Really accentuate that clean vibe by going minimalist with your décor: select simple furniture pieces, and limit your clutter. A less-is-more approach will make the space calm and soothing. [1] X Research source Give your living room an art gallery aesthetic: the unobtrusive minimalist layout will make any colorful or exciting focal points stand out all the more. Hang an oversized piece of art on the wall, or install an eye-grabbing designer light fixture. [2] X Research source You can even create a gallery wall with family photos, prints, art pieces, or any collection of wall décor in a curated pattern. You don’t have to give up your books and knickknacks for the sake of minimalism: hang curtains over your shelves to make your interior design more cohesive.
Scented candles will add to your therapeutic atmosphere. Try calming scents such as eucalyptus or lavender. A pink salt lamp will bathe your space in a warm, sunsetty glow without interrupting the calm atmosphere. Add some yellow throws to a gray couch, bright flowers in a shiny vase, or a few pieces of colorful wall art. The muted shades of green and gray will make your accents really pop. Consider the textures of your furniture and décor carefully: incorporating tactile décor can make your space even more comfortable. [4] X Research source Consider sheepskin throws, knit blankets, or fur rugs—items that are soothing to the touch.
Charcoal details will give your space depth and class. Adding some bold, angular charcoal lines—like shelves or lighting fixtures—will help define the space. [6] X Research source If your room doesn’t get good light, balance out the heaviness with a large mirror as a statement piece or a few shiny decorative objects, such as a brass tray or hanging shelf. [7] X Research source
While modern designs eschew knickknacks and anything else that could be deemed “clutter,” they emphasize art as the main form of décor. “Modern” is not to be confused with “contemporary”: while “modern” refers to a time around the early to mid-twentieth century, “contemporary” refers to the present moment, which is ever-shifting. [9] X Research source
Keep the color palette fairly neutral, adding pops of color here and there in the form of bouquets of flowers and oil paintings. [11] X Research source For a lighting fixture, consider a glamorous crystal chandelier (or fake crystal).
For lighting, consider a mid-century sputnik chandelier. This will act as a great statement piece and really take you back to the 1960s.
If you want your living room to be a warm, cozy space, opt for warmer light bulbs. [15] X Research source Warm light will bring out the yellows in your green walls, making the space appear warmer. [16] X Research source Overlapping patterned textiles and wall art will give your space a comfy cottage feel. Think gingham blankets and worn quilts. Add a few decorative baskets, a wicker rocking chair, and some dried flowers, and you’ve turned your living room into a cottagecore dream.
Consider adding scented candles evocative of nature and camping: fir, campfire, marshmallow, or tobacco scents may all accomplish this. Keep lighting contained and warm to mimic the cozy glow of a fire. Adding wood and other earthy colors will balance out the coolness of the green. [17] X Research source
Adding brown accents to your green room will not only amp up the nature vibes, but it’s also a safe and elegant way to add a bit of warmth to your space, and less flashy than red. [19] X Research source
If you don’t have a green thumb, go for fake plants, or amp up your plant-themed décor with botanical-patterned throw pillows, blankets, and curtains.
Play it safe by accenting your green room with white or oatmeal-colored furniture and dusty rose throws and lighting fixtures, or be bold and deck out your whole room with salmon-pink sofas and shelves.
This is a great way to integrate your knickknacks and books into your space! Rather than cloaking belongings that might not match your desired aesthetic, show them off as a cohesive part of your design.
Keep patterns to a minimum, and opt for simple stripes when you do incorporate patterns. Add some linen curtains and plenty of natural materials like baskets and light woods, and rely as much as you can on natural light. Go full coastal grandmother and add doilies, a humidifier, and slip-covered furniture for a retiree-in-the-Hamptons aesthetic. [25] X Research source
Leave the space as open as you can to really get the “mid-century artist squatting in an abandoned Meatpacking District warehouse” vibe. [26] X Research source
Painting your woodwork to match your walls means you have more freedom to experiment with exciting patterns in your furniture and décor. You can incorporate busy throw pillows and rugs without the room feeling too chaotic. [28] X Research source
