Yolanda Hadid's Living Room is the Perfect 'Analog Space' – and it's All Down to a Simple Layout Trick That Designers Swear By
Yolanda Hadid proves that conversational seating can transform a room – and it makes even the largest spaces feel inviting
No matter how much we might be craving the analog life right now, I think it will be a while before we do away with our living room TVs. For better or worse, our coziest spaces are often designed to help us gather around a screen – which is why I'm always struck by living room layouts that prioritize a different kind of connection.
Take a glimpse into the living room at Yolanda Hadid's Fort Worth ranch, for example, and you might be struck by the dramatic shelving, the soaring ceilings, or the sense of rustic luxury. You likely won't even notice the lack of a TV or that the seating has been carefully arranged with conversation in mind. The entire design feels breezy, open, and welcoming.
If you're looking to design the pefect living room layout for socializing, this is the ultimate blueprint.
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Yolanda's gorgeous seating might steal the spotlight in her living room, but her careful styling choices are just as important. Think suede sofas (like the AllModern Leno 86 sofa from Wayfair), fur rugs (I love the faux fur sheepskin chair cover from Williams Sonoma) and plenty of sculptures displayed proudly on the shelves.
Yolanda's seating is relaxed, low-slung, and effortlessly stylish – and this beige sofa channels that sense of sophistication. I love the casual, mid-century modern vibe.
Whether slung over an armchair, draped on an ottoman, or used as a rug, this sheepskin cover will bring ranch-inspired charm to any space. I'd layer it with rich brown accents to complete the look.
You'll spot more than a few Hermes pillows on Yolanda's couches, but if you're after a budget-friendly alternative, I'd go for checkerboard print pieces like this one.
Yolanda's shelving is a real talking point, and it all comes down to styling. Stacks of books sit proudly alongside artistic decor pieces like this vase – I love the bold black finish contrasted with the smooth curves.
Channel the understated elegance of Yolanda's brown daybed with warm-toned accents like this chenille pillow. It's a welcome textural addition to any space, and it fits seamlessly into a neutral color scheme.
Want to lean into the cowboy look? I'm lusting over this unique pedestal bowl – the black ceramic finish and twisted leather handles provide a real sense of drama.
The right living room layout will always vary depending on the size and shape of your space, and there's no denying that Yolanda has plenty of square footage to play with. Crucially, however, her sprawling room doesn't feel cold or imposing.
With the couches clustered together, Yolanda's living room defines itself as a warm, sociable space. It takes advantage of the dramatic fireplace, but there's no TV looming above; instead, the design encourages a sense of connection, inviting you to unwind in a more traditional setting.
Naturally, the room pays homage to its Texan location, with dramatic sculptures and plenty of organic materials. Wooden beams crown the ceiling, while the suede couches are draped with furs. These rustic elements bring a tactile dimension to the entire space; it might be grand in scale, but it feels impressively cozy.
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I love that the seating itself echoes the layout of the entire home, which was, in fact, built in the shape of a horseshoe. This sweeping design isn't just another nod to Fort Worth's heritage; to me, it really helps each space to flow, enhancing that sense of openness and ease.
Designers say that a horseshoe or U-shaped layout really is a failsafe way to create a sociable space – particularly if you love to entertain.
'Building a conversational feel means considering the orientation and the type of furniture you choose – and an inward layout helps to create a breezy flow,' explains Mary Mazumdar, Designer and Founder/CEO of furniture and decor brand Belle Aura.
'Here, there are two low-profile, generously scaled sofas proportionate to the room, instead of adding too many pieces. This intentional use of furniture creates a truly inviting space.'
Open-plan living room ideas can risk feeling disconnected or overly formal, but Yolanda's creates an impressively welcoming atmosphere. Combined with plush textures and a color palette of warm neutrals, it demonstrates the very best that 'analog' living has to offer.

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.