As a self-proclaimed interior design enthusiast, I was embarrassed by the state of my living room. The space felt cramped, awkward, and uninviting - a far cry from the stylish, open-concept spaces I drooled over on Instagram. That is, until I enlisted the help of a professional designer who completely reimagined the layout with just five simple swaps.
Rethinking the Furniture Arrangement
The first thing my designer, Isfira Jensen from Jensen & Co. Interiors, noticed was the placement of my large sectional sofa. It was pushed up against the longest wall, which only emphasized the room's narrow dimensions. "Pulling the sofa away from the wall and positioning it perpendicular to the entryway immediately made the space feel much more open and inviting," Jensen explained.
She also recommended swapping out my bulky coffee table for a sleeker, more streamlined option that didn't take up as much floor space. This West Elm piece fit the bill perfectly.
Maximizing Vertical Space
To further enhance the illusion of space, Jensen suggested incorporating more vertical elements. These Ikea Vittsjö shelves added much-needed storage without crowding the floor, and the glass tops helped maintain an airy, open feel.
She also recommended swapping my standard table lamps for a sleek, mid-century-inspired floor lamp that drew the eye upward.
Bringing in Lighter Tones
The final touch was lightening up the color palette. Jensen suggested replacing my dark, heavy curtains with sheer linen panels that let in more natural light, and switching out my navy blue throw pillows for soft gray velvet ones.
The result? A living room that feels three times as spacious as it did before, without actually gaining a single square foot of floor space. "What this really means is that good design can transform even the most challenging layouts," Jensen says. "It's all about understanding how to maximize the space you have."