Home drawing room interiors
65 Best Living Room Decorating Ideas & Designs
1
Enhance a Bakyard View
Gordon Beall
Working with landscape architect Lila Fendrick, designer Nestor Santa Cruz chose a wall of steel and glass windows and doors for this formal pool house living room that leads to the backyard. Though the glass decor, from the pendant light to the coffee table and doors, leaves a decidedly sleek impression, the plush rug and ethereal curtains make it extra cozy, too.
2
Work Around Restrictions
Karyn Millet
When designer Celerie Kemble moved into this New York City apartment, there was only one thing that prevented it from being the perfect fit: The building had a no wallpaper rule. To work around that obstacle, she applied a light shade of pink paint in a plaster-like finish that channels the texture of wallpaper.
3
Mix Clean Lines With Casual Materials
Nicolas Gourguechon
In the living room of designer Devin Kirk, a light shade of blue-gray along with clean-lined furniture makes for a polished backdrop while the woven chairs, light wood side table, and tree stump coffee table ensure a laidback atmosphere. It's the perfect balance of approachable and formal.
4
Incorporate Fun Trees and Plants
Read McKendree
Invite some nods to nature into your living room with quirky indoor plants and trees. Designer Elizabeth Cooper placed a lush citrus tree in the corner for an extra pop of life and color and then staggered topiaries on the windowsill.
5
Create Zones With Area Rugs
Laure Joliet
This sitting room is right off the open kitchen, so designer Regan Baker decided to visually separate it with a custom sectional and area rug.
A cleek armchair is positioned at a diagonal, establishing a nice balanced whole.
6
Add Personality With Texture-Rich Neutrals
Stephen Kent Johnson / OTTO
A quirky indoor tree is s fun surprise in this polished and cosmopolitan living room designed by Shawn Henderson. And, instead of a classic white or warm off-white paint color, he opted for a cooler gray neutral that complements the other subtle tones throughout the room. This also allows the texture-rich accents to shine.
7
Extend It Outdoors
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
This vacation home in Maui, Hawaii blends indoor and outdoor living beautifully. Designed by Breeze Giannasio Interiors, the two living spaces are connected by a sliding door that simply disappears when open for total connection between the open-air terrace and the indoor living room.
The materials, colors, and fabrics are all coordinated for visual flow, too.
8
Transform a Generic Space With Texture
Gieves Anderson
If you live in a generic rental or simply have a small space, get inspired by this living room designed by David Frazier. Not only does it prove that size isn't everything, but it's also full of tricks that bring more dimension to otherwise simple architecture. Pops of marigold speak to the warm antique wood pieces and break up the monochromatic color scheme and the large rice paper pendant keeps things casual so it can function as a more relaxed family room. A gallery wall, large indoor plant, and ceiling-high curtain rod add depth.
Check out Society6 for affordable and stylish prints and artwork to jazz up your walls.
9
Get Weird On the Coffee Table
Romanek Design Studio
Instead of decorating your coffee table with the classic assortment of stacked coffee table books, opt for something subtly quirky and unique.
Here, Romanek Design Studio covered the surface with a collection of classic pots and planters, which both enhance and juxtapose the formal, traditional elements throughout the space as well as the more modern ones, making for a fun and eclectic yet timeless sprawl.
Check out Terrain for all your indoor and outdoor gardening needs.
10
Swap High Back Seating for Daybeds and Benches
Frank Frances Studio
Bring in extra seating with daybeds, settees, and window seats in smaller spaces. They have lower back profiles, which prevents interrupting the visual flow and also keeps the space feeling open. We're loving the pop of yellow in this bold living room by Courtney McLeod.
Check out Albany Park for great living room seating options.
11
Redefine "Neutrals"
Nicole Franzen
If you don't love playing with tons of patterns and bold hues but appreciate experimental pieces and tasteful pops of color, take notes on this living room.
Rather than opting for all black and whites, the anchor pieces—like sofa and tables—remain neutral, while the throws, artwork and lamp offer just a splash of color (nothing too crazy: just marigold, red, navy, and green).
Check out Design Within Reach for iconic design pieces.
12
Carve Out a Home Bar
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
In this living room designed by Carmel Greer, the paint color (Peach Blossom by Benjamin Moore) and casual jute rug set a sweet foundation while the modern, angular artwork, right fixture, seating, and throw blanket bring an edge. One built-in niche is optimized to function as a full-on home bar station while the other stores and displays firewood. The mirrored wall within the left niche also helps bounce light and gives it a swanky nightclub vibe.
Check out Huckberry for great home barware.
13
Add Something Unexpected
Heather Hilliard
While the classic blue grasscloth wallpaper, floor lamp, and curtains set the stage for a traditional living room, designer Heather Hilliard added some unexpectedly edgy elements.
The floral sofa and the green lucite coffee table are a welcome surprise that break up the classic elements without overshadowing them.
Check out Kartell for cool lucite furniture.
14
Conceal Your TV
Nicole Franzen
This neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine is refined and grown-up, but also family-friendly. The soft and textural upholstery mixed with cream paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents are partially to thank, but there's also a large television mounted to the wall for family movie marathons. Fine gave it prime over-the-mantel placement but discretely tucked behind panels that double as modern art.
Check out Samsung for clever tech television designs.
15
Restore Existing Moldings
Jared Kuzia Photography
To complement the restored wood accents in this Boston Colonial Revival, designer Cecilia Casagrande on a deep, rich shade of blue-green paint: Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue.
She then mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new design trends.
Check out Farrow & Ball for both timeless and cutting-edge paint colors.
16
Incorporate Indoor Trees and Plants
Space Content Studio
Spruce up your empty corners with large indoor plants and trees. Atelier ND and Carice Van Houten used a variety of species to create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes. It really freshens up the rich jewel and earth tones.
