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fromApartment Therapy
1 hour ago5 Ways to Refresh a Living Room for $0, According to Designers
Money doesn't solve every design problem; impactful changes can be made at no cost.
Cleveland explains, 'I just wasn't into the idea of constantly seeing my bed from the couch. I spent almost two months hunting online for a room divider that wouldn't block too much natural light or make the space feel cramped. Eventually, I realized I'd have to make one myself.'
Originally conceived by designer Niels Diffrient over twenty years ago, the Diffrient Lounge is not just for relaxation, it also happens to be a great spot to work in. Ok, so you might not think of a lounge chair as something you would use in your work from home setup, but with its integrated work surface and ergonomic design, you won't want to work anywhere else.
The seating style has become a fundamental of casual dine-in kitchens, but deciding between a high-back style versus a neatly tucked away backless one is just the beginning of your sourcing considerations. Lumbar support for those of us with a weak core can certainly dial up the comfort level, while footrests and contoured or cushioned seats are other nice-to-haves as well.
Furniture is now understood as a core architectural component rather than a purely functional addition to a space. In 2026, instead of sharp, rigid forms, current design directions favor softer, organic silhouettes that promote comfort and visual calm. These shapes help create interiors that feel more balanced and human-centred, supporting everyday use while enhancing the emotional quality of the environment.
Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Direct-to-consumer furniture company Burrow is hosting a massive winter sale. Currently, customers can receive up to 35% off the brand's award-winning seating, which boasts sleek couches and sectionals, outdoor furniture, bedroom pieces and rugs as well as classic mid-century modern tables and storage units.
My favorite chair, however, is West Elm's Cozy swivel chair. Not only is it 100% true to its name in terms of the coziness factor, but it's also a highly versatile seat you can use in almost any room, regardless of your lifestyle or interior decor aesthetic. And, depending on the upholstery fabric you choose, you can get it for as low as $699, which is a steal for West Elm! Without further ado, let's get into what makes the chair such a must-have.
When designing a neutral space, you might initially assume you're working with a limited color palette. And while using a select group of more subdued hues might be the key to achieving that calming effect, it doesn't mean the room has to be boring or one-dimensional. That's where texture (think: the "70-20-10" rule) comes into play. Texture was a major part of Chloe Livington's design plan when mapping out her organic-modern Jersey City studio apartment.
Wood: Arguably the most common material for a coffee table, whether packed with storage or not, solid wood can be a durable and style-agnostic choice. A deeper hue, like a mahogany or cherry, can lean mid-century, while a natural oak or teak feels distinctly Scandinavian. Opt for a material that's white washed or stained for a farmhouse look. Metal: Aluminum and stainless steel are common choices for the modernist or more minimal design aesthete.
Thuma's Classic Lounge Chair is a smart pick for anyone who wants a comfortable reading spot that looks clean, intentional, and not overstuffed. It pairs a solid wood frame and softly rounded edges with ergonomic angles and a resilient multi-density foam seat cushion, so it feels supportive for longer periods of time, but may not be plush enough for those who want a true "sink-in" feel.
Amount of Storage: Do you want a little storage? Do you need a lot of storage? If you're someone who has a collection of games, accessories, or blankets and pillows, then you'll want one with more real estate. On the other hand, if you're a minimalist who just doesn't have much space to work with in the first place, you can get away with less.