Create a Casual Hangout on the Floor

Doesn’t this spot make you smile? These colorful handmade pillows will enliven any drab corner that needs spring cheer. You can find this electrifying bunch at Montreal’s Baba Souk, which sells rugs and other authentic Moroccan pieces. We like how the larger, quieter pillows balance the brightness.

Put Up Your Feet on a Pouf (or Two)

Floor cushions are hugely popular in Morocco. They can be earthy-toned and square, made of traditional kilim rugs, like this rustic one here, or neon pink for a more modern feel. Or go on and inject playful sass with this vegan leather gold pouf. The bright nubby rugs are also a fast way to bring fun colour to a white space.

Go for a Beautiful Rug

Morocco is famous for its Beni Ourain carpets that add a simple yet sophisticated look to any room. Here’s an interesting fact: the Beni Ourain tribe believed the carpets could ward off evil, so they incorporated design elements to bring good luck. This interpretation from West Elm is made of 100% wool.

Use a Pouf for Extra Seating or as a Coffee Table

Here are some other poufs we’re crushing on. Those colours! That height! Those hand-embroidered star patterns! Toss one in a corner and use it as extra seating or a makeshift coffee table. Just add a tray on top – a perfect solution if you have toddlers and you’re avoiding furniture with sharp edges.

Create an Eye-Catching Outdoor Vignette

Patterns on simple forms are a signature of Moroccan furnishings, as seen on this gorgeous indoor-outdoor table that sports a top modeled after traditional Moroccan tilework. The chairs, curated by Tracey Boyd for Anthropologie, feature woven seats and backs inspired by the curved shield of the Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania.

Have a Tea Party in Pretty Glassware

The ritual of tea is steeped in Moroccan culture. Watching someone pour an arc of the sweetened minty liquid out of a teapot is theatre itself. So maybe you aren’t hitting Casablanca anytime soon, but you can bring the vibe home with elegant Moroccan tea glasses, pots, and silver trays. Use the glassware to drink, as candle votives, or as sophisticated party favors. Each tea glass is hand-painted by an artisan.

Update Your Bathroom in a Moorish Style

In this Moorish bathroom from Casablanca Market, an elaborately detailed sink paired with accessories, including hammam hand towels and chunky bars of soap, has a rich, warm feel. Psst… the sink also comes in a stunning orange or turquoise.

Install a Pair of Marrakech Curtains

A favorite way to bring Morocco home is through its textiles. The contrast of the cobalt blue against the cream in these Marrakech curtains from Anthropologie is everything! Intricately embroidered graphic panels take their cue from the lush textiles that grace the soaring windows of traditional Moroccan architecture.

Put Your Souk Essentials on the Wall

Moroccan design celebrates the colorful beauty and transformative effect of its spices on cuisine. (If you’re a minimalist who tucks everything away, this look isn’t for you). We love this folksy, crafted wooden spice rack that’s just waiting to be filled with coriander, ginger, turmeric, and ras el hanout.

Display a Clay Tagine

You didn’t think we’d forget a tagine, did you? Perhaps the most recognizably Moroccan cooking vessel, the cone-shaped clay pot looks beautiful as a piece of pottery on its own, but even better when filled with an actual tagine (the aromatic Maghrebi stew).

Moroccan Tagine Cooking Pot

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Primp Your Bed in a Moroccan Duvet

From the shapely headboard to the bright bedspread, this bedroom from the home-textiles shop Saffron Marigold has a comfortable Moorish aesthetic that makes Moroccan decor appealing. We love the regal boho bedspread with vintage print and medallions rendered in ivory, fuchsia, ochre, and turquoise.

Get Lit With Lanterns

For a charming look, string up colorful, perforated tin lights on your patio. Inspired by Moroccan and Mughal artwork, these Raya glass lanterns each fit a tea light and has an antique zinc finish. They look fab in bunches!

Moroccan Lanterns

These Moroccan lanterns with crystal clear color and magical patterns are elegant designs and look amazing, they will add a romantic and charming exotic touch to your home, porch, patio, or garden. You will find that it brings your home more special, chic, country, and vintage.

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Use Concrete Tile in the Bathroom

Marrakech-based Popham Design makes traditional Moroccan concrete tiles that feel fresh and modern and are total scene-stealers. Case in point: this amazing green-tiled bathroom, where the tub is also lashed in the hue for a magical, monochromatic effect.

