How to make your living room a cozy retreat

Six top designers share their inspiration and approach to creating a warm, inviting living room.

 Studio Iha Architects (photo credit: SHIRAN CARMEL)
Studio Iha Architects
(photo credit: SHIRAN CARMEL)

Designing a cozy and welcoming living room takes thoughtful planning. As a central space where families spend most of their time, the living room deserves special attention. Creating relaxation zones, arranging furniture to ensure comfort and flow, and selecting carefully curated decor, such as soft rugs, side tables, and family photos, all contribute to a warm atmosphere. With careful planning of lighting, colors, and furnishings, any living room can become a gathering place that makes everyone feel at home.

Clean Lines – Studio Iha Architects, Architect Inbal Haklai Alfandari

“Living room design should combine clean lines, minimalism, and an open, inviting space. Using neutral shades like white, gray, and black with touches of natural materials like wood and concrete creates a balanced, aesthetic look. It’s important to maintain proportion among furniture pieces so that each element is functional and harmonizes with the space without causing clutter. Lighting is essential for creating ambiance in the home, especially in the living room. I enjoy blending hidden lighting with focused lighting to elevate the overall look and foster a warm, relaxed atmosphere.”

 Studio Iha Architects (credit: SHIRAN CARMEL)
Studio Iha Architects (credit: SHIRAN CARMEL)

About the Studio: Studio Iha Architects, founded by architect Inbal Haklai Alfandari, takes a holistic approach to both interior and exterior design. They believe that precise design can transform daily life, deeply enhancing quality of life. Their aesthetic seamlessly combines functionality and beauty to create spaces that perfectly meet their clients' needs.

Interior Designer Tali Baker: Less is More

 Designer: Tali Baker (credit: Alon Barhum)
Designer: Tali Baker (credit: Alon Barhum)
When designing a living room, it’s essential to choose neutral, elegant colors that can adapt to any future changes, whether in furniture or accessories, without color or style limitations. My top tip is not to give in to trends. Always think of timelessness and classic choices, select natural materials and harmonious colors, and remember that "less is more."

In my own penthouse project, I maximized space and minimized costs by making strategic decisions from the very start. We expanded the public area by removing a wall to create a fluid, open space. The chosen color palette is timeless and elegant, allowing for future updates without compromising harmony.

 Designer: Tali Baker (credit: Alon Barhum)
Designer: Tali Baker (credit: Alon Barhum)

Meet Tali Baker: Interior Designer. To me, thoughtful planning begins with understanding the clients’ lifestyle and their dreams for their home. My approach is guided by patience, listening, and empathy. Renovation is a transformative journey, and I’m grateful to accompany families along this exciting path.

Interior Designer Hila Arieli – Storage is Key for Order and Organization

 Interior Designer Hila Arieli  (credit: Gadi Yosef)
Interior Designer Hila Arieli (credit: Gadi Yosef)
The living room I designed in a new apartment in Hod Hasharon was planned with precise space utilization in mind. Originally, the TV was considered for the kitchen, but we ultimately placed it in the living room as part of a custom carpentry unit that provides impressive storage for essential organization. The chosen sofa, with its unique and stylish back, serves as an aesthetic divider between the living room and kitchen, offering a cozy, spacious place for family relaxation and guest seating.
 Interior Designer Hila Arieli  (credit: Gadi Yosef)
Interior Designer Hila Arieli (credit: Gadi Yosef)

About Studio Hila Arieli: Interior Designer and Stylist, a graduate of Shenkar and HIT. “My inspiration comes from daily life – a walk in the park, family gatherings, trips abroad, and even a quiet moment by the sea. My studio specializes in residential design, offering a range of services to match clients’ style and budget.”

Mali Mandel Architecture and Interior Design – Perfect Proportions

 Mali Mandel Architecture and Interior Design (credit: Mali Mandel)
Mali Mandel Architecture and Interior Design (credit: Mali Mandel)
The living room designed here focuses on furniture style and layout to create a balanced, comfortable seating area with proper proportions. We incorporated natural stone flooring in various sizes, a lowered gypsum ceiling for recessed lighting, and custom furniture. This precise planning tailors the space to the homeowners, creating a warm, inviting environment.
 Mali Mandel Architecture and Interior Design (credit: Mali Mandel)
Mali Mandel Architecture and Interior Design (credit: Mali Mandel)

Mali Mandel Architecture and Interior Design: Established in 1988 in Givat Hen, Sharon, the firm specializes in private homes, apartments, shops, and offices. The planning process brings client and architect together in a unique, interactive experience that realizes clients’ dreams through meticulous, proportionate design.


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Interior Designer Hadar Waxberg – Reflecting Residents’ Character and Taste

Hadar Waxberg, founder of an interior design and home styling studio, has extensive experience in planning and styling homes, secondhand apartments, and new constructions. “From initial planning to final touches, I offer full support to transform any space into a warm, inviting home. A well-designed home makes a real difference, turning a space into a meaningful place connected to the residents’ lifestyle.”

 Interior Designer Hadar Waxberg  (credit: Gali Peleg)
Interior Designer Hadar Waxberg (credit: Gali Peleg)

Netanya Apartment Design: “The family moved into a finished apartment that didn’t match their style. By replacing the gray flooring with warm parquet, installing a classic cornice wall, and using natural materials with rich textures, textiles, and art, we transformed a modern, cold space into a personal, inviting home that reflects their unique taste.”

 Interior Designer Hadar Waxberg  (credit: Gali Peleg)
Interior Designer Hadar Waxberg (credit: Gali Peleg)

Private Home in Ein Sarid: Harmonious Design for Family LifeThe design of this private home for a family with four young children aimed for a beautiful, warm, and well-lit space in a harmonious style. Trusting me with the entire process, we embarked on a journey that included extensive renovation and refreshing every room in the house. The natural materials and colors bring calm and warmth, matching the family’s lifestyle perfectly. This is a home where everyone is happy to return at the end of a long day.

Interior Designer Nicole Weinberg: Palette and Material Harmony

 Interior Designer Nicole Weinberg (credit: Eran Tayree)
Interior Designer Nicole Weinberg (credit: Eran Tayree)
A warm, inviting living room starts with selecting the right furniture and arranging it to suit the space and the family’s needs. Choosing a dominant color and incorporating subtle touches in textiles, art, and accessories can enhance the look.
 Interior Designer Nicole Weinberg (credit: IDAN GUR)
Interior Designer Nicole Weinberg (credit: IDAN GUR)

About the Studio: Nicole Weinberg, Interior Design Studio. “If You Can Dream It, I Can Do It!” Nicole, who immigrated from Uruguay in 2000, graduated with honors in architectural and interior design studies. Her design journey began in a large architectural firm, where she gained extensive experience. Today, she enjoys designing custom carpentry and luxury homes, with a particular love for kitchen design honed through Italian internships.

With over 15 years of experience in home, apartment, and office design, Nicole leads each project from start to finish, transforming every dream into a reality you’ll love living in.