Check out The Sill for beautiful indoor plants and garden essentials.
17
Paint the Ceiling
Emily Followill
Designer Meredith McBrearty painted the ceiling light blue (she used the same shade in various rooms throughout the house, creating a continuous design thread), which adds an unexpected personality.
The warm tones featured in the furniture contrast nicely.
Check out Benjamin Moore for endless colors of high-quality paint.
18
Upholster the Walls
Kevin Dumais
Though classic and timeless, this living room by interior designer Kevin Dumais is also having tons of fun. From the red-painted ceiling to the velvet floor cushions for extra seating and the bold artwork, no detail is overlooked. To make the room feel even more soft and intimate, Dumais upholstered the walls in a leather fabric.
Check out Crate & Barrel for family-friendly staples.
19
Go Wild With Fun Fabrics
Paul Raeside
This eclectic living room designed by Montreal-based Les Ensembliers is making a case for a unique layout and wild fabric use.
The sofas are all configured at an angle to break up the monotony of a classic, symmetrical living room, and all the fun, luxe fabrics warm up the open and airy space. Aesthetically, it's refreshing and unique, which in turn, gives the formal sitting room unpretentious, fun energy that inspires creativity and puts guests at ease.
Check out Kravet for tons of fabulous designer fabrics perfect for your upholstery projects.
20
Keep It Classic and Crisp
Heather Hilliard Design
A crisp, matte white living room is pristine, elegant, and timeless. Adding glass and metallic features sharpens up the white pieces. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you don't just want to experiment with trends anymore.
Check out Wayfair for all your home decor needs, from staples to accents.
21
Make It Cheerful
Anna Spiro Design
From the playful pillows and ottoman to the elegant gilt mirror and bright blue walls, this space by Anna Spiro Design is perfect for low-key nights in, or more formal gatherings.
And the pleated yellow lamp is what really makes the living room feel cheerful and cozy.
Check out 45 Three Modern Vintage Home for fun, one-of-a-kind vintage lighting options.
22
Use an Off-White
Heidi Caillier Design
In this eclectic living room designed by Heidi Caillier, the jute rug, wood finishes, and brass accents bring plenty of warmth to ensure a cozy, inviting space. The colorful contrasting prints throughout contribute to the playful yet formal spirit of the room, too. And though it doesn't necessarily stand out, the cream paint color makes a transformative difference. White would be much starker.
Check out Serena & Lily for fun yet classic throw pillows.
23
Know Your Place
PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
Before you even start decorating your living room, remember where you are.
(If you live in a casual beach house, your design scheme is going to look very different from that of an urban industrial loft space, for instance.) In this beach house by Arent & Pyke, the design team focused on channeling the tropical vibe of a coastal home through fun motifs and casual materials. Yet, they still maintained a look of sophistication through fresh upholstery, beautiful artwork, and a thoughtful layout. That being said, if you're a sucker for kitsch and wish you were always on island time, add a hint of it with one statement piece, like a vintage Hawaiian-print rattan chair.
Check out Serena & Lily for coastal-inspired pieces.
24
Hang a Chair
Romanek Design Studio
Nothing ramps up the fun like a playful touch in the family room. This hanging chair in a living room designed by Romanek Design Studio proves our point—but the handsome leather upholstery also ensures a more sophisticated look.
It's the perfect blend of cozy and cool.
Check out Modshop for groovy retro-inspired pieces.
25
Have Fun With Throw Pillows
Studio Razavi
Here's a lesson in monochromatic decorating with soul. Designed by Studio Razavi, this Parisian apartment is a beautiful blend of modern and Neoclassical style. While the bones of the room evoke a grand sort of opulence, the plush Moroccan rug and spacious white sofa make the space feel more approachable.
Check out Wayfair for endless options of decorative pillows.
26
Choose A Bold Wallpaper
Roland Bello
Wallpaper is one of those trends that just keeps on giving and giving. If you go with a classic chinoiserie wallpaper, you can do just about anything with it as your style changes over the year.
This modern self portrait by Chuck Close is a bold contrast to the chinoiserie wallpaper (Iksel's Eastern Eden) behind it in this Miles Redd–designed home. The contrast doesn't stop there: Redd continued to venture beyond design convention by incorporating contrasting jewel tones and mixing modern furniture styles with antique pieces. Oh—and believe it or not, the lime green chair is from Ikea! Proof even the best designers love a good deal.
Check out Anthropologie for bold wallpaper prints.
27
Bring the Fun to the Floor
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
When you have crisp white walls and neutral staples, like a sofa and coffee table, choose one statement item that brings in a surge of colorful energy. It can be anything from a vibrant piece of art on the walls to a bright carpet like this one in a living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.
Check out Homestead Seattle for colorful, one-of-a-kind rugs.
28
Bring Some Texture to the Walls
Gail Davis Design
If you love the soft look and feel of upholstered walls but don't want to embark on that major of a project (you'll need to install padding, etc.), then try a fabric-effect wallpaper or a grasscloth. In this living room by Gail Davis Design, it suits the warm leather and brass pieces wonderfully, while the blue painted accents cool things off.
Check out Gooddee for tons of modern and unique living room items.
29
Branch Away From Neutrals
Laure Joliet
Designed by Redmond Aldrich Design, this living room manages to be unique and versatile, colorful and understated, approachable and impressive, all at once.
That's thanks to the quirky, eclectic mix of frames, a light wood-paneled wall, a classic carpet, and an unexpectedly colorful sofa. If you typically like to stick to more neutral tones at home but find yourself generally drawn to color, consider venturing out with a dusty rose, forest green, or navy piece—they're the new neutrals.
Check out Article for sofas that feature classic silhouettes and moderately experimental colors.