Hang Up and Intricate Mirror

Bring some Moroccan love to your wall with this intricate black mirror made of metal. Or maybe a simpler, Arabesque quatrefoil mirror is more to your taste?

Moroccan Lanterns

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The post 14 Moroccan Decor Ideas for Every Room in Your Home appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

The catch? From installing a cold plunge in your backyard to building a home gym from the ground up, investing in wellness design seems like… well, an investment. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of simple (and cost-effective) ways to bring that healthy lifestyle to the great indoors. Suppose you’re looking to think beyond the organic produce and casual set of dumbbells and bring wellness into your overall design scheme. In that case, several designers share chic and cost-effective tips in equal measure.

Invest in Your Bed

From lowering the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease to improving mood and cognitive skills, the benefits of a good night’s sleep are virtually endless. So if you want to double down on your home’s wellness, what better place to start than your bedroom? “​​If you were thinking of redesigning your bedroom, maybe a new bed is part of that plan,” suggests Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home in Manhattan Beach, California. Though it can be all too tempting to spend a small fortune to transform your boudoir into a hotel-like suite, start by adding small yet substantial accessories like a mattress topper or fresh sheets. “Something about having a low-profile or platform bed with breathable linens is just so cozy in a bedroom,” adds Meichtry. Best of all? You can always swap out your bedding essentials as needed to find out what sweet dreams are made of.

Let the Light In

While getting some quality time with natural sunlight is always a good idea—just think of the vitamin D you’re getting!—it’s essential to do so in the morning. Sun exposure in the morning can help set your circadian rhythm, which helps regulate your internal body clock. Springing out of bed and stepping outside is a great way to get some sunshine, but reworking your window treatments can also get the job done. “To make the most of natural light, I suggest considering sheer curtains for privacy without blocking light—or forgoing window treatments altogether if privacy allows it,” says Patty Cassidy, director of interiors at Ike Baker Velten in Oakland, California. 

But why stop at your window treatments? Marion Philpotts-Miller of Philpotts Interiors recommends zhuzhing up your layout with sunshine in mind. “Thoughtfully arrange [your] furniture to allow sunlight into your living spaces,” the Hawaii-based designer explains. “Ensure good ventilation to facilitate fresh air circulation, contributing to a healthier and more invigorating environment.”

Press Play on Soothing Sounds

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Believe it or not, wellness design can apply to all of the senses. Philpotts-Miller recommends putting soft meditation music on your soundbar to “promote relaxation and mindfulness.” She has a point: Whether you opt for chill chimes or crashing waves, sound meditation can reduce stress and anxiety as well as physical pain and inflammation.

Create a Chill Zone

If you want to take your mindfulness to the next level, carve out space for a little bit of rest. According to Katie Lucas and Heather Browning, co-owners of Lucas Browning Design in Los Angeles, comfortable seating and a calming color palette can turn any nook into a meditation oasis. Or, if you prefer to unwind with a good book, Vert 31’s Ashley Morgan loves the magic of an in-home library. “Nothing exudes wellness-based luxury design like a client curled up in a cozy nook, reading their favorite book,” the Los Angeles-based designer adds.

Fortunately, you don’t have to build your very own Library of Congress to bring those calming vibes to the forefront: Simply filling an awkward corner with floating shelves and a big, cushy armchair can work wonders.

Improve Air Quality with Plants

Consider this your sign to add some plants to your pad. Not only can the right leafy greens beautify any room of the house, but they can also improve its air quality. Once you find the perfect plant—rubber plants, parlor palms, and Boston ferns are just a few that can promote cleaner, better air—you’ll need to style them properly. 

“A selection of beautiful plants and pots is a highly impactful and affordable way to infuse a sense of well-being and calm into your space,” says Gretchen Krebs, an Oakland-based designer who cofounded Medium Plenty with Ian Read. “Embracing layers of greenery is a particular passion of ours when styling projects, as it not only enlivens the space but also creates a soothing ambiance.”

For a warm, welcoming vibe, pepper plants in unexpected places such as a succulent in your bathroom or an oversized tree in the foyer. 

Ritualize Your Morning Routine

Did you know that creating a morning routine (and sticking to it) can boost your energy levels, mood, and overall productivity? So if you’re going to do the same thing every single day, you might as well make it look good. Take a cue from Oregon designer Emily Henderson by dedicating a little space to your favorite ritual—or in this case, brewing a cup of coffee. With exposed shelves and textured tilework, this wooden alcove brings a cool café feeling to the convenience of your home. 

