Ideas for front room

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.

70 smart ways to update your living room |

(Image credit: Future)

Whatever the living room ideas you're searching for – whether elegant, classic or contemporary, we have wonderful decor schemes to suit your home's style and your color preferences. Plus, we have included a ton of added-value design advice, too.

So whether your living room decor is expansive, open-plan, a shared home office space or on the compact side, there are looks to suit. 

Plus, of course, we have catered to a wide variety of styles, color preferences, and budgets, and, as ever, there are ideas you can adopt quickly – and whole-renovation inspiration.

Living room ideas

These are our favorite living room ideas and we've added in-depth advice from well-known designers and our own team of experts, too, so that you know how to design a living room with aplomb.

1. Start with a moodboard

(Image credit: Katie Charlotte)

Sometimes the hardest thing to do when looking for living room ideas is to actually get started. We asked Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball for his invaluable advice and the most important part? Get moodboarding to inspire living room color schemes.

‘Remember that any room is a sum of various parts so try and create a moodboard with as many elements as you can get your hands on. When choosing paint colors, think about the aspect of your room (north, east, south, west) – a color you have seen in a magazine or friend’s house may not respond in your room so sampling is essential, try and paint large swatches that you can move around the walls at different times of day to see how the color transitions in all natural light conditions.’

This beautiful room by interior designer Cortney Bishop is the perfect example of successful moodboarding. If you don't know where to start, knowing how to make a moodboard will help you to create a useful tool that with prove essential to achiving the interior project of your dreams.

(Image credit: David Butler)

'We have found that as we’ve all been spending more time in our homes, there has been a really exciting shift in how experimental we’re being with living room paint ideas and our customers are increasingly focusing their living room scheme on a tone that they want to immerse themselves in,’ says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands . 

‘One such trend is head-to-toe color – painting the walls, woodwork and even the ceiling one color for a welcoming, immersive room with a modern edge. We’d always recommend really thinking about how that color will interplay with the light in your room and trying samples first to make sure you love it. 

'A full immersion of color, with one stunning shade for all walls and woodwork, can bring interest into the room without overwhelming the eye; mid-tone colors work particularly well for this. The style also complements strong architectural features in a fresh and modern way’ - great for living room ceiling ideas.

3. Match walls to furniture

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

Another fabulous living room idea that we’re starting to see appearing is to match your walls to your furniture. 

‘We all strive for cohesive interiors when planning our décor and color choices are core to creating the mood and theme for your home,’ says Patricia Gibbons, Design Team at Sofa.com . ‘When looking to match your walls to your furniture or vice versa, the question is to match or to contrast as each will produce a different style. 

'If you love a color and are wedded to the idea of mirroring it throughout the space, whether it be a dusty rose sofa on pink walls or green wallpaper to match an olive sofa – matching color on color is a fun, considered way to stamp your personality and style into the space. 

'We recommend breaking up the upholstery and wall color with textural touches via accent pieces and accessories: think woods, brass, woven finishes and greenery, to keep the end-look balanced and welcoming. ’ 

4. Choose two or more shades of the same color

(Image credit: Little Greene)

For a thoroughly modern feel – in a period property – choose a couple of shades of the same color and use them in various spots in the living room. Consider painting the ceiling too, it’s been a big trend recently that we feel will carry on for a good year or so. Here, you can see how well it works with the Masquerade shade, and the patterned rug pulls the tones together. 

Little Greene 's color cards, ‘Color Scales’ and a refined and refreshed ‘Colors of England’ feature collections of beautiful graduated shades that all work together. 

5. Perfect positioning is invaluable

(Image credit: BarlisWedlick/Joshua McHugh)

Once you’ve got your key ingredient – the color scheme – in place you can start considering furniture and where to put it. Correct placement in living room layouts is invaluable and can make or break a scheme. 

For the formal living room in this Park Ave apartment in NYC, BarlisWedlick removed one of the cabinets that flanked the fireplace and incorporated a custom settee with rounded edges and fur trim in its place.  

Colorful, jewel-toned throw pillows add a liveliness to the room, which features subtle pale gray-green walls and neutral fabrics. Artwork placed directly across a tinted yellow mirror balances out the opposite side of the room and allows the artwork to be seen from those sitting directly under the sofa.

6. Consider an accent color if your walls are neutral

(Image credit: Future/Jan Baldwin)

If you’ve decided to keep your walls neutral or white, but still fancy a splash of color then consider choosing accent colors to boost interest. It’s a fabulous way to incorporate a shade you love and you can go all out with patterns too – it needn’t be all about plains. 

This refreshing grass green shade turns this white painted living room into a modern space full of contemporary prints teamed with natural wood and woven touches to soften the overall look. 

Gathering a few two-tone prints in a similar palette helps to keep a scheme feeling cohesive. So even with lots of different pattern, the colors help all the diverse elements to sit together happily. The pattern mix here include the Anna French lampshade fabric, Schumacher curtains and plump Rapture & Wright seat cushions. 

Botanical artworks compliment the textiles and add to the country feel. Clean white walls and white pieces such as the lamp and side table ensure the space feels modern, light and airy - useful if you're looking for small living room ideas. 

Natural materials, as seen here with the wood console and woven rattan chair, are an essential part of any modern country look, and help to add warmth and an organic softness to the scheme. 

7. Embrace the trend for reimagined ditsy florals

(Image credit: Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)

This minimalist living room idea from one of H&G's decorating shoots is brought to life with a fabulously vibrant twist on traditional chintz – perfect country living room ideas when you want a more contemporary feel. 

The neutral backdrop allows for the bright, colorful textile pattern to take center-stage. The simple lines of the elegant, contemporary sofa have been covered with this glorious Spring Garden textile design for a heavenly pairing. The pink kilim, artwork and co-ordinating cushions all help to pull the living room together for a modern twist on a classic look. 

8. Layer color on color for a warm, welcoming space

(Image credit: Assignment / Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)

A harmonious and joyful living room has been created using the colors in the rug as the center point, pulling tones out to feature within the scheme. Muted pink walls offer just the right background palette and work well set against the crisp whites, which are key in the mix to offer breathing space amid all the color. 

Shapely furniture in warm hues is layered alongside a classic sofa in chalky white linen, punctuated with accessories in jewel brights.

9. Rethink the colors you choose for woodwork

(Image credit: Andrew Dominic Furniture)

Sometimes it’s good to think ‘out of the box’ when it comes to searching for living room ideas – we’re so often ruled by the ‘paint your skirtings and woodwork’ white that we forget that we can do something different.  

We love this look by Andrew Dominic Furniture  – the sash windows and panelling painted in this inky blue shade creates a stunning focal point that acts as a perfect backdrop for the hand-made furniture placed in front of it. 

10. Tuck a sofa into a window bay

(Image credit: Camden Grace Interiors)

A common solution for a bay window in a living room is to covert it into a window seat. Instead, use a bay window as a bright-but-cozy inlet for a statement sofa, a la this space by Connecticut-based Camden Grace Interiors . Think of it as the window seat's sophisticated older cousin. Add sconces and you'll have your new favorite reading nook. 

A bay window is also a great location to add a daybed for your daybed ideas. 

11. Choose a bold wallpaper for an impactful space

(Image credit: Morris & Co Simply Severn wallpaper in Woad )

If maximalism is your thing, bold living room wallpaper ideas, like the one in this living room by Morris & Co , are a good way to create a space that feels eclectic, lively and fun. Choosing a pale green or blue for a maximalist design is a good choice for a living space – it will tone down the effect of the pattern to create an overall much calmer feel. 

‘For a playful room go for a vibrant printed design on your furniture. If you’re not brave with pattern choose a plain hardwearing woven fabric and add some stylish cushions,’ says Hayley McAfee, Design Director, Villa Nova .

12. Don't be afraid to mix different eras

(Image credit: Susie Atkinson)

You don't need to have a one-track mind when looking for living room ideas.

'We aim to create spaces that are inviting and timeless and we love to create a balanced mix of older antique pieces juxtaposed with vintage items and contemporary designs,’ says Susie Atkinson, Founder of London-based Interior Design Studio Susie Atkinson . 

‘Sometimes we might incorporate antiques that our clients have had forever as a starting point for a living room scheme, or we will source some characterful pieces for them. Mixing the old and the new ensures that a room won’t be overly influenced by current trends and date quickly, while statement pops of color and pattern combined with natural materials will really bring it to life with a tone of modernity. 

