How to Choose the Best Pet-Friendly Living Room Furniture

You come home from a long day at the office, plop down on your sofa, and turn on the TV. Right away, you hear the jingle of tags as you watch your dog come in and snuggle up to you on the couch. You look at him and tell him you love him as he moves his head onto your lap. We can’t deny it – whether its our spunky pup or mischievous cat, the furniture in our living room isn’t just for us, it’s for our four-legged companions, too.

We want them to feel as comfortable as we are when we’re home. But, we also want to take care of our furniture and living room. Here, we’ll share some of the best pet-friendly living room furniture and how to pet-proof your home.

Choosing the Best Pet-Friendly Living Room Furniture

Cat and dog lying on the couch

Everyone enjoys the living room. This special gathering area is where we have family movie time, where the kids lie all over the sofa with the dog, and where you find your cat relaxing while you’re away. The living room is the control center of the house and needs to be in style while keeping your pet safe. Below are a few pet-friendly living room furniture options to keep everyone comfy.

First, you need to think about the type of fabric. With pets, accidents are inevitable, as are scratches, pet hair, and other fabric-ruining mishaps. Below are some different pet-friendly fabric options that are stylish but resistant to the wears and tears of our pet companions:

1. SoMo’s Smart Solutions fabrics are stain-resistant fabrics that combine yarns and chemistry to create the perfect blend of soft and durable material. These worry-free fabrics can withstand the challenges of everyday life, from pets to kids to that evening glass of red wine.

2. Leather can be a good choice for pets that shed because fur can easily be swept off. Just watch out for those pesky claws! Leather can be repaired, however it can be costly to do so depending on the severity of the damage.

3. Microfiber, a synthetic fabric, is a dream because it doesn’t rip or scratch easily. It comes in a variety of colors and is soft to the touch, making it comfy for the whole family.

Second, let’s talk sofas. To keep your pet happy and your home clean without sacrificing style, check out these collections of motion sofas and chairs. They’ll provide you with style and comfort all in one.

4. Silver Screen, a collection with both recliners and sofas, has fabrics that can stand up to any unpredictable mishap from pets or kids. The pieces have hidden cupholders in the arms and are great accents to any living room design.

5. Fandango is a customizable reclining sofa collection with power features and cushions filled with memory fiber to provide that “body hugging” feeling. They come in a variety of fabrics and leathers that are durable, stain-resistant, and can take on the many ups and downs of everyday life.

6. Cagney sofas feature distinctive curved-end styling, power headrests, fully cushioned chaise-pad ottomans, and a Wall Hugger feature that makes for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tips for Keeping Your Living Room Clean with Pets

Grooming tools to help keep your pets clean

Lastly, before purchasing these new pieces of furniture, here are some ways to help maintain and protect your pieces from our four-legged companions.

*Get some pet-friendly furniture for your pets. Find a dog bed that is as comfy as your sofa and lie near it. This will teach your dog to feel comfortable and will persuade him to spend less time on your furniture. For cats, invest in various scratching posts. Scratching posts and cat towers will help keep the kitty occupied and more importantly, off your furniture.

*Get your pets groomed or groom them yourself. Regular baths will help keep shedding to a minimum. In addition, make sure your groomer cuts your cat or dog’s nails or do it yourself with a pair of nail clippers with a quick stop. These quick stops make sure you don’t cut the animal’s quick, which is where the nerves are in the nail.

*Get some slipcovers. Slipcovers come in all colors and sizes and help bring style and design to a room, but these covers also help when you have pets. With a slipcover, if a pet rips, tears, or damages the cover, you can wash it or replace it, which is much more affordable than getting a new piece of furniture.

*Guard against scratching. Next, if slipcovers aren’t enough, try guards. These are clear or colored strips of plastic that prevent dogs or cats from scratching the furniture. These strips are like scotch tape, so when a scratch happens, the claw is stuck on the tape and not the sofa or chair. They are easy to remove and don’t damage the furniture. If you have a kitty that just can’t help but scratch up your couch, try nail covers that protect both their claws and your furniture (a much better option than declawing a cat).

*Get some training for the pets. With training, you can help your pet understand that the furniture is off limits if you don’t want them lounging on your sofa. You can use a bitter apple spray on the furniture (be sure to test for color-fastness first) to keep them away or train them with clickers and positive reinforcement. There are a variety of ways to teach your dog/cat to keep off the furniture if you wish to do so.

