02. Blush Pink Walls with Black or Charcoal Trim

Blush pink walls are one of the easiest ways to introduce pastel color into a modern living room, but the secret to keeping the space sophisticated is contrast. 

Pairing soft blush walls with black or charcoal trim, window frames, built in shelving, or matte black lighting instantly creates a clean, contemporary look. The darker accents ground the pastel color, adding depth and definition so the room feels balanced instead of overly sweet.

This combination works especially well in Scandinavian, minimalist, and modern interiors because it mixes warmth with bold architectural details. To keep the space feeling light, layer in natural wood furniture, neutral textiles, and a few black decorative accessories that repeat the darker accents throughout the room.

Styling Tips:

• Choose a muted blush instead of a bright pink for a timeless look.
• Add matte black curtain rods, floor lamps, or coffee table legs to create visual balance.
• Incorporate light oak or walnut furniture to warm up the contrast.
• Use ivory, cream, or beige sofas to soften the overall color palette.
• Include textured fabrics like linen, boucle, or woven cotton to add depth without overwhelming the room.
• Keep decorative accents simple with black picture frames, ceramic vases, and minimalist artwork.

The softness of blush pink creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere, while black or charcoal details introduce structure and modern elegance. Together they create a balanced color palette that feels fresh, stylish, and suitable for everyday living.

Common mistake to avoid: Painting the entire room blush with white trim, which softens the contrast too much and can make the space feel unfinished. Instead, introduce darker trim or black accent pieces to define the space and give the pastel walls a more polished, designer inspired appearance.

03. Dusty Blue Accent Wall Behind a Neutral Sectional

Rather than committing to blue on every wall, paint a single accent wall behind your main seating area in a muted, greyed-out blue. Keep the sectional itself in a warm neutral like oatmeal, beige, cream, or soft taupe so the wall becomes the focal point while the furniture remains timeless and easy to style throughout the seasons.

Dusty blue is one of the most versatile pastel shades because it feels calming without being overly colorful. When paired with neutral furniture, natural wood accents, and soft textures, it creates a modern living room that feels bright, cozy, and effortlessly elegant.

A matte paint finish helps achieve a softer, more sophisticated appearance, while layered textiles like linen cushions and knitted throws make the space feel warm and inviting.

Tip: Choose a blue with visible grey undertones rather than a true sky blue to keep the room feeling contemporary instead of nautical.

Why It Works:

• Creates a subtle focal point without overwhelming the room.
• Adds soft pastel color while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
• Works beautifully with Scandinavian, Japandi, and modern farmhouse interiors.
• Keeps the rest of the room flexible for seasonal decor updates.

Styling Ideas:

• Pair with light oak or ash wood furniture for a natural look.
• Add cream, ivory, and beige throw pillows to soften the contrast.
• Incorporate black metal accents through lamps or picture frames for a modern finish.
• Include greenery such as olive branches or eucalyptus to bring freshness to the color palette.
• Use textured rugs in neutral tones to balance the coolness of the blue wall.

04. Pastel Gallery Wall with Mixed Frame Finishes

A gallery wall built from prints, art, or photography in soft, coordinated pastel tones can add color without touching your walls or furniture at all. Mix frame finishes such as matte black, brushed brass, and natural wood to keep it from looking overly matchy. 

The combination of different frame materials creates depth and gives your living room a collected, designer-inspired look while allowing the pastel artwork to remain the focal point.

Choose artwork with a consistent color palette rather than identical designs. Soft blush, sage green, dusty blue, lavender, butter yellow, and muted peach work beautifully together and create a calm, modern atmosphere. You can also mix abstract prints with botanical illustrations, minimalist line art, and landscape photography for extra visual interest.

A well-balanced gallery wall doesn't need to fill an entire wall. Even a small arrangement above a sofa, console table, or reading nook can become a beautiful focal point that instantly refreshes your living room.

Styling tips:

• Mix artwork sizes to create a more natural, collected appearance.
• Leave consistent spacing between each frame for a clean, modern layout.
• Include one or two larger statement prints to anchor the arrangement.
• Add subtle textured artwork or canvas pieces to create more dimension.
• Repeat one or two pastel shades throughout the gallery wall to keep everything cohesive.
• Lay out the arrangement on the floor before hanging the frames to find the most balanced composition.