30
Install Statement Lighting Overhead
Jaokim Johansson for Fantastic Frank
Want to go a little glam without looking too showy? Add in minimal brass accents, like a metal-frame coffee table and eye-catching metallic lighting. This living room is also a good blueprint for small space decorating. While the only three furniture items are two seats and a small coffee table, the ceiling light is all it takes to make the entire room feel special.
Check out CB2 for on-trend and affordable lighting options.
31
Hang Modern Art
Nicole Franzen
Wall art is a great way to add a big statement in a minimalist living room. It doesn't take up any surface space, but it can really transform the aesthetic. Use an abstract photograph like this one to dictate the colors of your throw pillows for cohesion.
Check out Tappan Collective for cutting-edge art.
32
Consider Your Surroundings
Studio Razavi
In this modern mountain home designed by architecture firm Studio Razavi, the classic cabin aesthetic gets an upgrade. The plush carpeting and sheepskin throw warm things up while the modern light fixture, streamlined furniture, and neutral colors ensure a calming, laidback, and stylish environment.
Check out IKEA for plush and affordable accessories.
33
Spruce Up Your Fireplace
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Who says backsplashes are just for your kitchen? Try tiling your fireplace. It adds an artful, customized touch to the living room without being overpowering. This is especially true if you opt for neutral or black and white geometric tiles, as in this Leanne Ford–designed space.
Check out Lowes for tons of mosaic tiles.
34
Mix and Match Patterns
Björn Wallander
The sofa in Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan's living room is a prime example of perfectly mismatched patterns. The couch maintains a tonal blue scheme, and the blue rug beneath it ties the whole look together. It's a great way to practice your pattern mixing if you're not ready to work with the entire rainbow yet.
Check out ABC Carpet & Home for beautiful textiles and throws.
35
Take Advantage of All Useable Space
Werner Straube
A formal living room can be full of fun and personality, too. Interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins sets the bar with a glam pendant light, marble fireplace, and plenty of luxe touches, like the emerald green velvet sofa. And it optimizes all useable space, thanks to a built-in bench between the fireplace and window niche.
Check out Etsy for handmade cushions, custom throw pillows, and art supplies to rework at home.
36
Pick Comfy Seating
Studio Razavi
Designed by Studio Razavi, this eclectic Parisian apartment is a breath of fresh air. Not only does it prove that you can use a wallpaper mural in a minimalist environment (the grayscale color palette helps), but it's also the perfect example of how to design a living room that's both fun and relaxed, sophisticated and formal.
The key? Seating needs to be comfortable, and materials need to be casual but clean.
Check out RH for high-quality, comfortable, and timeless seating.
37
Display Books in Style
Lisa Romerein
"The room doesn't get a lot of light, so I decided to make it cozy and turned it into an English-style portrait room, which is ridiculous, but fun," says celebrity chef Alex Hitz. Taking the cozy route in a living room without a ton of natural light is a great solution. And what's cozier than a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with seating beckoning you to curl up on it? To display your books more creatively, offset them with artwork. In this room, a Peter Rogers portrait of Alex Hitz's close friend, the late Nan Kempner, hangs over the bookshelves to create some contrast.
Check out Design Within Reach for stylish and modern wall storage options.
38
Encourage Conversation
PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
If you frequently entertain guests at your home, choose a strategic living room layout that promotes conversation and comfort. For example, this living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors incorporates semi-circle seating that's both spacious and inviting. Sectionals are also a good option when a circular sofa isn't. And if you love the all-white aesthetic, take note: Ford brush-painted the natural Ikea rug and custom-made rope light.
Check out Crate & Barrel for spacious, family-friendly sectionals.
39
Go All Out With a Gallery Wall
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Aside from the adorable dogs (Jacob and Wylo) cuddled up on the armchair-meets-dog-bed, that gallery wall is the clear statement-maker in this living room designed by Philip Mitchell.
Mix and match frames for a subtle nod of personality. And speaking of personal touches, consider hanging art that means something to you—whether it's your children's artwork, your own, or a portrait of your pets.
Check out Framebridge for custom framing with tons of stylish options.
40
Double It's Function
David Tsay
Double your living room's function by investing in practical, multi-purpose furniture. Here, in a space by Justina Blakeney, the console table also functions as a fold-out desk. But it's not all work—there's definitely room for play, from the lush plants to the fun details, and colorful patterns throughout.
Check out Jungalow for beautiful bohemian accents and essentials.
41
Choose Timeless Anchors
PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
A black marble fireplace strikes the perfect balance between edgy and timeless.
It anchors this living room designed by Arent & Pyke, which get a contemporary lift from the jute rug, modern and bright artwork, and shapely table lamp. And because the armchairs are a classic silhouette, they'll last forever—you can reupholster them with different colors and prints throughout the years as your taste and style change.
Check out Chairish for vintage and timeless investment chairs.
42
Be Playful
Christopher Delaney
This hot-pink fireplace was inspired by the homeowners' grandmother's favorite shade of lipstick, interior designer Kristen McCory tells us. Have fun with little details like that and look for inspiration everywhere! If painting your entire living room a bold color sounds intimidating, opt for a statement wall or mantle.
Check out Home Depot for a range of fresh color options.
43
Make Things Easy On Yourself
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Make it easy on yourself by sticking to a very consistent, very simple color scheme.
In this space by Leanne Ford Interiors, the designer worked within a strictly all-white color story. Even the firewood is painted white! We'll let that be a lesson in attention to detail. Then choose one item to really pop in a bright color. In this case, Ford went with a bright-red Pierre Paulin Ribbon chair.
Check out Farrow & Ball for beautiful high-quality interior paints.
44
Use Your Favorite Color
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Color stretches all the way up to the high rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. As you can see in the mirror, the hue of the wall changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint green and soft sea-foam green. The red and blue work nicely, too, as the red is featured in the carpet, coffee table, and sofas, blending everything together beautifully. All together, the room feels traditional and formal, country chic and casual.
