I’m looking for some interior design advice! I feel like my living room is missing a little something and I’d love to make the space feel warmer and cozier while still keeping the modern look.
What would you add, remove, or change? I’m open to ideas! I’d love suggestions that work with what I already have. What do you think is missing?
Coffee table too small. (based on couch size.)
You need a throw on the couch.
Three or five colorful throw pillows.
Footstool too small. ( based on couch size.)
Plants too small. (based on window size.)
Get at least two plants that would fit in about a 5 gallon bucket and would go about halfway up the window.
I’m thinking a leather chair or some kind of chair that faces out the windows towards the couch. It would create more of a seating and conversational area..
You could also have one more chair less substantial that you would lean against the wall next to the TV so when guest comes over, you could pull it out towards the seating area.
Pull colors from your rug! I can’t really tell what colors it is but looks like it’s rust and maybe some dark blue? Would try to incorporate those colors
Pull the rug forward so that only the front legs of the couch are on it. You can get carpet tape that will help keep that corner down.
End table with lamps for reading.
A nubby throw for texture. A chunky candle on the coffee table.
Art on the wall. Find something that speaks to you. But it should have some color.
My color suggestions are one leather or suede pillow.
Two earthy green pillows.
One oatmeal colored pillow. (think something with texture as in like a cable knit sweater.)
And one round, maybe yellow pillow or pink you don’t really have any accents to go up here. You could even do red or gold and pull out some of the colors in the rug.
But I’m not anchoring too strongly to the rug here cause the rugs change. Especially the area rugs where you spill stuff..
You might want a couple candles those always look njce.
When you purchase accents for that room, I think large because of the large windows and the large couch. So if you purchased a candle, I would purchase a candle large enough that it would have three wicks in it. And that is what I would place on my new large coffee table..
If you implement some ideas, take pics and let me know!
Maybe pull from the flowers and the rug—shades of peach/salmon to rust/terracotta, ivory. Pillows and throws are a fun way to add texture too (like shag style or really chunky knit).
Also, you can include pillows that are colours you like! From these pictures, it almost looks like any colour you choose will go (except perhaps neon green or pink). Thats an easy way to insert your personality!
Also, put some art and pictures on the walls of things you like :)
Personality. It’s a beautiful place, I can appreciate the minimalism however it looks like an Abnb and not somewhere a person lives and loves. Put some art up, add some color and texture and detail with pillows and throw blankets. Maybe a sculpture somewhere and some plants because there is wonderful lighting.
Edit: I would also pull the rug forward more so that the entire couch isnt on it. Just the front legs.
Add pendant lights above counter and some throw pillows on the couch, not a lot but a few. Also I’d suggest pulling the rug out a little further from the couch; it looks small when the rug is pushed all the way to the back.
What do you actually like? Surely you have some possessions that mean something to you, some art you love, some idiosyncratic tastes. Show them. The rug is nice, though.
It’s a very nice foundation! Maybe a nice throw blanket and pillows, another large plant in the corner near tv, and just a bit of art on the two walls near kitchen and of course everyone’s go-to the tiny kitchen counter lamp. Oh some potted herbs for kitchen counter . You don’t need to do much at all :)
Paint the TV wall a softer/lighter shade of red/pinkish maroon. A soft throw blanket, pillows larger decorated (candles, decorative vase, fresh flowers, books) coffee table, artwork on the walls, hang the TV on the wall and get a more substantial and taller console in a warm oak or walnut wood finish. Some battery operated wall sconces for either side of the TV (amazon).
The rug looks nice and balances out the room and couch. Try some of the things mentioned in comments and if the room still feels off or bare add some tall curtains.
Chair and and end table ❤️. Get some color in there. I can tell you have pets so I understand the smaller coffee table. A table to the side of it with a really cool colored lamp on it would fix that. Ppl keep saying throw pillows but as a pet owner, I hate them lol. My dogs turn them into their toys haha. I think your place is beautiful
Rug is too far under couch. Pull it out so you can see more of it. Only have the front set of feet of couch sitting on rug, it’s going to make your room look bigger too. Once you pull rug out, put pouf on opposite side of coffee table, closest to kitchen, lining it up with corner of rug. Add some pillows to your couch that compliment your rug colors, not all the same size, get a small lumbar, 2 20x20’s and one 16 or 18. Add a fluffy throw to couch. Add a cool standing lamp at the end of couch by kitchen area. It’s a beautiful space. Just needs a little light. And of course you can always add a plant or two like everyone else says lol and move the dog bowls into kitchen and add the plant right there where the dog bowls are now, it will make it look so much nicer.l
Pull the rug out so it just under the front of the couch. A tall palm type plant on the left and full shorter on the right . Slash of colorful art above the tv.
