I’ve recently made a few small changes in my living room that have made all the difference! Just a few simple furniture swaps, adding in more colour and texture and creating some home decor focal points have made it feel more welcoming and homely.

If you are looking to revitalise your own living room, here are five designer-approved living room interior design ideas that you can try:

Add Comfortable Seating and Think About Arrangement

In my own living room, I previously had a couple of decorative, interesting-looking accent armchairs, but they were not overly comfortable! This resulted in no one ever choosing to sit on them and the room being used less. I decided to swap them out for some inviting, plush, pink armchairs with proper back and neck support that allowed you to unwind and de-stress.

I placed two of these chairs opposite each other in alternate corners, both facing inwards to the centre of the room to facilitate conversation. I also accessorised them with matching striped green cushions to make the scheme feel cohesive.

Install Shelving

Shelving within living rooms is both stylish and functional, giving you space to display all your favourite framed photographs and ceramics, as well as host items that need to be stored away, like books and records.

In my living room, I created some built-in bookcases as part of an IKEA Billy Bookcase hack. Recently, to update the room, I had the idea to paint the inside of the bookcases a dark aubergine colour. This update was quick and simple to do, and has been really effective in transforming the space and giving it a new look.

Other shelving ideas that you can incorporate into your own living space are:

Built-in shelves: You can DIY these or have a carpenter create something really special. Built-ins are great if you have awkward slopes and alcoves, as they are customised to fit your style and space. You can also have part of the built-ins designed with doors for closed storage cabinetry, creating a minimalist vibe and hiding clutter!

Floating shelves: Floating shelves are fixed to the wall with strong hidden brackets, so the shelf appears to be suspended in the air. They are perfect for small spaces as they look less bulky and keep a room feeling open and airy.

Corner shelves: Utilise those unused corners with small, compact corner shelving in a modern design. Umbra and H&M Home are good suppliers.

Ladder shelves: Great for renters who might not be able to drill into the walls, ladder shelves are freestanding as they are simply propped up against the wall surface. With their slimline frames, they are a good option for smaller spaces; you can also purchase ladder shelves that incorporate a desk - perfect if you work from home.

Add a Wooden Sideboard

I’ve just placed a compact wooden sideboard into an unused alcove in my living space and it has transformed the area, giving me a lot more hidden storage and the option for more interior styling. I’ve used a large atmospheric lamp and a rattan tray that hosts some small bar items, candles and reed diffusers to decorate the top and create another focal point in the room.

I thrifted my sideboard from a furniture recycling centre and upcycled it in a gorgeous yellowish-brown paint shade (Caddie by Paint & Paper library). However, you can also use a wood stain if you want to keep a wood appearance for natural beauty and durability.

A trendy wooden sideboard can have multiple functions, alongside displaying decorative items. Some of the best sideboard styling that I have seen is using them as a music station: host a record player on top and store records underneath.

Add a Signature Rug

After being rugless for some time, I finally added a rug in my living area that has made all the difference to the space!

Adding a base layer of texture adds depth to the room, making it more homely, while also pulling together the overall design aesthetic and zoning the space.

I chose a mid-pile rug from Laura Ashley that felt cosy but wasn’t too hard to keep clean. The design is subtle florals in a muted colourway, which I feel adds interest without dominating the space. It also protects my engineered wood floor from scratches, spills, and general wear and tear.

There are so many rug options available, with numerous colours, patterns, and textures, so it can feel quite overwhelming choosing the right one for your home. To make it easier, first consider the thickness and material of the rug that you would prefer. For eco-conscious homeowners who want a rug made from natural fibres, jute rugs are the perfect choice as the organic materials complement almost all decor schemes. Jute rugs are also strong and forgiving and don’t trap dirt and dust as they are low-pile.

If you want something cosy and super soft underfoot, then a sheepskin or wool (natural or faux) might be the right choice. These are also good for trapping heat in a room and not letting it escape through the floor.

A simple side table

I love a side table in any room - they are like adding earrings to an outfit: a small element that makes a big difference to the overall look! There are so many design-led side tables available to buy now, but my preference will always be one in a striking glossy colour or one with an interesting shape or detailing. Side tables are really versatile and have multiple functions: use them to place down a coffee, display a large vase of flowers, or simply host a lit candle.