*Finally, keep the furniture clean. With fabrics, you may need to vacuum once or twice a week, depending on how much your pet sheds. Leather is easier to vacuum and you can sometimes sweep the hair off. Cleaning stains is a bit more difficult. Before buying any cleaning solution, make sure it is pet safe. There are excellent pet-friendly companies out there like Fizzion, Nature’s Miracle, and more. Just make sure to read the reviews and do the research so you don’t risk any harm to you or your fur babies.

Our furniture and pets can live in harmony if we don’t let one take control over the other. If we do our research ahead of time, we can make sure our style is still pet-friendly. Our pets are family and deserve to be comfortable too. By buying the right type of fabric, investing in preventative measures, and training your pets, you can all curl up on the couch together and get some much needed relaxation time. Learn more about different types of fabrics and which one is best for your furniture!

In 2015, Consumer Reports performed a survey and found that 8 out of 10 Americans would rather buy American-made furniture than imported furniture. Buying American-made furniture instills a sense of pride in both the purchaser and the builder. They know that when they buy goods made in the US, they are supporting local craftsman, investing in America’s economy and future, and promoting the use of sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials and products.

Why Buy Furniture Made in the US?

Below are a few reasons to buy furniture made in the US:

1. Craftsmanship

When you buy furniture made in the US, you know you are buying quality. America has strict regulations on quality and builders are required to make sure each piece meets the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act ( CPSIA). This act is in place to ensure the safety of products before they are distributed to customers. Imported goods don’t have to follow these requirements and manufactured items can potentially be hazardous to your health.

2. Invest in the American Economy

Another great reason to buy furniture made in the US is because you are giving back to the American job force and economy. Just recently, ABC News did a story on manufacturing in the United States. They found that if every American spent $3.33 on US-made goods, it would create almost 10,000 jobs. Along with creating jobs here, you’re also supporting federal and local laws that are in place to protect our workers. In other countries, they don’t have as strict of labor laws and could implore child labor. Not only does buying American-made furniture help create jobs, but it helps the economy. When you purchase furniture made in the US, you are driving down higher costs and helping reduce the country’s deficit.

Handmade furniture and materials

American-Made Furniture Companies

If you would like to buy furniture that is sure to be “Made in the USA,” check out these companies below.

* Southern Motion has been established since 1996 and has over 1,450 employees and five facilities in Mississippi. They produce thousands of quality furniture pieces with each one being handcrafted by hard-working employees.

* Fusion Furniture Inc. was formed in 2009 by Bo and Alison Robbins. Their goal is helping consumers and retailers build long-lasting friendships by fusing together style, value, and service.

The Southern Motion Difference

Now that we know the benefits of buying furniture made in the US, why Southern Motion? When you purchase Southern Motion furniture, you are adding a little southern culture to your life. Each piece is handcrafted and designed to bring you comfort and durability. With Southern Motion, there is no question on how or where your furniture is constructed because we’re proud to be made in the USA.

With the constant changes in the economy, outsourcing, and manufacturing, it’s more important than ever to support our American businesses. By shopping American-made, you can create jobs here in the states, help the economy, and know that you are getting high-quality goods. Find a retailer near you and start adding a little southern comfort to your home today!

According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Men and women are equally affected by back pain and part of the problem is because we spend so much time sitting. If you have an office job, you’re likely bouncing from chair to chair in meetings and at your desk (most of which likely don’t have proper lumbar support), sit in your car during your commute, and sit in your favorite recliner chair at home while you kick back and watch TV.

With all this time spent sitting, it’s no surprise that investing in a chair with proper lumbar support pays off. But what is lumbar support? And why does it matter?

The infographic below will share some interesting facts about lumbar support, how to take care of your spine, and solutions for those struggling with back issues. Finding the perfect chair is about much more than just comfort. Take care of your spine to take care of your overall wellness.

What is Lumbar Support and Why Do You Need It? Infographic

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We like to think that celebrities like Taylor Swift, Madonna, Elton John, and Paul McCartney would rock a Southern Motion chair in their home, but what would their styles be? Would they be found relaxing with their feet kicked up in a SoCozi recliner, or would they be on the go and only stop to rest for a second in their favorite accent chair? We’ve created a fun game to see if you can choose which chairs these celebrities would rock. There’s no wrong answer, but after voting you can see if your choice was the popular vote.


How did you do? Were your choices the popular vote? There are no wrong answers, only great chairs.

