'You can transform your sofa by layering in new cushions – it's the ultimate easy update,' says Sarah Keady, House Beautiful's style director. 'Mix different texture and fabrics together with accessories to add interest to your sofa and keep it all super tactile. '
Putting up art pieces on the wall
Plain sofas will not be as capable of gathering the attention of your guests. As such, one way to jazz it up and turn it into a statement piece is by putting up art pieces on the wall behind it.
The golden ratio rule essentially says that your living room furniture arrangement should follow a 2:3 ratio. This means that between your couches, chairs, area rugs, and coffee tables, proportions should generally be a two-thirds proportion.
Tighten loose screws/joints and use wood filler to patch minor cracks. Add new foam or batting to flattened seat cushions. Sew up holes, touch up worn areas with upholstery paint, or patch bigger sections with fabric scraps. Use leather repair kits to fix scratches, cracks, or fading on leather sofas.
To refresh an old sofa set, start by thoroughly cleaning it with vacuuming and appropriate upholstery cleaners, or consider professional steam cleaning for deeper stains. Reupholstering with new fabric can give it a completely new look, while replacing or fluffing cushions can improve comfort and appearance.
What is the rule of thumb for rug size? The rule of thumb is to choose a rug that's large enough to fit under all furniture legs in a seating area, or at minimum, the front legs of major pieces.
And that's where the “3-5-7 Rule” comes into play, which essentially means styling with odd numbers to create an asymmetric but still visually pleasing arrangement of things.
Too many cushions and your living room could look cluttered, and they may even make the sofa less comfy. As a general rule, we reckon a two- or three-seater sofa needs a maximum of three cushions. If your sofa's larger then you can get away with more. Think six or more on a large corner sofa.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to elevate your couch is by accessorizing it with high-quality throws and cushions. Look for materials like velvet, silk, or faux fur to add a touch of luxury.
A quilted sofa cover adds another layer of padding that not only makes for a softer seat but also protects your sofa. And when it's time to get cozy, drape a fleece or chenille blanket over the back of the couch – these fabrics are perfect for snuggling and contribute to a more inviting, pillowy softness.
Embrace the power of color
Colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, or even a vibrant ochre can create a striking contrast against the beige and breathe life into your living space. For a more harmonious look, consider incorporating softer shades like blush pink, lavender, or muted teal.
Creating a balanced Room Layout
Striking the right balance means that nearly 60% of your room will have furniture on it, with 40% being clear. Contrary to the belief that geometric designs only involve sharp lines, circles, and arcs play a crucial role in adding intrigue to interior spaces.
The Rule of 2/3 proportion works in color and composition
If you're shooting snapshots or designing artwork, two-thirds will have more appeal.
What is the 70/30 split in interior design? Simply divide the room into a ratio of 70:30 and decorate 70% of the space with your anchor scheme and the other 30% in a different style (or styles), so you have a room that's visually interesting.
Or, keep just the front legs of any major upholstered pieces on the rug. Try leaving at least 3 inches of carpet in front of the legs to anchor the furniture. The back legs can stay off the rug as long as the front legs stay on. Try keeping all the legs of smaller pieces of furniture on the living room area rug.
Follow the 2:3 Rule
“The 2:3 design rule suggests your sofa should be the equivalent of ⅔ the size of your room,” she says. However, if your living room is also your dining room or home office, that may not be possible, explains the designer.
According to design experts, a rug should go about 3 inches or so underneath the front legs of a couch. This placement helps to anchor the furniture in the room and create a cohesive look. It also helps to define the seating area and tie the elements of the room together.
While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa.
The best fabric shavers can be used along with dryer balls to remove pilling, lint, and fuzz from materials like sweaters, leggings, jeans, couches, blankets, and sheets.