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31 Living Room Ideas from the Homes of Top Designers

Decorating

Find inspiration in the stylish living spaces of the world’s top talents

The world’s famed designers create exquisite interiors for their clients, but what about the spaces they fashion for themselves? For these sought-after professionals, their own homes are places to express their personal tastes and experiment with new trends, showcase bold patterns, and display treasured art and antiques. We’ve gathered a selection of the elegant and inspiring living rooms of decorators and architects whose residences have appeared in the pages of AD, each filled with smart and stylish ideas for your own design project. From over-the-top grandeur to sleek modernism, see the stunning spaces where the world’s top talents entertain and relax.

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1

Treasure-Filled Living Room

Frank Frances Studio

Anyone can make a sleek living room appear warm and welcoming—all it takes are some thoughtful accessories. In this Brooklyn townhouse, Ishka Designs packed on the charm with intriguing ceramics and eye-catching artwork. The result? A living room that hits that sweet spot between luxe and lived-in.

2

Shape-Shifting Living Room

Stephen Kent Johnson

Move over, boxy armchairs and rectangular sofas: Furniture with an atypical silhouette is a surefire way to give those living room essentials some visual intrigue. The design duo at Ashe Leandro spruced up a Park Avenue pad with a curvy lounge chair from Move Mountains as well as a bulbous custom sofa that’s upholstered in Rose Uniacke wool.

3

Height-Defiant Living Room

Yoshihiro Makino

If James Williams and Jonno Burden’s living room is any indication, the only way to go really is up. The duo accented their 30-foot-tall ceiling with two clusters of custom light pendants, drawing the eye upward and creating a light, airy space in the process.

4

Mirror Marvel Living Room

Stephan Julliard

Want to dress up bare walls but traditional artwork feels overplayed? Consider dousing your space in decorative mirrors—just as Jacques Grange did in this Portuguese pad. Not only does this woven arrangement add some character to this spacious room, but the number of reflective spaces also helps bounce the light around just right.

5

Textural Living Room

Joshua McHugh

Repeat after us: A neutral-tinged living room can be anything but boring. If you need any convincing, have a look at this relaxed space by Cochineal Design. Here, a rich array of light wood, cream bouclé upholstery, and high-contrast art offers a more nuanced take on the pared-back palette.

6

Plaid-Peppered Living Room

Stephen Kent Johnson

Another way to hit the refresh button on a neutral palette? Add a few patterns into the mix. In this downtown New York City home, a sea of browns, creams, and black is energized with a set of vintage chairs in a Sandra Jordan alpaca plaid.

7

Hip and Hanging Living Room

Read Mckendree, from Workshop/APD Homes: Architecture, Interiors, and the Spaces Between, Rizzoli New York, 2022.

Take the phrase “sitting pretty” to a whole new level—literally—by incorporating a swinging seat. Design firm Workshop/APD made the most of this family residence by juxtaposing a hanging chair from Juniper Home and a low-slung, double-sided sofa. This power playing makes the living room appear even brighter and airier than it already is.

8

Repetitive Living Room

Chris Mottalini

Why settle for one cocktail table and one couch when you can enjoy a few? The multiple furniture pieces in this Manhattan apartment give the living room an upscale, gallerylike atmosphere, while keeping it conducive to your and your guests’ needs.

9

A Ray of Sunshine Living Room

Genevieve Garruppo

Die-hard maximalists will find the perfect compromise in this smile-inducing Hamptons home, which offsets a neutral palette with pops of yellow and a rainbow-hued painting by Kenneth Noland. “I wanted the room to feel as though you could sit in it on your own and read the newspaper or have a family game night—or host a killer cocktail party,” designer Alec Holland explains.

10

Monochromatic Living Room

Kelly Marshall

Want a punchy-yet-pared-back palette and neutrals just aren’t doing it? Reimagine your living room with a bolder hue as seen in director Mara Brock Akil’s Los Angeles home. With a Vladimir Kagan sofa, an Art Deco rug, and paint sourced from Portola Paints, this West coast–area room looks at life through rosé-colored glasses.

