Decorating Ideas for a Living Room With Ivory Leather & a Red Persian Rug

Romantic

• Throw a fur blanket --real or faux-- over the back of a leather sofa and you're on your way to a romantic living room. Add a crystal vase of red roses to pick up the red in the Persian rug. Use black lace curtains as window treatments for an upscale bordello look. If that's too risque for you, use white or off-white satin curtains. The off-white of the curtain should be close to the same ivory as the leather furniture. Take a photo of the rug and use it as a guide to pick out prints for throw pillows.

Modern

• Sleek modern décor accents the elegance of the ivory leather furniture. However, a room that is strictly all modern needs the shock of something that's a little out of place, like a red Persian rug. Place the rug so it defines the seating area of the living room. Add a black leather ottoman. A glass coffee table placed in front of the sofa won't block the view of the rug. Another way to use the Persian rug is as a wall hanging behind the sofa. It becomes the focal point of the room.

Oriental

• Play off the Persian rug with an oriental theme for the living room. You have two choices: Keep the color scheme ivory and red with a touch of black or charcoal, or go all out with a rich rainbow of colors. A Japanese décor would work well with the simple color palette. Add low furniture in ebony accented with red throw pillows. Carry the red through the room with matching throw pillows on the ivory leather sofa. Vibrant colors of hot pink, orange and green work in an East Indian room. Drape a red silk fringed shawl over the sofa. Pick up embroidered saris and use those as window treatments. Add brass accessories.

Minimalist

• Minimalist decorating is uncluttered and refined. To some, it's restful and comforting. To others it seems unfinished and cold. White leather furniture fits well in minimalist living room, as the leather is smooth and lacks unnecessary finishing details, prints, pleats or patterns. A red Persian rug will command all the attention in minimalist living room. Keep any other accessories white or off-white. Use off-white paint for the walls and off-white draperies to maintain the simple look.