Conceal Your Screen

We love a movie marathon as much as the next person, but spending your entire day in front of the television isn’t doing your overall well-being any favors. Excessive screen time has been linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. If you want to curb your screen time, tuck away your telly when it’s not in use as Lizzie Green of San Diego-based firm Popix Design did here. “The clients did not want their TV to be shown while the children were eating meals, so I came up with this custom-designed media console that conceals the TV,” Green shares. “It is beautiful when the cabinets are closed and open.” Translation? You’ll have something pretty to look at, but won’t be tempted to cue up your latest streaming obsession. 

Personalize Your Pad

If you ask Berkeley designer, Gustave Carlson, the cleverest and chicest way to bring that feel-good spirit into your place is to fill your home with items that speak to you. And, what better way to do so than with some gorgeous art? The secret, however, is to incorporate works that are positive and uplifting. Sentimental snapshots, children’s art, and your favorite pieces can make any home feel like your space, but research shows it can also improve your mood. “It is a way to reflect on the creative process, engage the viewers and family members in connection,” he says. “Have a dedicated space that displays meaningful elements, arranged for a personal and meaningful conversation.”

The post The 8 Interior Design Tricks That Will Improve Your Well-Being appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

The theory of color trends plays an important role in how a room feels, so it’s important to get it right when it comes to painting ideas. ‘The use of color in interior design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a space that evokes desired emotions and serves its intended purpose,‘ says interior designer Nicholas Kaiko.

Once the colors of a room are mastered, it’ll make the rest of the decor easier to work around and ensure a cohesive and balanced look.

What Rules Do Designers Use When Working With Color?

According to interior designers, these are the most effective rules that they use when designing any room in the home, to ensure that the color choices work well together and establish the desired tone.

‘Adhering to these principles, derived from color theory, can help in achieving a well-balanced and harmonious decor,’ adds Nicholas.

1. DECIDE ON THE MOOD YOU WANT TO CREATE

When choosing colors for a room, you should always consider the way color will make you feel. Color psychology can be a powerful tool in creating an atmosphere, so this should always be carefully considered when selecting colors. 

Luis Carmona, designer at VERDE Interior Design says: ‘I first start with the mood that we want to achieve or what we want the person in the room to feel. Certain colors have specific emotional associations. Blue is often associated with calmness and serenity while green evokes nature, harmony, and balance.‘

Kara Piepmeyer, Founder of design studio Studio Kosma also highlights the importance of selecting colors for the desired mood, saying: ‘If the client is looking for high energy and wants to make a big impact, then I often choose dark, cool colors and go for complementary and highly contrasting shades on the color wheel. If the homeowner is yearning for a deeply relaxing space then I lean toward warm, subdued earth tones. Selecting analogous colors on the color wheel will help foster that sense of tranquility.‘

2. STICK TO USING THREE COLORS

‘I usually have at least three colors or tones in a project: light, medium, and dark,’ says Tyson Ness, Founder of NYC-based Studio Ness. ‘This helps to create depth to a palette and can be done with any scheme. I balance these colors in the room by thinking of a triangle and making sure that each point has each of the tones represented, with the center point being the main feature of the room.‘

‘This will help to create balance in the room by making sure the tones are evenly balanced and spread throughout the space through decorating with art and decor. You can also approach these as the main color, complementary color, and accent color,‘ Tyson adds. 

Luis Carmona also advises sticking to between two and three colors to create a balanced look: ‘We like to stick to two to three dominant colors for any single space so that the room appears well designed and balanced. If we are designing a room with a neutral palette, a similar rule applies. We’ll stick to two to three shades to give the room depth. We then fill in any design gaps with textures and different surfaces to add dimension to the space.‘  

3. USE THE 60-30-10 RULE

The 60-30-10 rule is a traditional color rule and helps to create a cohesive look by using three different colors in different amounts. Interior designer Rudolph Diesel explains: ‘60% of the room is in a dominant color, usually a calming or neutral shade.‘

‘30% of the room is in a secondary color that complements the dominant color’, and ‘10% of the room is an accent color, which is complementary while being bold and offering a contrasting hue.’ 

