Let’s be real—there’s nothing better than a home that just feels good. You know, that perfect balance of style and comfort where every detail looks effortlessly pulled together? That’s exactly what we created for my client, Aaliyah, who was struggling to make their living room feel both stylish and inviting.

When they first reached out, their space had great bones but felt unfinished. The furniture was there, but the room lacked warmth, texture, and that designer touch that makes a house feel like home. If this sounds like your space, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Today, I’m breaking down exactly how we transformed this living room (plus sharing my go-to pieces so you can recreate the look yourself).

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The Before: A Good Start, But Missing Personality

My client had a beautiful neutral sofa and solid foundation pieces, but the space felt a little flat. There wasn’t enough layering, the coffee table styling was minimal, and the room lacked those cozy, inviting elements that make you want to curl up with a glass of wine (or coffee—no judgment).

Their main struggles?

✔️ The space felt empty and unfinished.

✔️ The pillows and decor weren’t giving that high-end look.

✔️ The coffee table was underwhelming and needed styling.

✔️ The lighting wasn’t as warm and layered as it could be.

Sound familiar? If so, keep reading because I’m about to spill all the details on how we fixed it!

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The Transformation: Key Pieces That Made the Space Feel Luxe

1. Pillow Combinations That Instantly Elevated the Sofa

One of the easiest ways to make your sofa look professionally styled? Layering the right pillows. My client originally had mismatched pillows that didn’t complement the space, so we upgraded them with a mix of textures and patterns.

➡️ Base Layer: A neutral linen pillow for a clean foundation – this one from Studio McGee is my go-to.

➡️ Middle Layer: A subtle woven texture for depth – love this one!

➡️ Accent Pillow: A bold but neutral pattern to tie it all together – this option is perfect.

With just these small swaps, the sofa instantly looked elevated and intentional. If your couch is feeling uninspired, trust me—pillow combinations make all the difference.

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2. Styling the Coffee Table Like a Designer

A coffee table isn’t just a place to put your remote—it’s a focal point. I used my go-to styling formula to make sure everything looked balanced:

✔️ Books for height & interest – This Studio McGee book adds instant style.

✔️ A sculptural object for dimension – I am obsessed with this bowl.

✔️ Candles or a small vase for warmth – This chic option completed the look.

Pro Tip: Using a tray to group items together makes your coffee table feel intentional rather than cluttered!

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3. Layered Rugs for Depth & Warmth

Another small but game-changing update? Layering rugs. My client had a single rug that didn’t quite fill the space, so we added a larger jute rug underneath for texture and warmth. This trick works wonders if you want to make a room feel cozy and high-end.

✅ Base Layer: A natural woven jute rug – this one is a staple.

✅ Top Layer: A patterned wool rug for softness – love this one.

If your living room is feeling a little meh, try layering rugs—it’s an easy upgrade with big impact!

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4. Elevating the Lighting for a Warm, Luxe Feel

Lighting makes or breaks a space. We swapped my client’s old table lamps for oversized ceramic ones that added both height and warmth.

💡 These Studio McGee lamps – shop them here – instantly made the space feel cozy and intentional.

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The Final Reveal: A Cozy & Elevated Living Room

With just a few styling updates, my client’s living room went from unfinished to polished, cozy, and designer-approved. If you’re looking to refresh your space without a full makeover, focus on:

✔️ Upgrading your pillows with layered textures

✔️ Styling your coffee table with books & sculptural elements

✔️ Adding a layered rug for depth and warmth

✔️ Choosing the right lighting for a cozy ambiance

Want to recreate this look? I’ve linked all the Studio McGee pieces we used so you can shop them directly!

👉 Need a custom design plan for your space? Work with me here for a 1:1 E-design experience!