'For this room, we sourced a beautiful antique bobbin chair and updated it with a lovely slubby antique linen which we had dyed in this sunny yellow color, and the sleek lines and mirror finish of our cube steel side table contrasts it beautifully.’

‘We love to incorporate different design styles into our spaces, including mixing new with antique pieces. It helps to make the space feel layered and like it has been around for a long time,’ says Heidi Caillier, Founder, Heidi Caillier Design .

13. Use rugs to tie living room colors together

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Living room rug ideas aren't used as much as they should be – but they can add so much to a scheme, including color and pattern. We asked Clara Ewart, Head of Design at Kitesgrove for her thoughts on how important they can be to a scheme.

‘A strong rug can be transformational, bringing personality, texture and warmth to a living room. Sometimes they are a subtle design that anchors the overall scheme but sometimes it’s a stronger statement piece that dictates the tone of the whole room. We love to work with our clients to source something special and then use this as the starting point for the wider scheme. 

'Whether you have a dramatically patterned rug that will be complemented by softened tones in the rest of the room, or a more neutral rug that will work with bolder colors and patterns, it’s likely to be an investment piece that will stand the test of time. As a guide, we always recommend making sure your living room rug is as large as possible – anything too small will look pinched and uncomfortable.’

14. Let artwork inspire the best color for a living room

(Image credit: Yellow London)

More often than not, we choose our living room art ideas at the end of the decorating process, but actually, a favorite painting can be used as your starting point, as Cath Beckett, Co-Founder of British Interior Design Studio, Yellow London explains:

‘We often start with artwork our clients choose or already love and extrapolate a wider scheme from there, drawing out striking paint colors to create harmony within the room. Art is so personal but if it is a piece that really speaks to us, it is a great place to start a scheme as it will say a lot about a client’s general style and color preferences. 

'Once we have those details decided, complementary upholstery and the softer details will flow more naturally to create a cohesive and beautiful scheme.’

‘Art is always part of the picture for me. For me these final elements are what gives a house soul and a touch of magic,’ says Rebekah Caudwell, Founder, Rebekah Caudwell Design .

Adding artwork is also an excellent way to make your living room look expensive without costing the earth.

15. Choose earthy tones for an enveloping feel

(Image credit: Zinc Textile)

How we love the terracotta tones of this living room, which has been created with a Zinc Textile x Martin Hulbert Design collaboration. Plaster-effect walls combine with dark wood to conjure up a desert-home feel that's really appealing. The low-slung sofa is a clever trick designers use to make rooms seem loftier.  

16. Layer color for an energizing space

(Image credit: Peter Pennover)

If you're up for a bold stroke, try decorating your living room floor-to-ceiling in saturated color, like this Palm Beach room by Peter Pennoyer . 

There are a few ways to pull off such a daring look. One, choose an inspiration piece, like a rug or artwork, to pull hues from. This ensures your room stays cohesive and creates a reference point for each color. 

Two, keep the colors in a similar shade or tone, like brights or pastels. Matching tones will keep the room feeling unified. 

Or three, if you're partial to a single color, mix up a monochrome look by incorporating various shades and tones of a single color. 

17. Pile on texture with classic living room ideas

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis / Alyce Taylor)

Piling on texture can be smart when creating neutral living room ideas. 

'In a quiet corner, the elegant form of a classical pedestal table offers the perfect perch for a display of shapely vessels. The cool white marble top, ensures a modern classic feel, as does the monochrome palette which works beautifully against the natural plaster walls and warmth of the cane chair seat, wooden floors and woven rug,' says H&G's decorating editor Emma Thomas, of this room that we recently created for a Classic Decorating set.

‘Consider texture to be as important as color and pattern. There is nothing worse than a flat design.Try mixing different textures such as natural linens with soft velvets or robust leathers with thick wools,’ advises Camilla Clarke, Creative Director, at interiors agency Albion Nord .

18. Warm up a monotone scheme with wood

(Image credit: Katie Charlotte Photography/Cortney Bishop)

South Carolina-based interior designer Cortney Bishop is known for her modern design vision that runs the gamut of style and structure, balancing comfort with creativity and functionality. 

She brings this to the living rooms she designs by combining neutrals with a ton of wood textures, which make the spaces feel easy to live with, airy and bright, but warm and welcoming, too. Here, the wooden ceiling is the star of the show, subtly echoed below by the warm tones in the furniture and soft furnishings.

19. Plan the layout to the last inch

(Image credit: Mariell Lind Hansen/Studio Duggan)

UK-based designer Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan believes careful planning is all-important when it comes to design – and since your living room ideas are quite literally the center of your home, it's all the more important.

'Measure and plan where you are going to put each piece of furniture and make sure you have sockets in all the right places before you get decorating or ordering,' she says.

20. Divide a living room to suit your daily routines

(Image credit: Studio Peake/Alexander James)

Where once living rooms were somewhere we watched TV in the evenings, they're now invariably sitting rooms, homework studies for kids, home offices for adults and, of course, movie rooms – which is why searches for broken plan living rooms are rising sharply.

So how to pack this all into one space? If yours is a long living room you can divide it semi-permanently without closing off an area of the room entirely. The smartest, most permanent way to do so is with a wall of glazing, as above, which can include doors – allowing family members some time apart to pursue different activities, while keeping the room feeling spacious and open.

21. Create a welcoming space with a ton of texture

(Image credit: Rikki Snyder / Becca Interiors)

If you are looking for long living room ideas that make cold and disunited spaces feel more cohesive and welcoming, look to this room. ots of texture in furnishings, furniture and even wall surfaces and flooring, can make the space feel more cohesive and warmer. 

In the living room picture above, the rug is the dominant textural feature in the room, echoed by the material the blinds are made from and the various pieces of wooden or wicker furniture. The effect is heightened and complemented by the texture of the wall panels.

22. Use furniture scaling to exaggerate a living room's proportions

(Image credit: Sarah Shields Photography / Whittney Parkinson Design)

If your living room has low ceilings – or you want to make a living rooms ceilings feel taller than they are – picking a low-slung couch for a small living room is a simple way to make the room feel taller. 

Note, too, low furniture creates a much more relaxed living room, while taller furniture or high-backed seating creates a more formal feel.

23. Enliven a plain scheme with bold artwork

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Whether you are considering a quick living room update or are looking for living room ideas for creating a focal point, artwork is an excellent option. 

'Knowing the ambiance you are aiming to achieve in your living room helps,' advises Federica Barretta Director of Opera Gallery London . 'Consider the architectural features of the room you are buying for, from ceiling height to the color scheme and lighting, when choosing a work of art.  Living rooms are where the family gets together and where guests are entertained, making them the best places to showcase the richness and eclecticism of one’s art collection.'

24. Rely on metallics for living room glamour

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Metallics in a living room needn't be limited to hard surfaces such as light fittings and furniture – upholstery or curtain fabric with a shimmering finish can also bring glamor and enliven an otherwise neutral space.

'Velvet is extraordinarily hard-wearing fabric,' says Homes & Gardens Editor in Chief, Lucy Searle. 'I inherited a sofa from my parents that they bought in the 1970s. It is a classic velvet piece with a strong, sculptural frame, and the fabric looks as good as it did when they bought it. If you are considering living room seating ideas, know that a well-cared for velvet sofa will still look fabulous in decades to come.'

25. Mix motifs but keep the scheme simple

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard)

Monochromatic color schemes make for very restful living room ideas. Using a variety of motifs in one hue and keeping pattern to the upholstery, while walls and floors remain plain, brings depth to a scheme without it feeling too busy. In this room, a striking wave design on the sofa offers a contrast to the more subtle prints elsewhere.

26. Create an accent wall with art

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

Looking for accent wall ideas to give your living room focus? If you are considering a display of artwork in a living room, one way to really make it shine is by painting the wall behind it a bold shade that's a total contrast to the colors within the pictures or paintings. 

This series of foliage prints set against a vibrant emerald-green wall offers a very modern take on the botanical theme. Sparse accessories and the clean lines of the furniture add to the contemporary flavor of the space.

27. Highlight original features with paint

(Image credit: Future / Damian Russell)

Just a few simple living room paint ideas can transform a neutral living space into one that's really quite special.

Here, the black-painted window frame and original shutters provides both a contrast to the walls of the room and creates a frame for the deep emerald green sofa, drawing the eye for a dramatic focal point.  