11

Party-Ready Living Room

Stephen Kent Johnson

Be the host with the most by adding a wet bar to your living room—and making it a sight for sore eyes too. In this 1957 Pacific Palisades abode, which was restored by Studio Shamshiri, the lineup of libations is dressed up in technicolor tiles from Emmanuel Boos.

12

Hard-Meets-Soft Living Room

Stephan Julliard

What’s a person to do if their already-modern living room feels a smidge stony? Soften things up with a plush area rug. A wool and silk layer by Jan Kath lends a homey feel to the industrial-leaning living room from Raëd Abillama.

13

Haute Hearth Living Room

Read McKendree

Oftentimes, the most practical elements of a living room can become the most visually intriguing. In this Woodstock home, design firm White Webb transformed the fireplace into a mega-moment by covering the hearth and surrounding ceiling in shou sugi ban cypress. An assortment of angular furniture—layered in tactile textiles—gives the rustic fireplace a more contemporary edge.

14

Community-Centric Living Room

Matthieu Salvaing

Whether you have a chill night in with your family or invite your inner circle to your personal quarters, congregation is at the heart of every living room. That’s exactly why it’s so fitting that architect Christina Seilern peppered this Greek living room with a built-in bench, complete with upholstery and pillows by Kalyvianakis Dimitrios. And, thanks to the indoor-outdoor quality, this living room makes it possible to kick back, relax, and watch the gorgeous landscape.

15

Oversize-Art Living Room

Richard Powers

Since bare white walls can veer toward “sterile” territory, liven up your room’s perimeter with some oversize art, as Ike Kligerman Barkley did in a Bridgehampton, New York, residence. The large piece over the low-slung sectional brings a lived-in, layered effect to the living room; however, the abstract shapes featured offer a hint of modernity.

16

Laid-Back Living Rooms

Tim Lenz

One of the best things about today’s living rooms is they don’t have to be too stuffy or precious. In fact, Augusta Hoffman specifically enlisted a pair of Blasco Clichy swivel chairs to up this Upper East Side apartment’s chill factor. “I love the chairs because they bring in an element of casualness that my client was looking for as a younger person who enjoys having people over to watch movies and hang out,” Hoffman says. “It doesn’t have to feel so sophisticated all the time.”

17

Depth-Defying Milan Living Room

Helenio Barbetta/Living Inside

Milanese architect and designer Hannes Peer took this Italian living area to new heights—literally—by drawing inspiration from the Alps. The low-slung furniture—which includes a brown leather couch from B&B Italia and a vintage daybed—deftly balances out the high, slatted wood accents.

18

Maximalist Chicago Living Room

Thomas Loof

Anyone who has a more-is-more aesthetic will find a lot to love about this zesty prewar apartment in Chicago. Designer Summer Thornton doubled down on boldness with jewel-toned seating, a pair of pendants from Urban Electric Co. , and a sweet wallcovering by de Gournay.

19

Moody New York Living Room

Joshua McHugh

This Upper West Side apartment single-handedly proves that the dark side has plenty of perks. Designer Kevin Dumais created a space that’s equal parts handsome and homey with a plethora of textures. The suede wallpaper by Holly Hunt, custom ottoman, and Daniel Wenger lounge chair give this space the tactile treatment.

20

Fun French Living Room

Pierrick Verny

Craving some much-needed pops of color? Take a cue from lighting designer Marie-Lise Féry’s French abode. Swathed in Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray, this room features a velvet Christophe Delcourt sectional and candy-coated Magic Circus Éditions lamp, offering a grown-up take on a rainbow palette.

21

A Living Room with Seating a-Plenty

Amy Neunsinger

As this Hollywood Hills living room—which was designed by firm Nickey Kehoe for Suzanne Goin—proves, you can never have too many seats. This Spanish-style space pairs the original Douglas fir-beamed ceiling with a cornucopia of sofas and armchairs, all of which are from the designers.

22

Pattern-Packed Palm Beach Living Room

Douglas Friedman

Embrace your bold streak with strategically placed patterns. In this Palm Beach villa, Mark D. Sikes turned this living room into a delightfully whimsical retreat with a hypnotic array of prints. But since each repeat boasts a similar blue-and-white scheme, the room is eye-catching, not over-the-top.

