The living room is the heart of the home — a space that should feel both beautiful and genuinely liveable. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing an existing space, these five principles will help you create a living room you'll love spending time in.

1. Anchor the Space With a Statement Sofa

The sofa sets the tone for everything else in the room. Choose one that's generously sized for the space, in a fabric and colour that feels right for your lifestyle. Linen and boucle are enduringly popular for their warmth and texture; darker tones in velvet work beautifully in more intimate spaces.

2. Layer Your Lighting

Relying on a single overhead light is the most common living room mistake. Layer at least three sources — a floor lamp in one corner, table lamps on side tables, and accent lighting near artwork or shelving — to create a room that feels warm and dimensional at any time of day.

3. Ground the Room With a Rug

A rug defines the seating zone and adds warmth underfoot. The most common mistake is choosing one that's too small. As a rule, allow at least the front legs of all sofas and chairs to sit on the rug — ideally the whole footprint of the seating area.

4. Create Visual Interest With Texture

A visually interesting room uses a mix of materials — smooth marble on a coffee table against a textured boucle sofa, a rattan side table next to a linen cushion. Contrast makes a space feel considered and layered rather than flat.

5. Leave Space to Breathe

Resist the urge to fill every surface and corner. Negative space — areas of furniture and accessories — is what allows the pieces you love to be appreciated. Edit ruthlessly, keep surfaces mostly clear, and let your best pieces do the talking.

Browse Myka Home's living room collection to find pieces that work for your space.