The lustre of brass elements shine brightly when set against a calm backdrop of cool greys, too. 

28. Pick a subtle mural to add definition to a plain room

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)

Intriguing and subtle, this architectural mural adds a lighter decorative touch to this scheme in which neutral, muted furnishings allow it to take center stage. A ledge of rustic wood echoes the horizontal lines of the print and creates display space for elegant accessories. 

29. Make a dark living room feel instantly summery

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

If your living room is north- or east-facing, or if it lacks natural daylight, your choice of decor can change its mood dramatically. 

This is where green living room ideas can come in useful: it's a transformative color that can connect indoors with outdoors, and make a room feel brighter and more cheerful, even when the tones you choose are quite subtle or elegant. This trellis wallpaper speaks of blissful summer days in the garden. Working geometric motifs into the scheme gives the finished look a modern edge.

30. Layer texture—and rugs—for a cozy space

(Image credit: WellXDesign)

Layering a variety of textures is a surefire way to make a room feel inviting. In this seating area, design firm WellXDesign mixed and matched a smooth velvet sofa with nubby boucle chairs, and a petrified wood coffee table to achieve texture harmony.  On the floor, a wool rug is overlaid on a jute version to create another tactile moment.

31. Give a muted living room a bright spot (or two)

(Image credit: Camden Grace Interiors)

The term 'pop of color' has become a bit of a decorating cliché, but like all clichés, there's good reason for it. Adding a dose or two of color to an otherwise neutral room can turn a pretty space into a memorable one.

If you're looking for a way to liven up white walls and neutral furniture, try on color with bright drapery, throw pillows, and a floral arrangement.  

32. Layer natural tones on natural tones for a calm appeal

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Mixing elegantly crafted contemporary pieces with a serene palette of materials and hues gathered from nature will create calming interiors with a focus on the finer details. 

Timeless living room decor offers respite from the whirlwind of modern life – and with the neutral elements in place, it is easy to play with the balance of your palette as seasons change.

33. Enliven an all white scheme with clever accessorizing

(Image credit: Future / Simon Bevan)

A black cane sofa arranged with palm leaf-motif cushions against plain ochre linen lends an elegant exotic feel to a classic scheme – and it's a look that you can create quickly, and update again by simply swapping out the cushions. 

Dark wood flooring and a table of leafy plants complete the look.

34. Pick mismatched chairs for a relaxed look

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

Don't feel you always have to match everything in your living room – in fact, a mismatch can be charming if the colors you use complement each other.  

Simple utility is given a light and pretty dimension with horticulturally themed decorative flourishes and happily mismatched pattern in schemes that embody relaxed charm.

35. Use checks for a smart update

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

This smart living room decor, which mixes different-sized checks on upholstery, blinds and cushions in a dashing combination of black, white and yellow, gives traditional gingham a refreshing contemporary twist.

36. Focus on flooring 

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Living room flooring sets the scene, so it is a very important starting point for a living room design. ‘Usually, I begin thinking about the hall floor,’ remarks Sean Cochran, creative director, Cochrane Design . 

‘For instance, if I’ve used straight wooden boards along the length of the hall, I might use parquet in the same tone and finish in the living room.’ We have seen a resurgence of interest in wood flooring, so there are now all kinds of parquet styles, extra-wide boards and different finishes available.

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Yellow living room ideas can be really elegant if you combine them with antique pieces and traditional furniture, arranged in considered fashion around a central coffee table to create a classic look. The grand proportions of the room are accentuated by the series of prints hung symmetrically across one entire wall, adding both personality and color to the scheme.

38. Instill purity in your space

(Image credit: Future / Damian Russell)

Going back to basics with your living room ideas is a surefire way to make your living room beautiful. Alongside all the clamor of color, pattern and shape in current interior design, there’s a quieter story of considered, understated forms and textures at their finest. 

Dress your scheme with simple linen or silk, sleek metal, rich wood and polished stone to bring an elegance and timelessness to interiors, placing them above and beyond seasonal fads. Here polished concrete flooring offers a smooth, subdued contrast to organic-shaped furnishings, while a smart grasscloth wall covering lets dramatic artwork do the talking.

39. Add an element of light elegance

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

An antique Persian rug defines the seating areas in this living room. The rich colors of the rug and traditional armchairs add warmth, their formality offset by comfortable couches covered in natural linen to introduce a lighter mood. 

Furniture is symmetrically placed to create a balanced look, while the eye is drawn to the focal point fireplace in this cozy living room.

40. Create interest through scale and texture

(Image credit: Rapture & Wright)

‘Pattern is a great way to introduce character to living room decor,’ explains Bunny Turner, interior designer, Turner Pocock . It can be used to define a space and change the tone of different areas. ‘For example, you might want a bolder pattern on upholstery in a formal living area with a constant pattern used in an adjacent snug.’ 

The key is to start with a fabric that has a striking pattern featuring more than three colors. From that fabric choose the colors to be used in the scheme, then select a combination of designed in that palette, perhaps a stripe, a geometric, a floral and a textural option such as a coarse linen or herringbone.

41. Create a wall feature

(Image credit: Future)

The space above the couch itself can often be forgotten, but it needs just as much attention as other living room ideas. Choose prints that coordinate with the overall scheme of the room and hang in an assortment of matchings frames. Group in odd numbers to create harmony and visual interest, or play around with a symmetrical look to create balance.

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

Go bold and inject color with a mix of textures and prints. If you’ve got a plain backdrop, opt for a vibrant couch, such as a shade of striking blue, and dress it with a collection of contrasting cushions for a real visual feast. And don’t neglect the area under your feet – add a patterned rug to anchor the space.

43. Invest in a rug underfoot

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

A tactile rug on top of a wood floor adds a layer of interest and comfort to a living room. Choose a large rug, so you can position all the furniture on it, rather than half-on, half-off, which is distracting. 

In a large open-plan room, a rug can define the seating area. If there is a signature piece of furniture, for example a blue chair, pick a rug with an accent of blue to make the chair stand out.

44. Let the light in

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

A refined palette or soft colors and pared-back style give this modern family living area by interior designer Cortney Bishop its bright, uncluttered feels. Sinuous living room ideas, such as the curvaceous furniture, accentuate the light mood of this design. 

Note the color punch supplied by the patterned rug, which adds interest and warmth to the room, and the filmy curtains that allow light into the room.

‘A quick and easy way to turn your window into a decorative feature is to introduce trimmings to existing curtains. For patterned curtains find a trim that complements the print and use it to add an interesting border, whilst with a plain fabric you can have a bit more fun, use the trim to create a stripe effect across fabric, creating a unique design feature,' says Hayley McAfee, Design Director, Villa Nova

45. Use lighting for dramatic effect

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Chandeliers and pendants are popular living room lighting ideas for dramatic effect, but they don’t need to be in the center of a room. Try hanging a pendant low over a desk or table, or perhaps three blown-glass spheres suspended at different heights in a corner. Using a pendant is an unusual way can add a fun layer to your lighting scheme.

46. Pick a stand-out piece of furniture

(Image credit: Future)

Just a single piece of living room furniture can transform a living room scheme. It needn't be as bold as the sideboard above – it may be shapely, from a contrasting period (think mid-century in an otherwise country-style space) or it may be its proportions. 

Or, to look at it a different way, it may be that you can add a single, boldly colored piece that's an utter contrast to your living room paint ideas. This will require some bravery, experimentation, and a willingness to admit when you have got it wrong.

47. Keep it neat and tidy

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Modern life requires that the main room of the home fulfil a multitude or functions, so well-planned living room storage is key when designing and planning a living room. Good storage is essential in a family room, and this shelving unit provides generous space for displaying favorite objects, books and photographs, while built-in cupboards and drawers conceal DVDs, games and AV equipment.

48. Make a feature out of a monochrome scheme

(Image credit: Future / Michael Sinclair)

Black and white is ideal for a living space, where you can really go to town with pattern, texture and prints. If a white sofa isn’t practical, then choose a design in charcoal or pewter and layer with throws and cushions in various muted black and white. Plenty of black and white prints and an eye-catching pouf or rug will make a statement, and you can always soften the look with pale tones of grey, beige or creamy whites.

49. Let the floor do the talking

(Image credit: Future)

Introduce pattern and natural character to the home with an ever-popular wood floor. Wood remains an enduring choice for interiors and is wonderfully versatile. An intricately laid parquet combining marquetry and parquetry demonstrates the highest level of craftsmanship in this living room by architectural and interior design company, Point 3 Design . 