To elongate your already tall ceilings, hang a pendant light high above the sitting area.
Check out Target for tons of contemporary light fixtures.
45
Make It Gallery-Worthy
Nicole Franzen
Everything in this living room is playing with shape. While the marble mantle and glossy floating shelves are angular and sharp, the coffee table and ottoman are soft and rounded. The use of natural materials makes the room feel rich even though there's not much in it.
Check out Amara for tons of modern and unique living room items.
46
Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Romanek Design Group
In this stylish, comfortable, and elevated living room by Romanek Design Studio, the off-white feels bright and airy while also warming things up and bringing it to a human scale (a cool white might be too stark, especially in a large, open room with high ceilings).
Accent with soft textures and a few pops of color plus a tall plant or tree for an energizing contrast.
Check out Gooddee for tons of modern and unique living room items.
47
Set Up a Library Ladder
Victoria Pearson
The bookshelves in photographer Victoria Pearson's own Ojai living room allow all kinds of opportunities for displaying different items, and also for storage. Adding a ladder for high shelves adds another decorative touch.
Check out AllModern for leaning bookshelves and ladders.
48
Play With Shape and Color
Studio DB
The more distinct, the bigger the statement when it comes to wall decor and art. A good way to switch things up is by choosing artwork that doesn't live within the confines of a rectangular or square frame.
We're also loving the colorful nesting coffee tables and ombre carpet, which add a little fun to this living room designed by Studio DB.
Check out Minted for accessible and fun artwork.
49
Work With What You Have
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
This floor-to-ceiling fireplace in a living room designed by Leanne Ford takes style notes from the best of both worlds: a classic mountain chalet and the Malibu coast. Whether there's snow falling or waves crashing right outside that window, we want to be curled up on that linen slip-covered chair. This living room is also a testament to the perks of working with what you have. The fireplace was given a new life with a makeshift mantle comprised of reclaimed wood and a fresh coat of white paint.
Check out Etsy for found objects and art supplies to rework at home.
50
Paint Your Walls a New Color
2LG Studio
"Soft pink was used here as a neutral base, which connects all the other elements throughout the space," say the design duo behind 2LG Studio.
"We designed bespoke plywood joinery throughout to unite the spaces and create much needed storage," they add. If you're bored of looking at stark white walls, try a soft color that can function as a neutral but exciting backdrop.
Check out Portola Paints for one-of-a-kind paint colors.
51
Make It Double-Duty
Studio DB
If your formal living room is also your family room, you want to make sure it strikes a balance between super comfortable and presentable—a cozy family room that cleans up nicely, if you will. A super soft sectional with plenty of space to spread out on movie night is a must, but choose one that also looks elegant. Then add fun, eye-catching lighting for an extra punch of fun, like the one in this Studio DB-designed room.
Check out HD Buttercup for unique and practical living room furniture.
52
Pair Unexpected Colors
Paul Raeside
Who says everything has to be matchy-matchy? Contrast your couch and chairs to make things a bit more interesting.
In this refreshingly quirky living room designed by Andrew Flesher, there's a little bit of everything—from jewel tones and tropical prints to classic prep school patterns, rustic accents, and traditional touches.
Check out Burke Decor for fun, on-trend patterns.
53
Shrink It Down
Jaokim Johansson for Fantastic Frank
Live in a super tiny space? Opt for a settee instead of a sofa or sectional and stack nesting tables instead of getting a bulky coffee table. You'll be surprised at much space this can save. And instead of spending a fortune on framing, simply pin up your favorite artwork as is. The easy elegance can be just as beautiful.
Check out West Elm for great apartment-friendly furniture.
54
Make It Relaxing
PHOTO: Lauren Bamford; DESIGN: Robson Rak
The clean lines throughout this living room designed by Robson Rak are making a small but mighty difference.
From the white paneled walls to the black-trimmed window and modern angular yet plush sofa, the linear motif is super easy on the eyes. And we love how the green nesting tables bring in some round contrast without clashing. For a similarly calming aesthetic, choose light colors and modern, low-to-the-ground furniture. Then splice in contemporary decorative objects to add personality. And bonus points if your living room has a lot of access to natural light.
Check out Finnish Design Shop for contemporary and tasteful accent pieces.
55
Paint the Ceiling
David A. Land
Why only have fun on the walls when you can have even more fun with a statement ceiling? We're loving the romantic yet surprisingly fresh color combination of fire-engine red and violet in this space by Katie Brown. The bohemian embroidered throw pillows tie everything together nicely. That's another great way to approach the living room design process: Start with a fun pair of throw pillows, and then pull out your two favorite colors to highlight on the walls and ceiling.
Check out H&M Home for fun and affordable throw pillows.
56
Take a Risk
Catherine Kwong Design
Rather than focusing exclusively on the walls in this grand San Francisco living room, designer Catherine Kwong brought the abstract art onto the floors. With broad white brushstrokes on the black-stained hardwood, these floors are a gorgeous juxtaposition against the Neoclassical ceiling and antique mirror above the fireplace. The key to mixing all these divergent design aesthetics is to remain in the same grayscale color scheme. Pro tip: wall sconces always add a subtle but transformative finishing touch.
Check out Frances & Son for hip and classic lighting options.
57
Add a Rocking Chair
Trevor Tondro
Chairs that look good but are totally uncomfortable? Not worth the cute factor.
Besides, here's definitive proof that rocking chairs can actually be super chic. The camel leather contrasts perfectly with the cream wall and plays up the old-time-y rustic feel of the reclaimed wood mantle.
Check our Urban Outfitters for hip, fun, and affordable staples.