23

Cinematic Living Room

Roger Davies

If movie nights in are your top priority, you’ll love this space that Kovac Design Studio created for Hollywood agent Todd Feldman. The spacious great room boasts a custom motorized screen, creating a floating home theater. A sectional by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, RH, Restoration Hardware cocktail table, and a rug from Armadillo make this the perfect place to Netflix and chill.

24

St. Petersburg Living Room

Mikhail Loskutov

Looking for a red-hot living room idea? Consider making the fireplace the focal point of the room—just as Tim Veresnovsky did in this St. Petersburg apartment. The oak-paneled hearth is flanked by a Sergei Khrabrovsky sofa, vintage leather armchair, and Zara Home side table.

25

Tropical Living Room

Kris Tamburello

Make your living room feel like an otherworldly oasis, just as Fawn Galli did in this Boca Raton retreat. From a rattan cocktail table by India Mahdavi to a half-moon shape Lejeune sofa—which is swathed in Dedar velvet and Scalamandre’s Maquis Tapestry Agave repeat—this space offers vacation vibes around the clock.

26

Shape-Shifting Living Room

Ema Peter

For a pared-back way to make your living room pop, play with different shapes. When decorating this Vancouver pad for a mother-daughter duo, PlaidFox’s Ben Leavitt featured an angular, 1970s-inspired chimney breast in red- and pink-toned Mutina tiles. Rounding out the room is a custom curvaceous couch and leather ottoman from Moroso.

27

Modern Midtown Living Room

Douglas Friedman

For an easy (yet effective!) way to rack up the compliments, consider adding a punchy couch to a neutral space. Here, Dorothy Berwin added a bright red sofa from Francis Sultana to a high-contrast space.

28

Mix-and-Match Living Room

Carmel Brantley

Why settle for one design style when you can enjoy a few? In this Palm Beach abode, designer Caroline Rafferty juxtaposed a 20-foot-long white sofa from CB2 with contemporary art and an antique cocktail table designed by Pierre Jeanneret. The crisp palette and jolts of primary colors strike a happy balance between subtle and statement.

29

True Blue Living Room

Simon Upton

It’s no wonder that the living room packs the “wow” factor of this apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Designer Stephen Sills paired the bright Lee Jofa wallcovering with a Louis XIV marble mantel and antique French chairs draped in a Clarence House silk.

30

Chic London Living Room

Stephan Julliard

Decades after its last refurbishment in 1991, a well-known Kuwaiti family enlisted designer Nebihe Cihan to spruce up their charming London flat. Cihan used sculptural details and a jewel-toned sofa from Minotti to give the space a modern edge—without stripping it of its rich history.

31

Relaxed Upper West Side Living Room

Brittany Ambridge

Danielle Colding achieved her signature “cozy cool” look in this prewar apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The crisp white living room is anchored by a sofa from Jayson Home and a Papilio chair, creating an oasis of simplicity, ease, and eclecticism.

32

California Coastal Living Room

Trevor Tondro Photography

When Kim Alexandriuk was tasked with designing a family’s vacation home in Montecito, California, she sought to highlight many of the space’s European features. In the living room, she added a Paola Navone sofa and a slipper chair by Paul Marra Design to play off the extravagant fireplace.

33

Star-Studded Living Room

Miguel Flores-Vianna

Designer Isabel López-Quesada refreshed this charming Madrid apartment—which the actress Ava Gardner used to call home—with soft, romantic details. Highlights include sofas reimagined in Brochier velvet, Pierre Paulin’s Mushroom chairs, and artwork by Donna Huanca.

34

Cozy Upstate Living Room

Stephen Kent Johnson

Three years after a fire broke out in the back of his home, designer Shawn Henderson restored his upstate New York space to be a soothing escape from the big city. This petite living room is undeniably serene, thanks to a Kaare Klint sofa, a chair by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, and a versatile cocktail table courtesy of Frits Henningsen.

35

Hudson Valley Living Room

Frank Frances

Sheila Bridges took her Hudson Valley, New York, living room to new heights (literally) with a mobile she co-designed with Elizabeth Parker. Rounding out the room is a Hammertown Barn sofa, a vintage side table, and a fireplace by Ortal.

