Layered wooden coffee tables featuring mismatched ceramics, brass trays, and figure sculptures are defining living room styling as we move toward 2027, according to an interior design feature published by Homes and Gardens.
Josh Brolin and Kathryn Boyd Brolin’s living room, styled by the design firm Pierce and Ward, utilizes a collected-over-time aesthetic rather than a rigid, symmetrical arrangement. The Brolin living room look highlights a broader shift away from minimalist neutral palettes toward warmer, highly textured, and deeply personal spaces.
Styling the Brolin Living Room Look
- The setup relies on a wooden surface that gives the seating area a grounded, lived-in feel.
- Decorations include varied heights from sculptures, books, and ceramic pieces rather than uniform arrangements.
- Designers note that reclaimed wood coffee tables integrate easily across traditional and contemporary interiors.
Pierce and Ward Use Varied Objects to Style the Living Room
The living room arrangement for the Brolins avoids an overly structured appearance by relying on objects gathered mindfully across different periods. Pierce and Ward constructed a surface layout utilizing ceramics of various heights, a brass tray, a figure sculpture, and a selection of coffee table books.
This design approach aims to make the primary furnishing function as an intentional focal point rather than a mere utility surface. The natural textures of the wooden table sit underneath these objects to anchor the entire room.
Mark Ward Suggests Choosing Furniture That Complements Existing Pieces
Design expert Mark Ward noted in an interview with Homes and Gardens that people refreshing their living areas frequently begin with major furniture items, specifically the sofa.
‘The trick is to choose pieces that work with what you already have,’ Ward told Homes and Gardens, explaining that reclaimed wood suits multiple styles because its natural tones sit comfortably alongside both traditional and contemporary layouts.
Ward also pointed out to Homes and Gardens that a modern coffee table offers utility that goes far beyond acting as a mere coaster for a mug.
According to Ward’s remarks to Homes and Gardens, positioning it centrally in the lounge anchors the space, establishing a natural centerpiece that introduces character and visual appeal.
Arranging Lived-In Surfaces
Achieving this specific aesthetic requires careful attention to balance and vertical dimensions rather than random placement. Cari Bateman, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, outlined the mechanics of building this layered look.
Bateman advised Homes and Gardens to assess existing items first and explore different vertical levels you can build.
Bateman explained to Homes and Gardens that items like picture frames, tall candle sticks, and vases work wonderfully to build elevation, whereas coffee table literature acts as a solid base for your arrangement.
‘Negative space is equally important to create balance,’ Bateman told Homes and Gardens, adding that seasonal flowers or branches can tie the table into autumn transitions while avoiding overcrowded layouts.
2027 Interior Design Trends
The casual styling seen on the Brolins’ table maps directly onto predicted shifts in home design for 2027. Designers anticipate a continued departure from stark minimalism toward character-driven spaces.
‘We’ll continue to see interiors become more layered and personal,’ Bateman told Homes and Gardens.
‘Vintage and antique pieces mixed with contemporary furniture create homes with real character,’ Bateman told Homes and Gardens.
‘Homes have become much more personal,’ Bateman told Homes and Gardens, noting that storage solutions are shifting toward personal expression through home libraries and dressing rooms.
| Design Element | Minimalist Trend | 2027 Lived-In Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Palette | Strict neutrals | Rich textures and warm tones |
| Furniture Selection | Uniform contemporary sets | Vintage and antique mixed with modern |
| Surface Styling | Symmetrical, sparse decor | Collected objects of varied heights |
Storage is moving beyond functionality and instead becomes a way to express yourself, which is why Bateman predicted that lifestyle storage, such as home libraries and small dressing rooms, will grow in popularity by 2027.