Celebrity chair quiz image sources


“Good morning. It’s 7 A.M. The weather in Malibu is 72 degrees with scattered clouds. The surf conditions are fair with waist to shoulder highlines, high tide will be at 10:52 a.m.” – J.A.R.V.I.S., Iron Man

One of the most famous voice assistant system’s is J.A.R.V.I.S. (Just A Rather Very Intelligent System), a high-tech assistant whose goal was to make sure Tony Stark was happy and had everything he needed. But, J.A.R.V.I.S. isn’t the first voice assistant. We’ve been dreaming about smart homes since the Jetsons’ 1962 run and while we might not have flying cars or Rosie the Robot doing our house cleaning, smart home devices have come a long way.

Let’s learn more about smart home devices and how you can incorporate today’s technology into your own house.

What are Smart Home Devices?

Smart home technology includes the network of devices homeowners can use to control nearly every aspect of their home, from their light bulbs to their lawn mowers to their smart furniture. Users control these devices with a network of hardware and smartphone apps. Not only do smart home devices make your life easier, but they can also help you save on energy costs and make your home more efficient.

There are many different kinds of smart home devices. Below are some of the most popular:

Person pointing the remote at their smart tv

The Most Popular Smart Home Devices

With today’s smart home technology, you can use your voice, phone, or other applications to control many of your home’s functions. Here are some of our favorites:

Voice Assistants

There are over 22 different types of smart personal assistants including Google, Siri, Cortana, and Alexa. All of these smart home devices accomplish similar tasks, such as showing you recipes, telling you the weather, or reading you an audiobook, but they each have their own network of smart devices. For example, an Apple HomePod will connect with your iPhone and MacBook, while a Google Home seamlessly works with Google Maps, Google Search, and Google Calendar. If you love online shopping on Amazon, the Echo might be your new best friend.

Voice assistant device at a person's home

Smart Appliances

Not only can you adjust the lighting and locks in your home, but you can also control your appliances while you’re away using smart appliances. Wirelessly monitor the internal temperature of your meat, adjust the temperature of your Crock-Pot no matter where you are, and even check if you have groceries before heading to the store with today’s connected cooking tech. With these smart home devices, you’ll barely remember the day when you had to manually start the coffee pot in the morning.

Smart oven appliance at a person’s home

Smart Furniture

Furniture manufacturers are also creating smart devices to help provide people with the ultimate comfort. From wireless charging tables to coffee tables that talk to you, today’s furniture is both functional and smart. The best smart furniture is beautifully designed, such as this wireless charging nightstand, and easy to use.

Incorporating Smart Home Devices

Incorporating smart technology into your home is easier than it’s ever been, but there are still some things to consider before making your purchases. Nearly all smart home devices require WiFi, and some require a Bluetooth connection. Others require a specific app for your smartphone. Here is a quick cheat sheet that explains what devices you’ll need to accomplish certain tasks:

> If you want to use a voice assistant, you’ll need the assistant and their compatible app (for example, the Amazon Echo has an Amazon Echo app).

> If you want to control the lights in your house, you’ll need a smart assistant and smart light bulbs.

> If you want to control your appliances, you’ll need the smart appliance, a smart assistant, and may need to set up an IFTTT (if this, then that) trigger.

Enhancing your house with smart home devices has never been easier and you’ll soon enjoy the technological conveniences of these futuristic devices. Once you’ve got your smart devices set up, don’t forget to incorporate Southern Motion’s Smart Solutions fabrics that will keep your furniture clean and stylish throughout all the messes that life throws your way.

There’s nothing like watching an exciting game with all your friends, but watching it from the comfort of your own getaway is even better. From elaborate Man Caves to perfectly put-together She Shed interiors, our quiz will help you find the perfect decor style for your own space. Once you have your style nailed down, your Man Cave will rival some of the best! Take our quiz below to determine your dream Man Cave decor:

If you’re moving into a new place or are simply looking for a complete refresh of your existing home, you might be looking for additional support and inspiration! Starting from scratch can be fun, but it helps to have some home decor influencers in the back of your brain for a broader horizon of ideas. Not sure where to get started? Southern Motion has you covered as the interior design hub for some of the freshest and most beautiful interior design inspiration.

Here is a list of our top six interior design blogs to follow. Let the beauty filling their blogs run over and fill your living room. Have fun and let your ideas run wild in your home!

1. Old Brand New

Photography, Art & Home Decor Influencer

If the title didn’t catch your attention, then the artist surely will! Not only is Dabito the founder and creative director of Old Brand New, but he is also a photographer, artist, tastemaker, a lover of all things design, and a true jack-of-all-trades. When you begin to dive into Dabito’s work and style, you’ll notice that he is inspired by creative color, a mixture of modern and vintage pieces, and design DIY.

