When I was a kid, the idea of having a patio at home was almost unheard of in our neighborhood. It was usually just a plain, square or rectangular concrete slab jutting out from the back of the house. But then my dad went and surprised us all by installing a white-ish half-circle patio instead. My mom loved it and would carefully plant flower beds around it every summer. We’d drag out our old green metal lawn chairs, soak up the sun, and watch the world go by. Ah, the American dream!

Thankfully, things have changed a lot since then. Patios have become a lot more than just a concrete afterthought. In fact, according to a 2016 study by the National Association of Realtors, a well-landscaped patio is one of the top three outdoor features that homeowners are looking for. And get this – installing a high-quality patio can recover 102% of the project cost! That’s a better return on investment than even a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

But you know what’s even more exciting? The Joy Score that the National Association of Realtors has coined for adding a new patio or reviving an existing one. It’s a staggering 9.6 out of 10! Homeowners report feeling a huge increase in their overall enjoyment and sense of function and livability when they have an inviting outdoor space.

So what is it about a patio that can so dramatically change our attitude and lifestyle? Well, for starters, it acts as a wonderful transition between the indoors and outdoors, extending our living and entertaining spaces. It can be the place that invites family and friends to come together, taking in the sights, sounds, and sweet scents of nature. Imagine roasting marshmallows around a cozy fire pit or just sitting back and watching the flames dance while sharing conversation and making lasting memories.

But a patio can also be your very own private retreat, a sanctuary away from the stresses of the world. It can be small and intimate, the perfect spot to gently rock in a hammock or lounge in a comfortable outdoor recliner, lulled by the soothing trickle of a fountain. Your patio can be a true expression of your personal needs and desires.

And let’s not forget the architectural impact a patio can have. It can become the focal point of the outdoors, adding depth, style, and drama to an otherwise plain space. An artfully designed and landscaped patio can even bring intimacy to an open vista, creating a sense of coziness and seclusion.

Of course, not all patios are created equal. There are a variety of materials to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. I recently spoke with Dan Nelson, the Senior Designer at Embassy Landscape Group, to get his expert insights on five of the most popular patio options:

Concrete: The classic and affordable choice, but can look a bit plain.
Brick: Adds a warm, traditional feel, but can be more expensive.
Exterior Brick Pavers: Offer more design flexibility than solid brick.
Manufactured Pavers: Durable and customizable, with a wide range of colors and textures.
Natural Stone: Stunning and unique, but also the most costly option.
Exterior Porcelain Tile: A sleek, modern alternative, but installation can be tricky.

No matter which material you choose, the team at Embassy Landscape Group can help you design a patio that’s perfect for your home and lifestyle. They’ll take the time to understand your needs and preferences, and create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.

But you know what I think is even more exciting than a brand new patio? Reimagining an existing one. Just like with our living rooms, a little bit of creativity and attention to detail can transform a plain outdoor space into a true oasis. And when it comes to styling a corner sofa, the same principles apply.

Reshaping Your Living Room with Corner Sofas

I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time thinking about my sofa. It’s the first thing you see when you walk into my living room, so I want it to look absolutely fabulous. And when it comes to creating that wow factor, corner sofas are where it’s at.

These beauties have the power to reshape your entire living space, bringing a whole new level of sophistication and coziness. But it’s not just about the sofa itself – it’s also about how you style it. Just like with that patio, the key is finding the perfect balance of form and function.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But all those pillows and throws, they just get in the way!” Trust me, I’ve been there. It can be a fine line between creating a magazine-worthy setup and ending up with a pillow mountain that no one can actually sit on.

That’s why I’m going to share my top tips for styling a corner sofa like a pro. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your existing sofa a fresh look, these guidelines will help you find that sweet spot between form and function.

Mastering the Art of Corner Sofa Styling

First and foremost, keep a cohesive color palette. Stick to 3-5 complementary hues and you’ll instantly create a polished, put-together look. This doesn’t mean you have to play it safe – mix in a pop of color or a bold pattern, just make sure it all works together harmoniously.