36

Refined Upper East Side Living Room

Francesco Lagnese

Designer Tom Scheerer added some uptown opulence to this Manhattan apartment with a 1950s Danish desk by Jacob Kjaer and textiles from Holland & Sherry, Borderline, and Kravet. With a neutral backdrop—as well as the occasional pops of green and blue—this living room is both elegant and eclectic.

37

Modern California Living Room

G L Askew II

Designer Ernest de la Torre updated this Tudor-style home in Bel Air—which was built by Hollywood architect Paul R. Williams in 1934—with modern panache. A vintage Jean Royère chair and a rug by Edward Fields soften the sleek space.

38

Art Nouveau Living Room

Francesco Dolfo

When restoring her apartment in Tbilisi, Georgia, interior designer Eka Papamichael juxtaposed the space’s rich Art Nouveau architecture with a vintage cocktail table, a Murano glass ceiling pendant, and sofas by Gervasoni.

39

Bold & Bright Living Room

Fabien Charuau

Srila Chatterjee and Mahesh Mathai put their bold aesthetic on full display in their Mumbai living room. The vibrant purple walls are paired with flea-market finds, a tiger sculpture from Kerala, and a custom ottoman and chairs.

40

Muted California Living Room

Roger Davies

Blending two distinctly different styles in one space is a tall order. When newlyweds asked Natasha Baradaran to decorate their Santa Monica, California, home, she filled the living room with various textiles in an easy, neutral color palette. The result? The perfect compromise between bohemian and Art Deco.

41

Sophisticated Milan Living Room

Andrea Ferrari

Being neck-deep in a gut renovation—in the midst of the pandemic, no less—can feel overwhelming. However, Dimorestudio’s Emiliano Salci turned his new Milan apartment into a theatrical abode. He furnished his pigmented living room with antique finds as well as pieces from his home-furnishings brand, Dimoremilano.

42

Classic-Meets-Cool Living Room

Christopher Stark

When designing his San Francisco home, Antonio Martins took a trip down memory lane for inspiration. From a gallery wall of 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century portraits to the sleek RH, Restoration Hardware cocktail table, his living room bridges the gap between old and new.

43

Hotel Lobby–Esque Living Room

Alanna Hale

As the mogul behind 1 Hotels and the Baccarat Hotel, Barry Sternlicht brings a well-appointed eye to his hospitality ventures. So it’s only fitting that his personal residence follows suit. Sternlicht gives his Miami Beach living room the first-class treatment with a Jean de Merry armchair, side tables from MS Ceramic Design, and a sofa covered in Loro Piana fabric.

44

Fun and Feminine Living Room

Gianni Franchellucci

When Lucinda Loya was tapped to design fashion model Maya Henry’s London flat, she wanted to fill the cold space with plenty of personality. From the fringed Munna chairs to a candy-coated color palette, this living room feels feminine and edgy in equal measure.

45

Art-Filled Hamptons Living Room

David Benjamin Sherry

Furniture doubles as art in this Hamptons home. A white sofa matching the wall and floors sets the stage for cream vintage Joe Colombo chairs that flank a custom Marmoreal coffee table. The Egan Frantz artwork spans the length of the sofa.

46

California Casual Living Room

Chad Mellon

Exposed beams, a plaster fireplace, and wrought iron door frames create a Mediterranean vibe in this Newport, California home. A mix of cream upholstery with wood furniture and floors looks elegant but not fussy.

47

High-Contrast Living Room

Christopher Stark

An accent wall made of dark charcoal tiles boldly stands out in this elegant Mill Valley living room. Deep blacks complement warm whites with gold accents to create a glamorous scheme.

48

Limestone Living Room

James Merrell

Modern updates like industrial lighting and a polished cement floor create an eclectic aesthetic in this old-word living room. Cube-shaped poufs and linen-upholstered Bergère chairs add softness and texture.

49

Glam Chicago Living Room

Tony Soluri

A sophisticated, neutral living room in Chicago's historic Palmolive building features a clever mix of antiques and vintage finds, which create a sense of balance.

