A comfortable yet stylish living room is an essential component of contemporary interior design, particularly when it follows the Danish concept of Hygge, which essentially means “coziness.” If your living room isn’t living up to its name and providing you with all the comforts of home, there are quite a few things you can do to upgrade this space. From adding more greenery and increasing the room’s natural light to installing acoustic felt panels, there are plenty of options for  making your living room look and feel like the perfect place to while away the day without doing a thing.

Whether you’re simply sitting down to watch your favorite show or planning a big get-together with friends, it’s always a good idea to get the basics of living room design right. Comfort, relaxation, and conversation are all concepts that should exist within this space while balancing higher levels of energy with the calming, personalized elements of a home. In today’s article, we’ll examine some of the best ways to upgrade your living room space to ensure it quickly becomes your favorite room in the house.

Choose a Timeless Design Style

To begin upgrading your living room, you’ll want to select a design style that matches the rest of your home and utilizes timeless elements rather than trendy or traditional ones. Contemporary design uses light, bright colors and places an emphasis on both functionality and comfort as opposed to excessive ornamentation or detailing. By selecting a set design for your living room space, you’re setting up your home to follow a single, cohesive, functional, and visually appealing style.

Select New Furnishings

Old couches and tables can detract from the value of your living room and prevent you from making the most of your space. To establish a comfortable interior design within this room, it’s usually a good idea to start by selecting new, more contemporary furnishings, particularly for couches and other seating. Throw pillows can complement these more unique pieces while making it even easier to relax. End tables and cozy reading lights also make the space easier to use.

Create Elegant Bookshelf and Mantle Arrangements

The small décor pieces in your space can quickly add up to a pleasant interior design, which means you should never overlook the small details. Bookshelves, mantles, and other open surfaces around the room’s perimeter are the perfect spaces for these smaller, more creative arrangements. Family photos and knick-knacks might seem nice at first glance, but you’ll want to balance them with decorative art pieces, floral arrangements, and a mixture of calming colors.

Bring In as Much Natural Light as Possible

Natural light sets up a perfect atmosphere for any living room, whether it follows a traditional or modern design. It can also make your space feel more inviting and highlight its warmer colors. If your space currently feels too small, simply opening up the windows can make the room feel larger. By doing so, you’re also keeping the area open to the colors of your back or front yard, making your entire living room feel like a comfortable mix of indoor and outdoor elements.

Install Statement Light Fixtures

If you’re looking for a way to boost the artistic appeal of your space as well as its comforts, you may want to consider installing a new central lighting fixture. Many living room lighting options essentially function as modern art, with metal and glass frames that draw the eye and are sure to impress your guests. If you don’t have the space or budget to brighten up your space with a chandelier, you may instead want to replace your floor lamps. At the very least, you should swap out your bright white LEDs for their yellow or golden counterparts.

Add More Potted Plants

When it comes to decorating the living room, many homeowners overlook the value of potted plants and greenery for their space. These pieces add beauty to the room while oxygenating the space and are never a bad choice if you have too much empty floor or table space. While real plants can sometimes be a hassle to maintain, their decorative value is unmatched considering their price, particularly when you’re trying to make your space look and feel more relaxing.

Upgrade the Acoustics of the Room

If the noises from your next-door neighbors prevent you from enjoying your living room spaces, you might want to consider purchasing felt or foam acoustic panels. Felt panels, in particular, can boost the color within your space and are customizable based on your interior design. Patterns are easy to assemble, and there are no restrictions on what kind of wall art you can create with these panels.

If the noise of a nearby street is bothersome, you may also want to purchase these pieces. Even a slight echo within your space can make it tough to relax. While optimizing the acoustics of your room might seem like a small change, it can actually go a long way towards making it more comfortable.

Opt for a Lighter Color Palette

A warm or neutral color palette can make your space more relaxing, particularly if it currently follows a more traditional or classic design. White, tan, and grey characterize a neutral color palette, while red and yellow are on the brighter side. In many cases, a lighter color palette also makes it easier to establish visually exciting patterns and textures.

Create a Comfortable Space for Conversation

Your living room should always be a great space for open conversation, whether that’s with your family or your guests. Comfortable, relaxing furnishings and design arrangements can help create an environment where that’s possible. By improving the design of your living room, you’re also increasing the value of your entire home.