (or the green thumb) for a small faux houseplant, or you can invest the time and energy into species like a fiddle-leaf fig, adding a plant or two can give your living room that finishing touch. It's also helpful to follow feng shui design principles by choosing and styling a plant that promotes both balance and good fortune.
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Design: Alvin Wayne
The best pieces to make your living room feel brand-new again might already be inside your home. For a simple (and free) option to redesign the space, switch out your favorite décor from the bedroom or dining area with your current living room setup. Bonus: Your best living room pieces might even upgrade the other rooms in your home, and all it takes is a few hours of creatively rearranging.
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Design: Amber Interiors
Is your rug too small for your space? Add a larger, affordable natural weave rug underneath it to anchor your living room. On the flip side, if you already have a large neutral rug that feels uninspiring, try layering an antique Turkish rug on top for a pop of character. Choose an option that features a few of your room's accent colors for an intentional, cohesive look.
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Design: Studio LifeStyle
Do you have bookcases in your living room? Take everything out and reorganize them. Remove any items you don't absolutely love or serve no purpose, and reintroduce items one by one: Start with stacks of books and art, then finish up with smaller accessories like vases and decorative accents. And don't forget to leave white space for the eye to pause.
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Design: Space Exploration
A couple of floor pillows can go a long way in making a space feel laid-back and layered. If you feel like your living room needs just a little more texture, try Karaman floor pillows or consider an ottoman or stylish pouf in varying prints. Many vintage décor stores are a great source for finding floor pillows with a weathered, unique look that can add personality to your space.
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Design: Katherine Carter
Wallpaper is back in style, and for good reason. With so many options, finding an ideal print for your home is a quick search away. When styling wallpaper, remember that every wall doesn't need to be covered: Choose one accent wall to stand out, and opt for removable peel-and-stick brands if you're not ready to commit (or when decorating a rental).
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Design: Studio DB
Lighting transforms a room in more ways than just brightening it up. Create a focal point for your living room with an eye-catching flush mount chandelier, which is great for low ceilings, or try a stylish pendant light in large spaces. Your guests' eyes will light up the second they walk into your room, and they'll appreciate the new look.
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Design: Fantastic Frank
Mix-matched styles are here to stay, and they're especially helpful when it comes to textiles. Add visual intrigue and avoid a staged look with contrasting (but complementary) patterns. The trick for mixing patterns is to focus on the color scheme rather than the print itself. Try black-and-white hues with different imagery or a simple color palette to keep things interesting, vibrant, and fun.
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Design: Afro Bohemian Living
While hiring a builder to create custom furniture for your living room can certainly be pricy, DIY pieces are an affordable alternative. In this design, built-in bench seating is perfectly situated along the wall to add plenty of room for entertaining without taking up much floor space. This option allows you to design for your specific architecture: Create a setup that works with your room for an effortless flow.
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Design: Ashe + Leandro
Painting walls isn't for everyone. Maybe your lease doesn't allow it, or maybe you simply don't have the patience. Thankfully, you can fill your walls up with your favorite photographs and prints. Choose personal photos, your favorite work from local artists, or maybe even art of your own—just keep gallery wall best practices in mind.
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Design: Amber Interiors
A coat of paint or different textiles can make your favorite items feel brand new. Beyond painting or adding new texture to your furniture, you can also switch up the hardware of your favorite pieces. For example, find some fun side table pulls in different metals or shapes for a quick and easy refresh.
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Photo: Stoffer Photography Interiors; Design: Danielle Moss and Conor Scanlon
This built-in cupboard opens up into a home bar, yet any existing solid surface will do. From a side table to your media console—or even shopping the likes of West Elm or Room and Board—mobile bar carts and repurposed furniture can transform your space. Not only can you arrange the items in an aesthetically pleasing manner, but it also creates an icebreaker for your guests when they arrive.
20 of 40
Design: Brophy Interiors
You can easily choose a standard circular or square coffee table to complete the look in your living space, but if you want to truly change things up, try going for an unconventional shape instead. Whether you go for an abstract wood carved option or a geometric shape like this elegant living room, it's a simple and effective way to give your space an entirely different vibe. To keep the room feeling open and airy, opt for a glass table that doesn't visually break up your layout.
