Seeing Red
The secret to taming a fiery red? Balance it with pops of white. A smattering of dove white wall accents with the white fireplace, chair rail, and coffee table keep the bold color in check.
Pattern Play
Trellis, ikats, florals—oh my! The trick to mixing patterns is to pick a color theme—here, reds, browns, and blues—and to use big swaths of solid color (the brown sofa, red chairs, and green ottoman) to anchor the space.
Light and Airy
You can pack a lot into your living room—even a dining set—if you keep furnishings from weighing the space down. Lucite dining chairs, an open-weave coffee table, and an unobstructed wall of windows keeps this room from feeling cramped.
White on White
You can’t go wrong with an all-white space. To prevent it from feeling like a hospital room, introduce different textures. A crocheted throw, a rough-hewn linen sofa, and a nubby rug all add depth to a monochromatic look.
Reading Nook
Carve out a quiet moment in your living room to entice a little reading time. Drag a cozy chair over to a window or next to a bookshelf and be sure to provide ample light for late-night page turning.
Game Changing
An extra-large coffee table with a feminine shape is the modern take on the traditional game table. Invite friends over for game night; the edge on the table will keep board pieces (and drinks) from sliding onto the floor.
Updated Prep
Give tradition a twist and try a living room filled with old standby silhouettes—a Chesterfield sofa, bamboo side chairs—in super-saturated colors (ocean blue and lime green).