Next, vary the sizes and shapes of your pillows and throws. This adds visual interest and prevents the whole setup from feeling too uniform. Don’t be afraid to mix square, lumbar, and round pillows in different scales.

And speaking of texture, that’s another key element to consider. Incorporate a range of fabrics – think velvets, knits, and wovens – to add depth and richness to your corner sofa.

Now, when it comes to the actual arrangement, make sure to balance out the colors evenly. You don’t want one side of the sofa to be completely overwhelmed by one hue or pattern. Spread the love around!

Finally, mix up the scale of your patterns. Pair larger-scale prints with smaller, more delicate ones for a dynamic, layered look. This keeps things interesting without feeling chaotic.

Sounds like a lot to keep in mind, right? But trust me, once you get the hang of it, styling a corner sofa becomes almost second nature. And the best part? There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating the perfect look.

Inspiration for Your Corner Sofa Sanctuary

Let’s take a look at some real-life examples to get your creative juices flowing. First up, we have this cozy and inviting setup from our very own Emily Henderson. She’s got the color palette on point, mixing neutrals with pops of muted blue. And the varied textures – from the velvety pillows to the chunky throws – add such a rich, luxurious feel.

Next, check out this bold and eclectic corner sofa styling from Velinda. She really went for it with the patterns and colors, but it all comes together seamlessly thanks to that consistent palette. I love how the striped pillows play off the solid blue and white pieces.

Speaking of consistency, take a look at this minimalist and elegant corner sofa from Emily’s LA living room. She kept the pillow game simple, with just a couple of solid and textured options, letting the sofa’s beautiful shape and curves take center stage. The result is a clean, sophisticated vibe that’s so calming and inviting.

Now, for something a little more bold and eclectic, check out Jess’s small-space living room. She stuck to her color scheme, but mixed in a variety of patterns – from the striped lumbar to the gingham and solid pillows. The effect is fun and dynamic without feeling overwhelming.

And finally, let’s talk about tight-back sofas. These babies have a more structured, architectural look that can be a bit tricky to style. But as Bowser shows us in her reveal, it’s all about balancing the cool, edgy shape with a mix of textures and patterns. The result is totally chic and unexpected.

Styling Tips for Different Sofa Shapes

Of course, sofa shape and size also play a big role in how you approach the styling. Let’s break down a few different scenarios:

Traditional Sofas: These classic pieces often have a more formal vibe, so you can get away with a slightly more tailored pillow and throw arrangement. Stick to a cohesive color palette, but feel free to mix up the patterns and scales.

Sectionals: With their generous size and ample seating, sectionals offer lots of opportunities to play. You can go bold with color and pattern, or keep things more neutral and let the shape of the sofa shine.

Tight-Back Sofas: As we saw with Bowser’s example, these sculptural beauties need a bit more creativity when it comes to styling. Focus on contrasting textures and unexpected color combinations to balance out the structural look.

And let’s not forget about corner sofas. These versatile pieces allow you to really get creative with your layout and styling. Play with scale, layer in different shapes and materials, and don’t be afraid to get a little playful.

No matter what type of sofa you’re working with, the key is to find that perfect balance between form and function. After all, these pieces are meant to be lived in and enjoyed, not just admired from afar.

Bringing It All Together

So there you have it, folks – my top tips for styling a corner sofa like a total pro. From mastering the color palette to mixing up the textures and patterns, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between form and function.

And remember, your sofa is the centerpiece of your living room, so don’t be afraid to let it shine. Whether you’re going for a cozy, intimate vibe or a bold, statement-making look, the right styling can make all the difference.

Ready to give your living space a corner sofa makeover? Head on over to Sofa Spectacular and explore their stunning selection of artfully designed pieces. With endless customization options and top-notch craftsmanship, you’re sure to find the perfect corner sofa to transform your home.

So what are you waiting for? Start dreaming up your ultimate corner sofa sanctuary and get ready to reshape your living space in the most spectacular way.