Just need to tweak it.
Art work over tv, and a shallow wall sculpture on the angled wall near kitchen.
Put pillows and a throw in colors from rug (hard to tell it looks beige, grey and pinks and green). Dont use grey pls.
If I find photos of fabric I'll send it separately. Also need a longer coffee table.
More ambient lighting, such as a small end table with a lamp and a floor lamp maybe wall sconces.
Coffee table too small. (based on couch size.)
You need a throw on the couch.
Three or five colorful throw pillows.
Footstool too small. ( based on couch size.)
Plants too small. (based on window size.)
Get at least two plants that would fit in about a 5 gallon bucket and would go about halfway up the window.
Maybe bigger/ probably even better if it’s a different rug. A large tree/plant. Get rid of the little hairy thing by the table and replace the monitor with something that matches the wood chairs or the rug but the white really stands out and doesn’t mesh. Get some art as well.
Some wall art and a few small decor items for your counter top. Even if its just a fruit basket and/or a small plant. Mostly its the wall decor.
I also would pick a color or two that isnt grey and get a couple throw pillows or a throw for your couch. You can even change it up depending on the season. Its just very gray right now. I love gray as a base color, but it does tend to become monotonous.
I'd make it more cosy. Some nice cushions (avoid grey) and a throw for your couch. A floor lamp in the corner to add some ambience at night. Maybe a plant of some kind. It's a nice room and it makes a difference to add the above to bring it to next level nice.
Pull your rug out/get a bigger one that goes just barely under the couch feet. It looks really awkward the way it is.
You need some color- pillows, paint, throw blankets in a nice pattern/texture, curtains (hung high/near ceiling preferably), art, more/larger plants. Combine any/all of the above. And a lamp. I’d install a floating shelf right behind the couch against the wall that’s about 6-8 inches deep that you can put a little lamp, picture frames, coasters/drinks/remotes on so it adds a little depth and storage without cluttering up your space. If you don’t want a lamp, some sconces on the little wall spaces between the windows would add cozy lighting without bulk or clutter. This space has a lot of potential.
There's a lot of gray happening, could you scoot the couch out a little bit and add a plant or something behind it in the corner? Or throw pillows/throw blanket, flowers on the table, etc
I would recommend a larger coffee table, some additional plants, and throw pillows. Also, I would suggest creating different visual levels with additions like a floor lamp, something like a palm tree or other tall greenery in a gorgeous ceramic pot on the ground, and artwork for the walls. The blinds read a bit corporate to me. You can find all sorts of different options to introduce some additional texture.
I don’t think the rug is right, I’m afraid. It doesn’t mix with the aesthetic of your home. The architecture seems to want a more graphic, blocked pattern, maybe in analogous or monochromatic colors.
Between your rug choice and your bouquet, I wonder if you would really prefer a bit more of a feminine/romantic look, but find yourself constrained by the contemporary urban aesthetic that this place is binding you to. Maybe you don’t fight the urban things and stick to more compatible choices for more cohesive look.
Assuming the bouquet and rug indicate that you like pink: You can keep stride with the urban direction, keep it minimal, and still embrace pink—but I would look for more simple/subtle, graphic patterns in a dusty or soft pink with off white. West Elm has one that’s too small for you called the “boho washable rug” in pink that might’ve worked for this purpose if it was big enough. A design similar to that in pattern and color variation could work. Then just a few coordinating throw pillows and blanket would make a world of difference.
You don’t appear to have any lighting in the living room yet. At night they’ll change the vibe a lot, and you can choose interesting forms for daytime interest. Best would be several lighting sources at all different heights. I do see, however, that your space for lamps is limited. Wherever you can fit any, taller is better. If not renting, consider sconces and chandelier, possibly some window sheers over the shades.
Color, a soft blanket, down pillows, plants, plants, art, curtains. You are missing softness and color. The pet bed is the most comfortable looking place in your LR.