58
Remember That Less Is More
PHOTO: Shannon McGrath; DESIGN: Robson Rak
An understated palette means you can focus on incredible interior architecture and dramatic statement pieces. Who says minimalists are afraid of color? Just pick one hue and a few select essentials, like in this modern blue living room designed by Robson Rak. The soothing tones and bulbous shapes throughout, from the marble side table to the bubble pendant light and rounded sofa, make it feel like a hug in the form of a living room.
Check out Moda Operandi for designer-approved accents.
59
Add Candles
Francesco Lagnese
Can you imagine how beautiful this room looks glowing in the candlelight? Opt for a chandelier with candles instead of lightbulbs for a rustic vibe.
Or, if that's not an option, display them on your mantel and light them up when you need to strike a romantic mood. (Use flameless candles to play it safe).
Check out Amazon for reliable and pretty basics.
60
Set Up a Few Sitting Areas
Annie Schlechter
This rustic great room was built to resemble a converted barn. If you're blessed with a large enough open plan living room, set up multiple sitting areas: one for hanging and snacking (a bistro table can break up the lower height of the other sitting areas), one for cuddling up with a good book, and one for formal entertaining.
Check out YLighting for great staple items in a variety of styles.
61
Choose An Oversized Pendant
Nicole Franzen
If your room has a more minimalist vibe, try an oversized, Noguchi-inspired paper pendant.
But take note: If your furniture is large and clunky, or you have a lot of busy decor, it could overwhelm it. The best part? Rice lantern pendant lights like the one in this living room designed by Space Exploration Design are super affordable.
Check out Paper Lantern Store for all your rice paper lighting needs.
62
Consider Black and Add Flowers
Maura McEvoy
Designer Kristin Kong hid a door to the basement behind millwork painted in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox in her home near Atlanta. The trick "makes the room look less choppy,” she says, since the dark color helps everything blend together. And never underestimate the power of a beautiful flower arrangement on the coffee table!
Check out Cost Plus World Market for fun and affordable accessories.
63
Elongate the Ceiling
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
Blend neutral gray walls with sleek, modern furniture and lighting.
It'll look chic rather than dated. A velvet throw pillow will add a nice iridescent flare, too. Also, pro tip: hang your curtains at the tippy-top of your walls to make the ceilings seem higher.
Check out CB2 for contemporary and versatile hardware.
64
Go Shiplap Crazy
Trevor Tondro
To up the farmhouse vibes, install shiplap. Joanna Gaines would totally approve. Then add something metallic, like a coffee table, for some unexpected bling.
Check out Joss & Main for fun and bold pieces.
65
Keep It Simple
Christopher Baker
This living room is simple, clean-lined, and inviting, with a little bit of glamour and a lot of comfort. To highlight the architectural details, the moldings are painted in high-gloss white.
Check out Apartment 2B for clean and classic furniture.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
50+ stylish living room ideas to copy now
There are so many elements involved in decorating a living room and it's a room that we spend a lot of our time in so you want to get it right. To make it more complicated, you need to consider the fact that you'll spend time in a living room at various points of the day, so it needs to work as well at midday as it will with the curtains drawn and candles lit. Starting with the bones of the room, there are paint colours and flooring to decide on, which will set the tone of the space. We love the distinguished feel of wooden flooring, preferably with some rugs layered on top for softness. Consider putting in some joinery and bookcases that can help you make the most of the room's height and provide valuable storage.
If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, make it a focal point, arranging your sofas and chairs to face it, and decorating the mantelpiece with pictures and ornaments.
How do you design a living room?
You should start with the space itself and map out where all your big furniture could go – so your sofa, any armchairs and freestanding bookshelves for example. Certain things are easy, such as an ottoman or coffee table will go in front of a sofa or in between two facing each other, but others depend entirely on the space you have. Once you have that in your mind, consider the light the living room receives and that will help you choose the paint colours. For how that might influence your decision, you can read Joa Studholme's guide in our gallery of Farrow & Ball paint colours in real homes. When you've mapped your key bits of furniture and chosen the paint colours, that's when you can add in the flourishes to make it cosy and choose cushions, a rug, storage and so on to fill the space out.
MAY WE SUGGEST: Christmas decoration ideas
How to choose your living room furniture
At that point, it's time to consider how to choose your living room furniture, taking into account how you use the space, what kind of sofa you prefer, how many armchairs you can fit in, whether you need a sofa bed, and the importance of a coffee table or ottoman, and of course side tables to put a drink on. The right furniture can make a huge difference to the feeling of a room. Consider the scale of it - you don't want tiny furniture drowning in a huge room, although small living rooms can often benefit from some oversized furniture. In an open plan living room-cum-kitchen, furniture can be essential for breaking up the space; a sofa with its back turned to the dining table is a handy way of differentiating between the living space and the dining space. And consider how you use your furniture before you make the final decision - do you prefer to lounge on a squashy sofa or is this a more formal room where you'd prefer to sit upright?
How to accessorise a living room
Finally you can get to the really fun bits, the textiles and accessories.
The size and shape of your window might dictate your choices when it comes to curtains and blinds, but there's a huge variety out there to choose from. Perhaps you like simple, elegant curtains in heavy linen or wool, or something brighter and chintzier for a more eye-catching feel. In a small room, you may well prefer to stick to blinds, but think about getting them in a fun pattern so that they become a decorative feature. Almost every living room will be in need of a good rug, whether you opt for rustic sisal, a modern Berber rug or a traditional Turkish carpet. And then what’s a sofa without some beautiful cushions? They’re essential for adding colour and pattern to a room.
The art of the living room
Turning our attention back to the walls, the final thing you’ll need is some art, so don't miss our shopping guide to affordable art, as well as our advice on how to start a collection. And once you’ve assembled it all, find out the best ways to hang your pictures on the walls, with helpful tips for gallery walls, statement art and everything in between.
