This Living Room Transformation Uses All Neutral Colors, and It’s So Cozy

Written by

Chloe Konrad
Chloe Konrad
I’m a recent graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and work in marketing and communications. I love to write about food, interior design, and entertainment, as those are big parts of my life, and I currently live in the Chicago area.
published Jun 28, 2024
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About this before & after
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Rental Friendly

Living rooms should feel like spaces you want to spend time in. Some people prefer lots of bold color in their hangout spaces, but for others, a relaxing, neutral color palette is the right fit. That was how Shenel and Hassan Shaikh felt about their own living room. The couple, who are co-founders of the interior design studio Elementerre, leaned into a tranquil neutral design for their once-bare living room in Washington, D.C.

The space they started with was completely blank. White walls with no decor, simple furniture, and mismatched vibes created an unsettled, unfinished-feeling room. On a mission to redo the entire apartment, Shenel and Hassan knew the living room was going to be one spot that made a huge difference in their day-to-day lives.

Most of the changes are renter-friendly.

Shenel and Hassan wanted the project to be completely reversible and renter-friendly, so they focused on finding easy-to-remove solutions and not massive DIY undertakings. “Finding renter-friendly solutions, navigating a challenging floor plan, and working around uneven flooring and warped walls were some of our biggest challenges in redesigning the space,” Shenel says. 

The most important piece was the seating; it’s a velvet sofa from CB2 in a pretty beige color. The area rug from Lulu and Georgia also adds a cozy feel. A light fixture overhead with a wavy shape and a cool natural texture is another highlight.

For decor, the couple chose a collection of “artisan-made objects, locally sourced vintage, and collected belongings” to make the space feel like their own. The neutral palette stays interesting, thanks to a mix of textures and shapes.

DIYs add extra personality.

As designers themselves, the pair used a lot of their own skills to fill the space with handmade, one-of-a-kind works. “We designed and built the abstract coffee table and pedestal, and updated the media console with a plaster finish,” Shenel says. “We also designed and built the floor lamp beside the sofa using PVC pipe wrapped in an espresso tweed upholstery fabric.”

The couple’s best tips for budget redecorating is to shop secondhand. “Scour Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and your local thrift stores for incredible vintage gems,” Shenel says. “An eclectic yet purposeful mix of old and new is my favorite way to achieve a layered and spirited aesthetic that truly feels special.”