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Photo: Adenorah
Group seating together to create a conversation nook, or swap out chairs from other rooms in your home to see which pieces may work better together. You may be pleasantly surprised that your outdoor furniture works well indoors, too. Patio sets made from rattan or wood can add an eclectic vibe in the living room—the great indoors never looked so good.
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Design: Pure Collected Living
Minimalists can appreciate the simplicity of this living room. By opting for coffee table décor in the same bright white shade as the walls, every piece in this room feels balanced and intentional. Incorporate contrast through furniture like accent chairs, curtains, and your coffee table for a burst of texture that makes even the simplest designs feel welcoming.
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Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel
One of the quickest ways to update your living room is to tidy up and organize. A quick dusting and a full declutter can make any room feel fresh, and all it takes is a few hours of deep cleaning to restyle your space. Focus on the most visible places first and go from there.
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Design: D'Apostrophe Design
We know it's tempting to push your furniture against your walls, but this will only create dead space in the center of the room. Experiment with floating the couch in the middle of your layout, or try leaving a few inches between your wall and the sofa for a more inviting environment, as designers recommend.
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Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel
Add warmth (and even some aromatherapy) with candles. Incorporate them into a vignette on a console by styling them on a coffee table with a stack of books, or add balance to your mantel with matching candles on each side. Most importantly, enjoy them—pick scents you love that help you unwind.
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Design: Norse Interiors
Get personal with one of many IKEA furniture hacks, from switching out the hardware to a complete makeover. These simple design tricks are proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to redecorate. You just need patience, a creative eye, and maybe a can of fresh paint.
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Design: Jenna Peffley
From matte to glossy or soft to rigid, consider mixing various textures. This look is easy to recreate with items you already own: Toss a new throw blanket over an accent chair, or style woven accents on your sofa. Texture goes beyond furniture, as well, and can be added with different varieties of plants to accomplish the look.
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Design: Katie Martinez
Many designers are fond of using shapes to soften up harsh lines. Opt for rounded side tables made from organic materials to incorporate an element of flow in your space. Given that this is your main living area, it's essential to style an inviting room that makes it comfortable to socialize and unwind.
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Design: Brexton Cole Interiors
Give your living room a cohesive look by choosing a few colors within a specific family and sticking to it. Once you've picked your new palette, remove any items from the room that don't suit the design. In this space, a vibrant orange sofa doesn't feel out of place thanks to warm wood tones in the furniture and brass décor.
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Photo: Stoffer Photography Interiors; Design: Danielle Moss and Conor Scanlon
Show off the artwork in your living room with upgraded lighting. Picture lights illuminate exactly what you want to highlight, and are a great option for renters. Try online shops for affordable options, or shop your local boutiques to find a unique piece that stands out.
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Photo: Sean Litchfield; Design: Jeremiah Brent for Decorist
Transform your space by combining objects, greenery, and other accessories at different heights for a vignette that will refresh the living room's character. Decorist Creative Director Jessica McCarthy also notes to stay away from even numbers in vignettes: "The brain is comforted in finding the center point of objects, and the rule of three makes this so easy to achieve. Styling with odd numbers is guaranteed to create success," she says.
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Photo: Madeline Tolle
Make a room feel more spacious and create additional storage for your living room with corner shelves. While they add a functional element, they're also an excellent way to display your favorite things and add your personal touch. Opt for small items that complement your shelving's height to create balance.
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Photo: Sharyn Cairns; Design: Fiona Lynch
According to New York-based designer Sasha Bikoff, you don't need to buy "the most famous work of art from well-known artists" for your space, "as you are mostly paying for the name or the signature at the bottom of the work." Instead, head to online print shops for a more affordable way to outfit your home with art, including works by up-and-coming artists.
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Photo: Tessa Neustadt
Throw pillows are a simple way to combine a plethora of design advice. From mixing textures to introducing pops of color, they can give your living room an instant update. Also, consider arranging different sizes of pillows together for a cozy, eclectic look.
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Design: Abitare Studios
Statement mirrors open up even the smallest space. Expand your own square footage with a floor-length mirror, which reflects the room for an easy visual trick. Opt for simple white frames, or style an eclectic space with an ornate gold frame.
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Design: Casa Watkins Living
Since your sofa takes up the most space in your living room, why not go bold with the color? Whether it's a beautiful blue or a gracious green, let the color of your sofa guide the rest of your decorative decisions. Vibrant designs are especially great options for rooms painted in neutral colors.