Take a light-touch approach with other aspects of the decorating and keep the rest of the scheme neutral to focus the eyes.

50. Take inspiration from nature

(Image credit: Studio Ashby)

Interior designer Sophie Ashby reveals that nature provided the inspiration for this scheme’s welcoming, earthy palette. This is quite a grown-up room, and the seating arrangement reflects this, with a pair of bespoke, classic couches in a sage-green velvet, teamed with a tan daybed. 

‘The palette was inspired by Holland Park in London and features neutral colors: greens, blues, russets, oranges and yellows,’ says Sophie. ‘We started with the rug, which we designed as an ode to the park, incorporating peacock feathers as well as leaf motifs.’

‘When looking at softer aspects within a space, opt for richer colors that can give a sense of warmth. If you are looking for a more trend led design then focus on investing in items with fringing or trims as it adds more depth to the design,’ advises Holly Gannon, Design Manager, Milc Interiors .

51. Unite classic with contemporary elements

(Image credit: Bando / Simon Upton)

Katie Harbison of property development and design studio Banda achieves an elegant mix of modern and mid-century modern living room design in this room. Allow the room’s beautiful proportions and original moldings to shine by keeping the backdrop neutral. 

‘Walls are painted in a subtle grey and the floor is a natural oak, topped with a silky grey rug,’ explains Katie. The sofa’s rounded shape almost embraces the angular coffee table by artist Thomas Markunpoika. Every piece in the room is individual, but together they create a sense of harmony, thanks to their natural colors and subtle textural interest.

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

A plain room can look utterly different if you add in some brave upholstery – here, an otherwise neutral living space has been given a touch of classic glamour with upholstery in broad stripes. 

Decorating with stripes like this can also play with a room's proportions – putting them vertically on upright chairs will make the chairs look taller and narrower, creating a subtle focal point in the room.

53. Be sympathetic to the age of your property

(Image credit: Cleveland)

Work with the age of your home to create a sympathetic living room decor scheme that is both timeless and stylish. To reflect the age of the property, interior design company Sigmar used traditional grey for the walls, providing a contemporary note with pale-green doors and woodwork. 

A stronger color was added with green Kaare Klint Safari chairs and cushions in sea blue tones to create a calm but edgy look. ‘This space was stripped of its Victorian details in the 1960s,’ says designer Ebba Thott. ‘We reinstated cornicing and deep skirting boards, raising the door frames to celebrate the ceiling height.’

54. Give florals a modern twist

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard)

Use the latest foliage and floral motifs to bring uplifting color and decorative interest to your living room ideas. Pair botanicals with dramatically dark walls to give a surprising contemporary twist to a traditional look. Use vibrantly colored upholstery to add further layers of richness.

55. Decorate with a sea of blue

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

Breathe new life into the classic coastal look with a breezy palette of blues, from soft shades of pale through to denim, teal and Breton navy, all complemented by pops of vibrant red.  

Opting for bold, block color, such as azure, denim or sapphire, on upholstery and in rugs allows depth to be added with pattern. 

In this blue living room, a fine ticking stripe and geometric print fabrics provide lively highlights that catch the eye.

56. Mix and match materials

(Image credit: Future / Simon Bevan)

Accents of chalky terracotta, brown and duck egg blue combine beautifully to bring depth to this scheme’s neutral base. Incorporate accessories in a variety of materials, including glass, metal, ceramic and wood, to create a modern look. Soften the scheme with plush upholstery fabrics, which enhance the feel of understated luxury.

57. Create a second focal point with a TV cabinet

(Image credit: Camden Grace Interiors)

If you have both a TV and a fireplace in your living room, they don't have to co-exist. In fact, many interior designer would cringe at the thought of mounting a television above a fireplace. Instead, Connecticut-based Camden Grace Interiors allowed each of these prime living room features its breathing room by building a wall cabinet for the television. The furniture layout is fluid enough to allow either attraction to take center stage. 

58. Introduce wood for warmth

(Image credit: Champalimaud)

If you're looking for living room ideas for a cool space – perhaps one served by north- or east-facing windows that only deliver morning daylight, if at all – it is a wise idea to add warmth to the room with structural materials. You can do this with a wooden floor, wood-paneled walls or wooden ceilings.

Or, of course you can simply add warmth with wooden furniture and complementing colors and textures in other furnishings.

This gorgeous room is by Champalimaud Design in New York.

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

If you are picking out statement living room lighting for a room that doesn't have really high ceilings, ensure your furniture – particularly the coffee table and seating grouped on an area rug beneath the lighting – is low-slung. This will allow the room to breathe and for the lighting to be a focal point without the space feeling crowded.

'Do not be afraid to play with scale when it comes to bespoke statement lighting,' says Natalia Miyar , an LA-based interior architect and designer, who designed the room above. 'There are some wonderful high street options available if you do not have the budget to commission something bespoke. My advice is to not play too safe and use this as an opportunity to have a little fun.'

Architectural lighting is a solution that designers also use to light dark areas, surfaces and to highlight a room's structure. 'Think of the angles in the room and how to light them,' continues Natalia Miyar. 'What you want to achieve is a range of light sources, light should be emitted from various points of the room and at different levels.'

60. Pick a dark wall color – but add touches of light and warmth

(Image credit: Stefani Stein)

Stefani Stein , who runs an interior design studio in LA, specializes in room schemes that are easy to live with but which still create impact.  

This dark living room above typifies her approach – drama in the contrasts, curvaceous furniture that's modern but welcoming and a really traditional feel, despite the modern approach. 

If, like Stefani, you wish to use a dark color on your living room walls to create a cozy, intimate feel, be sure to balance out the darker shades with pale colors, seen here on the sofas, the floor and at the windows – and add a touch of warmth with accent colors in furniture and accessories.

61. Pick an eclectic combination for a welcoming living room

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

London-based interior design studio Kelling Designs love to design rooms that waver between elegance and practicality – and we think this living room encapsulates that perfectly. The eclectic mix of patterns are perfect for weathering busy family life, while adding color, interest and – importantly – warmth to the space. The use of contrasting patterns work because the color palette is complementary, with each subordinate to the couch.  

62. Go for a calm, pared-back look

(Image credit: Future / Michael Sinclair)

Featuring beautifully crafted pieces with cleaner lines than their rustic cousins, this season's take on country style shows perennial favorites in an elegant new light. 

For pared-back living room ideas, upholstered furniture should have a simple silhouette and minimal detailing. To achieve this look, opt for a neat sofa in a plain linen with no buttoning, while loose covers can be made for existing armchairs. Hints of subtle pattern and color can be introduced with soft furnishings.

63. Use a bay window for storage and seating

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day)

Inspired by the timber-clad summerhouses of Scandinavia and New England, this relaxed decorating scheme, which echoes the delicate shades of nature, has been designed to blur the boundary between indoors and out. 

Better still? The window seat provides a pretty focal point, can hide storage beneath a hidden, lift-up lid, and is a wonderful place to perch.

64. Go for contemporary grey

(Image credit: Future/Polly Wreford)

'Grey living room ideas' is one of the most searched for phrases online – but many are really just a whisper away from neutral or beige living rooms, so pale are they. If you want to create a dramatic scheme that's cozy at night, a deep, contemporary grey like the one in this room is a bold but rewarding move.

Be sure to add warmth to the scheme with hotter colors, but choose them to match the depth of the grey so that the look remains modern and so that they can stand up to the grey.

65. Embrace symmetry

(Image credit: De Rosee SA)

Symmetry in interior design is usually introduced to create a balanced, calm space that's perfect for a living room that you want as a retreat. The simplest way to create symmetry is around a fireplace, but you can use a large piece of furniture with matching side tables and lamps for the same effect. 

66. Decorate in a neutral palette 

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

The search for the ideal neutral is not as easy as it would initially appear. Pure whites can often be too stark, while trying to warm it up means possibly straying into magnolia territory. The color wheel is your oyster when it comes to choosing accompanying shades. For a soothing feel, sage or olive are perfect partners, soft browns and whites add elegance, while dusky pinks add subtle vibrancy. 

Here, a nature-inspired palette of cool neutrals provides a beautiful backdrop to a host of raw materials, delicate texture and lush greenery.

67. Pick a palette of primary colors

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

One or two primary colors against a muted palette has an artistic edge. If you are too nervous to go all-out with a primary palette – a single vase or key piece of furniture will suffice.