If you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve gathered the best living room designs and lounge ideas from the House & Garden archive here to help with your decoration, from country houses to studio flats and London townhouses.
62 living room design ideas in a private house - photos of real interiors and tips
Living room design in a private house is a responsible, but also very exciting part of the upcoming renovation work. We offer you to figure out which interior is right for you, and how to make the space beautiful, spacious and cozy.
Decorating a living room in a private house
Choosing materials
Choosing the design of a living room in a house
Dividing a room into zones
The interior of a living room in a private house can be called its face. To make the pastime enjoyable, you need to choose good coatings that will set the main atmosphere in the room.
Walls
More often than not, wallpaper is used to cover vertical surfaces.
Paper, liquid, vinyl-based - each of these types has its own design and differs in pasting methods.
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A huge selection of colors will allow you to realize unusual ideas, but keep in mind that the walls must be perfectly even.
Decorative plaster will help create something unique on the walls. With it, you can give the walls any texture.
Country houses are also very popular with natural motifs, such as artificial stone. Such material will create a unique atmosphere of comfort, but here you need to be careful - an excess of stone in the interior will make the space heavier and make it visually smaller.
Floor
Parquet remains a classic for floors. It gives the room a special luxurious look, and is also a durable coating. Laminate can be called its modern counterpart. It is easy to install and is presented in stores in a huge palette, so this material can be matched to any design solution.
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If you prefer tiles to wood, then choose glossy tiles. However, it should be borne in mind that this material itself is very cold and it is necessary to lay a floor heating system under it.
Ceiling
In a house with high ceilings, there are several options for decorating them.
They can simply be painted to maintain their height. You can also arrange them using ceiling tiles with various textures, patterns or splashes. Or use a tension structure, into which it is easy to integrate the most intricate lamps.
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If the ceiling is low, then we advise you to resort to a little trick with mirrors: place a small reflective surface on the ceiling in the middle of the room.
Visually, this will raise the ceiling.
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Country house
Kitchen-living room design in a private house: how to combine zones to make it comfortable and beautiful
The large space makes it possible to implement unusual design projects. If you are thinking about decorating a living room in a private house, we suggest looking at different photos of interiors and choosing which one suits you.
Minimalism
This style is suitable for very spacious and bright rooms. Its peculiarity can be understood from the name - this is the absence of design frills.
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Clear lines, calm colors and spotlights all characterize minimalism. But do not think that this direction is boring and nondescript. With an abundance of neutral colors, you can focus on something large. For example, you can highlight one of the walls with a contrasting dark shade, or an abundance of white will well dilute an open black glass fireplace.
Furniture is best chosen in neutral tones that match the color of the walls and floor. Keep in mind that minimalism does not mean carved arms and legs, but you have the opportunity to play with different textures of textiles. Stick to the rule that furniture should be a strict continuation of the room.
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Living room
Living room interior in a modern style (85 photos)
Classic
Stucco, a large chandelier, gilded elements and a large marble fireplace are always associated with this design.
The unchanging classic is almost the same in every person's mind.
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We advise you to focus on fine wood furniture, which will be the main decoration of your living room. Its shades can be from white to the darkest, it all depends on your idea. Textiles will help to beat the model. Snow-white tulle and curtains of milky or golden color fill the room with additional light, and velvety pillows with tassels will add luxury. But do not overdo it, otherwise you risk making your interior lurid.
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Living room
How to design the interior design of a living room in the country and save money: 6 tips and 73 photos
Loft
Modern and bold design that at first glance combines the incongruous.
However, if you like new design trends, then the loft is just for you.
Walls can be decorated with wooden panels or decorative bricks. If the room is combined with the kitchen, then the dining area will be a good continuation of the living room.
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Contrasting colors, copper pipes, valves, metal and worn wooden surfaces, ceiling beams and a large comfortable sofa in the very center of the room will make your interior catchy and spectacular.
Provence
This style combines not only delicate and light shades, but also modern design accents combined with sustainable materials.
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linen or cotton textiles, many vases with wildflowers. All this gives the room a special French charm and lightness.
The design of the room largely depends on the layout. Now you can see the trend towards combining the kitchen with a large room. This visually expands the space, fills it with light and air. But even here zoning is necessary, for which there are several simple ways.
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The dining area can be separated by ledges on the ceiling with built-in lighting.
A ledge can also be made on the floor, making the kitchen just above the guest area.
Divide the space with a large vertical aquarium placed on either side of the kitchen. Or it can be placed under a long bar that runs along the border of the room.
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Another original idea would be to install an island fireplace. You can get not only pleasure from it, but also practical benefits, since you can hang a TV or shelves on it.
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Yulia Vegner
photos of design options, main directions of design and finishing
Designers advise starting the arrangement from three points:
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Approve the layout: at the planning stage, zoning and partitions are determined.
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Make an "electrical" drawing with the placement of appliances and sockets.
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Light drawing where all lights are located.
Already on the basis of the resulting schemes, you can build the design of the living room.
The design begins with the definition of style - the type of finishing materials, textiles, furniture depends on the style.
Style solution for the design of a living room in a private house
Everyone who gravitates towards tradition, calmness and reliability in home design likes the classic style. The classic interior is not characterized by budget furniture and a bright palette, and you need enough space - this is typical for living rooms in a private house.
The classic interior of a living room in a private house includes furniture made of precious woods and natural materials
The modern direction in interior design is a universal option where everyone will find a style for their lifestyle. This includes styles such as Scandinavian, country, minimalism, hi-tech, modern. Below is a photo of a large living room in this design. The style of minimalism is comfortable and likes modern active people.
The general characteristic of modern styles is dynamism, lack of static, combination of functions and zones.
But there is no excessive comfort here - all lines are straight, and the palette is assembled on the contrast of close shades.
