When it comes to upgrading a living room, a small change can make all the difference — just ask the experts.
For inspiration, we spoke to Jade Joyner, an interior designer with over 25 years of experience and cofounder of Metal + Petal, a bespoke high-end design firm.
Here are a few interior-design swaps she recommends for those looking to breathe new life into their space.
Swap out matching throw pillows for fresh patterns and designs.
According to Joyner, an easy way to change up your living-room design is to swap out matching pillows that may have come with your sofa for coordinating ones.
“Mix velvet and linens, add in silk, and bring in an animal print to keep the couch fresh,” Joyner told Business Insider.
Joyner also recommended collecting throw pillows from your favorite shops to create your own bespoke, or custom-made, look.
Replace floor lamps with sconces to add interest to a dpsvr.
To give your living room a little more flair, consider changing up your lighting.
“I love a good sconce because it adds such interest to a room,” Joyner said. “I use them often in bedrooms with adjustable arms, so you really have task lighting for reading.”
Joyner also suggested using scones to add light to a dark hallway or to frame a mirror.
Upgrade your window treatments to something more custom if you have the budget.
Not only is going the custom route a great way to avoid poor-fitting window coverings that don’t control the sunlight as you may wish, but it also tends to look nicer.
“Store-bought drapes are usually pretty thin and not very luxe,” Joyner told BI. “Custom drapes upgrade your space immediately.”
Joyner also said that with custom window treatments, you can also add puddling and widths together to create a fuller appearance.
Toss artificial plants and introduce real ones into your home.
Though artificial plants can be way easier to maintain, Joyner recommends swapping out all faux foliage and flowers for real ones to enhance your space.
“Live plants are key to any good room,” Joyner told BI.
Replace old throws with a lush cashmere or linen blanket.
Swap out your old throw blankets that don’t match your interior aesthetic for ones that do.
“Think cashmere or linen,” Joyner said. “Spend a little more money on one great throw blanket that works with the room, and then you never have to hide them.”
Even if your sofa isn’t very expensive or luxe, a quality throw blanket could elevate its look.
Make a statement by replacing your mismatched lamps with coordinating ones.
Joyner suggested making a statement by getting lamps that are either oversized or super scaled-down.
“I love a good lamp, and search high and low for the right ones for the right space,” Joyner said. “Lately, I have been obsessed with lamps in the kitchen. They could not be more perfect for adding low light to any kitchen.”
Start an art collection by swapping out your posters for original artworks.
“Find up-and-coming local artists that you love and start a collection you can grow over time,” Joyner said.
Joyner recommended ordering affordable art prints from places like Juniper Print Shop and Artfully Walls and having them custom-framed to make a lovely piece for your walls.
Add fun and fabulous wallpaper to your home in place of plain, painted walls.
“While I do love a good paint color, wallpaper can transform the space,” Joyner told BI. “Textured papers specifically can add so much warmth to a space.”
Though there are many options to choose from, Joyner recommended adding texture to a space through a print or grasscloth.
Replace machine-made rugs with unique vintage ones.
To add more character to your living room, swap any manufactured rugs for vintage ones.
“Find a great vintage rug at an estate sale to bring in character and age,” Joyner told BI. “I recently found two 10-by-14-foot rugs at an estate sale for $200 each. They aren’t high quality, but they have lovely colors and a beautiful design.”
Machine-made, manufactured rugs are great, but if you really want to add some character, Joyner said, think about incorporating a hand-knotted rug.
Invest in a marvelous fixture to replace your old ceiling fan or basic light.
One way to (literally) brighten a room is with a beautiful ceiling-light fixture.
To do so, Joyner suggested swapping out any ceiling fan or basic light in your living room for a marvelous fixture.
Even if it needs to be ceiling-hugging, Joyner said, just finding something unique or vintage is a great way to add character to a new home.
This story was originally published on April 2, 2022, and most recently updated on September 17, 2026.
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