How to Create a Modern Living Room In Four Phases

The truth? No one goes on a shopping spree and magically acquires all the room essentials in one day. Most spaces evolve gradually, shaped by time, taste, and budget. But if you are in the market to layer in stylish, quality pieces into your living room - this post is for you. 

We built a modern living room in four phases, sourcing every last piece from Article because their mix-and-match furnishings are easy to style, long-lasting, and well-priced. We’ve used and loved their pieces for years across multiple rooms in various homes. 

You may recall their leather sofa in our Rexburg reading room or even their sumptuous leather sectional in the #CLJCabin (that I still dream about to this day). Their mid-century modern pieces completely transformed the Pugmire Living Room and their outdoor offerings instantly made Victoria’s patio an at-home oasis. 

No matter the space, Article furniture is delightfully easy to style a room around. 

Feel free to remix the order of your layering — Start with the piece that matters most to you, and use this guide to build out a living room that’s as unique as it is relaxing.

This post is sponsored by Article.

1. Lay The Foundation

Cypress Green Chaise Sectional | Leather Ottoman

Every remarkable living room story begins with the essential characters: comfortable seating and a versatile centerpiece. Enter Article’s plush olive-green modular sectional with a corduroy-inspired texture—aptly setting the ambiance for everything else to come. Complement it with a warm camel-toned tufted leather ottoman, and voila, your foundational pieces are in place. The ottoman also doubles as a coffee table, and these pieces lay the groundwork for a room that’s rich in texture.

2. Amplify with Additional Seating

Cypress Green Chaise Sectional | Leather Ottoman | Leather Sling Chair

With the basics nailed down, it’s time to expand the ensemble. Picture two matching chairs, either flanking your sofa or facing it, balancing the room’s energy. The leather accents harmonize with the ottoman, while a canvas-like texture adds a refreshing contrast.

3. Illuminate Your Vision

Cypress Green Chaise Sectional | Leather Ottoman | Leather Sling Chairs | Floor Lamp | Side Table | Gray Table Lamp

Remember: Lighting is to room design what seasoning is to cooking—utterly indispensable. Floor lamps are your living space’s heroes, and this sleek black angular lamp, standing tall at almost 6.5 ft, is a testament to that. And don’t overlook the elegance of a gray table lamp, perched with grace on an architecturally interesting side table that ties in nicely back to the floor lamp. Because every room, in my opinion, needs a hit of black.

4. Seal It with Finishing Flourishes

Cypress Green Chaise Sectional | Leather Ottoman | Leather Sling Chairs | Floor Lamp | Side Table | Gray Table Lamp | Grid Floor Poufs | Walnut Shelf | Arched Mirror

The devil is in the details, they say. Enhance the space’s charm with handwoven black-and-white poufs—perfect for adding pattern play or providing an extra seat during game nights. Introduce a walnut cabinet for a warm wood element and added utility. Love this one for its combination of open and closed storage. Finally, mirrors aren’t just functional—they’re transformative. An arched mirror framed in wood? It not only reflects, doubling the space, but also ties in with the cabinet and magnifies the room’s design coherence.

And there you have it! You now have the blueprint to design a living room that reflects personality, piece by piece. Dive into Article’s collection of beautifully designed pieces. They truly have every category covered from timeless seating options all the way to uniquely delightful decor and accessories. Well priced, beautiful, and built to last. What more could you need? 

Just remember: Your perfect room wasn’t built in a day, but it can certainly start today.

Past Projects With Article:

Before & After Living Room

One-Day Dining Room Makeover

Maximizing a Small Deck Layout in 5 Steps