1. Fix the main color first, then pick pieces
A useful rule of thumb is 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color. Decide the wall and large-furniture color first, then introduce accent colors through cushions, rugs and art to avoid a cluttered palette.
2. Balance hard and soft materials
If the hard decoration leans cool (tile, metal, concrete), soften it with textiles, wood or rattan so the space feels warm without losing its sense of texture.
3. Proportion and scale
- A sofa shouldn't exceed about 2/3 of the living room's width.
- Coffee table height should sit slightly below the sofa cushion for easy use.
- Rugs should be large enough to sit under the front legs of the main furniture, visually framing the seating area.
4. Layer your lighting
Good styling relies on layered lighting: ambient, task and accent. Ceiling or downlights provide overall brightness, spotlights highlight art or a feature wall, and floor lamps or string lights build evening atmosphere.
5. Plants and negative space
Plants are one of the most cost-effective ways to add life to a room. Equally important is leaving some space empty — you don't need to fill every wall and corner, and a bit of blank space gives the eye room to rest.
6. Echo the hard decoration style
Soft furnishing should extend the overall style set during hard decoration (modern, Nordic, new Chinese, etc.), adding personal touches rather than starting from scratch.