George's 5 Tips: Living Room Design

On the last edition of To the Rescue, we helped an Upper West Side family update their newly-renovated living room with sleek, modern furniture and accessories, that also managed to be child-friendly for their two kids. For all of you looking to create a similar look in your living room, heed these five tips from George and look for shopping information about specific items.

Special thanks to Courtney Cachet of Cachet Home Consultants, who created a polished, yet kid-friendly look for Margo's living room.

1. Accessorize
Add a more "finished" look to a room with accessories. Personal touches like displaying family pictures and artwork will make the room feel like it's your own.

2. Use Mirrors
Hang mirrors adjacent to windows. This opens up a room and makes it appear double in size.
What we used: 36" Hanging Round Wall Mirror, $119.90: HSN.com

3. Add Color
Use curtains, pillows, and area rugs to add color to a room. Changing these elements is an easy way to transform an entire room without breaking the bank. Placing food such as lemons and apples into a bowl or platter is also a great and inexpensive way to add a pop of color.
What we used: Custom pillows and curtains from Samantha Grace Designs

4. Maximize Storage
Find furniture that has storage potential. Use a coffee table with a shelf or cabinet underneath or an ottoman that can double as storage space. Chests can be a stylish furniture piece that is able to store lots of belongings. Stay organized by using shelves, cabinets, and built-ins to hold your toys, books, DVDs and magazines.
What we used: Furniture from Gothic Cabinet Craft

5. Be Kid-Friendly
Put washable covers over pillows so that you'll never have to fret about spills again. Find washable, sturdy curtains that won't easily be ripped when pulled. Look for furniture with rounded edges, and think about using a soft ottoman as a coffee table. This way kids can play to their hearts content without you worrying about them falling and bumping their heads on a hard surface.
What we used: Concierge Collection Tufted Cocktail Ottoman, $299.00: HSN.com