Photography: Alana Landsberry / Styling: Lucy Gough
There’s endless advice to spruce up your living room, but if you ask interior stylist Loui Burke, there are only three things you really need to amp up your sense of style — and it’s got nothing to do with your sofa.
Speaking on The Edit podcast, Loui says turn your attention to these easily changeable living room staples: A rug, curtains, and lampshades.
“In order to make any room feel like a home, you need a beautiful rug, some window treatments and a light shade,” Loui begins. “The reason I say those things is because they’re usually things people don’t think about with the living room. They’re instantly going to the sofa or the TV cabinet or coffee table. They’re not thinking about those pieces that really transform any room into a homey space.
Listen to Loui Burke on The Edit podcast:
However, it’s a little more complicated than choosing just any of these items to style your living room.
Rug styling tips for your living room
Speaking to basic rug styling principles, Loui says “bigger is better”. “If your rug is huge — I’m talking a minimum 2 x 3 metres — you’re chic.” he says on Instagram, adding “two [armchair] legs on the rug: Chic. All four legs on the rug: Incredibly chic.”
Loui, who is known on social media for his catchy “cheap or chic” videos, adds that, while washable rugs can be great, especially in high-traffic areas, rugs in natural fibres, sisal or wool are more “chic”.
Curtain styling tips for your living room
Your preferred window treatment will depend on your needs and budget. However, the best combo for a living room is perhaps a blockout blind with a sheer curtain in front. When doing curtains, Loui recommends opting for full-length, floor-to-ceiling, sheer styles that “just kiss the floor or have a slight pool” at the base.
If you don’t have floor to ceiling windows, aim to hang your sheer curtains six inches above the window to create the illusion of height.
Lighting tips for your living room
Your chosen light fixtures or lamp shades can add loads of character to your living room.
(Credit: Photographer: Abbie Melle, Styling: Lisa Burden)Whether you’re working with pendant lights or lamps, a stylish light shade can instantly add some personal style to your space. As Loui says, it instantly adds a “homey” element to your room, whether you’re in an owned home or a rental.
Selecting the right light or lamp shade will depend on your personal style. If you’re not sure what resonates with you, consult our detailed breakdown of lighting trends throughout the decades.
Get more styling tips from Loui Burke with The Edit podcast:
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