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 You've heard of people who cover their couches and lamps with plastic and allow the living room to be used only on the most special of special occasions, right? A perfect solution if you want to dedicate an entire room to gathering dust. However, if you prefer a living room you can actually live in, there are simple and inexpensive ways to enhance the ambiance without losing the functionality. And all without a speck of plastic.
To create a living room that really lives, start with the three "P's" of cozy design :
 Pillows, Proximity, and Pulling the rug out!
Piles of Pillows
Pillows are the number one way to add both an inviting softness and a designer spark to your living room. Remember, a pillow is a herd animal; it prefers to live in groups. Don't be afraid to layer several pillows on your sofa or larger chairs. Start with a large square pillow in a darker color. Next, add a slightly smaller square pillow with some interesting embellishment on the front and/or edges. Finally, finish with a pillow in an interesting shape, like a cylindrical bolster or a plump round.
 Proximity is a Plus
Your living room is a gathering place, which means your furniture should be grouped into "conversation clumps." If the furniture is huddled against the walls on either sids of the room with a lone coffee table in the middle, you'll end up with more of the feeling of a bus station. Move furniture to the middle of the room; arrange sofas and chairs across from one another – it's always more comfortable to talk to someone sitting across from you rather than right next to you. Footstools and ottomans are a great addition if you want to create a casual space where people can kick back and relax. Lastly, don't make your guests balance beverages and snacks on their laps; make sure there is a table of some sort and coasters within easy reach of every seat in the house.
 Pulling the Rug Out
A large area rug is a wonderful way to pull a room together. It works over hardwood floors but can also be a lovely accent on top of wall-to-wall carpeting. Simply select a rug design that compliments the carpet. Can't afford a big rug? Take a number of smaller area rugs and sew them together to make your own custom floor covering. You'll need a super heavy duty needle with a large eye and some heavy twine. Lash the rugs together from the back side, trimming off fringe as needed.
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