The Obamas may no longer be the occupants of the White House (sniff), but we still can’t stop admiring their style. So we’ve been self-soothing by scrolling through our Forever First Lady’s timeline and admiring her positive posts, including this April 2023 Instagram post of her knitting in what looks like her living room.
And while the post, which has received over 365,000 likes, is about the joy she finds in this creative pastime, we can’t help but drool over the beautiful space she’s sitting in.
Ms. Obama proves that when it comes to decorating your home, less can definitely be more. But redecorating may not be in your budget. If you’re looking to transform your living room into an Obama-inspired stylish, neutral oasis without spending a fortune, we’ve got you covered.
Clear The Clutter
Even when you have the best decor, clutter can take away from your overall design aesthetic. Adding a storage cabinet is a great way to hide toys, puzzles, blankets and other things that make your living room look messy when left lying around.
We love this three-door storage cabinet ($129.99) from Amazon that comes with adjustable shelves to store your stuff.
You can also use baskets with lids like these we found at H&M ($74.99) to keep living room clutter to a minimum.
Add Interesting Accessories
One of the best things about starting with neutral furniture, wall colors and window treatments is that it gives you lots of options to play with accessories. Don’t be afraid to bring in pops of color and other textures with vases, throw pillows and sculptures.
These Mother-of-Pearl Effect knobs ($14.90 for 2-pack) from Zara will add flair to any door or cabinet in the room.
You can make your neutral window treatments pop by adding an interesting curtain rod. We’re living for this brass sunrise rod ($38) from Opalhouse™ designed with Jungalow™ at Target.
Bring the Outside In
Plants and flowers are great accessories that bring life and color into any room. Use decorative vases and planters as another opportunity to add some style to your space.
This Round Metal Modern Indoor Pot Planters Set ($97.99) from Wayfair makes a bold statement in a neutral color.
It’s true, live plants and flowers require a little work on your part to maintain. But if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. Spend a little more on something you don’t have to water like this artificial orchid arrangement ($140) from Afloral. They make stunning life-like flower arrangements that will last a lot longer.
Play With a Patterned Rug
Area rugs are one of our favorite ways to bring warmth and personality to a room. And if you’re going for a neutral palette, you’re in luck. Rugs in light colors can help make a room look larger.
This Ansley Moroccan Lattice Tassel Area Rug ($194.99) from Target may be grey, but the trellis pattern makes it anything but boring.
The Anchise Striped Rug ($105.99) from Wayfair is another great neutral option with lots of texture and plenty of style.
Add Color With Accent Furniture
A neutral color palette doesn’t mean everything has to be gray and beige. Take advantages of opportunities to use accent chairs, tables and other furniture pieces to bring color into the room.
Whether you want to read, knit or take a nap, you’ll look great doing it in the Abisko Lounge Chair ($899) from Article – a bold, velvet accent chair.
