Professional interior designers have identified six key styling strategies that can instantly elevate any living room from unfinished to magazine-worthy. These expert-backed techniques focus on thoughtful arrangements and strategic decorative choices that create depth, balance, and visual interest throughout the space.
The foundation of any well-designed living room begins with incorporating diverse textures throughout the space. Eve Jean, founder of Style My Space Design, emphasizes that mixing soft and smooth materials creates essential depth and warmth that prevents rooms from appearing flat or one-dimensional. Her recommended materials include linen, glass, and wood as starting points, with marble, lucite, wool, boucle, velvet, and brass serving as excellent complementary options. When combined thoughtfully, these varied textures produce the sophisticated, layered appearance commonly seen in high-end design publications.
A crucial styling principle that professionals consistently employ involves arranging decorative accessories in groups of three rather than pairs. This odd-number grouping creates a more polished and balanced aesthetic when applied to mantels, coffee tables, console tables, and other surfaces. Jean explains that accessories simply look more refined when styled in odd numbers, with the added benefit of varying heights within each grouping. For example, when displaying candlesticks, designers recommend combining small, medium, and large sizes together to create visual hierarchy and interest.
Every successful living room design requires at least one bold statement piece that serves as an anchor for the entire space. This focal point might take the form of striking artwork, a sculptural coffee table, or a standout light fixture that immediately draws attention and makes the overall design feel intentional rather than accidental. Jean notes that statement pieces with personal meaning or interesting backstories provide the additional benefit of serving as natural conversation starters when entertaining guests.
Incorporating greenery into living room designs significantly enhances the overall aesthetic without requiring extensive plant care knowledge. Laura Zuckerman, founder of Wowed Home Staging, advocates for a "more is more" approach when it comes to stems and plant life. For those without green thumbs, high-quality artificial stems arranged in solid vases can effectively replicate the fresh, natural look without the maintenance requirements, as guests won't be able to determine whether real water is present.
Coordinating throw pillows represent another essential element in creating a cohesive, finished living room appearance. Zuckerman recommends drawing color inspiration from existing artwork in the space when selecting pillow hues, ensuring visual harmony throughout the room. These coordinating accents don't require significant financial investment, as numerous affordable options exist in the current market. Creative homeowners can even utilize leftover fabric from upholstery projects to create custom pillow covers that add personalized charm to their spaces.
The final and perhaps most critical element involves installing proper window treatments to complete the living room design. Andrea Sinkin, founder of Andrea Sinkin Design, considers window treatments an absolute necessity rather than optional decor. She specifically recommends beautiful, long curtains hung from floor to ceiling, which instantly add height while creating a polished, cohesive appearance throughout the room. Most interior design professionals suggest curtains that gently kiss the floor rather than puddle dramatically, as the latter creates a more formal and potentially dated aesthetic that may not suit contemporary living spaces.
