Designing a living room with an area rug involves careful consideration of both functional and aesthetic aspects. Firstly, it is essential to choose the right size rug that fits the living room area appropriately. A general rule of thumb is to ensure that at least the front legs of all furniture rest on the rug for cohesion and balance. Secondly, select a rug that complements your existing color palette or acts as an accent piece to add visual interest to the space.