Common mistake to avoid: Using frames that are all the same color and material, which can make the wall feel flat instead of curated. Mixing finishes while keeping the artwork within a similar pastel color palette creates a more sophisticated and professionally styled result.

05. Lavender and Cream Layered Textiles

If you're not ready to commit to paint, layering lavender through textiles, a throw blanket, curtains, an area rug, or a set of cushions, is a low risk way to test the palette. Mix in cream and off white pieces so the lavender doesn't overwhelm the room, and vary the textures, such as a nubby wool throw, a soft boucle pillow, or a smooth linen cushion, to create depth and visual interest. 

This approach makes it easy to refresh your living room seasonally without investing in major furniture or renovations.

The beauty of lavender and cream lies in their ability to create a space that feels calm, modern, and effortlessly inviting. These soft pastel tones brighten the room while maintaining a cozy atmosphere, making them an excellent choice for both small apartments and spacious living rooms.

Styling Tips:

• Layer lavender throw blankets over a cream or beige sofa for a subtle pop of pastel color.
• Combine different fabrics like boucle, linen, velvet, and knitted wool for added texture.
• Add cream curtains to soften natural light and make the space feel brighter.
• Choose pastel patterned cushions with simple geometric or floral designs for extra personality.
• Pair the textiles with light oak or white wood furniture to maintain a clean modern aesthetic.
• Introduce a few matte ceramic vases or candles in soft lavender and ivory to tie the palette together.
• Finish the look with a neutral woven rug that grounds the space without competing with the pastel accents.

This decorating idea is perfect for anyone who loves modern pastel living room decor because it offers flexibility. 

You can easily swap out pillows, blankets, and rugs throughout the year while keeping the same timeless neutral foundation, giving your living room a fresh new look whenever you want.

06. Terracotta-Pink Paired with Rattan and Jute

Terracotta pink is one of the warmest and most versatile modern pastel shades because it sits beautifully between soft pink and earthy neutral tones. Instead of feeling overly feminine or bright, it creates a cozy, grounded atmosphere that works in a wide variety of interior styles. 

When paired with natural materials like rattan furniture, a jute rug, woven baskets, and light wood accents, the space feels organic, relaxed, and effortlessly modern.

This color combination is perfect for homeowners who want a living room that feels warm and welcoming without relying on dark colors. The natural textures add depth and character, while the muted pastel keeps the room feeling fresh and airy.

A few easy ways to style this look include:

• Choose a terracotta pink accent wall or incorporate the color through throw pillows, curtains, or artwork.
• Add rattan accent chairs or a woven coffee table to introduce natural texture.
• Layer a large jute rug beneath your seating area for warmth and visual balance.
• Decorate with woven baskets for stylish storage while enhancing the earthy aesthetic.
• Include light oak or walnut furniture to complement the warm undertones of terracotta pink.
• Finish the room with leafy indoor plants and ceramic vases for a relaxed, nature-inspired touch.

Tip: This combination works especially well in rooms with lots of natural wood flooring, since the warm tones all reinforce each other. 

To keep the palette balanced, pair terracotta pink with soft cream, warm white, beige, or sand-colored textiles rather than bright white. These subtle neutrals create a calm, cohesive look that feels timeless and inviting.

07. All-Neutral Base with One Bold Pastel Statement Chair

If a full pastel room feels like too much of a commitment, keep your walls, sofa, and flooring entirely neutral, then introduce a single saturated pastel piece, such as a boucle accent chair in dusty rose or sage, as the room's focal point. This is one of the most forgiving ways to try the trend, since it's easy to swap out later.

Starting with a neutral foundation allows the pastel chair to instantly become the star of the room without overwhelming the space. Shades like warm white, cream, beige, soft gray, or light taupe create a clean backdrop that highlights the gentle color while maintaining a modern, sophisticated look. 

This approach also gives you the flexibility to refresh your decor with different accent colors throughout the year without replacing your larger furniture pieces.

To make the statement chair feel intentional rather than random, repeat its pastel tone in a few small decorative accents around the room.

