An interior decorator known for affordable luxury critiqued my NYC living room. She said a few small tweaks could upgrade it from bland to 'cozy'

• Kiva Brent is an interior decorator who founded KB Interiors. 
• She teaches people how to execute the "luxe look for less" in their homes.
• She critiqued my living room. Here's what she suggested.

Decorating my living room was a much bigger task than I initially believed. 

When my boyfriend and I moved into our one-bedroom New York City apartment in the summer of 2021, the high ceilings and hardwood floors seemed like an opportunity to explore our wildest HGTV dreams. However, we've yet to modify the space beyond a few basic pieces of furniture. 

Fortunately, Kiva Brent had a plan.