Based on your brief, I curated pieces that bring scale, texture, and softness into the living room without overcrowding the alcoves or sofa.
For the shelves, I focused on larger sculptural accessories that work with the 40cm height and create a more curated display through varying shapes, natural materials, and warm neutral tones. For the cushions, I built a soft linen-based combination with subtle pattern, a bit of depth, and a gentle hint of colour to sit beautifully against your taupe linen sofa.
The overall direction balances Scandinavian simplicity, modern farmhouse lightness, and a touch of mid-century warmth, keeping everything calm and layered.
Sculptural Alcove Accessories
For this section, I curated a selection of accessories that feel beautiful both individually and as a collection. The overall direction balances the simplicity of Scandi design with the warmth of mid-century modern and the relaxed character of modern farmhouse style. I focused on varying heights, natural textures, and sculptural forms to help the shelves feel layered and considered without becoming cluttered.
M&S
Animal Confetti Glass Tealight Holder
I loved this piece for introducing a subtle reflective quality to the shelving. The glass catches the light beautifully and adds a playful sculptural element amongst the more natural materials.
OKA
Katskhi Candle Holders Pair – Green
A pair of candle holders is one of my favourite ways to add height to shelving. I would scatter these across different shelves rather than display them together. The soft green finish also introduces a gentle hint of colour while staying within a warm, natural palette.
M&S
Wicker Scallop Rechargeable Table Lamp
Introducing a portable lamp is one of the easiest ways to make shelving feel warmer and more inviting. The wicker texture leans into the modern farmhouse side of your brief, while the scalloped edge keeps it feeling decorative.
Broste Copenhagen
Florentina Vase M 32 Cm, White
This would be my hero piece. The scale immediately gives the shelving more presence, while the handmade finish feels beautifully Scandinavian. It’s the kind of vase that can stand alone and still make an impact.
If you’d like a little more contrast, I would consider this instead of the Broste Copenhagen vase. The pedestal shape adds weight and height, while the burgundy tone introduces a richer accent amongst the softer neutrals. I particularly like the idea of styling this on top of a small stack of books.
zarahome
Rectangular Rattan Tray
A tray is a simple but effective styling tool. It helps group smaller objects together and introduces another layer of texture. The rattan also echoes the wicker lamp beautifully, helping the shelves feel cohesive from one level to the next.
Ferm Living
Stoneware Decorative Bowl Fountain, W 41 Cm
This is a lovely grounding piece for the alcoves. The wider shape helps balance taller accessories, while the earthenware finish adds texture that relaxed Scandinavian farmhouse feel.
Soft Linen Cushion Layers
As you mentioned loving cushions from Zara Home and OKA, I thought it would be nice to curate a complete cushion combination rather than individual pieces.
The overall palette draws from modern farmhouse and mid-century influences, layering subtle pattern, texture, and colour while still feeling relaxed and timeless against a taupe linen sofa.
(Image credit: Future)
Zara Home
Striped Cushion Cover
This would be my starting point. The stripe introduces pattern without overwhelming the sofa, while the warm neutral tones feel very modern farmhouse. It also adds a slightly collected, lived-in quality that works beautifully with linen upholstery.
H&M
Linen-Blend Cushion Cover 50×50
I wanted to add a deeper tone to ground the arrangement. The rich brown creates contrast against the taupe sofa and works particularly well alongside the Zara Home stripe, helping the overall scheme feel more layered and intentional.
Oka
Stonewashed Linen Cushion Cover With Fringing – Eau De Nil
Then this is the piece that ties everything together. The soft Eau de Nil introduces a subtle wash of colour that feels fresh and effortless, while the fringe detailing adds softness and movement. It prevents the arrangement from feeling too neutral and creates a beautiful connection between the warm browns and natural linens.
