Yearning for a cozy living room? To transform a formal area you’ll need more than a comfy throw, though having one is certainly a plus. For a multipurpose space that’s kid- and pet-friendly, as well as a hub for movie marathons, game nights, and plenty of meaningful conversations, your living room needs to be less precious and more approachable, especially as everyone bunkers down for the winter months. Even if the space doesn’t have a fireplace, there is plenty you can do to create a cozy living room, from lush upholstery to a spacious coffee table that will hold all the cups of mulled wine. AD spoke to designers Suzanne Dawson of Suzanne Dawson Interiors in New York City and Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterio Interiors in Chicago to find out the top 11 things you can do to create a cozy living room.
1. Reconfigure the room for more conversation
You can rearrange the furniture in your living room fairly easily, as long as you’ve got a strong and patient helper. Ponterio says the goal is to create a central gathering area as well as at least one intimate area. Pull chairs from the smaller grouping for additional seating, Ponterio adds. Dawson recommends two similar size sofas directly facing each other or a L- or U-shaped sectional with a coffee table in the middle and club chairs right across the way to create a conversation zone. The table can be for snacks, games, puzzles, and cocktails.
2. Pay attention to the finishes