68. Add an unexpected twist 

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard / Alyce Taylor)

Inspired by carnival in Rio, we are transported to warmer climes with these bohemian living room ideas. Feel the heat with a warming palette of earthy red, spicy coral and sandy yellow mixed with a riot of pattern. A plain curtain fabric is brought to life with a vibrant pattern on the reverse. 

Set against a warm neutral stone backdrop, the warm tones used throughout are layered up for maximum impact, from the curtain fabrics with trim pelmet above, to the pattern-rich sofa, cushions and rug. All the colors and pattern make for a happy and uplifting combination. 

69. Create a conversation area

(Image credit: Jojo Bradley Interior Design)

To give your country living room an atmosphere of warmth and welcome, arrange seating to make conversation – not the TV – the focus.

'In this room, the armchairs and sofas face each other across an upholstered ottoman, on which a tray of drinks or afternoon tea could be placed,' says interior designer Jojo Bradley . 'The comfortable furniture is softened further with cushions that invite you to relax and settle in for a while.'

This type of furniture arrangement works really well for small or larger groups, too. The pair of armchairs with their own side table provide an area for two people to sit and talk together, while the sofas provide additional seating when crowds gather.

70. Introduce an artistic touch with a painterly mural

(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard / Alyce Taylor)

Meandering florals and block-printed patterns are paired with rattans and jewel-like teals for a living scene with a Far East twist – it’s like a gentle stroll through serene Japanese gardens. Warm and cool tones work well together, as here with the contrast of the cool teal blues of the coffee table and sofa, upholstered in rich velvet, set against the rich earthy reds of the wallpaper panel and painted cabinet.

How should I decorate my living room? 

A good starting point for decorating a living room is to think about how many people you need to fit in your space on a regular basis. This will help you to choose the right living room furniture and living room storage.

Your floor plan should consider the room’s layout from a social and practical point of view. Plan seating in groups to ensure conversation flows when you have guests and consider scale and how different pieces will sit together. Seating heights vary so balance is key, but make sure guests are seated at the same level. 

'Not everything has to be two-by-two when it comes to layout,' says interior designer Nina Campbell . 'By combining different styles, colors and finishes you will create an effortlessly eclectic look.'

'Do put together a measured plan of your living room before buying new pieces of furniture to understand the sizes you require,' explains Emma Sims Hilditch, interior designer at Sims-Hilditch . 'That way you will avoid making expensive mistakes.'

In terms of color, your living room should reflect how you want to feel in that space. It is the room in which you will spend the most time in, so it is important to get it right.

Which colors make a living room look bigger?

'White and neutral shades are always the go-to color as they make a small living room look bigger, airier, and more open,' says David Harris, Design Director at Andrew Martin . 

'However, for small space living, you can be more daring. Don’t be afraid of dark and rich colors, like coffee or dark grey, such as or try teal or even orange, for a braver burst of color.' 

These hues bring richness, intimacy and extra depth and make a living room more beautiful whilst allowing you to show personality and flair. Layering these deep rich colors with artwork also adds fantastic texture and interest.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Modern bathroom design ideas for 2020

Where is bathroom fashion headed? We analyzed the stands of the leading sanitary ware and bathroom equipment factories at the latest Salone del Mobile and ISH exhibitions, and studied what Russian and Western designers choose for their projects. In this post, we tell you what modern bathroom design ideas 2020 (photos are attached) are worth betting on.

What colors to decorate the bathroom in: 4 palettes, 3 trendy shades

Tone on tone or monochrome

Assembling finishes, ceramics, furniture, a bathtub and a heated towel rail in a single color is not an easy task, but the game is worth the candle: such combinations look spectacular and instagrammable , and now among the main trends of the year. By the same principle, you can arrange a totally white bath - it's easier.

Achromatic

The boldest trend in this category is all-black bathrooms. However, bathrooms designed in white with shades of gray of different warmth and lightness also have great prospects.

Design: Anastasia Reznichenko

Design: Vladimir Glynin

Design: Desatori

Several active colors of the same strength

They should be complex, contrasting, unbanal. The trend is not only about finishing: manufacturers of sanitary equipment are persistently suggesting that in 2020 they forget about white ceramics and furniture, replacing it with colored products.

If the technique still seems risky, you can choose bright tiles with grout in a contrasting color, and leave everything else neutral.

Design: Tolko Interiors

Design: Maria Novikova

Pastel

Pale pink, soft burgundy, pale blue, sand, ivory - all whitened, muted colors are perfectly combined with each other and will help to make the interior of the bathroom rich, multi-layered.

Design: Ze Workroom Studio

Grey-beige or greige

From the interiors of living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and offices, the fashionable shade (from the English gray + beige = greige) has also spread to the bathrooms.

Design: ANC concepta

Shades of green

• Sage, mint, spruce and other subtle variations of green choose for master bathrooms.
• Emerald, blue-green, marsh and more active, saturated - for guest bathrooms.

Design: Chado architectural studio

Photo: lokoloko.com

Photo: fetro.net

Design: ANC Concept

+ gold

Designers see shades of this metal as the most relevant in the coming seasons.

Warm or cold varieties? Both solutions are valid.

Design: Anton Petrov

Design: Porte Rouge Interiors

Design: RARE Interior Design

Design: Jean Louis Deniot

Trendy bathrooms 2020: 5 trendy finishes

Marble, travertine, onyx, agate

Slabs of natural stone always look expensive, and marble has not lost ground for many years, “shooting out” every season with one or another breed. Judging by the design forecasts, this is for a long time.

Design: Tolko Interiors

Design: Artup Bureau

Design: Oleg Klodt, Anna Agapova

Design: Ksenia Ivanova

Design: Ekaterina Rebrova, Elena Povorova

Tile or plaster for raw surfaces

An effective and trendy way to emphasize the geometry of sanitary ware and furniture.

Photo: home_designing.com

Mosaic inlaid panels

Images of giant flowers and other macro-floristics are at the peak of popularity.

Design: Katerina Bekuh

White tiles + rich color paint or paint only

If you like minimalism.

Bathroom design 2020: trendy sanitary ware and furniture

While the familiar white washbasins, toilets, bidets, cabinets and mirrors are still in demand, colored ceramics and furniture are a key trend for future seasons.

Design: Ceilo

Design: Willeroy & Bocsh

Design: Ceilo

What else is on trend?

• Sanitaryware with natural stone or terrazzo pattern on the surface.

Design: Burowhite

Design: Christina Simonenko, Inna Shapovalova

• Thin walls. Manufacturers are actively experimenting with resins and polymers, creating new materials that are stronger and more ductile than ceramics. Laufen has sapphire ceramics, Antoniolupi has crystalmud, other brands have their own developments. There is only one point: it is these materials of the future that make it possible to produce washbasins, toilet bowls, bidets with fashionable thin walls, impeccable geometry of shapes, and beautiful textures.

Design: Boris Uborevich-Borovsky

Design: Blockstudio

Design: Nina Schubert

• Complex architectural models. An illustrative example of trendy sanitary ware is the Antoniolupi floor-mounted washbasins, as if carved from stone by hand. Plumbing, furniture and bathtubs with three-dimensional geometry on the surface are also popular.

Design: Antoniolupi

Design: Svetlana Dikushina

• Seamless, monolithic forms. If, when looking at the cabinet, it is not clear whether it can be opened at all, and the washbasin is also a towel holder, this is a definite hit in the trend.

Design: Dornbracht

Design: Boffi

• Industrial design. In the living spaces for the loft, the designers noticeably cooled down, but in the bathrooms this style sparkled with new colors. Washbasins “dressed” in metal consoles on wooden countertops, references to technical elements – bathrooms with industrial motifs will be relevant for at least the next few years.

Design: ZeWorkroom Studio

About faucets

As in sanitary ceramics, the lines of faucets and showers have become clearer, more graphic, the choice of finishes and the color palette have become more diverse. At the same time, it is predicted that the most popular options in 2020 will be the models:

• in black,
• minimalist,
• matt.

Design: Alfgram Koie

Design: Archevista Design

Design: Maria Rubleva

Design: Tolko Interiors

The hottest shower faucet feature is splash-free showers: Leading sanitary ware brands are developing shower systems with a gentle drop of water onto the floor surface. The result is a silent shower process, fewer drip marks on the glass, and easier cleaning.