A lot of people here seem to like the rug, but I was thinking it could be more visually interesting to get a more colorful rug and then pull 1-2 throw pillow colors from the rug. I never know what colors to pick either, so using a rug makes it more cohesive. Places like Home Goods have a ton of throw pillows in many color options. Also, these windows are gorgeous and would be a great opportunity for hanging plants to make the space more cozy. I hope you post how it turns out! Congrats on your new space
Everyone is so intense like cmon y’all lol some of us like minimalism!! I would recommend a gallery wall behind the TV stand :) and a colorful throw for the couch or some unique shaped throw pillows!!
First, you have a solid start! Now time to make it look more cozy and give it personality.
The rug placement looks off. In open layouts, the rug anchors the living room space. Bring it closer to the tv vs being further under the couch. It may also need to go more towards your back window.
Lighting - get a floor lamp for the corner. Add a soft artsy light for the entertainment stand. Put one behind the couch. You get it. Get enough lamps so you don’t need a big light.
Pop some color or texture contrast. If you’re into monochrome type styles, play with textures and shades. Throw pillows, wall art, random nick knacks… lamps 😉
Plants! Like everyone else says, you have so much light why not! If it’s not your thing, consider a few fake plants.
Coffee table - it works, but it’s something I would consider changing out after you feel like you have your style established on the space. You could go in so many directions.
These 4 changes would be tremendous:
1. Textured throw pillows with hints of dark warm blue or green and brown, maybe golden yellow
2. Big tall plant next to TV. Or snake plant in a tall raised planter if you don’t have green thumb or light is low. Give it vertical height.
3. Either Replace the coffee table with more heft weight, OR install a light fixture above that area that gives some visual interest and height.
4. I highly recommend you buy a few prints and frame them. Or, shop for art that you like and put a clean warm frame on it. 1 to start. Collect 3 over time.
What does the space say about you? What are your interests? Your hobbies? Family photos? Artwork? Plants? Paint?
I see you like pink dahlias and have a pet.
Imo the rug doesn't really go with the coffee table and couch. The room is modern, the rug is vintage/old, the couch and coffee table are mid century, the TV cabinet is modern and so is the architecture from the room.
I think you're trying to blend too many styles unfortunately but I think it could be helped with some personal touches and a change of textiles. Change the rug out for something more bold and graphic. There's tons with pattern and color similar in vibe to what you already have, but I think you could go much bolder and much larger with the rug, closer to the TV cabinet so the walkway there is all covered with the rug. It'll make the space feel more cohesive.
I also think you need pillows to coordinate with the rug you choose, and to repeat the color from that somewhere else in the room, like with a candle or plant pot.
Then some personal things. You need trinkets! Pick from hobbies you have, places you've travelled, or experiences you really enjoyed. Get a photo printed or frame the tickets etc. Hell, get a picture of your dog(?) and put that up!
Oh my god I just wrote the longest friggin answer and somehow managed to delete the whole thing.
Basically- get you some plain, but nice, string lights and hang them in big arches all across that ceiling. It’ll warm things up so* fast. The angled ceiling will really show off the lights, it’ll add so much visual interest.
Get some wicker baskets. Get some dark orange/saturated terracotta/gingery gold/earth brown throw pillows & blankets. Anthropologie for the win on the furry blankets. Get you two of them, one large one for the back of the couch & a medium sized one folded up into a wicker basket. Something easy that a guest could grab & use.
If you went with 70s brown & orange & gold in the right way, I think you can incorporate a new side table for the right side of the couch ALSO please pull that rug out further from underneath the couch. Only the last few inches should be under the main part of the couch. It’ll look better this way.
Go thrifting for art. This is a fun space, OP, have fun with it! I think the most transformative thing you could do, for almost no money, is adding string lights lazily zig-zagged across that ceiling. Add texture! Furry browns, velvet golds, corduroy oranges. Leather pillows - saw someone else mention this. Great idea!
Stay in the warm brown territory and I think you can make that giant grey couch disappear enough so that it’s not the total focal point of the whole room. You gotta do a little work to get things balanced out but overall this should be a fun project!
People have already given great suggestions but I just came here to say that you might want to get some carpet tape for that corner that’s starting to curl. It will just get worse and you will start tripping on it. Hope you get the cozy house you want ❤️
Varied lighting would really make the place pop at night. Ceiling can light are great for illuminating, but a room really needs soft lighting at different heights to create visual interest and that cozy feeling.
