Modern rooms use clean lines, uncluttered surfaces and warm neutral colours, with texture coming from wood, linen and soft lighting rather than ornament. Pieces sit a little lower and lighter, which makes most rooms feel larger. This living room uses a warm neutrals palette to tie the pieces together.

The shopping list for this modern living room has 6 pieces at about $539 in total, around $13 below the usual list prices. Every item is a real product on Amazon, so prices and stock can change — the price on Amazon is the one that counts.

In a living space, arrange seating so people can talk without shouting — around eight feet across — and anchor it with a rug big enough for the front legs of every seat. If there is a TV, mount it so the centre of the screen is near seated eye level. At this budget, buy the main piece and the rug first, then add lighting and accessories over a few weeks — the room will look finished sooner than you expect.