Colorful room featured on Old Brand New, an interior design blog to followSource: Old Brand New

While browsing through this home decor influencer blog, you’ll notice that Dabito focuses on one room at a time, or one home decor project at a time. This allows readers to really discover what they’re looking for when designing their living room, kitchen, bathroom, and much more. If color is your goal, then this interior design blog is a must-follow!

2. Lark & Linen

Lifestyle, Shopping, & Interior Design

Elegant, cozy, soft, and clean are the words that come to mind when you enter into the world of Lark & Linen. Powered by Jacquelyn Clark, a Toronto-based interior designer, Lark & Linen is more than just an interior design blog. Jacquelyn is here to provide lifestyle inspirations, recipes, fashion, interior design, and more.

Beautiful living room created by home decor influencer Jacquelyn ClarkSource: Lark & Linen

After entering into the interior design section of Jacquelyn’s world, you’ll notice a pattern when it comes to her home decor inspiration: clean. Rooms are driven by whites, greys, and soft pinks, with a touch of life here and there through plants and lamps. After browsing through some of her articles, you’ll want to take your own home decor to the next level. This is definitely one interior design blog to follow if you’re looking for a soft touch to your home.

3. A Beautiful Mess

Style, Crafting, & DIY Home Decor

Started by sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman in 2010, A Beautiful Mess helps readers with everything from clean eating to home decor, A Beautiful Mess is a home decor influencer blog filled with over 6,000 posts to get your creative juices flowing. But, the key aspect behind A Beautiful Mess is all things DIY.

DIY rainbow bookshelf on the A Beautiful Mess blogSource: A Beautiful Mess

Not only do the writers behind this inspiring blog want you to birth a beautiful living space, but they also want to give you the tools to create something amazing from scratch. Whether you’re looking to craft up the perfect holiday decoration or are looking for some fun new lighting to add to your home, this is the interior design blog to follow! Once you figure out what theme you’re going with for a particular room, find the perfect chair to help make your ideas come to life.

4. Miss Mustard Seed

Antique Style Home Decor Influencer

If you’re looking for budget-friendly inspiration, you’ve landed in the right place! Miss Mustard Seed, aka Marian, is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and design enthusiast. With her love for antiques and original design coming into play, Marian decided she wanted to share her own ideas with others like her. Serving as a resource for advice, step-by-step tutorials, and reality when it comes to your home decor, users can learn from the best!

Light colored living room with antique style touchesSource: Miss Mustard Seed

Not only does this home decor influencer walk you through what home design styles she likes, but she also gives you the tools for taking your current furniture and giving it a makeover. No need to buy something brand new. Instead, work with what you have and turn it into something even more beautiful! In addition to her inspiring home decor style, Marian also provides artistic work, advice for starting a business, and posts about her personal lifestyle. This interior design blog is one to follow if you’re looking for the full package.

5. 5SG Style

Small Space Inspired, Boho Modern Design

Named “The Modern Maverick” in the 2017 Domino Design Blog Awards, Shavonda is the artist behind all things SG Style. Shavonda’s goal behind her home decor influencer blog is to encourage homeowners who might be living small to still go big in style! SG Style was created to inspire others and to get readers to think more creatively, even in small spaces.

Featured small space living room design on SG Style blogSource: SG Style

Along with her Boho-Eclectic style tips, Shavonda has also started sharing One Room Challenges. Throughout these blogs, this inspiring home decor influencer will walk you through what she’s working on, challenges, and what she is ultimately looking to get out of the project. As you browse through her interior design blog, you’ll learn more about different styles and how to achieve your dream home!

6. Home with KeKi

Design tips, staging advice, and lifestyle blogs

Keki is a dedicated mom of three, yet still finds time to blog about her favorite lifestyle, interior design, and staging tips. She shares shoppable links for all her favorite pieces so you can bring her cozy, family-friendly vibe into your own home. This blog post is all about when she redid her bathroom and bought brand new floor tiles, only to discover that there were beautiful, 1920s craftsman tiles underneath the current look, all made with Italian marble. What a find!

Keki’s father enjoying a SoCozi recliner from Southern MotionSource: Home with Keki

We also recently collaborated with Keki to give her a SoCozi chair for her hardworking father. The reaction when he received his chair is heartwarming, and he loved it so much that now Keki wants one of her own! She shared that “the So-Cozi collection by Southern Motion has revolutionized the massage chair. It provides the comfort and health benefits of a massage, heat therapy and lumbar support in a style that fits any decor.” Read about the whole collaboration here.