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Design: LA Designer Affair
Fireplaces are classic, but they don't have to be dated. Make your fireplace more contemporary by dressing it up with wallpaper. Not ready to commit to one print? Opt for wall paint that can easily be redone at any time (like bold matte black for a modern twist), or try a peel-and-stick pattern for a pop of character.
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Photo: Amy Bartlam
If you don't have a fireplace to work with, may we recommend installing your own? Gas line not required: Simply fill in a faux fireplace with logs, candles, vases, or other dećor that works with your design. This quick design tip is simple, stylish, and impactful.
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Design: Ashley Montgomery Design
Floating shelves are a seamless way to decorate. Since this type of shelving doesn't have visible hardware to coordinate with the rest of your space, you only have to focus on the base material and the decorative elements that sit on each one. You can be as minimal or as maximalist as you prefer—it's up to you.
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Design: House of Harvee
We love the use of sheer curtains in this living room that bring a simple white wall back to life. If you're not a fan of large wall art but want to introduce texture in your space, style a curtain wall from floor to ceiling. This design tip works great on bare walls, but it's also great for letting natural light in through sliding doors.
35 Designer-Approved Small Living Room Ideas
Simple interior design (photos, examples, our work)
Not every apartment owner strives to arrange a creative interior, and the point here is by no means a reluctance to invest heavily in the development and implementation of a bright design idea. Many owners of new apartments tend to “just” fill the house with comfortable functional things for everyday life and recreation, while observing the aesthetic laws of space organization.
Simple living room interior design
Minimalism and Contemporary - Styles of Simplicity
The presence of free space, a pleasant palette, comfortable furniture for relaxation, a home theater and a kitchen equipped with household appliances - a gentleman's set of interiors that do not pretend to be displayed on the pages of glamorous magazines.
Minimalism in the living room
Connoisseurs of simple interior design will particularly appreciate the styles of minimalism and contemporary, designed for residents of the metropolis. nine0003
- It makes sense to order a kitchen set according to the parameters of niches for placing household appliances. In high-tech style, niches can not be closed, the units will serve as accessories.
- In a small kitchen, it is optimal to group the microwave oven, dishwasher and coffee machine into an “island”, combining it with the worktop and sink.
- A minimalist living room does not imply the presence of glass showcases with elegant crockery and souvenirs, a plain unusual rug on a solid floor covering and a catchy handmade vase are enough. nine0016
- The furniture in the living room is limited to the coffee group in terms of the number of guests you have and a place to watch movies.
- Wall decor in minimalism is acceptable only through the use of a contrasting color, the favorite palette of this style is gray and red (orange, blue, green - any of the saturated colors).
- A simple interior does not look budget if it is dominated by leather, aluminum, glass, and geometric silhouettes.
- The presence in the house of a collection - minerals, souvenirs or hunting trophies - can be used as an accent by adjusting the entire interior under the showcases for items. nine0016
- Contemporary is a style of mass character and accessibility, based on the features of a simple Scandinavian style, enhanced by the quality of materials and compact forms, combined with an interspersed with one or two vintage items. A striking example of work in the key of simple interior design is the furniture leader IKEA.
- Decorating your apartment in a contemporary style will allow you to experiment with built-in wardrobes and mass-produced convertible shelving and shelves, the placement of which does not pretend to follow the original sketch exactly. nine0016
- Placement of accessories in an emphatically simple interior is subject to the only rule - not to oversaturate. It is better to put small souvenirs under glass, grouping them into one composition.
Interior in the style of "nothing more"
Quality factor and proportions - highlights of simple interior design
One of the hallmarks of a cleverly designed interior is an expressive hierarchy of rooms, zones and objects. In a small space, it is especially important to limit the number of dominant objects by emphasizing them with the background color of the wall decoration. nine0003
Simplicity, functionality, convenience
- A simple interior will appear sophisticated if you opt for hanging pieces of furniture - or on high legs, allowing you to maximize the beautiful flooring.
- The charm of the general view of the room is determined by the visual solution of the window, sometimes the interior is “drawn out” by the replacement of transparent glass with patterned, tinted, frosted or stained glass. A mirror installed in front of it can “play along” with the window. nine0016
- In the embodiment of a visually simple interior, it is important not to fall into the temptation of excessive savings on materials, but also boldly combine them, for example, use combinations of “brick-like” wallpaper and textured plaster in combination with emphatically solid furniture in wall decoration.