A striking example is high-tech with its metal and black and white colors.
Design: Elena Solovieva, Artburo1/1
Comparative characteristics of styles
- Classic
Furniture: Wood. Striped, floral or plain upholstery.
Features: Forged, wooden parts and accessories. On the floor - parquet or wood imitation. Fireplace, large mirror. From textiles velvet, silk, natural fabrics, carpet on the entire floor.
Palette: Bright colors are not allowed. Prints - pinstripe and inconspicuous pattern
- Modern
Furniture: Elegant, with flowing architecture
Features: Abundance of natural motifs, wood, glass, brick. Asymmetry in design. Plant drawing. The presence of aquariums, fountains, plants in pots and tubs.
Palette: All natural: green, brown, blue and gray
- Minimalism
Furniture: Modest, without fancy architecture.
Furniture transformer.
Features: Lack of decor. Leather as upholstery. Layered lighting, discreet print or solid color.
Palette: Beige, cream, brown, gray. Let's say textiles in bright accent colors.
Design: Domestic Studio
- Provence
Furniture: Antique furniture, worn and patina.
Features: Natural materials and floral print. Accessories - napkins, embroideries, fresh flowers, figurines, forged elements.
Palette: Warm pastel range.
- Country
Furniture: Antique or antique.
Features: Textiles, natural materials: wood and stone. It is very important for a living room in a wooden house.
Palette: Calm natural colors.
- Scandinavian
Furniture: Comfortable with straight lines.
Features: Abundance of light and space. Natural materials: cotton, wood. Plants in pots and tubs. Uniformity.
Palette: Pastel palette, white, gray and beige.
- Hi-tech
Furniture: Modern and built-in furniture, steel and glass elements.
Features: No decorations, smooth surfaces. Glass and metal.
Palette: Black and white, gray combinations.
Design: Pavel Alekseev
For comparison - a selection of photos of various living rooms in a private house in the styles described above.
An unusual style that is gaining popularity is Japanordic, a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese design. It turns out organically, since these two architectures are similar in clarity of lines, an abundance of light and minimalism.
Color solutions for a living room in a private house
Color does not happen by itself - it works in tandem with the material, with its texture and texture. Therefore, we will talk about the trends of 2017 in the interior, which will be popular for a long time to come.
IMM 2017 Cologne showcases several color trends for living room design:
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Deep muted colors, matte rather than glossy. Pink, mustard, gray and blue.
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Green, olive, grassy and brown, elements of nature in the interior, plants in tubs and pots, natural materials.
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Black and white in ceramics, textiles.
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Gray and beige in all tones and shades.
Colored tinted glass is once again becoming a fashionable decorative item.
Design: Svetlana Chepikova, Alexander Akimenkov's studio
Living room decoration: materials
In the visual triangle "floor - walls - ceiling" the darkest should be the floor, the lightest - the ceiling. In general, they may not differ too much in color - just 1-2 tones - but this is enough to create the right impression. A light ceiling makes the room appear taller and more spacious.
Nuance: designers advise not to use glossy stretch ceilings, but to give preference to matte ones. In general, stretch ceilings are not a panacea, their use is justified where there is no other way to level the surface.
It is popular to finish the ceiling with plasterboard and paint it in a light shade or white. This is a modern, comfortable option, just like ceiling tiles.
If the walls and the floor are decorated in a laconic, monochromatic way, then you can play with the ceiling: make stucco molding, hang a large chandelier, wide cornices, and other complex elements.
Design: ToTaste Studio
Wallpaper is a convenient option for walls. If several types of wallpaper are combined in the living room, then they should be from the same collection in order to avoid differences in the face. And most importantly - you can not create a big difference between the wallpaper in terms of texture and color, otherwise it will violate the integrity of the interior.
For example, when light matte wallpapers are combined with active glossy ones.
Rule: wallpapers are combined from the same collection within halftones in both color and texture.
But if in the living room of your house you want not wallpaper, but something else, then there are plenty to choose from.
Wall painting: for those who like to create color
It is convenient to paint walls in the kitchen area, especially on drywall. Painting has three serious advantages:
- For homes where there are pets or children indulge, it is difficult to mechanically damage the painted walls with claws and easily wash off children's fine art.
- For homes with complicated wall and room architecture.
- For those who want a specific color, you can mix and match different shades.
It is best to use water-based paints for the interior of a living room in a private house - they do not leave marks, are harmless, dry quickly and are well tinted.
One thing - the walls to be painted must be absolutely smooth and even
Design: Ariana Ahmad, Tatyana Karyakina
Decorative plaster: any texture and imitation
If in the process of decorating a living room for a private house you want to create different textures and textures, then there is decorative plaster for this. With its help, you can do almost everything: for example, imitation of a stone or wooden wall, marble.
A big plus of decorative plaster is that it masks small wall defects and does not give any seams, the surface will be solid.
For a classic interior - Venetian plaster, which creates a glossy surface "marbled", for a modern interior - textured, structural plaster.
Plasterboard: creating niches and partitions
Sometimes you want to add arches, partitions, niches and other interior solutions to the interior of the living room of a private house, or simply align the walls for painting. To do this, you can take drywall: such structures are installed without complex redevelopment, erection of walls and major repairs.
The solution is especially relevant if it is a large living room in a two-story private house. The photo below shows how the kitchen and the hall are gracefully divided by a partition.
What to put on the floor
If we combine the living room with the kitchen and dining room in the house, then ceramic floor tiles are usually placed in the kitchen part. It is resistant to moisture, mechanical damage and aesthetic.
Three options are popular for the living room area of a private house:
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Laminate imitates wood, easy to use. It is not afraid of moisture, mechanical damage, it is easy to fit and replace, therefore it is suitable for any area - both the hall and the kitchen.
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Linoleum - waterproof, pattern and texture in abundance. Suitable for all zones.