Feeling inspired yet? At Southern Motion, we provide reclining furniture that exceeds expectations, just like all of these home decor influencers do. Let your creativity run wild as you craft the perfect living space, making every day a beautiful one.

Valentine’s Day date nights can get a little crazy with booked reservations, pre fixe menus, and overpriced cocktails. But dinner and a movie isn’t your only date night option this Valentine’s Day. Treat your special someone to an intimate night at home with these fun and easy date ideas! Cozy up for a date night in.

Here are some of our favorite at-home date ideas for a special Valentine’s Day this year:

Make it a Movie Night

There are few things more romantic than cuddling up with someone you love and putting on a great movie. Go all out this Valentine’s Day with snacks, cozy seating for snuggling, and a special V-day cocktail. Here are some delicious recipes to get you started:

1. This Valentine’s Day popcorn from blogger Two Sisters is just too cute to pass up. It includes a melted marshmallow mixture, pink and red M&Ms, sprinkles and marshmallows. What a festive snack to dress up your date night in.

2. Nothing says “love” like heart-shaped donuts. These cute pink sprinkle ones are made with a heart-shaped cookie cutter, but you can also shape store-bought dough to your liking and fry them in a little oil. Just don’t forget the chocolate!

3. Conversation hearts are as much of a staple to Valentine’s Day as chocolate and flowers. Mix it up and make conversation heart sugar cookies with this easy recipe.

4. Toast to your loved ones with this delicious take on the classic vodka cranberry. This grown-up version includes homemade cranberry vinegar, which gives the drink a perfectly pink hue. The ideal cocktail to enjoy during your Valentine’s Day, date night in.

5. Hibiscus, vodka, and champagne make this cocktail a ruby red, sparkling treat. After all, a few bubbles never hurt anyone.

Kick off your shoes, pop up the recliner, and turn to the big screen right from your home with this classic at-home date idea.

Couple fighting for control of the remote during their movie date night

Have an Indoor Picnic

Picnics are so romantic and you don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy this little Valentine’s Day moment with your loved one. First, plan your menu. In traditional picnic fashion, you may want to stick with the basics like sandwiches (try this Valentine’s Day variation), salads, fresh fruit, chips, and delicious desserts. Next, you’ll need the picnic place settings. If you want to go all out, set up a picnic blanket right there in the living room. Include Valentine’s Day paper plates, napkins, and cups. Lastly, don’t forget the drinks. You could opt for a non-alcoholic option, like this Paloma Mocktail, or make one of the delicious drinks listed above. Light some candles to set the mood and you have yourself the perfect little date night in for the best Valentine’s Day, to date.

Overhead image of meat, cheese, and wine

Play Indoor Mini Golf

This at-home date idea takes a little creativity, but that’s part of the fun. Using ordinary household items, you can build a mini golf course that rivals that of entertainment zones everywhere. Here is an example of a course you could try, but the sky’s the limit when designing your playing field. Some household supplies to try might include:

* Toilet paper or paper towel rolls

* Old canisters (from coffee, oatmeal, etc.)

* Books to make ramps

* Cups for the holes

* Stuffed Animals

* Couches and chairs

End of golf club with golf ball on the green

Make S’mores

You don’t even need a fireplace to make homemade s’mores. All you need are some graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate and Dinner Then Dessert is here to show you how to make these gooey pieces of heaven on the stove, in the oven, over a grill, or even in the microwave. If you want to really mix it up this Valentine’s Day, try using Oreos instead of graham crackers, sub Nutella for chocolate, or add some peanut butter.

S’mores and wine for an at home date night

Have a Tasting Party

Who needs to go to a winery or brewery when you can host a tasting at home? Tasting parties are super easy to put together. Just buy a few bottles of your favorite wine or beer, taste a bit of all of them, and rate them together. Or, make a blind tasting party by disguising the bottles and making your partner guess which ones they are. For example, you could buy a few bottles of red wine, pour a little of each, and ask your loved one to name the varietal. Pair your tasting party with some delicious tapas for the full date night in experience.

Couple making a toast with their wine glasses

This Valentine’s Day, avoid the crowds and make it a night for two with these fun at-home date ideas. Spending quality time together is all anyone wants for the holiday. Make sure your night of cuddling at home is comfy and cozy by adding one of Southern Motion’s luxurious sofas to your living room!

