Setting Up Home: 5 Ways to Make a Lovely Living Room from Our House Tours

published Aug 6, 2014

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(Image credit: Allison’s Collected and Curated Apartment)

When setting up and decorating a home, the living room is one of the first places we look— after all, it’s where we entertain guests and spend a lot of our own time, too. Here are five ideas for making your living room a lovely, welcoming and impactful space, with examples from our House Tours:

(Image credit: Christina’s Comfortable, Collected Austin Abode)

1. Create a cozy corner.
Make place where you can kick back with a good book, or relax in front of the television. Create layers of inviting comfort with different textures and patterns, like Christina has in her Comfortable, Collected Austin Abode.

(Image credit: Laura & Ray’s Art-Filled Austin Home)

2. Inject some color.
Neutral is nice, but color (even if it’s just a bit) makes the heart sing. The teal bricks of the fireplace in Laura & Ray’s Art-Filled Austin Home look invigorating against all those white and wood tones. A bright sofa, chair or light fixture work just as well.

(Image credit: Jessica & Scott’s East Coast Nest)

3. Consider custom built-ins.
If you own your home and have the budget, custom joinery makes a world of difference. Built-in storage can incorporate seating and lighting as well, and lends a polished look to any room it graces. Take inspiration from Jessica & Scott’s East Coast Nest.

(Image credit: Hope & Pete’s Bohemian Modern Abode)

4. Bring the outside in.
There’s nothing quite like natural greenery for creating a calm and soothing environment, as Hope & Pete’s Bohemian Modern Abode proves. A green view or adjacent patio helps with this, but if you don’t have either, just get as many houseplants as you can keep alive.

(Image credit: Hallie’s Whimsical Yet Sophisticated South Loop Loft)

5. Let the art talk.
Whether it’s a gallery wall of smaller items or a large, bold piece like Hallie’s in her Whimsical Yet Sophisticated South Loop Loft, a living room always feels more complete when art graces the walls. Choose pieces you love and let them become talking points.

What are your tips for an inviting living room?

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