5 easy ways to spice up your living room with interior designer Latika Jagwani

For the longest time, Indian living rooms have been the heart of our homes. They've been a place for cosy conversations, family celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection. The key to styling a great living room is to identify its unique character and design around its core rather than going in with a rigid blueprint. While clean white spaces are popular right now, the best living rooms always reflect the personalities of their owners. 

Ever wondered how every square foot of your favourite interior designer’s home is so picture-perfect? The leaders of the design world follow a simple rule: when it comes to decorating a space, everything in your line of vision is carefully arranged with attention to detail and a crafty use of colour, depth and texture. This includes the clever use of dead spaces (those pesky, unshapely corners that you don’t quite know how to navigate), which is key in making your living room look bigger and more inviting. 

Below, we speak to designer, Latika Jagwani, founder and CEO of Loops by LJ who shares with us the ultimate cheat sheet for making your living rooms livelier, brighter and more inviting than ever before.

Personalised living space

What’s the secret to a comfortable living room space that reflects a person’s personality?

I believe a well-designed living room should have a balance of comfort, warmth, and personality. The essential elements include thoughtful furniture arrangement, cosy textiles like rugs and cushions, and a play on layering and textures to add depth.

To make it feel personal, it’s important to incorporate pieces that resonate with you—whether it’s an artwork you love, a statement rug, or family heirlooms. Adding a personal touch doesn’t have to mean clutter; it’s about carefully curating the right mix of items that reflect your personality while ensuring the space is functional.

Arrangement of furniture, rugs and cushions

How do you use layering and texture to add depth and interest to a living room?

Layering is one of my favourite techniques to add depth and interest to a space. In terms of rugs, which are my playground, layering different textures—like placing a soft, plush rug over a more structured, woven one—creates an intriguing contrast that immediately adds warmth. We also like to mix materials like wool with silk or wool in multiple counts to create 3D relief for a more dynamic look. Cushions, throws, and curtains can also bring an additional layer of richness to the living room, making the space feel both cozy and visually interesting.

How do you use colour to create different moods or atmospheres in a living room?

Colour is one of the most powerful tools to shape the mood of a living room. I love working with earthy tones like warm beige, deep greens, and soft greys—they bring a sense of calm and grounding to the space. Recently, I’ve been drawn to pops of terracotta and muted mustard, which can add warmth and energy without being overwhelming. Whether you want a serene, neutral space or something bolder, it’s important to use colour intentionally to reflect the atmosphere you’re aiming to create.

Colors to set the mood of the room - moodboard

Does the window need special attention?

When it comes to window treatments, I lean towards simple designs. I believe that curtains or blinds should frame the room without overwhelming it. For a modern living room, I often recommend light, sheer fabrics that allow natural light to filter in while providing privacy. Linen or cotton works well for this. If the room needs more warmth, heavier drapes in a neutral tone with subtle patterns can add sophistication without clashing with the overall design. The key is to choose something that complements the rug and furniture, allowing everything to harmonize.

We have to talk about the coffee table? What according to you are the ultimate objects and accessories on a coffee table that are definite conversation starters?

Layering on a coffee table can be done through a combination of heights, textures, and objects. Start with a tray to ground the items, then add a few layers like a stack of books, a sculptural object, and perhaps a small plant or vase of fresh flowers. The key is balance—don’t overcrowd the table, but mix up the heights and materials to create interest. For example, I love combining metallic accents with natural materials like stone or wood to create a dynamic yet harmonious display.

About Latika Jagwani

With roots in Lucknow, Latika Jagwani found her true passion at an intersection of art, design, and interiors. Bringing in a tactile experience by playing around with texture, dimensions, colour, depth and detail, she has created a line of striking, bold area rugs that transform the floor into a centerpiece—a focal point around which the entire room is designed and conceptualized. From showcasing at exhibitions in Milan to having her first show at AD Design 2024, Mumbai, this young entrepreneur brings in a deep appreciation for homegrown textiles that fuels her love for interior and design.

Latika Jagwani - CEO of Loops by LJ