Decorating "Must-Haves"
Elements of style that will create the most comfortable conversation area possible include:

• An upholstered or leather sofa or two love seats
• Two upholstered armchairs
• Reading lamps
• A coffee table or piece of furniture that functions as one (e.g., an ottoman, a tray with legs or a hinged wooden trunk)
• A small table in easy reach of every seat

Mood Basics
Color, pattern, and texture determine a room’s overall mood or feeling. These tips will help pull all the pieces together.

Color: It's easy to select a room’s color scheme. Just pick three major colors from your sofa. Then, use each color at least three times throughout the room. Add color with throw pillows, carpeting and paintings. However, choose three favorite colors and use them in curtains, lamps and other accessories you plan to display in the room if you have a neutral-colored sofa.

Pattern: Stripes, checks, florals, and plaids are just several options. Go ahead and mix them as long as all patterns share at least one color.

Texture: Use a variety of textures to keep the room interesting. Matte fabrics like chenille and velvet look dimensional, thereby adding depth to the entire decorating scheme.

Living in a Material World
Fabric is the heart and soul of decorating. It adds an important element of comfort to every room by bringing texture, pattern and color to living spaces. Fabrics come in different weaves and fibers that influence their look, feel, durability and function. The strongest fabrics are tightly woven, perfect for heavily used furniture.

Washed rayon chenille is one of today’s most versatile fabrics. This luxuriously soft, highly durable material looks right at home in spacious, contemporary lofts, but also achieves an opulent feel for those who prefer the grandeur of traditional, antique-filled rooms.

Another option: genuine top-grain leather. Leather resists cracking and tearing, and is the longest-wearing upholstered material. Even better, leather ages gracefully, providing wonderful character and depth. And it’s easy to maintain—just clean with a damp cloth.