It seems like everyone is looking for a house with “character” these days, but character alone isn’t enough to make a home truly stylish. A clear design vision, careful curation, and sound spatial planning are also essential when updating a historic home for the modern era. When designer Kara Hobbs‘ clients asked her to help update their 1970s home, she was up to the challenge — especially when it came to rethinking the living room.

Emma Dangel

May 2, 2026

I Asked Designers About the Worst Living Room Color: They Answered the Same Hue Decorating

Consider yourself warned.

Kelsey Mulvey

May 1, 2026

We Tested and Rated West Elm’s Haven Sofa — Here’s Our Honest Review Decorating

It comes in four sizes and a sectional style!

Katie Maguire

Apr 27, 2026

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas and Chairs at Design Within Reach — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space Decorating

These picks include outdoor seating!

Nikol Slatinska

Apr 26, 2026

This 500-Year-Old Decor Trend Is Back — It Looks Exactly the Same Decorating

The charm is all in the details.

Heather Bien

Apr 25, 2026

Designers Are Bringing This Kitchen Detail Into Living Rooms Decorating

The end result is SO cozy.

Olivia Harvey

Apr 24, 2026

I’m Swapping Living Room Blinds for a Shower Curtain Rod (See Why!)Decorating

The result feels so fairy princess.

Olivia Harvey

Apr 19, 2026

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Accent Chairs at Blu Dot Decorating

They have some of the most beautiful upholstery options we’ve seen.

Nikol Slatinska

Apr 16, 2026

5 Ways to Refresh a Living Room for $0, According to Designers Decorating

No gatekeeping here — these are all basically free ways to transform your space.

Michelle Garay

Apr 13, 2026

13 Timeless Bohemian Living Room Ideas from Our Archives Decorating

Save this if you’re living for the “laid-back” look.

Cori Sears

Apr 11, 2026

These 5 Things Are Secretly Ruining Your Living Room Decorating

Decorating disasters waiting to happen.

Sarah Lyon

Apr 9, 2026

10+ Long Living Room Design Tips to Maximize Your Layout Decorating

Plus, I’m sharing actual blueprints that instantly improve flow.

Heather Bien

Apr 8, 2026

The 5 Best Narrow Living Room Ideas We’ve Seen So Far This Year Decorating

These ideas just might spark your next makeover.

Heather Bien

Apr 7, 2026

I Broke My Mom's #1 Decorating Rule — My Living Room Has Never Looked Better Decorating

When I first moved into my Brooklyn apartment about two years ago now, I was thrilled to finally have more space — until I actually got my furniture in there and realized it looked like dollhouse decor. With much higher ceilings, about 10 times the wall space, and a whole extra room to fill, everything from my East Village studio looked downright silly in my Brooklyn one-bedroom.

Emma Dangel

Apr 3, 2026

This “Man Cave” Basement Transforms into a Sweet Retro Family Room Decorating

New paint and old furniture makes a perfect spot for the whole family.

Yelena Moroz Alpert

Apr 3, 2026

The 9 Best Pottery Barn Sleeper Sofas That Are Equally Stylish and Functional Decorating

Your guests won't want to leave.

Nikol Slatinska

Apr 2, 2026

I Tested and Rated West Elm’s Oliver Sofa — Here’s My Honest Review

Shopping

It's so affordable!

Julia O'Donnell

Mar 30, 2026

These 14 Cozy Couches Have Deep Seats That Were Made for Lounging

Shopping

Prepare to sink in and chill out.

Kelsey Mulvey

Mar 26, 2026

This IKEA Storage Staple Belongs in Your Living Room ASAP Decorating

It’s sturdy, chic, and might solve all your storage problems.

Olivia Harvey

Mar 25, 2026

14 English Roll Arm Sofas That Will Instantly Elevate Your Living Room

Shopping

The English roll arm sofa might just be the accent your living room is missing.

Sarah M. Vazquez

Mar 20, 2026

I Test Furniture for a Living — These Are the 8 Best Budget Couches for Every Home Decorating

They look so high-end, too.

Nikol Slatinska

Mar 20, 2026

7 IKEA Sofas Under $1,000 That Look So Much More Expensive Decorating

Your wallet will be thrilled.

Alexa Casanova

Mar 18, 2026

This West Elm Sofa Is Perfect for My Tiny Apartment and I Want to Lounge On It 24/7 Decorating

It’s so customizable!

Nikol Slatinska

Mar 17, 2026

We Tested (and Rated) All the Sofas at Raymour & Flanigan — Here Are the Best for Every Space and Need Decorating

If you can't go in person, we've got you covered.

