I’m Rethinking My Living Room Layout After Seeing Ellen Pompeo’s Conversation Seating – How One Heroic Piece Can Transform Every Inch of a Lounge

Ellen's living room features a statement modular sofa that zones the space and creates the ultimate area for conversation

Ellen Pompeo
(Image credit: Dia Dipasupil via Getty Images)

The key to a well-designed living room lies in its seating. A space layered with seating types is perfect for all kinds of lounging, be it solo, curled up with a book or enjoying a movie with friends.

While living room seating varies from home to home, the essential foundations remain the same. A plush sofa, a comfortable armchair, and an ottoman to rest your feet are a trio that's unmatched when it comes to designing a living room.

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Featuring a rather enviable modular sofa and plenty of other stylish seating, Ellen's living room is a masterclass in elevated yet still homely design. While conversational seating isn't always possible in small living rooms, you'll be pleased to know you can pull inspiration from Ellen's effortlessly cool space with these six picks.

Ellen Pompeo's living room shelving might be well-designed, but it's her conversation seating that I can't take my eyes off. Featuring a one-of-a-kind modular leather sofa that zones the space, it's a lesson in keeping things simple but intentional.

Providing an ultra-cool contemporary twist, the leather sofa defines the seating area, setting the tone of the space. It radiates a relaxed feel, encouraging you to sit back and take it easy or chat with friends. Featuring clever side tables that slot in between the seating, it's a highly practical piece that fuses convenience with style.

To open up the room, the midcentury style armchairs have been placed opposite, filling dead space and creating an alternative seating option for guests. Aesthetically, they match the midcentury modern feel and provide some much-needed contrast against the heaviness of the black leather.


Ellen's conversation seating is simple yet effective. Featuring a hero sofa that zones the room, it proves the power of investing in one good piece of furniture that sets the tone of a space.


Eleanor Richardson
Interior Design News Editor

I am the Interior Design News Editor at Homes and Gardens, covering mainly US-based designers and trending news stories. My love for interiors began when I interned in an interior design studio, working on commercial and private spaces. My passion grew while working in production, where I sourced beautiful locations for photoshoots and campaigns. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting antique decor and mid-century furniture for my home.