High Style for Your Comfort Zone
16 tips to elevate even your most comfy spaces to the realm of chic
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Almost any living room with a comfy sofa or bedroom featuring a big, cozy bed can be sophisticated with the right accessories, finishes, colors and textures. If your space could use a dash of chic, these 16 helpful tips will have you relaxing in pure style before you know it.
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Create a conversation space in your living room. Living spaces are often designed around the TV, which essentially makes your set the room’s focus. Instead, face your sofa and chairs toward one another with the coffee table in between. Not only does it look sophisticated, but it also makes your space conducive to entertaining.
How to Arrange a Room for Television and People, Too
How to Arrange a Room for Television and People, Too
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by Tamar Schechner
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| Populate your space with patterns. Different patterns are a huge part of a successfully chic space, and they're simple to incorporate. Liven up your couch with a variety of throw pillows or toss down a rug with a colorful graphic. Displaying coffee table books with bright covers is another way to easily pull in pattern variety. How to Layer Patterns Right |
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| Break some rules about hanging art. Instead of carefully ensuring that each piece is perfectly in line with the next, create a more free-form, eclectic gallery wall that's balanced more by your eye than by rigid rules. It feels much more personal and interesting. How to Plan Your Gallery Wall |
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| Incorporate an accent chair. An accent chair in a different color or fabric brings a pop of personality to your space. Reupholster your favorite chair in a brand-new fabric for utmost comfort and style. |
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| Consider gray for your walls. Gray has been a hot color for several seasons now, and it’s not going away soon. As a neutral, it’s incredibly versatile, and it gives an air of sophistication to practically any type of furnishing. Plus, there is just something about the way color and pattern stand out against this shade that really makes gray rooms feel fantastic. How to Pick the Right Gray Paint |
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Go with grasscloth wallpaper. Want to take your walls beyond paint? Introduce understated elegance and serious texture with grasscloth wallpaper. Since grasscloth is more difficult to hang than typical wallpaper, you may want to hire a professional. It's worth the added effort if you want to cozy up in a space as warm as it is refined.
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Jazz up the back of your shelving. Often overlooked, the space behind your shelves offers a wonderful design opportunity. Paint it a contrasting color or take it a step further with graphic wallpaper. You'll love the view while relaxing on the couch with a great read.
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| Consider a luxe upholstery fabric for your sofa. Who said a sofa can’t be both comfortable and luxurious? When you upholster it in a material such as velvet, it becomes both a stylish sight for the eyes and a soft, relaxing spot for a restful evening. |
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Incorporate an animal print. Whether it’s via a footstool, throw pillow or rug, a touch of animal print gives your space a dramatic look and an eclectic edge.
by CIH Design
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Give your animal print a contemporary spin by choosing an unexpected colorway. This practical bench just became a very chic spot to tie your shoes.
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Place pieces with mirrored surfaces. These introduce instant glamour to any space, whether the piece is a side table, a coffee table or a dining room console. Plus, mirrored surfaces help smaller spaces feel more expansive.
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by Amy Lambert Lee
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| Think a nursery can’t be cozy and chic? It sure can with a mirrored chest of drawers that doubles as a changing table. |
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Keep something unfinished. There is something very urbane about unfinished surfaces, like this fireplace surround. Try leaving your moldings untouched or introducing a rustic coffee table to your setup. Regardless, the mix of a comfy sofa with natural touches creates an eclectic, inviting space.
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Consider Lucite chairs. Swap out your everyday dining chairs for a sleek Lucite set. Lucite chairs are stylish and practical: A spill can be easily wiped off. Mix and match them with a banquette to make the look even more appealing.
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Hang a chandelier in an unexpected place. Every room needs lighting. Why not introduce it in a surprising way? Hang a chandelier over your coffee table or use one as a bedside light. Your cozy space will instantly go glam.
More: Browse more home design photos
More: Browse more home design photos
Comments
fetters most of these seem overdone, cluttery, and kind of like they'd get old really quickly...
16 months ago · Like
kobishima The first 3 photos just make me dizzy with all the patterns and colors. Too busy. I feel better looking at the rest of the rooms.
16 months ago · Like
CAROLE MEYER I am working on my living room....moving things about with the goal of making a better use of my space while keeping it looking the way I want. I am not done yet (or ever?) but the photo below shows the results so far. 
15 months ago · Like
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Vintage Renewal I love them!
15 months ago · Like
msnora09 first picture looks like organised clutter :)
15 months ago · Like
Aria Alexander Carole Meyer - WOW. Your living room looks amazing!
15 months ago · Like
Pamela Rosenberg None of these images really called to me but the third one did jump out and not in a good way. Nothing here seems cohesive or thought out. Too many disjointed patterns and colors to feel inviting or relaxing.
15 months ago · Like
Laura V I love the room with the unfinished fireplace - have been wanting a lamp like that- i agree on the overdone patterns though
15 months ago · Like
ember Those shelves in the fourth picture really trick the eye...They don't look like they should be able to support the weight of all those books..
15 months ago · Like
juliedaily I love the first three! The colors, patterns and textures are vibrant and interesting. Carol, your living room is gorgeous!
15 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Feb. 13, 2012.
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