He adds that if you’re not sure where to begin with selecting colors, it’s always worth referencing the color wheel to spark creativity. ‘The color wheel will guide you toward harmonious combinations using: Complementary colors that are placed opposite each other on the wheel; Monochromatic color schemes which are variations of a single color; and Analogous colors that neighbor each other on the wheel.‘

4. USE A LAYERED APPROACH TO BALANCE WARM AND COOL TONES

‘You can’t go wrong with pairing warm and cool colors to create a harmonious space,‘ says interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke.

Interior designer Matthew Williamson agrees, saying: ‘In most spaces, there should be a balance of complementary colors for contrast. I love decorating with a sense of layering, which is incredibly important. It’s not just about bringing bold, massive swathes of color in.’

Rudolph Diesel also recommends mixing warm color schemes and cool color schemes, adding: ‘While color schemes and styles differ in many homes throughout the world, it’s always a good idea to achieve a balance in the combination of warm and cool colors that you use. For example, using cool colors for larger areas like walls or furniture is often complemented by accents in warmer colors, like a throw or artwork.’

5. ALWAYS CONSIDER NATURAL LIGHT

As with any rule, it’s always important to consider this in the context of the specific room you’re working with. The amount of natural light a room receives will heavily impact how color looks, so make sure to understand this before settling on your colors.

‘Natural daylight can dramatically shift a color’s tone, so I always evaluate hues at different times and under various light sources,’ says interior designer and Founder of Arsight Artem Kropovinsky. Nicholas Kaiko adds that: ‘Rooms with abundant natural light can handle darker colors better than rooms with limited light, which might feel even more confined.’

6. TEST BEFORE COMMITTING

Before deciding on any colors for your interior schemes, designers say you should always test before committing. Color is complex and can look different depending on many factors, so it’s always worth testing out color in a small amount before fully committing to a color scheme.

‘Always test paint colors on a small section of the wall,‘ advises Nicholas Kaiko. ‘Observe them at different times of the day, under artificial lighting, and in natural light.‘

FAQS

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT COLOR RULES TO CONSIDER?

While there are lots of color rules that designers use to create a cohesive and balanced look in a room, they also add that color is subjective so rules should be used as a guide only.

‘Not all room designs are so strategic,’ says Luis Carmona. ‘With every rule, there is an exception. Sometimes a client wants a fun, colorful space full of color, textures, and patterns. We have just as much fun designing these spaces as the neutral, monochromatic designs that have become our signature.’

Matthew Williamson adds that it’s important to remember that color can easily be changed, so don’t worry too much about making mistakes: ‘No matter what you go for, always remember that color is one of the few interior design elements that can be changed quite easily, quickly, and affordably if you don’t like it. It’s not something which once chosen must remain forever, so it’s well worth giving it a go, having fun, and trying something new.‘

These color rules are supposed to be used as a guide and can be helpful as a starting point when choosing initial colors can feel overwhelming. You should also be wary of color decorating rules to ignore ahead of designing any room as color experts say these feel dated and can be too restrictive. 

The post 6 Color Rules Interior Designers Swear by to Create a Balanced Decor Scheme appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

This especially applies to the living room, which is, most often, one of the easiest spaces to refresh and inject with the latest looks.

With the help of a few top designers, we’ve pulled together some key living room trends we can expect to see in 2024.

The End of Stark Minimalism

It’s been a long time coming, but interior designer Alice Leigh says 2024 will bring the official end of cold, all-white living rooms that embrace minimalism. Instead, we’ll see more comfort and coziness.  

“There is a rise of soft, warm nuances that are spirit-lifting and dopamine-enhancing,” Leigh says. “That’s not to say that we can’t incorporate neutral elements into a room—but it’s about balance, warmth, and offsetting bold colors with gentle ones.” 

To ease your space into this look, Leigh suggests balancing your materials. Combine wools, linens, and velvets with harder finishes like brass, stone, and wood, she suggests.

An Update on Maximalism

According to Gena Kirk, the vice president of KB Home Design Studio, as minimalism fades into the background, a new take on maximalism will take centerstage.

While this aesthetic once focused on a whole lot of everything, everywhere, Kirk feels we’re about to see a channeled, targeted use of the key elements. 

“2024’s maximalism is also about how you mix and match to express your unique style,” she says. “Think about pairing geometric shapes, textures, metals, and more throughout your home.”

Whimsy, Fun, and Oversized Accent Pieces

Monica Breese, founder of The Designed Domicilio and a real estate broker with Compass, predicts more fun and whimsical accents in people’s living rooms in 2024.

“I’m seeing chunky accessories and oversized decor—curved lines also have some staying power, and we will continue to see into 2024,” she says.