Easy styling ideas:

• Choose a textured boucle or velvet chair for added warmth and visual interest.
• Add one or two matching pastel throw pillows on your neutral sofa.
• Place a simple ceramic vase or decorative bowl in a similar shade on your coffee table.
• Use a lightweight throw blanket that subtly echoes the chair's color.
• Pair the pastel with natural wood furniture to create a soft Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
• Include a black floor lamp or metal-framed side table for modern contrast.
• Keep the remaining decor minimal so the pastel accent remains the focal point.

This decorating idea works especially well in apartments, small living rooms, and open concept homes because it introduces color in a subtle, balanced way without making the space feel busy or cluttered.

08. Butter Yellow Curtains for Soft Natural Light Diffusion

Butter yellow curtains do double duty in a modern pastel living room by introducing a subtle pop of color while gently warming the natural light that filters through them throughout the day. This soft, creamy shade creates an inviting atmosphere without overpowering the rest of your decor, making it an excellent choice for pastel-inspired interiors.

They work especially well in rooms with cooler-toned walls, such as soft gray, crisp white, pale sage, or muted blue, where the warm undertones of butter yellow help balance the overall color palette. During the morning and afternoon, sunlight passing through these curtains creates a cozy glow that instantly makes the room feel brighter and more welcoming.

Whether you prefer a minimalist Scandinavian look, a modern farmhouse style, or a contemporary pastel aesthetic, butter yellow curtains add warmth while keeping the space light, fresh, and elegant.

Why You'll Love This Idea:

• Softens harsh sunlight while maintaining a bright, airy feel.
• Adds gentle warmth without overwhelming the room.
• Complements pastel furniture and neutral color palettes.
• Creates a cozy glow during daylight hours.
• Pairs beautifully with white, beige, sage green, blush pink, and light gray accents.
• Works well in both small apartments and spacious living rooms.

Styling Tip: Choose a linen or linen-blend fabric rather than shiny polyester, which can make the yellow appear artificial. Natural fabrics provide better texture, drape beautifully, and enhance the relaxed, modern look of a pastel living room.

For an even more polished design, hang the curtain rod several inches above the window frame and let the curtains extend to the floor. This simple trick makes ceilings appear taller while giving your living room a more luxurious, designer-inspired finish.

09. Two-Tone Pastel Color Blocking on Walls

Instead of a single flat wall color, try color blocking two complementary pastels, for example, sage on the lower two thirds of the wall and cream above, divided by a simple trim line. This technique is a favorite in modern interior design because it adds visual interest without needing pattern or artwork.

The contrast between two soft shades creates depth while still maintaining a calm, airy atmosphere. It works especially well in modern living rooms where clean lines and minimal decor are the main focus. 

You can use this approach to visually define the room, make ceilings appear taller, or simply introduce color in a more sophisticated way than painting every wall the same shade.

For an even more polished look, pair the painted walls with natural materials like light oak furniture, linen curtains, woven baskets, and textured rugs. These elements help balance the pastel colors and create a warm, inviting space.

Styling Tips:

• Pair sage green with warm cream for a timeless, nature inspired palette.
• Try dusty blue with soft white for a fresh, coastal modern look.
• Blush pink and light beige create a warm and elegant living room.
• Add a slim wooden or painted trim between the two colors for a clean architectural finish.
• Keep artwork simple with black frames or neutral abstract prints to let the wall colors stand out.
• Choose furniture in neutral shades like ivory, oatmeal, or light gray to keep the room feeling open.
• Layer different textures such as boucle chairs, knit throws, and linen cushions for added depth.
• Use warm white lighting to enhance the softness of the pastel tones during the evening.
• Incorporate a few black accents, such as a floor lamp or coffee table legs, for subtle contrast and a modern finish.

This simple design technique is budget friendly, easy to customize, and instantly gives your living room a designer inspired appearance without overwhelming the space.

10. Pastel Velvet Furniture for Texture and Depth

Velvet upholstery in a muted pastel, dusty blue, sage, or blush adds a richness that flatter fabrics can't achieve. The way velvet catches light creates natural shading within a single piece of furniture, which helps pastel tones avoid looking flat or one-dimensional.

A pastel velvet sofa, accent chair, or ottoman can easily become the focal point of a modern living room while still maintaining a soft, calming atmosphere. Unlike brighter colors, muted pastel velvet creates a sophisticated look that feels elegant without overwhelming the space. It also pairs beautifully with natural wood, light-colored rugs, and minimalist decor for a balanced, contemporary style.

