Lavender Interiors

Wondering how todecoratealiving roomlike a designer, but not ready to tap a pro?

This easy-to-follow, expert-backed guide will help you achieve a magazine-worthy result yourself.

And, whether your space is large or small, theseliving room rulesstill apply.

Mark Lavender living room design

Chris BradleyforM. Lavender Interiors

It’s a foolproof approach that leads to a cohesive, styled space that also feels likeyourhome.

Ready to get started?

Here’s what our design experts had to say.

well-arranged living room furniture

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Mark Lavender, the principal designer atM.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all use for a living area.

says of her own space.

using an area rug to accentuate a living room

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

Arditi recommends opting for a wood table and wall sconces instead.

This will ensure cohesion in the final design.

(Even if your chosen look is maximalism.)

well-placed artwork above a sofa

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

“Are you feeling modern farmhouse vibes, or more romantic and feminine?”

There’s no need to commit solely to one particular look, but establishing a general scheme is important.

Upon making this decision comes the fun partturning to favorite resources for inspiration.

formal living room

Chris BradleyforM. Lavender Interiors

Lester enjoys looking through design books, magazines, or Pinterest.

“I like to have at least 10 images that help inspirea room design,” she offers.

You may find yourself catching key mistakesfar before they’re too late to fix, fortunately.

ivory and blue living room with coastal accents

Chelius House of Design

In this room, theliving room decoris built around a calming palette of light neutrals and shades of blue.

Given thatfurniturecan be quite pricey, you also may wish to spread out your purchases over time.

Mark it out with painters' tape if you need a visual.

gray living room with beige walls

Greg PowersforTracy Morris

“These pieces really add that next layer of panache to the space.

Not sure what to hang?

“The greenery adds life and freshness to any room without breaking the bank,” says Arditi.

modern living room with curvy velvet furniture

Desiree Burns Interiors

Nesting tables, for instance, offer great versatility.

Before you buy anything, even a side table, measure your space!

Plus, you’ll want to decide on the focal point that will drive your design.

vibrant living room with turquoise accent wall

Casa Watkins Living

That could be a statement piece of furniture, an incredible fabric, or a work of art.

Plants are also a relatively inexpensive way to add color and visual texture to your room.

Texture and warmth will make any living room cozy and inviting.

rustic living room with natural textures and rattan lounge chair

Bespoke Only

Try incorporating different textures through textiles like blankets, throws, rugs, accent pillow, and drapery.

Add candles and seasonal books.

neutral textured living room with vibrant red rug

Sara Toufali

green and blue living room

Michael HunterforKim Armstrong Design

modern living room with fiddle leaf fig

Kate Lester Interiors

neutral living room with white sofa and abstract art

Andi Morse Design

living room lighting ideas

Jess Bunge forEmily Henderson Design​/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp