How to Design a Living Room Like a Pro
A well-designed living room is about creating a balanced, functional, and stylish area that feels both inviting and practical. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping an existing space, designing a living room like a pro requires a thoughtful approach. Here are my tips, that you can try too, to make your home your haven.
From furniture placement and colour schemes to lighting and decor, this guide will walk you through the key steps to designing a living room that is a space you’re proud of, that reflects you and looks like it was curated with an interior designer’s eye for detail.
1. Define Your Living Room’s Purpose
Before diving into furniture and decor - take a step back and consider how do you use your living room?
Is it a formal space for entertaining guests?
Do you want a cozy family gathering area?
Will it double as a workspace or play area?
Clarifying your priorities will help determine everything from layout to furniture selection. For example:
If your living room is for entertaining, focus on creating a conversational layout with ample seating.
For a family-friendly space, consider durable fabrics and functional storage solutions.
If it doubles as a workspace, incorporate a stylish desk or built-in with extra storage and or shelving.
Pro Tip: Before purchasing furniture, measure your space and consider how traffic will flow through it. A well-thought-out floor plan is key to a successful design.
2. Establish a Cohesive Colour Palette
Colour sets the mood of a room. Professional designers use colour theory and sometimes even psychology to pull together specific atmospheres.
Choosing Your Base colour
Start with a neutral base for flexibility - whites, beiges, grays, or soft earth tones work well. Next, introduce complementary accent colours through accessories, textiles, and decor.
Warm tones (beige, terracotta, mustard) - can create a cozy, inviting feel.
Cool tones (gray, blue, green) - often promote calmness and sophistication.
Bold tones (navy, emerald, deep red) - will make a statement and add drama.
If you’re unsure about a colour scheme, the 60-30-10 rule is a designer go-to. Here’s how you can apply this rule:
60% of the room (walls, large furniture) should be a dominant colour.
30% (curtains, rugs, smaller furniture) should be a secondary colour.
10% (art, cushions, accessories) should be an accent colour.
Pro Tip: Use paint samples and fabric swatches within your space to see how colours appear in different lighting throughout the day. Read more here about How to Choose the Right Colour Palette for Your Home.
3. Layout & Furniture Placement
Furniture arrangement can make or break a living room. The goal is to create a layout that works well with your home's flow, encourages conversation, maximizes function, and ensures comfort.
Start with These Layout Principles:
Create a focal point - This could be a fireplace, large window, TV, or statement artwork. Arrange furniture around it for balance.
Ensure good flow - Leave enough space for movement. Ideally, pathways should be a minimum of 3 feet wide.
Anchor the space with a rug - A rug helps define the seating area and brings warmth to the room.
Common Layouts Used by Interior Designers:
Symmetrical Layout: Balanced and formal, great for traditional homes (e.g., two identical sofas facing each other).
L-Shaped Layout: Uses a sectional or two sofas for a cozy, casual feel.
Floating Furniture Layout: Instead of pushing everything against walls, place seating in the center to create an intimate setting.
Pro Tip: Choose the right rug size - for large living rooms, go for 8x10 feet or 9x12 feet, making sure at least the front legs of all furniture sit on it. For a comprehensive guide on Choosing The Right Rug Size for Your Space, read my blog.
4. Invest in High-Quality, Comfortable Seating
The sofa is often the biggest investment in a living room. It should be both stylish and functional and speak to your overall design aesthetic.
If space allows, add complementary seating options like accent chairs, ottomans, or a loveseat for flexibility. My favourite armchair that compliments many spaces and stylesis the Margie Swivel Chair by Lulu & Georgia:
Photo Credit: Chris Loves Julia, Pinterest
Choosing the Right Sofa:
Size - A sectional, or deep seated sofa will work well in larger rooms, while a form-fitted,clean-lined sofa tends to suit smaller spaces. Always be sure to measure your space first.
Comfort - Consider seat depth and cushion firmness for long-term coziness.
Fabric - Linen and cotton blends offer casual elegance, while velvet and leather bring a more luxurious feel. Performance fabrics tend to be made to hide wear well.
Quality - Consider this a long term purchase, choosing a higher quality solid wood frame and high density foam and feather inserts will likely increase price-point, but it should also prolong its life.
Style - Choose something that embodies your style.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget sofa maintenance - choose stain-resistant fabrics or use slipcovers in high-traffic homes. Check out my personalized style guide showcasing my top sofa picks here.
5. Layer Lighting for Ambience
Interior designers and lighting designers use layered lighting to create a dynamic and well-lit space. Here are some fundamentals to layering your lighting:
Layer you Lighting with These 3 Types of Lighting:
Ambient lighting: General lighting - Overhead ceiling lights or recessed lighting for even illumination.
Task lighting - Floor lamps, reading lights, or pendant lights for focused activities.
Accent lighting - Wall sconces, LED strips, or table lamps to highlight decor and create warmth.
Pro Tip: Dimmer switches allow you to adjust brightness based on the time of day and activity. If you’re looking for added convenience, incorporating lighting controls into your home automation is becoming more commonplace and easy to integrate.
6. Use Textures & Patterns for Depth
A well designed living room takes all the room's elements into consideration when blending textures, patterns and layers to add depth and interest.
Layer soft textiles like throws, cushions, and curtains for warmth.
Mix materials such as wood, metal, glass, and woven elements.
Add statement patterns in rugs, wallpapers, or upholstery.
If you’re looking to add another layer of depth, try wall treatments like paneling, wainscoting, or wallpaper to add personality and richness.
Pro Tip: If using multiple patterns, balance bold prints with solid colours to avoid overwhelming the space.
7. Incorporate Functional & Stylish Storage
The right storage solutions can give a room purpose and elevate both style and function - choose dual-purpose pieces and design high functioning built-ins that also compliment the design.
Coffee tables or ottomans with hidden storage - Great for stashing remotes, books, or kids’ toys.
Built-in display or floating shelves - Display books, personal items, and decor while saving space.
Stylish baskets - Perfect for organizing blankets, magazines, and miscellaneous items.
Pro Tip: Opt for custom designed built-in storage if you have the budget - it adds value to your home and maximizes space.
8. Finishing Touches: Art, Accessories & Greenery
The final layer of decorating is what makes a living room feel personal and complete.
Artwork & Wall Decor - Art, framed prints, or gallery walls add personality and tell a story.
Mirrors - Reflect light and make small spaces appear larger.
Coffee Table Styling - Use books, candles, and trays to create a designer-styled tabletop.
Indoor Plants - Adds freshness, colour, and improves air quality.
Pro Tip: Stick to the rule of three when styling surfaces- it keeps arrangements visually balanced.
Final Thoughts
Designing a living room like a professional interior designer is about combining function with style, ensuring the space is both inviting and practical. From choosing the right colour scheme to furniture placement and finishing touches, every detail contributes to the overall aesthetic and usability of the room.
By following these principles, you can create a living room that not only looks beautiful but also feels like home.
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“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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