Nikol Slatinska

Mar 6, 2026

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Accent Chairs at West Elm — Here Are the Best Decorating

Read to find out which one you should get.

Nikol Slatinska

Mar 2, 2026

Walmart's "Perfect" Space-Saving Sectional from Drew Barrymore Is on Major Sale Decorating

We love the Porcini Taupe color.

Haley Lyndes

Feb 23, 2026

This Stylish IKEA Bookshelf Looks Like Custom Built-Ins for Way Less Decorating

You’d genuinely never guess this piece came from IKEA.

Olivia Harvey

Feb 20, 2026

15 Best Sleeper Sofas for Small Spaces, According to Editors Decorating

The small-space sleepers you (and your guests) will love.

Nicole Lund

Feb 20, 2026

She Ditched Half the Sectional, and the Living Room Finally Worked Decorating

The “before” felt static and cold — the “after” is pure warmth.

Danielle Blundell

Feb 15, 2026

Why Customers Say This Buzzy Sustainable Furniture Brand Is “Well Worth It”Decorating

Here’s everything you need to know about the DTC brand.

Kelly Dawson

Feb 13, 2026

5 Living Room Trends That Will Rule 2026 Decorating

Don’t hate us for #3.

Leah Lopez Cardenas

Feb 12, 2026

25+ Genius Ways to Fit an Office Into Your Living Room Decorating

All of these brilliant spaces are straight from our house tour archive.

Cori Sears

Feb 5, 2026

“Such a Nice Solution”: The Stylish TV Hack Everyone Should Try Decorating

You won’t even know it’s there.

Olivia Harvey

Jan 29, 2026

Designers Say These 6 Trends Make Your Living Room *Way* Smaller Decorating

Small-space dwellers should avoid these at *all* costs.

Leah Lopez Cardenas

Jan 29, 2026

These 9 Nesting Coffee Tables Pull Double Duty in Cramped Living Rooms Decorating

Just ask our editors.

Alexa Casanova

Jan 27, 2026

Cramped Living Room? These 7 Glass Coffee Tables Will Make It Feel Twice as Big Decorating

Great buys for every budget.

Alexa Casanova

Jan 15, 2026

What to Know About BenchMade Modern’s Editor-Loved Furniture

Shopping

Plus, shop some of our faves.

Caroline Mullen

Jan 9, 2026

This Clever $50 IKEA Find Doubles Your Living Room Storage (and Looks So High-End!)Decorating

It’s so versatile.

Alexa Casanova

Jan 9, 2026

The '80s-Inspired Sofa Trend That's Taking Over 2026 Decorating

Don’t worry — it’s still modern.

Alyssa Longobucco

Jan 2, 2026

This 5-Minute Refresh Makes Any Living Room Feel So Much Cozier Decorating

It’s the New Year’s miracle we all need.

Olivia Harvey

Jan 2, 2026

This Editor-Loved Furniture Brand Has West Elm Vibes at IKEA Prices

Shopping

Your inspo boards are about to come to life!

Kelly Dawson

Dec 15, 2025

The 5 Best Living Room Layouts We Saw All Year Long Decorating

These ideas just might spark your next makeover.

Heather Bien

Dec 14, 2025

The All-Time Best Color for Living Rooms, According to Designers Decorating

Plus, several other winning picks for a stylish and serene living space.

Cullen Ormond

Dec 12, 2025

7 Cozy British Decor Trends Every Designer Can't Stop Copying Decorating

The secret to why interiors across the pond are always cozier.

Sarah Lyon

Nov 26, 2025

See How a Designer Styles Different Sofas In One Room Decorating

Mixing and matching is easier than you might think.

Jessie Quinn

Nov 21, 2025

I Searched for My Dream Couch for Months, and This One Checks All the Boxes Decorating

I’d swipe right on this couch.

Jamie Birdwell-Branson

Nov 14, 2025

The Luxe Fabric You’ll See Everywhere This Fall, and 10 Ways to Try It in Your Living Room Decorating

It's a cut above the rest.

Alexa Casanova

Nov 6, 2025

I Found This Vintage-Looking TV Stand Hiding at Walmart for Under $200 Decorating

It's small-space-friendly, too.

Alexa Casanova

Nov 4, 2025

My Designer Friends Swear By the "Two-Thirds Rule" for Everything Home Decorating

Once you know it, you won't be able to unsee it in beautiful rooms!

Erica Finamore

Nov 2, 2025

Cloud Couch Fans, Assemble — I Found 12 for Every Space and Budget (Starting at $324!)Decorating

They’re luxe and ready for lounging.

Alexa Casanova

Oct 16, 2025