Kirk agrees, noting oversized decor is popping up in many ways. “Small pendant lighting is out and is being replaced with bigger and better statement lighting,” she says.

Personal Touches

According to Gideon Mendelson, the founder and creative director of Mendelson Group, 2024 will bring a rise of well-curated living rooms full of personal stories. 

“Decorating with meaningful pieces is not about chasing an aesthetic,” he says. “The true essence of this ‘trend’ lies in the subtleties—the cherished heirlooms and the intimate connection between a space and its inhabitant.”

Most importantly, Mendelson notes these touches don’t automatically mean high-end antiques. It can be anything fun or whimsical that calls to you during your travels, both locally and far off. 

Decorating with meaningful pieces is not about chasing an aesthetic.

Warmer, Softer Tones

Leigh notes that apricot, peach, and terracotta hues have been on the rise this year, and she feels this will only carry into 2024. 

“These really warm colors can feel so comforting in a living room and sit really well with brass finishes,” she says. 

Kirk agrees, and she feels this will be especially obvious with a rise of pastels in living rooms next year. 

“Pastels will see a rise in popularity—think mauve and light pinks and sky blues,” she says. “When incorporated thoughtfully, the colors can be mature, calming, and soothing.”

Sustainability Continues to Reign Supreme

Leigh predicts we’ll continue to see a lot of greenery, environmentally friendly materials, and sustainable design practices in 2024. 

“Sustainability is taking over the design industry, like sourcing and incorporating vintage finds instead of mass-produced, impersonal decor,” Leigh says. 

The End of Open Floor Plans

While open floor plans have been all the rage for quite a while, Leigh predicts this trend is coming to a close in 2024. If you have an open-plan space, however, don’t panic. 

You don’t have to make structural changes or put back walls, Leigh says. Instead, try separating areas with bookshelves, folding screens, or more considered furniture layouts to achieve more defined spaces.

The post Designers Already Love These 7 Living Room Trends for 2024 appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

Vibrant Orange-y Reds

Benjamin Moore announced its 2023 Color of the Year as Raspberry Blush, a fiery red-orange that’s basically the best color in a really good sunset. The vivacious color marks a pull toward bold, warm hues. “We’ve had colors that are on the cooler side of the color wheel for a number of years, and now we’re really starting to see a shift to the warmer colors,” says Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore.

Bold Reds

Designer Sarah Stacey adds that red is primarily making a comeback. “Try pairing red accents, like dining chairs or smaller accent pieces, with neutrals to emphasize the color more,” Stacey says. This luscious red reading room designed by Kati Curtis features a lacquered finish, making the color pop even further.

Warm Neutrals

Warm neutrals embrace wellness and comfort. Not to mention, they can be incorporated into practically any design style. That’s exactly why Behr named Blank Canvas it’s Color of the Year for 2023. “White is the key to individual style simply because it’s so easy to change up,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “It’s really simple to bring in other colors, textures, patterns, and materials to individualize this color.”

Brown Ochre

While you can cover a blank canvas with pops of color, you can also lean into neutrals. “We see a trend in 2023 toward warm, non-intrusive, neutral tones and materials, which provide comfort and security,” says Max Gansow, co-founder of Vesak. “Raw, organic materials, and tones such as brown ocher, which we showcase in our genuine bovine leather collection, offer a cozy-yet-modern grounding base.” Chad Wood designed this living room to prove that this color trend has staying power.

Softer Shades of Bold Colors

Soft colors promote tranquility. “Understated tones make it easier to create monochrome looks that evoke a sense of consistency and allow homeowners to choose which areas of the home they want to emphasize by drawing the eye to where there is color,” says Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin.

Beige-Blush

Light blue is always going to be a winner, but an earthier example of the above trend is Sherwin-Wiliams’s 2023 Color of the Year: Resend Point. The blush-beige color “lends to the macro trends we’re seeing around empathy and care culture,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Here it is in a sipping room designed by Jean Liu.

Elemental Inspiration

Deeply saturated hues in the wild are on the rise and inspired by everything from tropical flowers to carbon. With this in mind, York Wallcoverings named Amber as its Color of the Year for 2023. “An organic gemstone made from tree resin, Amber is often associated with absorbing negative energy and releasing bright, soothing energy,” says Carol Miller, trend and color expert for York Wallcoverings. “When Amber catches the light, it emanates a sense of renewal, energy, and power.”

