AI helped me redesign my room for free!

As a professional interior designer with a passion for creating serene, inviting spaces that reflect a client's personality and lifestyle, I was thrilled to tackle this cozy living room transformation. The goal was to evolve it from a functional but somewhat subdued setup into a light, breezy coastal retreat that evokes the calm of the seaside, all while keeping the room's natural light and compact layout in mind. Let me walk you through the before and after, step by step, in a way that paints a clear picture.

**Before the makeover**, the room had a solid foundation but felt a bit heavy and understated. The walls were a soft sage green, which provided a neutral backdrop, but the dark gray sofa dominated the space, paired with matching armchairs and starry throw pillows that gave off a modern, urban vibe. A simple wooden coffee table sat in the center, topped with a tray for everyday essentials, and a light rug anchored the seating area on the warm wooden floors. The tall bookshelf in the corner held books and decor, while a sleek floor lamp added height and illumination. Plants on the windowsill brought in some greenery, and Roman shades kept things practical. Overall, it was comfortable and lived-in, but it lacked that spark of personality and felt a tad dim, especially with the heavier fabrics and tones absorbing the natural light streaming in from the windows.

**For the transformation**, I drew inspiration from coastal living—think sandy beaches, ocean waves, and nautical charm—to infuse the space with freshness and tranquility without a full gut renovation. We kept the green walls for continuity but added a subtle textured finish to mimic the gentle ripple of water, enhancing the room's depth. The key was lightening everything up: we swapped the dark sofa for a crisp white slipcovered version that's easy to clean and instantly brightens the area. To tie in the theme, I layered on pillows with bold navy stripes and subtle shell motifs, creating a playful yet sophisticated nod to the sea. The armchair got a refresh in soft aqua blue, paired with a whimsical driftwood-inspired side table that doubles as a stool, adding organic texture and a beachy feel.

In the center, we replaced the plain wooden coffee table with a whitewashed one, styling it with a large seashell bowl and a striking blue vase for pops of color and interest. Artwork became a focal point—I hung a serene abstract seascape above the sofa, flanked by framed mirrors that bounce light around and make the room feel larger. The bookshelf stayed but got curated with lighter accents, like woven baskets and more potted plants to echo the natural elements. We upgraded the rug to a jute weave for that sandy, textured underfoot feel, and sheer white curtains softened the windows, allowing sunlight to flood in while framing the outdoor view beautifully. A new tripod floor lamp with a linen shade provides warm, ambient lighting, and we repositioned plants for better flow, including a larger fern in a corner pot to bring life and freshness.

**After the changes**, this room now feels like a breath of fresh ocean air—open, relaxing, and full of subtle personality. It's the perfect spot to curl up with a book, entertain friends, or just unwind after a long day, with every element working together to create harmony. The lighter palette amplifies the natural light, making the space seem bigger and more inviting, while the coastal touches add whimsy without overwhelming the room's cozy scale. If this were your space, I'd love to hear what you think or tweak it further to make it even more "you"! What inspired this refresh for you?