If you're decorating a small living room, consider using a single velvet statement piece instead of multiple upholstered items. This keeps the room feeling open while still introducing luxurious texture.

Styling Ideas:

• Choose a blush pink or dusty blue velvet sofa as the room's statement piece.
• Pair pastel velvet with boucle, linen, or woven cotton for added texture.
• Add light oak, walnut, or whitewashed wood furniture to create warmth.
• Incorporate brass or matte black accents for a modern finish.
• Layer neutral cushions with one or two pastel pillows to keep the look balanced.
• Complete the space with a soft area rug to enhance the cozy feel.

Tip: Balance a velvet piece with at least one matte or woven texture elsewhere in the room to avoid an overly formal feel.

11. Mint and Warm White Open-Concept Living Space

In open concept homes where the living room flows into the kitchen, a soft mint applied to lower cabinetry or an accent wall, paired with warm white throughout the rest of the space, creates continuity between rooms without overwhelming either one. 

This combination feels fresh, bright, and effortlessly modern while maintaining a calm, inviting atmosphere. The warm white keeps the space feeling open and airy, while the muted mint introduces just enough color to make the design feel unique without becoming distracting.

Natural light enhances both shades beautifully, making the room appear larger and more welcoming throughout the day. Incorporating natural wood finishes, woven textures, and soft fabrics helps balance the coolness of mint and creates a cozy environment that's perfect for everyday living.

To complete this modern pastel look, consider adding:

• Warm oak or light wood furniture to add natural warmth.
• White or cream linen curtains that allow plenty of natural light.
• Neutral area rugs with subtle texture to define the living area.
• White textile sofa with mint green throw pillows and curtains
• Matte black or brushed brass lighting fixtures for a contemporary contrast.
• Indoor plants to complement the mint tones and bring freshness into the space.
• Soft beige or ivory throw pillows and blankets to create extra comfort without competing with the pastel palette.

This color pairing works especially well in Scandinavian, Japandi, and modern minimalist interiors, offering a timeless look that feels clean, relaxing, and easy to update with seasonal accessories.

12. Muted Coral Accents in a Monochrome Grey Room

If your living room is built on a grey base (walls, sofa, rug), muted coral accents, a vase, a set of cushions, a piece of art, inject warmth into what can otherwise feel like a cold palette. Because coral sits between pink and orange, it reads as more grounded than a straight pastel pink.

The beauty of muted coral is that it introduces color without overpowering the room. It creates a soft, modern contrast against cool grey tones while keeping the overall design calm and sophisticated. Whether your style leans minimalist, Scandinavian, or contemporary, coral accessories can instantly make the space feel more welcoming and lived in.

Try incorporating muted coral through a few carefully selected pieces rather than decorating the entire room with the color. This keeps the look balanced and timeless.

Easy ways to style this look:

• Add two or three muted coral throw pillows to a light or charcoal grey sofa.
• Place a matte coral ceramic vase on a coffee table with dried pampas grass or fresh flowers.
• Hang abstract wall art featuring coral, cream, and soft grey tones to tie the palette together.
• Layer a cozy coral throw blanket over an accent chair for extra warmth and texture.
• Pair coral accents with natural wood furniture to soften the modern grey backdrop.
• Include white or cream decorative accessories to keep the color palette light and airy.

This combination works especially well in living rooms with plenty of natural light, allowing the coral tones to appear soft and inviting throughout the day while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.

13. Pastel Paired with Brass or Gold Metallic Accents

Metallics elevate pastel palettes almost instantly. A brass floor lamp, gold picture frames, or brushed-brass drawer pulls next to a sage or blush base create a sense of intentional design rather than a soft, undefined color scheme.

The warmth of brass and gold creates beautiful contrast against muted pastel shades, giving the room a more refined and contemporary feel. Instead of making the space look overly sweet or delicate, metallic finishes add sophistication and depth. Even a few carefully chosen accents can make a pastel living room feel professionally styled without overwhelming the calming color palette.

You don't need to fill the room with metallic decor. Choosing a few statement pieces and repeating the finish throughout the room creates a cohesive, balanced design that feels modern and timeless.

