The 4 Secrets That Make This Living Room Feel so Cozy — A Designer's Guide on Recreating Its Feel

What makes the perfect living room? Words like rich, textural, inviting, warm, and curated all come to mind. These are also precisely the adjectives designer Alykhan Velji (Aly for short) of Alykhan Velji Designs used to describe his recent living room project, nestled in the picturesque Rideau neighborhood of Calgary, Alberta.

The client enlisted Aly’s help mid-renovation after downsizing from a larger home they had lived in for years. This new top-floor condo already had great bones, especially in the living room, which was flooded with natural light. And while the space was smaller, it offered an inherent cozy living room feel that couldn’t be ignored.

The challenge? To make the living room feel streamlined and tasteful without losing that natural snugness. While contemporary design can often come across as cold and impersonal, this project proves otherwise.

While not all of us can afford custom furniture or a team of seasoned designers, there are several living room ideas that make this project what it is. I interviewed Aly, who shared four elements that make this project a standout. Whether you’re working with a small space or just love the vibe, here’s how to recreate the look in your own home.

1. Contrast

“Utilize bold colors for larger pieces in the room, like the sofa,” suggests Aly. “This creates a stunning focal point that draws the eye and adds depth to the space.” In this particular project, the sofa’s warm hue and distinctive lines stand out, yet also harmonize with the other contrasting elements in the room, making it equal parts statement piece and cornerstone of the living room’s design.

To achieve a similarly curated feel, Aly recommends mixing different furniture styles. “Combining mid-century pieces with traditional elements ensures a harmonious yet eclectic space that feels both intentional and dynamic,” he adds. But contrast isn’t just about furniture; it’s about materials, colors, and textures too — the latter of which truly shines in redesigning this modern living room.

To amp up your texture, you can try elements like woven accents or boucle upholstery, but Aly’s favorite texture tip is a bit more unexpected: plaster. “Plaster is currently a favorite of mine,” he shares. “It can be used on walls, ceilings, and even furniture. Its versatility and texture add a unique, handcrafted quality to any space.”

2. A Room-Anchoring Rug

Finding the perfect living room rug was a labor of love. “We took our client to one of our favorite rug shops in the city, where we sifted through countless options,” says Aly. But when she saw one particular rug — a thick bordered, woven look variety — he knew it was the one. “Initially, the client was unsure,” he admits, “but once it was laid down in the home, she fell in love with it.” According to Aly, rug shopping is equal parts art and science, so trying potential rugs out in their intended environment is an absolute must.

One way to do this (sans showroom) is by purchasing rugs from retailers with good return policies (Wayfair, with its speedy shipping and hassle-free returns, comes to mind). “Choose a rug with texture and pattern to anchor the room,” Aly adds. “This not only defines the area but also adds visual interest, enhancing the overall aesthetic.”

3. Large Artwork

“Large pieces of art can dramatically transform a room,” says Aly. For this project, Aly and his team chose “two substantial artworks that anchor the space and contribute to a sense of grandeur.” While in the art world, “substantial” often translates to “very expensive,” it doesn’t have to be. AVD commissioned local Canadian artist Murray Duncan, whose abstract style beautifully complements the space. “We framed the pieces in stunning burl wood frames with forest green linen mats, achieving a look of absolute perfection,” Aly explains.

So, resist the urge to splurge on an overpriced, cliché print. By commissioning a local artist, not only do you get something customizable to your space and taste, but it’s also likely more affordable than you might think.

4. Organic Shapes & Materials

According to Aly, organic shapes create a more fluid and dynamic environment. Incorporating a few of these accents "softens a room's edges, making it feel less rigid and more expansive.”

Take, for instance, the Lock & Mortice coffee table, which Aly deems one of the most essential pieces in the room. “With its organic form and unique shape, the coffee table adds an unexpected and captivating touch to the space. It serves as a focal point that intrigues and delights,” he muses. While much of the other furniture in the living room is either custom or vintage (good luck finding it!), this piece is a pleasant exception. “It’s by Lock & Mortice, based in Vancouver, and it can be shipped,” Aly notes — music to my ears.

But if a new coffee table isn’t on your shopping list, the principle of using organic materials still applies. Consider adding oak, velvet, or linen through smaller accents like pillows and curtains. It’s a cost-effective way to create a similar vibe. After all, the perfect living room is all in the details.