For a living room in a country house, especially if there are animals, you need a laminate and linoleum class 32-33 - for moderate and high traffic (load on the floor).
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Parquet is a natural wood covering that lasts up to 20 years, retains heat well, and is renewed by sanding. But not waterproof - not suitable for the kitchen.
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Massive board is similar to parquet, but lasts up to 40 years. It is advisable to lay it on a plywood lining in order to better retain heat.
Furniture and lighting for the design of the living room in the house
There is a line of optimal furniture sizes - then it is comfortable to use:
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Sofa - depth from 75 cm, length from 2 meters.
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Armchairs - depth from 60 cm, length from 60 cm. from 40 see
Furniture shapes the layout of the room. The arrangement is carried out as follows: first - a sofa group and a kitchen set, the second stage - cabinets, a dining group, TV, the third stage - compact portable furniture. Upholstered furniture is built according to configurations, depending on the room.
Design: Zhenya Zhdanova
Layout of upholstered furniture in the living room
For a home, the design of a living room should obey the general planning rules: convenience and comfort come first, and only then - aesthetics.
Furniture layout rules:
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Composition axis orientation. This axis can be TV, a fireplace.
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Minimum 10 cm between furniture and door, window. There is a "dead zone" around the doors, as they must open. To win in space, you can put sliding doors or separate the room with curtains.
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Width between furniture - from 50 cm.
In practice, the most common design mistake is poor lighting. As a result, the lack of light can distort the color of walls or furniture, and cause a lot of domestic inconvenience. It is necessary to add additional lamps in the already finished living room - this often leaves the wires uncovered (since the decoration has already been completed).
Even at the stage of decoration and zoning, think carefully about lighting - this is almost the primary element in design development. In the case of placing two or three zones in one room at once, one light source is definitely not enough.
Therefore, in addition to the main chandelier, you will need lamps, floor lamps, spotlights, compositions from spots:
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Mandatory illumination above the dining group at a height of 06.-1 meters from the table surface. It is desirable that it be possible to change this height.
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Mandatory illumination in the TV area - you can not watch TV in the dark, as this increases eye pressure. Near the sofa group you will need a floor lamp, a sconce.
It is worth noting that spotlights throughout the ceiling are gradually going out of fashion. They are replaced by wall sconces and table lamps.
If there are massive structures in the living room, then to make them lighter, you can make a backlight. Additional lighting looks beautiful in the field of paintings, in niches, on furniture, mirrors.
Design: Tatyana Morozova
Zoning techniques: a living room with a kitchen-dining room
A spacious living room - and they are not uncommon in mansions - is often combined with a kitchen or dining room.
The dining room traditionally divides the room with the living area in half, occupying a full-fledged place. If combined with the kitchen, it is convenient to place the kitchen by the window - more light and more comfortable to cook dinner.
To highlight zones, designers often use several techniques:
- We select zones with furniture - a wardrobe or a sofa, a rack or a bookcase. The last option is fashionable and relevant, especially for compact rooms.
- If you combine a living room with a kitchen or dining room, then the bar counter will be the ideal furniture for zoning. In the photo below, not a bar counter is built-in, but a dining table, but according to the same peninsula principle.
- Separate zones with folding, movable partitions. They are usually made of plastic and glass. They are placed when it is necessary to create a light wall.
- An interesting variant of the wall is an island wall 1.5 meters long. On one side of such a wall they put a wardrobe, a rack, and on the other - a TV.
- We distinguish zones with different finishing materials: different wallpapers and carpets, flooring. Horizontal division, when the lower part of the walls is dark wallpaper, and the upper part is light, which makes the room wider and taller. The second option is a combination of colors. For example, on one wall, near which the sofa will stand, contrasting wallpapers are glued.
Designer Jessica Tolliver in her book "Designing the Living Room" advises to allocate the kitchen area with a lowered ceiling for greater comfort and intimacy - you can lower it using tension systems.
Design: Maria Ivanova
Variants of interior design for a small, large living room
In the case of a small living room, the design has its own nuances:
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To visually enlarge the room, use light wallpaper with a small pattern.
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From furniture it is better to prefer a two-seater sofa and a couple of armchairs for it - place it around the room without blocking the passage.
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To visually expand the room, one wall can be glued with photo wallpapers depicting perspectives: cities, squares, streets.
A large mirror will decorate a compact living room - just on the wall or as a cabinet with a mirror. This visually adds lightness and creates the illusion of free space.
For a small living room, do not use different floor coverings - this will visually reduce the room. Many bright contrasts hide the space, and large drawings on the walls cut the height.
Design: Maria Rubleva
If the house has a large living room, it is important to be able to take advantage of this. There are many interesting tricks:
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Electric fireplace.
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A small tea area by the window — a table and a bench (two chairs, stools) for socializing and drinking tea.
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Multilevel ceilings and floors.
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Accent contrasting walls, photo wallpapers.
The division into zones and a clear structure make the large living room orderly and cozy.
Remember that in a large room where functional chaos reigns, the effect of space and freedom is lost.
The photo below shows how such ideas are realized.
Design: Natalia Tarkhanova
Textiles and decor for decorating a cozy living room
A new trend in interior decor is graphic works. Paintings, photographs and mirrors in a variety of frames and baguettes, posters and wall paintings. Anyone who loves photography and fine arts, but was afraid to spoil the interior, can now easily bring their passion to the design of the living room.
From textiles, all natural fabrics (linen, cotton, silk), dusted velvet, as well as denim materials are relevant. A floral ornament is in trend - it looks especially organic in the living room in a wooden house.
Salone del Mobile in Milan in 2017 showed trends in patterns and colors: tweed, melange, weaving, small check, houndstooth, tropical print are in fashion. All geometry and color are perfectly combined with each other.