Design: Vladislav Voskresensky

Design: Evgeny Shevchenko, Oksana Zavarzina

Bathtubs: how to choose the most modern model?

Aesthetic stand-alone models with filling through the overflow, sound system and other "gadgets" are still a marker of true chic.

Design: Valentina Khrebtova (Gavrilova)

Design: Maxim Rymar

If the footage does not allow installing a free-standing bathtub - for example, when a bathroom is made out in a small apartment (photo) - the design of a bathroom 2020 with an attached model will turn out to be more organic and functional. A striking example is the Marsiglia, Agape bathtub with a wide front wall or the laconic Happy D.2, Duravit bathtub with rounded outer corners.

Design: Moonarchitectandbuilder

Design: Oleg Klodt

Like trendy sanitary ware, bathtubs strive for subtlety, so the usual acrylic, cast iron and steel are being replaced by quaryl, crystalplant, corian. Baths made from these composite materials are smooth, pleasant to the body, but non-slip, the water in such products does not cool for a long time, and dirt does not stick to the surfaces.

Design: Dmitry and Tatiana Khoroshev

Design: Dornbracht

A separate "trend out of trend" - baths with meaning, their own philosophy, inspired by the era, iconic items, fashion trends. For example, the designer Patricia Urquiola designed the Cuna bathtub for Agape in such a way that the model turned out to be similar to a cradle, and the Vieques bathtub for the same brand was designed to refer to the industrial New York with its appearance, reminiscent of a metal barrel.

Design: Agape

What has lost relevance: 5 anti-trends

Laying tiles from the bottom to the top

Instead: lay it only in wet areas or to the middle, alternating with paint, wallpaper, plaster.

Patchwork tiles

Instead: use tiles with complex geometries.

Design: INT2architecture

Imitation wood in tiles

Instead: use natural wood, combining it with natural stone in large slabs.

Solid Roof Hydromassage Shower Cabins

Instead: Robust impact-resistant shower enclosure.

Design: Domestic Studio

Large, open jets

Instead: inconspicuous jets flush with the surface of the tub or shower.

Design: Teuco

Beautiful Private House Yard Design: 160+ (Photos) Decorations

A well-manicured yard allows you to favorably frame the house, provides a self-presentation and the basis for further impressions. Well thought out and organized yard design and landscaping should complement the natural setting and continue the design of the interior. About everything in more detail later in the article.

Contents:

• 5 The necessary aspects for the landscape
• Makeup ideas in the backyard
• Ideas for the design of the Patio Zone
• Patio
• Ideas for arbors
• 9007) Landscape design of the front yard 9007 95 45 ideas. Trees
• Conclusions
• PHOTO GALLERY (more than 160 photos)

Read also: Modern trendy design of a combined bathroom with a washing machine. TOP 10 space saving ideas + 50 PHOTO

5 must-haves for a landscape

When designing a landscape, it is important to think not only about aesthetics, but also about the contribution you will make to the environment.

Outdoor customization starts with the right landscaping. First of all, answer your questions:

• Do you rarely spend time in the backyard?
• Do you have a dilapidated porch or an old patio?
• Do you hate wasting time and water to maintain a large lawn?
• Don't have room for fun in your backyard?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it looks like you might be ready for a backyard makeover. Get to know the key factors to consider when planning your yard.

Consider the pros and cons when planning your yard

Starting a landscaping project can feel overwhelming at times. But with these five tips, you can design the landscaping and yard you've always wanted, either on your own or with the help of a landscape designer.

Use and Purpose

When you start a landscaping project, the first thing to consider is how you want to use the space. Decide what the purpose or goals of your ideal yard are before making any other decisions.

Popular outdoor uses are as follows:

• entertainment;
• summer kitchen and dining room;
• swimming;
• play area;
• recreation area;
• garden and garden.

Children's active recreation area

Next, you need to think about who will use the space. Will this area be needed to accommodate small children, or will it be primarily an adult shelter? Don't forget to think about pets—animals often dictate landscaping decisions too.

Environment and climate

Now it's time to take inventory. You will want to mark areas such as:

• sunny areas;
• shady areas;
• review;
• wind direction;
• water supply and drainage.

Yard divided into zones

Next, your attention should be turned to the soil. It's important to make sure your soil has the nutrients to support your chosen plant material. Your soil, which may be mostly sand, clay, or gravel, will dictate which plants you should grow. A landscape designer can perform soil tests for you and make soil amendments if necessary.

Planting area

An important factor to consider when choosing plants is the planting area for them. It is determined by climatic conditions such as temperature and rainfall. Knowing your area to plant will help you and your designer choose plants that are suitable for your location and thus more likely to establish.

Choose plants suitable for the climate

Hydrozone

Once you have an idea of ​​what plants will be used, start thinking about how water behaves in your yard. If there are certain areas where water is collected, you will want to create a group of plants that need a lot of water. On the other hand, if there are certain areas where water drains quickly, you'll want to have a group of plants there that like dry conditions. This process is often referred to as hydrozone planting.

Hydrozone Planting

Garden Style

The last thing to think about is the aesthetic appeal and style of your landscaping. Consider the interior and exterior style of your home and try to create unity between home and landscaping. Make an open space that reflects your personality and makes you feel happy and relaxed. For a little inspiration, browse through these garden styles, which include Japanese, modern, cottage, and desert.

Landscape design in the style of Japan

TOP 8 Tips + 200 PHOTOS

Backyard Makeup Ideas

After considering the basic rules of landscape design, move on to landscaping the space. Check out the ideas below for decorating your backyard.

Replace obsolete materials

Solid concrete with brick strips is now often used for this. Make a patio area with concrete, fill with white sand and add a fountain to make it stand out.

Enlarge the patio area

A common backyard mistake is making the patio look too small. When you're working on your backyard makeover, consider extending your patio to accommodate larger furniture and allow for walking around the space.

Patio - useful yard decoration

Re-paving

Plain gray concrete can be pretty boring. Transform your backyard paving to transform the feel of the whole area. When remodeling paving slabs, you have two options: remove the existing pavement, or transform what you have. Create stains and engravings on the concrete path to make it look like natural stone. If you want to remodel an existing paving, you will save money on materials and labor.

Low Cost Garden Paths

Don't let small or awkward spaces limit you

Narrow spaces can be a problem and often end up being unused. However, you can turn a narrow space into a backyard fully equipped for outdoor activities. Creative layout and space-saving techniques can be used to accommodate more options for a small or inconvenient backyard.

DIY your own backyard

You can redo your backyard on your own, without professionals with their resources, if the matter is limited to feasible work. However, this does not include demolition and installation of new landscaping, as this work will take the average homeowner weeks to complete, while a team of professionals can complete it within days.

Lots of ideas to create beauty

Projects that include the installation of running water, gas or electric lines can be further complicated. If you want a fountain, a built-in grill, or lots of lighting, your best bet is to hire a licensed professional. However, for a DIY option that will save you some money, consider planting your own plants. If Make sure you know the requirements for each plant, to choose the best place. Consider also the option of installing a patio area yourself.

See also: Design of a small-sized kitchen with a refrigerator in Khrushchev for 5-6 sq.m. + 190 PHOTOS of real and practical layouts

Patio Design Ideas

Patio is outdoor life. You are likely to spend many hours with friends and family on your patio. Instead of buying a big house, many people are looking to expand their outdoor living space. As a result, the patio area is becoming larger, more luxurious and more protected.

Outdoor patios have become activity centers focused on fun and relaxation. A well-designed patio will not only add extra living space to your home, it will also increase its resale value.

Outdoor Recreation

Since your patio will provide the basis for outdoor living space, it must be solid, well constructed. You can choose from a variety of patio and sidewalk materials. Determine what size, shape, and patio style best suits your needs. Use the information here to start gathering ideas for your new patio.

It's time to stop thinking of your patio as just a place to spend time outdoors. It can serve as a hub for a variety of functions, including dining, cooking, socializing, and relaxing. The style of your patio will change depending on what features you want it to feature.

See also: DIY home decor ideas from improvised materials. Refreshing the interior + 125 PHOTOS

Concrete patios

The durability and versatility of concrete makes it an excellent choice for paving patios. A concrete patio has many advantages over corrugated board and other surfaces.

Concrete courtyard patio

Benefits of concrete patios:

• High strength.
• Low maintenance.
• Adaptable to any style.
• Can be poured into any shape.

