Rather than buying new furniture, consider thrifting or browsing online marketplaces like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, a lick of paint can make old pieces look brand new.
Symmetry can make a room feel balanced and grounded, so try to incorporate it whenever possible. Decorative mirrors are inexpensive and easy to hang.
Modern
Whether you call it a living room, a sitting area or family space, a modern upgrade can make your home feel fresh and inviting. Whether you prefer minimalist or maximalist design, use easy decorating ideas to introduce on-trend elements like mirrors and bold accent colors.
Display your china, glassware and other decorative objects in a modern way by placing them inside wood cabinets, like this one designed by Forbes + Masters. This allows the pieces to be out of sight yet still accessible for everyday use and also helps to add character to the room.
Bring the outdoors in through natural elements like house plants, as seen in this calming nook by Oliver Thornton. They instantly enliven the space and create a stress-relieving focal point that’s perfect for entertaining.
While many people think that incorporating animals into a decor scheme is a bold and loud move, this chic living space from Robson Rak proves that the design element can be tasteful and sophisticated when used sparingly. The black-and-white patterned accent chairs, for example, pair nicely with the serene green walls and wood finishes throughout this space.
Eclectic
If deciding on a single design style is overwhelming, eclectic home decor ideas can offer the best of both worlds. An eclectic living room can still feel polished and sophisticated if the furniture, artwork, and accent pieces are carefully chosen. Keeping an eye on color and texture is a surefire way to ensure that contrasting items don’t look sloppy.
Keep a consistent color thread running through the room to tame an overly wild palette. Here, a light blue sofa and modern accent chairs make this eclectic living room design by Devin Kirk look refined rather than random.
To keep an eclectic room from feeling haphazard, vary the size of the items in the space. Doing so ensures that the furniture and accessories will appear custom-made for the room, as opposed to a mishmash of haphazardly arranged items. Also, varying the height, diameter, and length of the decor will help to prevent an accidental overload of items in the room.
Traditional
Whether you opt for classic flamboyance or more of a cottage core, traditional living room ideas bring a sense of elegance to the space. “This style often features elements that we’ve seen for generations,” says Modsy design historian Alessandra Wood, like restrained color palettes, a commitment to symmetry and antique or vintage decor.
Make the most of any architectural features in a traditional living room, like large bay windows, or highlight period details, such as a gorgeous rust-colored exposed brick wall. If you’re lucky enough to have wooden beams, leave them unpainted for a classic look that adds warmth.
Traditionally, living rooms are designed to entertain a crowd, so plan plenty of seating options. Whether you go with a sofa sectional or cozy window seat, make sure to include upholstered accent chairs and a coffee table or ottoman that can double as a place for guests to set down their drinks. Vary the heights of furniture, like snagging tall armchairs with low-slung side tables and accent cabinets, for a balanced look.
Rustic
Rustic styles tend to feature wood tones and earthy, moody color palettes. To lighten up the look, bring in warming accent tones and textured fabrics. Faux fur, jute, stone and exposed wood grain all offer textural appeal to living room ideas with a rustic feel.
A rustic color scheme can work with a variety of neutrals, but you can also create a rich and visually appealing contrast by using a bold shade as an accent wall or furniture finish. Choose a dark earthy color that’s a good match for the natural tones of your wooden furnishings.
For an even more dramatic look, consider bringing in reclaimed wood paneling to your living room walls or entertainment center. Or opt for a more modern take on rustic with wood-effect wallpaper that adds warmth without requiring extensive wall coverage. If you decide to go the wood-paneling route, follow the Rule of Three to keep your accents from looking haphazard.