Not many can afford to go for an elaborate sofa with print, chintz, fringes, etc. While there are those who can afford and enjoy a perfectly or professionally decorated living area, many need to consider mundane matters such as children, budget, or temporary homes. A lovely home is not necessarily impossible; it is just more of a challenge. Thankfully, many welcome and enjoy challenges.
Let’s start with choosing couches. One normally chooses something comfortable. All the other features will just have to be secondary. Many people who are choosing their first sofa tend to go for a neutral color. Those with children would probably pick a dark shade in a material that can be simply wiped clean. Those who are renting, but hope to move a permanent home someday usually think it prudent to choose separates instead of a set, again starting with a sofa that will go with any wall or furniture.
A plain sofa can be jazzed up though. If you need to be conservative with the couch, you can then go crazy with cushions or pillows. Decorative pillows will certainly add splashes of color to an otherwise austere couch. You can also drape interestingly patterned throws or afghans on the backrest of the couch. If you think having pillows and throws looks cluttered, but still want color or print, you can use attractive covers instead. There’s really no reason for things to be plain and boring.