Decor options:

• Colored concrete. There are several ways to paint concrete, including contrasting, integrating, solid and liquid painting methods (used in combination with embossing) and full coloring.
• Embossed Concrete - The surface of your specific patio can be embossed to create a texture that mimics stone, brick or other materials.

Embossed Stone Colored Concrete

If you already have a patio that is cracked or dirty, it can be cleaned with concrete. Concrete sanding will make your patio look like new. A reclaimed concrete patio can be painted and stamped.

Another strong trend is to integrate plants into places where expansion joints would otherwise be located. They help create a more breathable surface and dilute the vast structure with greenery. It is not uncommon to use artificial turf in these areas, especially in areas where moisture needs to be maintained.

Grass between joints to keep moisture

Are concrete patios prone to cracking?

Concrete is good for warm climates that don't experience the extreme cold and thaw cycles of northern regions that cause uncontrolled cracking. Other factors can also lead to cracking.

See also: How to beautifully decorate a room, apartment or house on a child's birthday with your own hands + 180 PHOTOS of Family holidays

Gazebo ideas

Gazebos and other shade structures are another way to enjoy nature, even if conditions outside are not the best. In the hot summer, you can relax and have fun outdoors without being exposed to sunstroke. Shady structures also extend the season into autumn and winter. If your structure is built with a solid roof or even insulated walls, you can enjoy a calm winter morning while sipping your tea without the worry of rain or snow.

Cozy gazebo for summer holidays

Types of shade buildings

Gazebos are an autonomous structure, organically placed in the landscape. They can stand on the path and define a space for a walk, or they can designate a patio area or outdoor entertainment space. A pergola usually has open sides, as well as a slatted or solid roof.

Landscape Pergolas

Patio structures are similar to pergolas, except they are attached to the house. This can be an advantage because a patio area can use the house for support and therefore can cost less than a structure on its own.

Octagonal gazebos with a solid roof are most often used in traditional landscape gardening areas. They can be an attractive addition if the style of the surrounding landscape works with the structure.

Traditional landscaping

A canvas canopy is a modern way to get sun relief. The fabric is stretched across specially designed poles to accent and cover a seating area or patio. A canvas canopy looks great with the straight lines and simple geometry used in contemporary homes and doubles as a decorative and artistic part of the landscape.

Tarpaulin shed for pergola

A net terrace is built right outside the house, usually at the back door for easy access. Instead of glass windows, she has large nets that keep out insects. The netted terrace is great for dining as you get a quality outdoor experience without intruders.

A sun room is also being built right next to the house. Since it can be fully insulated and built with double panel windows, it is a four season structure that acts as an addition to your home. The sun room is completely weatherproof so you can watch birds and wildlife in comfort even in winter. The sun room is really different from the rest of your home in that it has many windows that enhance the outside view.

See also: Do-it-yourself landscape design for a garden. TOP 9 styles to know about + 185 PHOTOS

Terrace decor

No matter what size backyard you have, you can make the most of the available space and live the dream. Here are some simple DIY landscaping ideas to make a great outdoor space that you can enjoy day and night.

Customize your space with decking

There's nothing better than a new terrace to turn your backyard into an outdoor living room or the perfect party space. It's an easy and affordable way to expand your living space that will last for many years, and with a little know-how, you can build it yourself.

Terrace room with decking

There are several options for decking material. In addition to traditional wooden decking, there is an environmentally friendly alternative. Composite decking can be made from recycled plastic, which is durable, easy to install and maintain, and resistant to rot and pests.

Build With Beams

Eco Beams

You can shape your backyard to any size and give it a natural, earthy look with treated pine beams. Treated pine beams are resistant to decay, fungus, and pests, making them one of the most versatile, easy-to-use, and hard-wearing landscape materials on the market. They can be used to create a retaining wall, a stepped garden, a flower bed, or as a border along your garden beds.

Space with retaining walls

Retaining walls are a great way to create interesting steps to decorate your backyard. You can use them to create a raised garden to surround your entertaining space or make a quiet corner to relax. Retaining walls are also a good way to smooth out areas of sloped block and add extra space for kids to play or for you to have fun. Depending on the look you want, retaining walls can be made from logs or treated pine sleepers. Use purpose-built wall retaining materials that are interlocking, durable, and available in a range of colors.

Custom Paving

You can bring real definition to your backyard and create a great look with paving stones. In addition, it will be an easy project that you can do yourself. Paving stones make a solid base for your outdoor entertainment area, or you can make a walkway through your garden. There are various colors and paving designs on the market to suit any backyard, from concrete textured, panel and sand paving.

Easy and Convenient Yard Cover

Add Color and Texture with Pebbles

Pebbles are an easy way to bring color and texture to your backyard. You can use it to fill in empty spaces in garden beds, or as ground cover to complement a paved or deck area.

For a clean decorative look, you can use pebbles to create a border or landscape path. There are many colors and styles to choose from in white, blue, orange, red, green, lime, silver or gold. Using the same colored pebbles, you can create solid areas or mix colors to create a more vibrant look.

Bright flowerbed with pebbles

See also: How to decorate a house for the new year 2019 beautifully with your own hands. The fairy tale is all around us + 180 PHOTOS

Front yard landscaping

When it comes to front yard landscaping, you'll want to think about what features of your home will be highlighted, as well as how you can turn it into an open space that will be actively used. If you want to spend relaxing time there, then privacy will be a key factor. Privacy can be created with a wall or hedge.

Gain a new perspective

Before choosing a project, look at your landscape with fresh eyes and from a wider perspective. We are so used to our landscape that it can be difficult to determine what others might see. There are two easy tricks to see the landscape from a new perspective. When using both of these methods, the goal is to forget what you think of your landscape and instead see what actually exists.

The first is an old artist's trick. Get far enough away from your landscape so that you can see everything at once. Then squint your eyes until the picture blurs and try to clear your memory.

“Paint” your picture to create a landscape

There may be areas that become dark and overgrown with a blurry look. Some areas may look dirty because there are too many small plantings, statues or pots. Or, you might have an area that is bright and clean, but a bit too empty. All of these ideas can give you a general idea of ​​which projects to tackle first.

The second technique you can use to give your landscape a new look is to take black and white photographs of your landscape design. By adding color, you can make a familiar space feel new, so you can see it with objective eyes. Most digital cameras these days have a black and white setting, so it's easy to do even if you're not a techno-genius.

Define the boundaries and add mulch

Clean edges deceive the eye, making the landscape neat and tidy. If the lawn has crept into the flower beds in the garden and created a jagged line, then defining a border can improve the look of the entire landscape.

Start by laying out a garden hose to define the new boundary. Don't make the beginner's mistake by creating a wavy "drunken snake" line. Instead, make wide curves that scale to the size of your home. Then use a hoe to trim the grass until you have a clean, attractive line.

Define a nice mulch line

Once you've established a neat border, add a layer of wood chip mulch for a sophisticated look. The bright color is attractive, smooths out uneven ground surfaces, and generally gives the landscaping a professional finish.

Trim huge bushes

If the plant is clearly not meant to be a hedge, it should be trimmed. Otherwise, there will be a feeling that the service is out of control.

Trim the shrub at the base, removing any branches that are 15 cm from the ground. This gives a more open look and works wonders on Rhododendrons and other shrubs that can appear gloomy and overwhelming when spreading across the ground.

Neat backyard shrubs

Another good task is to carefully trim any plant that touches the house. Plants that lean on the house can cause paint cracking as well as mold and ants. Trimming the plants 20 to 30 cm from the house will give the landscaping a more open look, as well as give you the opportunity to wash the house or touch up if necessary.

Read also: DIY Office - How to Decorate Beautifully and Originally for the New Year of the Rat 2020 (180+Photo Ideas)

45 Trendy Front Yard Ideas

Modern front yard designs rely more on a minimalist and desert look. Volumetric forms and an abundance of color have disappeared. The modern look consists of clean lines, earthy colors, the creative use of stone, and the absence of atypical colors.

Stairs and Paving Stones

We are seeing a move away from hard tops in favor of patterned paving stones interspersed with round stones.

Decorating the runway with decorative materials

Horizontal Railing

The lines are more pronounced with a clean horizontal railing. Aluminium, vinyl, steel, and wood are popular materials for trendy vegetable gardens.

Metal parts

The idea of ​​a metal house number plate is modern, clear typefaces that are made of brass, aluminum or chrome. Simple and stylish.

