Approach Your Living Room Redesign Like an Expert

Rip & Tan: If someone is just starting a home project but isn’t quite sure what they’re looking for, where do you suggest they begin?

Linnea Schooley: I suggest starting by looking for inspiration. Instagram, Pinterest, coffee table books, and magazines are all great places to start browsing. Pay attention to what catches your eye, save it, and start to build a moodboard where all your ideas can live.

Rip & Tan: What’s your approach to starting a project?

Linnea Schooley: I like to start by diving into the floor plans and getting an idea of the existing space. Once I have a general idea of layout and style, I start looking for some conceptual inspiration, which I’ll save to a Pinterest board.

After you have a general concept and style, you can start looking for specific pieces that work with your floor plans, style, and budget.

Rip & Tan: Any great sources of inspiration you always turn to?

Linnea Schooley: I love looking through old design books for fresh ideas. I know that Instagram and Pinterest can get repetitive, but there is often great inspiration there once you get into the right niche.

Rip & Tan: Any tips for budgeting?

Linnea Schooley: You just have to really prioritize what will make the biggest impact in the space and/or what’s the most important to you. To me, lighting and window treatments make huge impacts and therefore I’m usually more willing to splurge there. Also, vintage is always a great way to save some money on really unique pieces, plus it’s environmentally friendly!

Rip & Tan: How do you ensure everything stays cohesive within a design when working with countless factors? Tips for not getting overwhelmed?

Linnea Schooley: Keep a board for each space you’re working on with images of all the materials and furnishings in the space, as well as physical samples of the finishes and fabrics. Having everything laid out will help you ensure nothing clashes.

Rip & Tan: What are some elements of a living room you think are good to refresh every so often?

Linnea Schooley: Paint is a great one. An easier refresh is textiles (pillows, blankets, and so forth), which I love to switch out for different seasons or when I’m feeling like I need a refresh.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite simple DIY tips for updating a living room?

Linnea Schooley: My #1 simple upgrade would be to make sure your rug is the correct size. I often see people with rugs that are too small. A simple jute rug in the correct size can be an affordable option that will really elevate your living space.

Rip & Tan: What are a few things we can do this week to refresh your living room?

Linnea Schooley: Style your coffee table in an intentional way: with a few coffee table books, a beautiful bowl or tray, and one of our Jenni Kayne candles to set the mood.

Rip & Tan: What are a few long-term investments to improve your living room?

Linnea Schooley: Your sofa is the largest long-term investment for your living space. It takes up a lot of surface area and is also likely where you spend most of your time. You’ll really be able to tell the difference in the quality of your sofa in the material, comfortability, and the way it wears over time. Next would be window treatments, lighting, and rugs!