Whether you’re tired of your current living room setup or ready for a fresh start, we’re here to help. As a home stager and redesign expert, I’m thrilled to share some tips on transforming your living room into a stylish and functional space. With a few strategic changes, you can create a space that’s not only beautiful but also practical for everyday living. Let’s take a look and explore some simple steps to revamp your living room.

Assess Your Space

Before diving into the redesign, take a good look at your living room. Consider the room’s size, natural light and current layout. Identify what works and what doesn’t. This assessment will help you to plan effectively and make the most of your space.

Choose a Color Palette

A cohesive color palette sets the tone for your living room. Choose colors that reflect your personal style and complement the rest of your home. Start with neutral colors like cream, beige, greige (gray-beige) or white for walls and large furniture pieces. This creates a versatile foundation which can be pulled together with accent colors through accessories like pillows, rugs and artwork and can easily be changed over time. But don’t be afraid of color either; dark & moody can be comfortable & cozy too if that’s what you like. It’s all about you and personalization!   

Re-Arrange Furniture

The layout of your furniture can significantly impact the functionality and flow of your living room. Create areas by arranging seating to enable conversation. A sofa with a couple of chairs opposite can create a cozy nook. Also consider traffic flow to ensure there’s a clear path for movement and avoid placing furniture in high-traffic areas. You can also anchor your seating arrangement with a well-sized area rug; make sure it’s large enough to fit at least the front legs of your furniture. 

Multi-Functional Furniture

Incorporate multi-functional furniture to maximize the space of your living room. Storage ottomans can be used with hidden storage to keep blankets, books or games out of sight. In smaller spaces such as studios, consider a sofa bed or a coffee table that can expand for extra surface space. Built-in or freestanding shelves can provide both storage and display space for your favorite décor items and can also be used as room dividers.

Lighting Matters

Proper lighting can enhance the mood and functionality of your living room. Layer different types of lighting for the best effect. Ambient lighting is your main source of light, usually from ceiling fixtures. Consider dimmable options to adjust the brightness. Add task lighting such as floor lamps or table lamps near reading areas and workspaces. Use accent lighting like wall sconces and LED strips to highlight artwork or architectural features. 

Mix it Up with Textures and Patterns

Adding various textures and patterns can make your living room feel more exciting and inviting. Mix and match textiles like velvet pillows, wool throws and linen curtains to add depth. And don’t be afraid to play with patterns. Stripes, florals and geometric designs can be combined if they share a common color scheme.

Personalize with Accessories

Your living room should reflect your personality and style. Use accessories to add personal touches such as your favorite pieces of art or family photos and consider a gallery wall to display them. Indoor plants can also add a touch of comfort with nature and improve air quality. Choose low-maintenance varieties if you don’t have a green thumb. Showcase your interests with a curated selection of books and decorative items such as collectibles from your travels or a favorite hobby.

Keep It Clutter-Free

A clutter-free living room is essential for both style and functionality. Implement smart storage solutions to keep things tidy by using stylish baskets and bins to store remote controls, magazines and other small items. If possible, invest in built-in storage solutions like cabinets or shelves to keep clutter out of sight. And make it a habit to regularly declutter and remove items that no longer serve a purpose.

Revamping your living room doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By assessing your space, choosing a cohesive color palette, arranging furniture thoughtfully and incorporating multi-functional pieces, you can create a living room that is both stylish and functional. Remember to personalize the space with your favorite accessories and keep it clutter-free for a polished look.


Home Staging by Lisa – is a trusted partner in the Chicago Western Suburbs for home staging and decorating. They specialize in helping agents and their clients achieve optimal returns on investment, while also offering homeowners a personalized redesign service to create spaces they love coming home to. Servicing Chicagoland areas of Addison, Bartlett, Bensenville, Berwyn, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Countryside, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Hinsdale, Lagrange, Lombard, Lisle, Naperville, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Oak Park, Roselle, St. Charles, Streamwood, Villa Park, Warrenville, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, Winfield.