The Sofa:

A living area should be comfortable enough for lounging yet elegant enough for entertaining. A standard seven-foot sofa works in most spaces, allowing you to stretch out and relax. This one, from Lee Industries, has low arms that let you rest your head and lofty down-filled cushions that invite you to sink right in. Its classic English styling — tight back and turned legs — is worth the investment: If you're prepared to spend a little more for the best-quality sofa you can afford, you can expect it to last for years. (Lee Industries sofa #3278, $3,416, 800-892-7150.)

The Ottomans:

In place of the usual coffee table, ottomans lend versatility in both settings. They offer extra seating in a pinch and, with trays on top, serve as instant tables. (Be sure they're no taller than the seat height of the sofa.) The soft lines and turned wooden legs of the pink linen ottoman echo those of the sofa (Mitchell Gold Marge ottoman, $500, www.mitchellgold.com for retail locations), while the straight lines and colorful upholstery of the less formal cubes inject a little playfulness (Mitchell Gold Link cubes, $350 each, www.mitchellgold.com for retail locations).

The Rug:

Not only does an area rug add warmth but it also visually anchors a room and delineates the seating area — especially necessary in homes with open floor plans, whether they have wall-to-wall carpeting or bare floors. Every piece of seating should have at least its front two legs on the rug. While sisal, jute, and coir are inexpensive alternatives to wool, they can be difficult to clean. A neutral-tone Oriental rug is a safe choice for traditionalists (Capel Woodridge wool rug, $1,498, www.capelrugs.com for retail locations), whereas a fluffy shag lends a cozy feel to a modern look (Super shag rug in cocoa, $899, Smith + Noble, www.smithandnoble.com).

The Side Tables:

Keep these between 22 and 30 inches high, depending on the height of the sofa, and no lower than one to two inches below its arm. For a traditional, eclectic look, balance tables of various heights with lamps or accessories. The white side table has a drawer and a shelf for storage (Oly Louis side table, $950, www.olystudio.com for retail locations). Nesting tables can be split up to accommodate guests' drinks. For a cleaner, more modern look, create order with matching tables and lamps (Pure Design Bond side tables, $252 each, www.puredesignonline.com).

The Lamps:

These should not be focal points of the room. The classic white urn lamp doesn't overpower the furniture (Glass candy-jar table lamp, $216, Jamie Young Company, www.jamieyoung.com for retail locations). The simple geometry of the matching lamps acts as a modern foil to the curvy sofa (Crate & Barrel Josie lamps no longer available).

The Chair:

A distinctive chair can instantly change the look of a room. Keep it close to the sofa to encourage conversation. The raffia-covered chair is big enough but not supersized and lends its classic lines to the sofa's timeless style (Hanna chair, $1,150, www.olystudio.com). The clear plastic chair modernizes the room (Philippe Starck Ghost chair, $308, www.highbrowfurniture.com).

THE DETAILS:

Stripes are a safe and versatile way to add pattern to any space. For a more traditional look, pair striped pillows with a floral wall hanging (Silk Bermuda striped pillows, $51 each; and Bloomsburg fabric in cranberry, $36 a yard: the Silk Trading Co. at ABC Carpet & Home, 800-679-7455). To jazz up the modern living room, the ottomans feature a fun combination of pink, orange, and brown, which plays off the chartreuse painted canvas. (Center artwork over the sofa, sticking to one large piece that's anywhere from two-thirds to the full length of the sofa.)

When adding finishing touches, remember that books lend a bit of history, while cool, clean-lined objects convey the here and now. (The Terence Conran Shop bottles, $39 each; round leather tray, $72; and white vase, $69: 866-755-9079. Silk taffeta pillows in stem green, $51 each, the Silk Trading Co. at ABC Carpet & Home, 800-679-7455.)