1. Low Furniture

Short pieces, like this tufted couch, keep an open floor plan cozy. Use area rugs to define individual "rooms" within the space. 

2. Navy Walls

Give beige a break. Dramatic hues can drench a large living room, like this inky wallpaper. The deep blue provides a surprisingly neutral backdrop.

3. Comfy Seating

Your style may be posh; your furniture can still be cozy. Plush sofas and armchairs rule. It’s fancy in a cool way, not in an 'I can't sit there' way

4. Statement Rug

The key to subtle color lays at your feet. A patterned carpet plays up the neutral furniture while a similarly-hued pillow adds another punch to the armchair.

5. Sheer Curtains

The quickest way to let light in starts at the source. Replace heavy fabric curtains with gauzy ones, making sure the panels go all the way to the floor. To accentuate a tall ceiling, mount the drapes about a foot above windows and doors.

6. Bonus Materials

Don't forget to punctuate color with natural texture. Sarah Richardson used wicker baskets, a wood-frame mirror and an antique pine dresser to warm up this rustic cabin.

7. Blank Space

Start with an all-white canvas and swap in seasonal accents all year-round. This summery living room uses cool blues, jute accessories and nautical accents for a beachy vibe.

8. Light and Airy

Measuring just 250 square feet, a tiny guesthouse copies a staple of Scandinavian style. Bright white shiplap creates the illusion of added space.

9. Inviting Corner

This breezy Florida living room (with happy-hued pillows) is as pretty as it is practical. The sofa is upholstered in water-resistant fabric to create a put-your-feet-up attitude.

10. Bold and Bright

Inject personality into your living space with energetic hues and quirky secondhand finds, like this colorful apartment's coral sofa and gilded accent pieces.

11. Rustic Appeal

The antique wooden beams are a welcome contrast to the modern furniture in an airy farmhouse.

12. Gorgeous Gallery

Achieve the drama of a major art piece inexpensively by displaying a tight grid of small frames.

13. Black and White

This ultra-modern room uses color sparingly for a sleek look.