Play With Pattern and Color
If you’ve got a bold personality, design a living space that reflects that. Take note from Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group and don’t fear more than one statement piece. Think a wallpapered ceiling, moody wall color, statement lighting and trendy furniture, like a green couch.
Create a Collected Look
Accumulate furniture and accessories that bring you joy, even if that means mixing design styles. Designer Caitlin Higgins invested in a few pieces, like swivel chairs and a classic area rug, but the majority of the room is filled with vintage furniture, thrifted finds and hand-me-downs.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Use Bold Fixtures to Make a Statement
Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Maximizing every inch of a soaring ceiling, design-firm JAM builds a two-story bookshelf that doubles as an eclectic accent wall. It’s filled with a vast array of books, pottery and art, leaving some negative space to highlight stand-out pieces.
Embrace a Coastal Design
To achieve a relaxed, beach-like style, designer Christina Kim weaves in natural materials (think light woods and wicker) and sticks with a nature-inspired color palette (like bright whites, sandy beige and calming blues).
Decorate With Greenery
Hard-to-kill houseplants are an affordable way to breathe life into your living spaces. Here, designer Anjie Cho decorates with a mix of small, medium and large potted plants.
Find Accents That Double as Art
Hunt for furniture and accessories that tell a story, whether it’s with new purchases or thrifted finds. For a pop of color, designer Sarah Stacey paints built-in bookshelves a teal green.
Infuse Japandi Style
Layer in Loads of Texture
Paint the Walls Mustard Yellow
Don’t Forget the Fifth Wall
This New York City apartment, crafted by Kati Curtis Design, features a tray ceiling that beautifully accentuates the Sputnik globe chandelier and adds depth to the layout. What’s more, the mix of light and dark hues create a striking 3D effect.
SHOP CHANDELIER
Invest in a Cloud-Like Couch
Hang Curtains High
Create the illusion of a larger room by hanging sheer drapes at least six inches higher than the top of your window frames. We love that designer Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors chose a plum brown shade.
SHOP SHEERS
Paint Open Shelving a Dark Hue
A wall of black bookshelves creates instant drama, and it’s the perfect place to display cherished items. Here, designer Regan Baker showcases books, art and dishes, plus a rolling ladder that blends seamlessly with the backdrop.
Pair Crisp Whites With Wood Accents
Warm woods and fresh whites make a cozy, refined combination. In this dreamy interior, designer Cortney Bishop adds wood elements (namely, the coffee table) that complement the wood ceiling.
Mix Complementary Colors
Opposites on the color wheel, shades of yellow — like mustard — pair beautifully with light and dark blue tones. The power of opposing color combinations is evident in this striking space from Bethany Adams Interiors.
Bring in Warm Whites
White interiors are timeless, but there are so many shades to consider. Here, designer Jessica Nelson leans toward warm and creamy tones for a more inviting space.
Play Up Natural Stone
Add a warm, rustic feel to your living room with a large stone fireplace. Forge & Bow opts for a cut-out to store extra fire wood and open shelving on each side.
Blend Modern With Vintage
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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