In a bedroom by French & French Interiors, plaster walls perfectly embody the warm yellow. The emerald green linen bedding and wood bed frame complete the cozy look.

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones create an elegant moodiness that designers expect to be sought after. “I love mixing jewel tones with spicier colors, like burnt orange, for an unexpected color-blocked look,” says Stacey.

“Aubergine is a big color this year, and I think it would make for a beautiful alternative to red,” adds designer Killy Scheer. “Pair it with creams and greens for an unexpected yet still traditional-leaning combination.”

Here, MasterBrand cabinets are coated in Sherwin-Williams’s Foxhall Green, which adds liveliness to the kitchen and makes the neutral accents stand out.

Versatility

A major color requirement for 2023 is versatility. Neutrals often possess this quality, but they don’t have to be the neutrals we’re used to seeing. They can have blush, yellow, purple, or blue undertones. “A neutral doesn’t necessarily have to be white, beige, or gray; it can be a color or have colorful undertones, such as pink,” says Wadden. “It’s all about how you use it in a space.” We’re loving the purple and clay tones in this gray room designed by Lauren Nelson.

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The post These 9 Color Trends Will Be Big in 2023 appeared first on Arteresting Decor.

Through the discerning design lens of Restoration Hardware – a brand well known for its one-stop-shop approach to beautiful, well-designed living room ideas – we asked top designers to dish their dos for a successful living room space. Let the gathering begin!

RESTORATION HARDWARE LIVING ROOM IDEAS

Restoration Hardware living rooms have a distinct look but above all, they are designed to suit smart and elegant but relaxed spaces. They suit every purpose, from formal living rooms to family rooms, and can be adapted to suit your home’s style. Here, we speak to designers who love to use Restoration Hardware for their living room styling. 

1. INVEST IN COMFORT AND QUALITY

‘To me, Restoration Hardware living room pieces instantly communicate comfort and quality,’ shares Toronto-based interior designer Anne Hepfer. ‘I love their Belgian linens and general rustic-modern feel, especially for houses set in nature.’ 

Citing the brand’s quality and convenience, Hepfer confirms that ‘RH has it all – we source lighting, hardware, furnishings, and accessories at one location and know that we’re delivering timeless well-made pieces.’ 

Setting a tone of togetherness, Restoration Hardware makes the goal of cohesion easy to corral. Hepfer adds, ‘I love designing living rooms because they’re one of the most used spaces in a home, not to mention where the family congregates and makes memories.’

2. CREATE AN EXPERIENTIAL SPACE

Senior designer of Ontario-based design firm Aspen & Ivy, Ria DaCosta explains that she loves the inherent creative freedom that follows designing a living room.

‘Unlike dining rooms or bedrooms which both require specific types of furnishings like tables and beds,‘ she says, ‘living rooms, on the other hand, can look vastly different from one project to the next – from furniture styles to layout configuration and everything in between.’ 

Echoing those bold sentiments, Hepfer weighs in, explaining, ‘My goal is to make a space experiential through a concept and feeling.’ Who doesn’t love an experiential space that the whole family can enjoy?

3. FOLLOW THE FLOORPLAN

When it comes to devising a thoughtful living room layout, allow the function to lead the way and form will follow suit. 

‘A living room is a space in the house that requires equal parts comfort and beauty,’ explains Houston-based designer Katie Davis. ‘I like being able to play with upholstery and patterns and create unique pieces that are comfortable first, but also pretty.’ 

New York-based interior designer Cara Woodhouse calls for spatial considerations when she’s plotting out a space. ‘Make sure you have several areas to move around even if it’s just one room,’ she states. ‘Your guests and family need multiple paths to flow comfortably in and out of the space.‘

4. SOFA OR SECTIONAL?

When it comes to living room sofa ideas, what do you choose? ‘For me, this decision comes down to two factors: What are the functional requirements of the space, and what is the client’s preference?’ questions DaCosta, answering that ‘sofas tend to lend themselves toward being more conversational and often more formal versus sectionals which, while they also invite conversation, tend to lend more to lounging and relaxing and thus can be used as more informal pieces.’ 

Hepfer firmly states, ‘For a comfortable, casual room, sectional living room ideas are the answer – think movie nights with the kids and pets, or morning coffee with a crossword. And, for a more polished and elegant vibe, sofas are the solution.’ 

Davis adds, ‘I prefer the living room to have a mix of sofas and chairs to help spur conversation.’