Man Caves, where men have their own space to relax, watch TV, and enjoy their hobbies, have been around for ages. But isn’t it time for the ladies to have a piece of the fun? She Sheds are all the rage and are the perfect way to design your own space. Whether you want to channel your inner zen or create a space to work from home and be productive, your She Shed is all yours.

Not sure where to start? Our infographic will outline some of the best She Shed interiors to kick start your creative juices. Here are some of our favorites:

1. TraditionalTraditional She Sheds combine comfort and classic styles. They have a little bit of everything and combine stylistic elements like mid century modern, cozy, and classic. Show off your personality with this unique style.

2. TranquilTranquil She Sheds are sanctuaries of solitude. Sure, you can invite guests over to your tiny space, but why would you want to when you have everything you need? Natural light, calming colors, and plenty of plants is the recipe for a day well spent.

3. ChicWhile you might not add pom poms, antique finds, and pastel colors in your main home, your chic She Shed can do just that. This space is every little girl’s dream and now it can be yours.

4. SimplisticIn a simplistic She Shed, less is more. We know that life gets stressful, so design a space where you can get away from it all. Whether this is your home office or just a clean reading nook, simplistic She Sheds are perfect for women who need to decompress.

5. CozyPicture the oversized recliner chair, the mahogany woods, and the darker paint colors and you have yourself a cozy She Shed. This space is perfect for curling up with a warm cup of tea (or tumbler of whiskey, we won’t judge).

Or, if none of the styles above strike your fancy, you can always make your own She Shed! Check out our infographic below for more design inspo, to learn some benefits of alone time in your space, and how Southern Motion is here to help.

She Shed Infographic

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Your home is your palace. It’s the place you feel the most comfortable and relaxed. Every space should be an expression of you and as the year comes to a close, it may be time for a little reinventing. Whether you’re tackling a full-blown renovation or a simple redesign, these interior design trends are a must-try in 2019. From new paint colors to fun patterns to try, you’re sure to love these fresh new choices.

Curved, red leather couch featured at Southern Motion

Furniture Design Trends

Curves, geometric patterns, handmade custom pieces, and natural materials are just a few of the interior design trends of 2019. One design feature that’s getting a lot of attention in the new year is curved furniture. Gone are the days of strong straight lines. Instead, designers are saying yes to playful arched curves. One curved piece in a room can change an atmosphere in a snap. Curves, especially when combined with geometric patterns, make a dramatic statement with bold colors and oversized shapes.

In addition, more designers and homeowners prefer original, handcrafted furniture made with natural materials. These custom-made pieces help bring character into a room and shift it from uber-modern to contemporary and cozy. Look for stone, copper, and concrete to channel this natural look. You could even throw in a plant wall to really ramp up the natural vibes!

Living Coral 2019 Color of the Year

Interior Design Trends

Homeowners no longer just want muted palettes or pastel colors. They’re now looking for luxurious and bold colors like burnt yellow, dramatic or tonal reds, organic greens, and indigo blues to make a room pop.

Speaking of pops of color, The Pantone Color Institute announced earlier this year that the new color of 2019 is Living Coral, a warm orange pink mixture with golden undertones. Living Coral is a “fusion of modern life and our natural surroundings.” When adding this color to your interior design in 2019, make sure to add it through decorative pillows or throws because a little bit of this bright hue goes a long way.

A dining room, kitchen and living room in a small space

Home Design Trends

Two popular trends coming back from years past is the boho style and convertible spaces. Boho, or Bohemian style, has been around since the ’70s and is one of the easiest interior design trends to pull off because “more is more.” Furniture, such as plush couches and chairs, can easily be found in secondhand or vintage shops. To add more to the room, use rustic materials, crochet, or fringe accents to add more character. Natural materials and jewel tones bring this simple style to life.

The last interior design trend of 2019 to be on the lookout for is convertible spaces. With many people moving to big cities, small spaces are becoming more popular. Gone are the days of each room serving only one function. Now your living room could be your dining room, your bedroom could be your living room, or you could live in a studio and have everything all in one room! In preparing for this, you need to make sure your furniture and other pieces have multiple functions. For example, you could invest in a bed that has a pull-out mattress underneath for guests, or a dining room table that can expand for special events but remains compact for everyday life.

Next year is going to be a fun year for designers and homeowners. As design trends take a trip back to boho or 70’s styles, try to incorporate natural materials, multi-functional furniture, or even Living Coral. No matter which interior design trend you decide to follow this year, don’t forget to make your home an expression of you.