- The use of an unexpected color makes the interior simple and at the same time stylish, for example, the execution of a bedroom in a green palette. By choosing the simplest facings, textiles and a few accessories in green tones, you will achieve creativity in a simple design. nine0016
Simple interior design
Even in the simplest interior there should be at least one thing that attracts the eye, for example, a grandmother's chest restored and placed in plain sight for storing seasonal wardrobe.
Bedroom not overloaded with details
Simple interior design, photo:
Our work in creating simple functional interiors:
| Simple bedroom interior | Simple interior office in the attic 139.3 sqm | Simple living room interior in an apartment of 89 sq. | Simple kitchen interior in an apartment of 78.5 sq.m |
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Photos of simple apartment design, how to create a trendy interior for the ages.
It is believed that a truly respectable and durable interior design requires the education of taste in several generations. However, there are a few general principles that will help you successfully cope with this difficult task.
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General principles
1. Create a comfortable environment. nine0145 The secret of the attractiveness of the best European interiors is not only in individual, but comfortable design: it is comfortable to sit on the sofa and armchairs, it is easy to get your favorite books, you can easily move around the interiors, and when you turn on the lamps, the light does not hit your eyes.
2. Don't get attached to fashion. Nothing goes out of date faster than over-hyped fashion trends, especially in colors and décor. The exceptions are the works of such design stars as Philip Stark or Paola Navone. But even in this case, 1-2 iconic items are enough. nine0003
3. Combine objects and finishes in one palette. Combine elements of different styles with color, especially from the classic white-gray-black triad.
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The principles on which a truly elegant simple design of apartments is built, the photos show very accurately: the basis is an achromatic palette, and if there are color accents, they are few and go well with each other. nine0003
Finish
4. Choose simple shapes. Take the functional style as a basis and follow its principles of expediency - clarity of layout, simple proportions. The classically simple design of the apartment will not become annoying over time and will create a good background for interesting things.
5. Avoid flashy color combinations. No annoying variegation, instead of it - complex and muted shades or barely noticeable gradations of light tones. If in doubt about the choice, be content with the achromatic range and light graphic lines: it’s not difficult to add a few color accents to such an interior. nine0003
6. Use only quality materials. First of all, in the finishing of such "durable" interior elements as floors, doors, window frames. Massive wood and stacked parquet, natural stone (not necessarily marble) will retain a dignified appearance for a long time.
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Unobtrusive, simple design "for the ages" involves the use of quality natural materials such as parquet. nine0003
7. Choose your door and window design carefully. White plastic frames and window sills, door leaves, out of the general range and style, will "kill" the elegant simple design of the apartment. The patterns of door panels and window frames should be carefully drawn, and the materials in which they are made should be well combined with the rest of the finish. Don't forget about quality fittings. Remember that God lives in the details.
8. Don't get carried away with lush classics. nine0145 Stylizations of palace aesthetics with imitations of classical colonnades and domes look funny in a city apartment, and carelessly drawn capitals and porticos will remind you of the aesthetics of a casino. In the absence of the proper scale, be content with small elements of the classic order.
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The monochrome palette and the absence of architectural elements in the interior of a spacious city apartment, decorated in a classic style, fully meet the concept of "unobtrusiveness". nine0003
Furniture and accessories
9. Do not advertise modern audio and video equipment. At a minimum, the LCD screen and speakers should not dominate the living room composition. The role of accent elements is given to a fireplace, family heirlooms, works of art.
10. Engage time-tested design icons . Remakes (not to be confused with Chinese imitations) of chairs by Marcel Breuer or Le Corbusier, as well as antique Thonet chairs, will always be relevant and will testify to your taste, provided that they are in harmony with the overall setting. nine0003
When choosing furniture, give preference to remakes of design masterpieces that are timeless and fashionable.
11. Add antiques. It will give the interior the charm inherent in a “house with traditions”. If things are restored, then they must be of high quality, in compliance with the style of the era. Even better, if your interior has preserved antique parquet, stucco, window frames with a beautiful pattern of bindings: they will create a worthy historical context. nine0003
12. Decorate your interiors with works of art. It is not necessary to chase after expensive paintings of geniuses.