5. DESIGN WITH WELLNESS IN MIND

Going beyond aesthetics, New York-based designer Laurence Carr takes a holistic approach to the living room, especially when considering living room curtain ideas.

‘Designing with wellness top of mind helps inform every choice I make,’ she shares. ‘Whenever possible, I include plenty of natural light, and draw attention to the windows, which not only let sunlight in but give a biophilic quality to a living space by blurring the lines between the indoors and out.’

6. ENSURE YOUR LIVING ROOM IS VERSATILE

Laetitia Laurent, the principal designer of South Florida-based firm Laure Nell Interiors, breaks down the importance of versatility that neutral living room ideas can provide.

‘A living room needs to be versatile and engaging – always leading its guests on a beautiful design journey,’ she muses. 

Laurent often turns to Restoration Hardware living room ideas for inspiration, stating, ‘I love how grounded the pieces feel. They are neutral without feeling boring, so they provide the perfect base palette to so many design styles.’ 

An aesthetic that’s particularly appealing to this Parisian native, ‘depending on what other elements you pair the room with, you can take it from a modern Californian relaxed vibe all the way to a Parisian gilded glam vibe.’

The key is to leave a space open for growth and reinvention.

7. CREATE A FOCAL POINT

‘I would say the main consideration when selecting the right rug is the size,‘ states DaCosta. ‘People often select rugs that are too small, so the trick is to ensure that all of the furniture pieces in the space are entirely or at least halfway on the rug – this helps to ground the room and keeps everything well proportioned.’ 

But when it comes to layering living room rug ideas she’s not a proponent, ‘I rarely layer rugs and prefer to keep it simple with just one, but do make sure however that you have a good thick rug pad both for comfort and to preserve the longevity of your rug.‘ 

Davis shares DaCosta’s keep-it-simple mantra, but adds, ‘Layering in interior design is nice if you have a large space that needs a base, or if you’ve sourced an antique rug that’s on the smaller side. 

Hepfer continues, ‘Using a variety of different rug materials and sizes will help the room feel blended and warm.’

8. MAKE A FEATURE FOR THE COFFEE TABLE

Coffee table decor ideas will boost your Restoration Hardware living room styling. 

‘Good coffee table books are a must,’ states Laurent. ‘They give the space personality and you learn a lot about who lives there – I love coordinating them with the color palette of the room, blending content and form.’ 

Houston-based designer Nina Magon seconds this coffee table styling notion, expounding upon their wide range of options and versatility making them a prime decor element for any space. ‘They can be simple yet inherently stylish,’ she explains, ‘and great conversation starters to showcase the homeowner’s personal interests.’

9. ENSURE YOUR LIVING ROOM IS FIT FOR PURPOSE

When it comes to the durability of a living room, Laurent gets into character. ‘I imagine hosting a party which informs performance fabrics to withstand spills and a beautiful side table to sit your drink down,’ she says. ‘Following that idea of a motion picture, I’ll imagine the homeowners lounging as a family so the fabric needs to feel soft and inviting.’

10. MIX MATERIALS FOR INTEREST

‘Material mixing is so important,’ states Woodhouse. ‘It’s all about layering and one way to do that is by mixing different materials and textures in a space – for example, you can do a cotton twill sofa with velvet pillows and it creates a mix of contrasting textures that I love.’ 

Davis notes, ‘We like integrating upholstered items with woven pieces, with antiques – mixing textures and materials adds soul to a space.’

WHAT KIND OF STYLE IS A RESTORATION HARDWARE LIVING ROOM?

A Restoration Hardware living room is usually comfortable and lived-in looking while retaining an elegant air. Laetitia Laurent, principal designer of South Florida-based firm Laure Nell Interiors explains that ‘the pandemic and the need to rest has brought a desire for a variety of tactile experiences. In your living room, you’re going to crave crisp linen for its clean effect but it’s also nice to pair it with a nubby boucle or a soft chenille for that loungy, cozy vibe.’

WHAT IS THE BEST RESTORATION HARDWARE FOR LIVING ROOM FURNITURE?

Senior designer of Ontario-based design firm Aspen & Ivy, Ria DaCosta shares her love of a Restoration Hardware living room classic: the French Contemporary Coffee Table. ‘Its simple design lends itself well to many different design styles, and I love the range of finishes it comes in giving it a unique look every time. I’m also a sucker for a functional coffee table so the fact that it has a bottom shelf is a huge win!’

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