Easy ways to incorporate brass or gold accents:

• Add a brass floor or table lamp beside a pastel sofa.
• Choose gold-framed artwork or mirrors to brighten the walls.
• Replace cabinet or drawer hardware with brushed brass finishes.
• Style a coffee table with a gold tray, candle holders, or decorative bowl.
• Use metallic curtain rods to subtly tie the room together.
• Select side tables with slim brass legs for a light, elegant look.
• Pair pastel throw pillows with gold embroidered details for extra texture.

Common mistake to avoid: Mixing warm metallics (brass, gold) with cool pastels (icy blue, lavender) without a bridging neutral. 

The temperature mismatch can make the overall design feel disconnected and unresolved. Introduce warm white, beige, natural wood, or light gray elements to create a smoother transition between the colors and finishes.

14. Pastel Rugs Over Natural Flooring

Pastel rugs helps define seating areas, makes the space feel cozier, and creates a designer inspired layered look without requiring a full room makeover. It works especially well for renters who cannot commit to painting walls but still want to refresh the overall color palette with subtle pastel accents.

Pastel accent rug softens the room and complements modern furniture, light wood finishes, and minimalist decor. Whether you choose blush pink, sage green, powder blue, lavender, or soft peach, the layered combination instantly makes a living room feel brighter and more inviting.

Styling Tips:

• Layer a pastel patterned rug over a large jute or sisal rug for added texture.
• Pair pastel rugs with light wood furniture for a modern Scandinavian inspired look.
• Add matching pastel throw pillows or artwork to create a cohesive color palette.
• Choose low pile rugs for easier cleaning and a sleek contemporary appearance.
• Mix different textures instead of bold patterns to maintain a calm and airy atmosphere.

This pastel rug styling is an affordable way to update your living room while adding comfort, warmth, and a subtle touch of color without overwhelming the space.

15. Pastel Ceiling or "Fifth Wall" Treatment

Painting the ceiling, often called the "fifth wall," in a soft pastel is a distinctly modern move that adds unexpected color without changing the footprint of the room. A pale sage or dusty blue ceiling paired with white walls draws the eye upward and makes the room feel more dynamic than a standard white ceiling.

Unlike colorful walls, a pastel ceiling creates a subtle design statement that feels sophisticated rather than overwhelming. It introduces just enough color to make the space feel curated while maintaining the light, airy atmosphere that modern interiors are known for. 

This approach works beautifully in Scandinavian, Japandi, minimalist, and contemporary living rooms where clean lines and soft color palettes are key design elements.

To achieve the best look:

• Choose muted pastel shades such as sage green, dusty blue, blush pink, soft lavender, or pale peach.
• Pair the ceiling with crisp white or warm off-white walls to create a balanced contrast.
• Use matte paint for a soft, modern finish that minimizes glare.
• Keep larger furniture in neutral tones so the ceiling becomes the subtle focal point.
• Add light wood furniture and natural textures to complement the gentle color palette.
• Install layered lighting, such as recessed lights or pendant fixtures, to enhance the pastel tone throughout the day.

Tip: This works best in rooms with at least 8-foot ceilings; in shorter rooms, a colored ceiling can feel heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right color choices, a few habits can undermine a modern pastel look:

Too many pastels with no anchoring neutral. A room built entirely from soft colors with nothing grounding it, no black, no deep wood tone, no charcoal, can end up looking washed out rather than calm. Always include at least one strong neutral to give the eye a resting point.

Undertone clashes. Cool pastels (icy blue, lavender) and warm materials (honey oak, brass) can fight each other if there's nothing bridging the temperature gap. If you're mixing warm and cool elements, add a neutral buffer - a cream rug or white wall, between them.

Glossy finishes. High-shine paint, shiny polyester fabric, and plastic-finish accessories are the fastest way to push a pastel room back toward "childish." Stick to matte and satin finishes wherever possible.

Skipping texture variation. A room where every surface has the same smoothness - flat paint, smooth cotton, glossy wood will look flat regardless of the colors used. Mixing rough and smooth, matte and slightly reflective, keeps the eye engaged.

How to Choose the Right Pastel for Your Space

Choosing the perfect pastel shade isn't just about picking your favorite color. The best choice depends on your room's lighting, existing finishes, and overall layout. Follow these simple steps before selecting a paint color.

Step 1: Check Which Direction Your Room Faces

Natural light has a huge impact on how pastel colors appear.

