There are many options when it comes time to design and decorate your living room. This can be exciting as well as intimidating. You may want to create a calming, Zen space to relax in after a hard day. Or perhaps you prefer something bright and colorful with plenty of seating for guests.

We’ve collected some of the best living rooms ideas to suit all lifestyles and households. If you’re unsure of what style of living room is best for your lifestyle, read on.

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  Consider Natural Clay Wall Treatment

  Mitchel G. Dave, founder of Beach Life Ocean City, says that natural clay colors are in high demand. The light clay color adds a freshness to the furniture and portrait, while also bringing the darker tones of the fireplace to life. It appears pink in some lighting and beige in others.

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  Choose Multi-Purpose furniture

  Geoff Cash, founder of Refresh Remodeling, suggests making use of multipurpose furniture–especially for those who have small living area space, these kinds of furniture are a lifesaver. Cash advises choosing furniture that’s both stylish and functional. It will cost less because you won’t have to buy as much in your living room.

   

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  Incorporate Natural Elements

  Stress can be relieved by natural elements. Bring the outdoors inside your home with natural elements such as plants.

   

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  Make Your Sofa The Focal Point

  Consider making the couch the center of attention in the room. The flow should be designed around the couch. “Inviting sofas make the room feel cozier and more comfortable than pairs of chairs,” states Lynne Sade of A Farmhouse Reborn.

   

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  Choose a neutral wall color

  Sade says that the walls are not the best place to make a living room interesting. A pretty white, cream, or off-white softens walls, allowing the accents like pillows, artwork, and furniture to shine through.

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  Neutral furniture and accessories are a good choice

  When choosing a wall color that is bold, you may want to consider neutral furniture or accessories to balance the look. Interior designer Savannah Phillips from The Knobs Company says that neutrals are a must when designing any project. Neutrals can help you pull a room together, even if your furnishings or decor are frequently changed.

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  Clean Lines is the Goal

  Phillips says that using clean lines, and a more minimal design approach is one of her favorite ways to decorate a house. As the latest trends in home decor come and go, the geometrical design of furniture is always in style.

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  Consider Grays and Blacks

  Phillips says that black and gray are her favorite colors. “While they’re often seen as a shameful or feared design choice, i can’t get enough,” she adds. Black or darker exteriors are more absorbent of heat and sun than lighter colors, which could mean a lower heating bill during the winter. Blacks and dark grays help to hide some minor imperfections in the house, as well as dirt. If you don’t want to go all-out black, adding dark accents to the windows, doors and other decorative pieces can help.

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  Look for Reclaimed Windows

  You can hang a wooden window frame salvaged from a previous project on the walls of your living room. It’s a great way to show that nothing is wasted. Reclaimed window frames give a homey, lived-in feel while adding a unique twist to your living room wall or mantle. Layer a few frames to add visual interest. Or, place a photo in the window.

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  Consider Exposed Wood Accents

  Add faux beams on your ceiling to create the rustic look of a farmhouse or cabin. Choose a wood with imperfections. Find reclaimed wood if you can.