Grass cutouts

These are pavements covered with grass gaps to allow the grass to grow right under your feet. Traditional white or light-colored patio paving stones combined with green give a clearer view of the courtyard.

Yard Grass Path

Garden Cinder Blocks

Gardening is still a big deal in both front yards and back yards, although it has become more restrained. If you love flowers, use block gardening, which introduces an interesting and new dimension.

As flower pots

Large pots

Large plant pots are very noticeable among modern facade courtyards. The bigger they are, the better. The main shapes are round, square, cylindrical or conical.

An interesting solution for the garden

Stone and succulents

The use of large and small stones is common among modern front yards. And what grows and looks best with stones? Succulents!

Succulents in landscaping

Wall garden

Don't limit your gardening to the ground. Picturesque wall gardens are eye-catching, innovative and look like the centerpiece of a front yard.

Clusters of color

Many modern front yards still include many colorful flowering plants. Keep them under control and in a good color ratio to avoid a messy look. Plants that require less time work well.

Garden planting colors

Illuminated paths

Illuminated paths define and enhance your front yard design. It is also expedient and attractive.

Fence and bench combination

It's time to replace the sleek iron seats in favor of more discreet, integrated nooks and crannies. And if they are made in the same technique with a perimeter fence, this will make the design the most harmonious.

Stone Bench and Fence

Minimalist Fencing

Enclose your front yard with a subdued and minimalist fencing. No more grandiose curls, monograms and bright colors.

Green and white combination

Contemporary front yards decorated in natural tones. White hydrangeas against lush greenery make your front yard pop.

Green and white combinations of plants

Combination of stone and wood

Back to basics. Rough stone and wood planks give character to the clean lines of modern front yards.

Terrace gardening

Don't let uneven façade get in the way of creating a beautiful front garden. Make it work for your space: For a sloping surface, the idea of ​​a stepped garden with a terrace will do.

Red pots for plants

Bright red pots against quiet earthy flowers look defiant and striking. Use them when you want to divert attention to certain areas.

Bright planters in the garden

Modern pergola

Arbors are romantic and charming. Create a modern minimalist pergola to suit your garden.

Stone with stone

Modern front yard designs use many natural elements. The various irregularities and textures of the stones are best shown together.

DIY rock bed

Ornamental onion charm

Plants in today's front yards are structured and strong in character. The decorative bow has height, shape and color: ideal for front yards.

Black flowerpots

Modern outdoor pots have become large, shaped and basic bold colors - especially black.

Amazing solution for plants

Wooden fence for succulents

A rich, dark wood that will shade and even out dark green succulents well.

Ancient Greek Amphora

Make your yard attractive with the Ancient Greek Amphora decoration. Use the sculpture as a central focal point for your front yard.

Amphora for individual design

Combination of black and green

The combination of black and green is interesting and expressive. Black makes green more fresh and vibrant.

Wooden and bamboo front

The basic, classic and minimalist look of bamboo brings a touch of Japan to your home.

Wooden facade of the house

Four seasons garden

Four seasons garden is a selection of those plants that become expressive in different seasons, making the composition interesting in any season. You may need the services of a landscape designer to properly place the landscaping.

Horsetail hedge

River horsetail is suitable for hedges, accent walls or as a decoration on its own. A vibrant green hue, clean vertical stems and black details create a striking design.

Equipped Water Spring

Transform an unobtrusive garden tap into a creative project. It will serve its purpose, but it will be complemented by a wonderful design.

Outdoor washbasin as a landscaping element

Corner gardening

Dedicate one corner of the yard to gardening. This option keeps most of the yard spacious and uncluttered, creating an interesting nook.

Lighted Plants

Placing strategic lighting on plants and pots around the garden will illuminate your front yard and highlight places and features.

Metal pots

Add a futuristic touch to your front yard with metal pots in chrome, silver, copper or gold.

Outdoor metal planter

Low fence

Highlight your pavement and good looks with a low fence.

Slim plants

The right combination of slim plants softens the harsh lines of modern front yard designs.

Thin graceful lines with the help of plants

Water and fire

Opposites attract and the new trend of refinement becomes proof of this phenomenon. Increasingly, designers are choosing a combination of fire and water to create focal points. Add a fire tandem to your yard to express your individuality.

Form and Submissiveness

Contemporary front yard designs include clean lines, clear patterns and sharp shapes. Foliage is tamed, plants are structured, all areas are distributed.

Fence without gate

Increasingly modern front yards do not have gates. The strategic placement of the fences provides the necessary privacy and girth.

Freedom for front yard space

Creative centers

Miniature structures suitable for small yards. The combination of rock, water and greenery in a large pot will spice up the garden.

Wood, stone and water

Connect the three most basic elements of nature for a profitable, classic and expressive courtyard. Add some green spots to complete the landscape.

Light Paving Stones

When you have a bright home to showcase, let your front yard be a complementary backdrop with large, light colored paving stones.

Granite pavers to house design

Expressiveness of stone

The few designs of a modern front yard should be interesting, textured and as close to nature as possible. Make them out of stone to add some amazing features to the corners.

A garden without flowers

A garden without flowering plants

Very often in modern front yards there are no flowering plants.

Green and white facade

If your house has a white or light facade, make the yard completely green. Green vegetation is the best scene to showcase the white house. Vary shades and shapes for a more interesting look.

Herbaceous Perfection

Bring in a wide variety of herbs to evoke the beauty of wild grasslands. Keep your garden tidy as this style can easily look unkempt.

Plant every corner of the space

Dark Wood Fencing

Wood and faux wood fencing is attractive, trendy and modern. Don't use paint, choose bare or lacquered wood to show natural patterns.

Creative Lighting

Forget poles, colored fairy lights and spotlights. Innovative garden lights are bold and large.

Choose your luminaire to match your garden style

A nod to Japan

Japanese gardens are the epitome of minimalist garden design. Bring some Japanese inspiration into your front yard with wooden squares, water features, and footstools.

See also: How to stylishly and beautifully decorate the Christmas tree for the New Year 2018? What toys do you need to have? (175+ Photos)

Trees

The key to choosing a tree for your front yard should be its understated appeal. The right tree can transform a front yard by adding structural interest, seasonal color, shade and scale. The best tree choice for your front yard depends on factors including your climate, the space you have available, your landscape preferences, and the orientation of your landscape.

Trees for Small Spaces

When choosing a tree for a small front yard, look for a pattern that will create a focal point without dominating your home or landscape. There are many small or dwarf varieties of trees that will not grow above 8 meters but have eye-catching traits that more than make up for their lack of growth, such as interesting leaf shapes and unique branch directions. Good options include dogwood, Japanese maples, cherry trees, and purple plum.

Ornamental trees for small spaces

Flowering trees

Flowering trees will give your front yard a welcome splash of color after a long winter, often before the rest of the landscape comes alive. The effect will be similar to the shape of a vase full of flowers, providing a temporary but vibrant splash of color and an intoxicating fragrance. Many flowering trees also provide multi-season interest, producing bright berries and vibrant fall foliage such as cherry blossoms, myrtle, apple trees, and oriental redbells.

Shade

Planting shade trees in front of your home can block the harsh morning and afternoon sun from pouring into your windows, keeping you cool during the summer. The dense canopy of their leaves also slows the evaporation of water from lawns and garden beds. Shade trees come in all shapes and sizes, but fast-growing varieties deliver their benefits sooner. Examples include red maple, oak, poplar, birch, ash.

Slender birch near the house

For autumn foliage

Every front yard should have at least one tree that provides dazzling fall color, with leaves that seemingly turn to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red or purple overnight. Some trees, such as the sugar maple, will produce a kaleidoscope of color, from yellow to orange and finally to red.

Evergreen

While many deciduous trees will reward you with spring and autumn colors, their glory often fades in winter after the leaves have fallen, leaving you with a lifeless landscape. Almost any front yard can benefit from the year-round color and sculptural beauty of conifers.

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Conclusions

Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, needle colors and textures, conifers can transform a snow-covered front yard into a winter wonderland. You can place small evergreens in pairs in containers to create a formal entrance. Popular coniferous varieties: Alberta spruce, juniper, thuja and blue spruce.

VIDEO: Landscaping of a private courtyard

Everything you need to know about landscape design

Decorating the courtyard of a private house

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PHOTO GALLERY (more than 160 photos)

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Landscaping of stunning courtyards

Such beauty cannot leave anyone indifferent.

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