Every living room has it's own unique charm to it.

Sometimes we have a tight area to make do with, other times there's too much space where it feels awkward!
Having lived at a studio apartment prior to my most recent move, I didn't even have the space for a living room sofa or a coffee table, so it had been awhile since I've styled an actual living room!
At the time, my bed & an accent chair were pretty much my only means of relaxing after a long day, unless I wanted to watch TV from my barstools at the hightop table, which wasn't always ideal!
After moving to a loft that had way more space and an expansive open living area this year, I honestly felt overwhelmed with endless possibilities, but in a good way!
I knew I would finally be able to have a large sectional that I could kick back and relax on after work. Now that it's finished, I'll share with you my stepwise process in putting together my new living room!

As you can see, my living area is pretty large and open, making it semi-awkward to fill the space and make things cozy!
Some of the existing features I wanted to accentuate were the exposed gray brick walls and industrial ceiling.
Looking at the before photo, the space feels cold and factory-like (after all, this was an old candy factory!), but layering the space slowly but surely made it the perfect cozy sanctuary!
I started the design process (after a paint job to warm up the walls) by choosing a large area rug (9'X12') from Overstock that would match pretty much anything I eventually introduced into the room.
I went with a low-pile rug with an abstract ivory/gray pattern and it thankfully fit the space and softened up the room immediately!

The sectional I chose was also from Overstock & is no longer available :'(
For such a good price, I found the perfect gray tufted velvet sectional for a hint of glam in this industrial space.
Research online was definitely necessary in picking a sectional that I couldn't feel in-person, but I am delighted with my final selection since it is SO spacious & comfortable too!

Next, I wanted a coffee table that would compliment all the elements I had chosen so far, and I felt that glass/acrylic would be the way to go.
Not only does a clear piece of furniture make the room look larger, but it captures light beautifully as well!
Acrylic furniture can get very pricey, but if you do your research and find a half & half item that's part glass, it can lower the price tag drastically like it did for me.
Bottom line, I am obsessed with this piece that I found online at Target by Christopher Knight Home!
Pro Tip: You can easily layer coffee tables with display trays, candles, sculpture pieces!

After the coffee table, I had the choice of selecting a matching end table with the same acrylic legs and glass top, but my personal choice is to always go with something different.
No two of the items in my home are the same for the most part, as you can always mix & match to create an eclectic feel.
Therefore, I chose a mirrored end table which has a similar feel but I was able to introduce a different element to the room. Such a simple and small statement that ties everything together beautifully in my opinion!
Pro Tip: Never buy two of the same thing, but rather mix & match to get every element you want in the room!

Over to the left of the room, I found the perfect weathered gray console table from Wayfair for my TV and other items to be displayed on. I mainly chose this one because of the farmhouse feel with the sliding barn doors which I've always wanted for my home. Since I don't yet have the space for a real sliding barn door yet, I figured the miniature version would do for now! I also added a taupe colored storage ottoman with a nailhead finish (by Safavieh) to fill out more of the open space and provide a place for unused blankets/pillows.

It's important to make every corner of the room feel as cozy as possible, so I decided to create a little plant corner next to my console table. Those of you who have read my previous blogs will recognize this large planter that I painted in 2020 and planted my fiddle leaf fig in it. I'm not so sure the color works in my new space anymore, but being that its a 14" planter I don't quite feel like switching it out now! I finished off the corner by hanging a gold metal chain piece from Urban Outfitters that I've had for years now but love the vibe it gives off!

My latest additions to the living room definitely put the final touches on it. This includes the hanging Edison light bulb, throw pillows, and the longhorn canvas I put up.
The throw pillows I chose were from West Elm and were literally the best investment I could've made!
Being the indecisive individual that I am, it took me nearly 6 months to finally come to a decision on the throw pillows!
I wanted a natural look, with a mix of textures and neutral shades so I combined whites, creams, beiges, and grays together with no regrets! West Elm offers all of it with such good quality to last for years on end.

My inspiration came from my most recent vacation out west in Montana & Wyoming, and I wanted to incorporate the same western feel with soft cozy textures in my home.
Some of the items shown in this picture I already had, like the faux fur chocolate mat, the black sequined pillow, and throw blanket, but they tie together wonderfully for a nice contrast.
Add an eye-catching metal geo sculpture to your space, such as the candle holder I found at Bath & Body Works to complete the look.
Pro Tip: Bring different elements into the room and don't be afraid to mix different styles together for your own unique vibe!
As you can see, my space has a mixture of many different feels & elements to bring together a warm & cozy vibe.
Narrowing it down, I would describe my home to have an industrial, western, rustic, glamorous vibe to it.
Yeah, thats a lot of adjectives in one, I know!
On that note, I hope that you, too will find the inspiration to create your own unique space after hearing about my design process!
XO Hope
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