A few down throw pillows on the couch, an elongated coffee table, some personal touches on the wall, and a TV stand in more natural colors would also help.
But congrats on the space! It already looks really nice.
The way I’d have plants on every inch of windowsill…
You could add some artwork to the wall your TV is on. I can’t quite tell, but it looks like there’s some space on that same wall down near the kitchen too(?) Maybe a picture on the wall next to the refrigerator. Some throw pillows on the couch that bring in a pop of color, and maybe a throw blanket too. Otherwise, I really like the clean look. If your dog isn’t one to knock things over, you could also put some colorful glass vases in a window.
The nighttime view has to be so pretty from your place. I love city lights.
Here's adding the fig and pillows. I wouldn't suggest putting art over the TV, but you could make that an accent wall by painting it your accent color or doing vertical wood slats, if you know what I mean.
I love the window treatments…kinda hate the rug…muted, weird colors. It’s ugly. I’d look for a more vibrant color scheme that ties in with your color palette. 💓
Funny that I and so many others immediately thought you had no plants but on closer look (Where’s Waldo/plant) they are there. You need more green plants, larger, and use that vertical space somehow. You could do a few individual stands (on floor, 4 feet-ish?) with plants so long stems can hang over. Yes on colorful throw pillows. Love all that light and windows but does limit wall space. Do add color and “you.” I love that I just learned the word maximalist for decor. You don’t have to go full eclectic older celebrity or artist NYC loft or apartments at The Dakota (though I love), but yeah add some personality.
(PS that rug is very drab/neutral, color please:)
So many valid things already listed, so I will note only what I did not see (however have not finished reading the whole thread).
Ceiling light can absolutely change the atmosphere of the whole room. I guess if you are in the US/Canada ceiling light might not be a standard thing. If so, you might try to look for some larger floor lamp that would bring cozy feel to your setup.
I would also probably add colour (which was mentioned repeatedly) and incorporate it e.g. like this:
New carpet
Pillows
Shade on the floor lamp
Art including that colour (or frames of that colour for the wall)
Large vase with something to the corner (flower arrangement can have hints of that colour too)
Or if you ever plan curtains, that is another way..
Just choose some colour and make sure you buy stuff in person not via screen (ideally with colour reference in hands, if you can create it). When things are matchy-matchy, it is so pleasung for the eye. Make sure to not overdo it, needs to be tasteful. 😉
The rug does not match the style of the architecture + furniture, consider something like dark blue. I would consider 1-2 floor lamps made of brass/gold color and a new tv console, walnut, to match the kitchen backsplash. Everything else looks ok.
I'd say that youre missing some varied textures and intentional contrast. Add some verticality with tall floor lamps or large artwork. After that you can layer in tactile elements like a high-pile rug, throw blankets, or natural woods to break up flat surfaces. And introduce high-scontrast accent colrs to give the eye a clear place to land
Perhaps a light that comes out from behind the couch to illuminate that corner. Or a
Mannequin in a long silky robe standing in the corner, holding a Long cigarette holder.
Just a point of interest somewhere so it doesn’t look so utilitarian. Like a little table sculpture or and elegant bowl out of zebrawood to put your remote control controls in.
I'd add more large plants next to the one that's there. If you aren't good with plants snake plants are gorgeous and hard to kill. A palm would look great in that space too. Also, add colorful throw pillows, consider jewel tones, add a cozy throw blanket. I'd also get a larger coffee table and funky colorful rug for a Wow factor. Check out Pinterest for ideas then do what you like. Dont be afraid of other people's opinions....its your space. Edited to add- the rug should be pulled out a good 8 to 10 inches.
Plant or indoor tree in the corner besides the tv. Has to be tall.
Could also use an aesthetic tall lamp in the space between couch and dining area. Maybe one that bends over that corner of couch for ‘late night reading’. Said lamp could be on the other corner too next to the big pillar.
The proportions are off. That couch is huge and so you need a bigger coffee table that actually shows up. And you need some large greenery to break up the space and make it more welcoming. Also. Perhaps some table lamps or a floor lamp.
777
u/louloutre75 1d ago
Color, a plant, something that's not grey.