Living rooms are a central feature of most homes. They are often the first thing people see when they enter your front door and the place where everyone hangs out. We recently sat down with Travy Williams, co-owner with her husband Tyler, of Nest Home & Co. (NestHomeCo.com), to discuss styling essentials for your living room.
Q: So why living rooms?
A: The living room is the heart and center of a home. It's where we gather. It's where we create memories. It is the anchor of our living spaces.
Q: Is there a formula for what makes a beautiful living room?
A: Of course, the go-to answer for this question is that it should be comfortable, inviting, spacious, and relaxing. But, may I dare say that what makes a living room truly beautiful is when someone enters and says, "This is so YOU!" There is no other way to describe a beautiful living room because it should be a reflection of who you are.
Q: Are there essential items that every living room should include?
A: Comfortable seating, statement lighting, an eye-catching yet functional coffee table, and the cozy stuff—throws and accent pillows.
Q: How important is positioning items in your living room?
A: Positioning furniture is often overlooked since we focus so much on the furniture's looks and comfort. But, it is essential to position the furnishings to maximize the living spaces and enhance the home's flow.
Q: Aside from big pieces in the living room, what design elements help make it inviting for everyone?
A: Adding plants and greenery makes the living room lively and fresh. Cozy soft goods are not to be missed—they make yu want to melt in the living room. A comfy ottoman doesn't hurt, either.
Q: What are the hot colors in living room design today?
A: A deep, moody pop of olive, rust, or brown. While earthy, neutral tones are still in favor, we're seeing a lot of deeper, richer earth tones. It's a more sophisticated and bolder version than in past years.
Q: What do we want to consider when we choose living room lighting?
A: Proper lighting is essential in your living room. A lack of lighting dulls a room and makes it dreary. When it comes to lighting, a dimmer is always the answer. That way, you can make it bright and energizing when hosting a party or dim and relaxing when winding down with a book or binging Netflix.
Q: How about choosing artwork? Is it more important to use trendy pieces or to fill your home with artwork you love?
A: Artwork is one of the most emotional, individualistic home decor pieces. While it is important to stay current, artwork needs to be a piece that speaks to you emotionally. You know how sometimes you love something so much and can't describe why? That is the feeling everyone should have when it comes to choosing artwork for their home. When you find the right piece, you'll know it.
Q: Are you seeing any trends in textures people look for in living rooms?
A: Tactile texture is still "it." Whether it be nubby boucle fabric, crackled ceramic decor, or speckled wallpaper, it is still in favor—even more so in 2025.
Q: What can people expect to find when they come into Nest?
A: Nest carries a variety of furniture, home decor and accessories, faux plants and greeneries, wallpaper, wall art and wall decor, lighting, kitchen essentials, gift items, and so much more!