7 Tried & True Designer Approved Tips to Elevate Your Living Room Today

Oct 29, 2023 | Design 101, Living Room

A well-designed living room isn’t just a place to sit; it’s a canvas for your memories, a sanctuary for relaxation, and a stage for your unique style.  

It’s where you unwind after a long day, entertain guests, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and create lasting memories. It’s the backdrop for countless conversations, celebrations, and cherished moments, making it an essential hub in your everyday life. 

A thoughtfully designed living room becomes more than just a functional space; it becomes a reflection of your lifestyle, personality, and values, making it even more crucial to ensure it’s a place that truly feels elevated and inspiring.

Images via Pinterest.

Opt for a monochromatic color palette

Color is a potent tool when it comes to designing your living room, as it sets the mood, reflects your style, and ties the whole space together. Selecting the right color scheme is the first step in creating an elevated living room.

Where you have simplicity, you will often find elegance. This is why we often choose monochromatic color palettes when we want a space to feel elevated. A monochromatic colour palette consists of various shades and tones of a single color. The result is a harmonious, sophisticated, and visually pleasing aesthetic.

Monochromatic color schemes are timeless and versatile, making them perfect for any style, from modern to traditional. By working with different intensities and variations of a single hue, you create a sense of depth and interest without the busyness of multiple colors.

Images via Pinterest.

Simplify your layout

Arranging your furniture is like choreographing a dance within your living room. It’s not just about where you place your couch and coffee table; it’s about creating a layout that optimizes space, flow, and functionality.

The biggest mistake we often see in people’s spaces is that they try to fit too many things in their space, making it cluttered and dysfunctional. Consider the natural flow of your living room. Think about the entrances, windows, and architectural elements that might dictate your layout. A well-arranged living room should feel inviting, with clear pathways that encourage movement and conversation. 

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different layouts until you find the one that works best for your space and suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re going for a formal, symmetrical arrangement or a more eclectic and informal look, the key is to create a living room layout that feels comfortable, cohesive, and conducive to your needs. And most often the simpler the layout is, the more elevated your living room will feel.

Images via Pinterest.

Make a statement

Whether it’s a bold, designer sofa, an exquisite coffee table, or a stunning piece of art, statement pieces provide a sense of drama and personality to your space. They become conversation starters and add a layer of sophistication to your living room that’s hard to achieve with ordinary furniture. 

Quality furniture exudes a sense of refinement and elegance that can instantly elevate your living room. Well-crafted pieces often boast exquisite details, superior materials, and superior craftsmanship, resulting in furniture that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.

In the quest to elevate your living room, don’t underestimate the power of statement pieces. Key here is to remember, very often, all you need is just one piece of statement furniture to make a statement!

Images via Pinterest.

Let there be light

Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design, and mastering the art of layering lighting can transform your living room into a haven of comfort and sophistication. The right lighting not only illuminates the space but also sets the mood and enhances the room’s overall ambiance. 

Often people rely on a single ceiling light to illuminate an entire living room. Instead, choose layers of lighting that include overhead lighting like a chandelier or recessed lights, task lighting like floor and table lamps and accent lighting like wall sconces and spotlights to elevate your living space. 

Whether you’re hosting a cozy evening with friends, enjoying a quiet night in, or working from home, a well-planned lighting scheme can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space, making it feel truly elevated.

Images via Pinterest.

Go big with art

The art and decor you choose to adorn your living room are the finishing touches that infuse personality and style into the space. They transform a room from a mere functional area into a reflection of your tastes and experiences.

Art has the power to captivate, inspire, and provoke thought. Whether you prefer paintings, prints, or sculptures, artwork can serve as a visual focal point in your living room. Choose pieces that resonate with you on a personal level and complement the room’s color scheme and style.

One of the big design mistakes we see is people often choose a lot of small pieces of art and decor to style a space. This creates clutter. For a more elegant look, choose a single or a few oversized pieces of art to adorn your walls. This can be one of those statement pieces we mentioned earlier. 

Images via Pinterest.

Texture, texture, texture

Texture and textiles offer layers of comfort, warmth, and visual interest to your living room. They play a vital role in making your space feel inviting and truly elevated. 

Texture adds depth and dimension to your living room. It’s what makes a room visually captivating and physically inviting. By introducing various textures, you get to create a multi-sensory experience that not only looks good but feels good too.

Mix elements like smooth leather, soft fabric, rough wood, shiny metal, and plush carpeting. These contrasts create a dynamic and cozy atmosphere, making your living room feel more visually appealing and comfortable.

And don’t forget, textiles like throw pillows, blankets, and area rugs are your secret weapons for adding texture, color, and personality to the room. Opt for materials that feel pleasant to the touch and match your overall design aesthetic.

Images via Pinterest.

Keep it clutter-free

When you think of an elevated living room, the concept of “less is more” cannot be emphasized enough. A clutter-free living room not only looks more sophisticated but also promotes a sense of calm and serenity.

Remove unnecessary items that no longer serve a purpose or don’t contribute to the room’s aesthetic. This will not only create more physical space but also clear mental space for you, allowing you to fully enjoy your surroundings.

Embrace practical organizational solutions to keep your living room neat. Incorporate shelving units, cabinets, and storage ottomans to hide away items like remote controls, magazines, and knick-knacks. 

We think of double duty furniture that provides storage as the ultimate weapon on managing clutter. Think closed storage options like credenzas and media cabinets to provide ample storage opportunities in your elevated living room. 

A clutter-free living room not only enhances the aesthetics but also fosters a sense of relaxation and order. It allows your carefully chosen furniture, art, and decor to take center stage, making your living room feel more elevated and refined.

Images via Pinterest.

As you apply these tips, remember that the most important aspect is that your living room feels like home. Embrace what resonates with you personally, and don’t be afraid to infuse your own character into the design. After all, your living room is a reflection of you, and it should be a place where you find inspiration, serenity, and an undeniable sense of elevation.