• North-facing living rooms receive cooler, softer light, which can make some colors look dull. Choose warmer pastels like blush pink, soft terracotta, butter yellow, or warm peach to keep the space feeling inviting.

• South-facing living rooms receive bright, warm sunlight throughout the day. Cooler pastels like sage green, dusty blue, lavender, or powder blue work beautifully because they stay fresh instead of looking washed out.

Step 2: Consider Your Flooring and Existing Furniture

Your flooring and large furniture pieces should work together with your wall color.

• If you have warm wood flooring, cooler pastel shades can sometimes create too much contrast. Balance the look with a neutral area rug, linen curtains, or textured throw pillows.

• If your home has cool-toned flooring, such as gray wood or polished concrete, warmer pastel colors can soften the space and make it feel more welcoming.

Step 3: Think About the Size of Your Living Room

The size of your room should influence how light or deep your pastel color is.

• Small living rooms generally feel larger with light, soft, and desaturated pastel shades.
• Slightly deeper pastel tones create a cozy atmosphere but can make a compact room feel more enclosed.
• Larger living rooms have more flexibility and can comfortably handle richer pastel shades while still maintaining an airy feel.

Step 4: Test Paint Samples Before Making a Final Decision

Never rely only on a paint chip.

Paint a large sample directly onto your wall and observe it throughout the day.

• Look at the color in the morning.
• Check it again in the afternoon.
• View it during the evening with your indoor lighting turned on.
• Compare it next to your furniture, flooring, and curtains before making your final choice.

Pastel colors often change noticeably depending on natural and artificial lighting, so testing samples in your actual living room is the easiest way to avoid choosing a shade that looks different once the entire room is painted.

Shopping and Budget Guidance

You don't need to overhaul your entire living room to bring in a modern pastel palette. If you're working with a smaller budget, start with low-commitment pieces: a throw pillow, a vase, or a piece of art in your chosen pastel tone. These let you test how the color feels in your space before investing further.

Mid-range commitments, a rug, curtains, or a slipcover, offer more visual impact while still being reversible if your taste changes.

Larger investments, like a sofa or wall paint, are worth saving for once you're confident in the palette, since they're the most expensive to change later.

For renters, removable wallpaper, furniture slipcovers, and layered rugs are the most practical ways to introduce pastel color without violating a lease, and all of them can be removed or swapped out when you move.

Frequently Asked Questions - Pastel Living Room FAQ

01. Do pastel living rooms feel outdated? 

Not when done with modern undertones, matte finishes, and grounding neutrals. Traditional bright, cool-toned pastels can feel dated, but muted, warm-toned pastels paired with contemporary furniture read as current rather than retro.

02. What colors pair best with pastel walls? 

Black, charcoal, warm wood tones, and brass or gold metallics all pair well with pastel walls because they provide the contrast and grounding that keeps the palette from feeling flat.

03. Are pastels good for small living rooms? 

Yes, lighter, more desaturated pastels tend to make small rooms feel more open, especially when paired with plenty of natural light and a neutral base.

05. What's the difference between pastel and neutral decor? 

Neutral decor relies on beiges, whites, greys, and browns with little to no color variation. Pastel decor introduces soft, muted color as a defining feature of the room while still keeping the overall saturation low, which is why the two styles can overlap but aren't identical.

06. How do I make pastel look modern instead of vintage? 

Focus on warm, muted undertones rather than bright, cool ones; use matte rather than glossy finishes; and anchor the palette with a strong neutral or dark contrast color like black or charcoal.

07. Can I mix multiple pastel colors in one living room? 

Yes, but it works best when you follow the 60/30/10 rule - one dominant neutral, one secondary pastel, and one accent color, rather than using several pastels in equal amounts.

08. Will pastel decor go out of style quickly? 

Because modern pastel palettes lean on muted, warm undertones rather than trend-driven bright shades, they tend to have more longevity than the bubblegum pastels associated with past decades.

Final Thoughts

Modern pastel living room decor is all about creating a space that feels calm, stylish, and comfortable. It blends soft colors with simple design, resulting in a room that feels both relaxing and visually appealing.

Whether you start with a single throw pillow or repaint an entire wall, the same principle applies: warm undertones, matte finishes, and a grounding neutral will take a pastel palette from looking like a nursery to looking like a considered, modern living room.