If you want your living room to serve several functions, “divide the room into different zones,” says Michele Evanger, owner of DOTI (Designs of the Interior), headquartered in Chicago. You don’t have to chop your room in half to find enough space to work, for example. Carve out a small corner by moving a decorative table and a soft-back chair into that spot and it will still feel like a comfortable living room.

Decorating Ideas to Adapt to Your Own Space

Brightness Falls

The right lighting can alter the mood of an entire room. Switch on a floor lamp for a brighter ambience, or use a table lamp for a more relaxed feel.
Aero Design floor lamp.

Setting Boundaries

Unlike the formal room, which is bisected by the sofa, this one relies on the more subtle borders of the chaise and the brown chairs, creating clear views of the two focal points—the fireplace and the TV.
Country Swedish coffee table. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams brown chairs.

Ground Rules

This white basket-weave rug pulls together all the furniture that rests on it and makes the borders of the rich brown wood floors stand out, separating conversation and work spaces.
Rug from ABC Carpet & Home.

Extra Seating

Off to the side, in its own little enclave, the armchair doesn’t close off the conversation area. But it’s within reach if someone wants to join the group.

Breathing Room

A corner is the perfect place to nestle an unusual, very un-desklike table where you can catch up on work, pay bills, or enjoy the paper with your morning coffee.

Pull the sofa out from the wall so it doesn’t feel crammed and tight; even a few inches can help loosen up a room.

Lars Bolander side table. Pottery Barn lamp.