Issue #07

Check out our living room design tips from the pros.

March 18, 2023

Happy Saturday, and welcome to issue #07 of the Inside Look.

My first living room design? A small apartment, a shoestring budget, and a wild imagination. Mistakes? You bet! But hey, who needed practicality back then?

I’ve since learned that designing a living room is about more than just aesthetics. You need to find the right mix of style and smarts, and comfort and functionality.

Today, we’re sharing a living room design guide I wish I had when I first picked up my apartment keys. Plus, our fave throw pillows, fresh furniture launches from two great brands, and more.

Let’s dive in.

— Ash, Editor of the Inside Look.

The Roundup: Latest reads and product launches

Fern Dining Table by Raymour & Flanigan

The 30 Best Places to Buy Affordable Furniture of 2023

Furniture shopping isn't fun when everything on your wish list is out of your price range. Check out these affordable furniture brands to find high-quality pieces within reach.

14 Kitchen-dining room combos that serve up style and functionality

Design by Waldron Designs

Learn how to create the perfect space for cooking, dining, and entertaining.

The 37 Best Throw Pillows of 2023 (Picked by Pros)

Emma Throw Pillow by Pepper Home

Interior design pros share their picks for the best throw pillows to decorate your home.

Rafael de Cardenas x MGBW Collaboration

Sunbeam Swivel Chair

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ latest collaboration with AD100 designer Rafael de Cárdenas features larger-than-life pieces that celebrate individuality. Check it out here.

Burrow’s outdoor collection

Burrow Relay Sofa

Burrow has launched its very first outdoor furniture designs. The showstopper is the Relay Collection, which includes both modular sofas and sectionals, a coffee table, and dining set, all engineered to endure the elements. Check it out here.

Insider Insight: Living room ideas

Experiment with textures

Subtle textures and tones bring warmth to the white interior and emphasize the stunning sea view

The goal of this room was to "keep everything light and fresh,” says Lauren Czarniecki, Principal Designer/Owner at Czar Interiors. To achieve this, the team used subtle textures and tones to bring warmth to the white interior. To refresh your living room, you don’t have to go big, small additions like a throw pillow or blanket can have an outsized impact.

Bring the outdoors in

Designed to let the outside in, this living room is filled with finishes that have a natural feel and quality.

This beautiful living room features natural, hardwood floors and stunning views of the greenery outside. "All of the finishes have a natural feel and quality, and support enjoying a fire in the fireplace, or looking at a great view, without being distracted by a fussy interior," explains Deanne Bridenstine Bridenstine of Pure Design Interiors.

Home Spotlight: Unique navy bookshelves inspired this informal, multi-purpose living room

Due to the navy bookshelves and light blue accents, this room has become known as ‘the blue room’.

"I love that this room is fun and vibrant. It’s full of colour, patterns, different textures and both new and old pieces. It just feels like a happy room to be," explains designer Becc Burgmann.

That's all for this week. Enjoy your weekend and please let us know what you think to today’s email — we’d love your thoughts, so we can make each issue great.

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