50

Palm Beach Living Room

Douglas Friedman

A 1920s Palm Beach home, owned by art adviser Heidi McWilliams, serves as the perfect backdrop for displaying her impressive collection. The living room is furnished with claret armchairs (right) and a hexagonal table by Rose Tarlow Melrose House, along with a neutral rug by Patterson Flynn Martin. An Anish Kapoor mirrored wall sculpture accentuates the 16th-century Italian limestone mantel, and the coffered ceiling, which is original, adds character to the room.

51

Minimalist Living Room

Courtesy of Kara Mann

Kara Mann's Chicago living room is a lesson in minimalist design. A pair of white chairs complement the marigold-colored rug by Miyabi Casa. The floors are large-scale limestone tiles.

52

Serene Ibiza Sitting Room

James Merrell

This Ibiza living room features local-limestone floors covered in custom Spanish esparto rugs from Antonia Molina. Walls covered in a sandy lime plaster, and a wood-beam ceiling set a rustic tone in the living room. Custom sofas are by Atelier Tapissier Seigneur and the curtains are in a quilted Braquenié fabric; the Oeil cocktail table by Pierre Chapo is vintage, the lacquered-coral sculpture is by Maurizio Epifani, and the painting over the mantel is by Alex Katz.

53

Amanda Seyfried's Living Room

Stephen Kent Johnson

A former barn now serves as guest quarters at actress Amanda Seyfried’s weekend retreat in the Catskills region of New York. In the living area, the sofa is by West Elm, the wool rug is by Restoration Hardware, the flooring is reclaimed oak, and the wall is painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove; the photograph is by Sarah Bailey.

54

Jewel-Toned Living Room

Ricardo Labougle

This London townhouse has a living room filled with custom designs, such as a sofa covered in a Donghia patterned velvet, another upholstered in a Le Manach silk velvet, and a round banquette, which is topped with a 1940s French bronze sculpture.

55

Bright Greek Island Living Room

Ricardo Labougle

The living room in this Greek Island home features a custom cocktail table and banquette, and striped pillows upholstered in a Les Toiles du Soleil fabric. The Queen Elizabeth II print is by Andy Warhol.

56

An Airy Loft Living Room

Claire Esparros

New York-based designer Becky Shea crafted a stunning New York City loft for Homepolish co-founder Will Nathan. The living room, which showcases a mix of industrial elements as well as Shea's organic-modernist aesthetic, is a lesson in open-concept living.

57

A Pattern-Filled Hollywood Living Room

William Abranowicz

Actress Minnie Driver's inviting Hollywood living room features a mix of vintage fabrics and patterns. Window treatments in complementary colors add balance to the light-filled space.

58

Christiane Lemieux's Living Room

Melanie Acevedo

Christiane Lemieux's New York City loft includes artwork by Robert Swain, custom sofas covered in a neutral linen, and a coffee table and side table from the Brimfield Show and a Paris flea market.

59

Light-Filled Living Room

Rikki Snyder

White walls and contemporary furniture give this living room a clean and classic feel. Natural elements, by way of driftwood and greenery, bring the outdoors in.

60

Clean and Bright Washington, D.C., Living Room

Alyssa Rosenheck

Architect Piet Boon and designer Jennifer Schmidt transformed a Washington, D. C. loft with a palette of grey, white, and wood in light tones. Textured accents, including grey velvet chairs, add interest to the open space.

61

Neutral Living Room

Max Zambelli

A Brooklyn townhouse in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, features a sofa from ABC Carpet & Home upholstered in a fabric by Soraya Shah for Studio Four NYC. The space also includes a chaise by Timothy Oulton, a Danish cocktail table, the Akari pendant light by Noguchi, window treatments in a Rebecca Atwood fabric, and a vintage Moroccan rug. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Huntington White and the trim in Iron Mountain. A photograph by Claire Nitze and a cameo portrait by Doug Meyer complete the living room.

62

Statement Fireplace Living Room

Francisco Nogueira

Architect Luís Bernardo Brito e Abreu renovated his São Miguel home to reflect his family's artistic, maritime history. The living room features a vintage chair by Illum Wikkelsø, and the mantel and stone benches are both of local basalt. The sculpture of a head on the bench at right is by Ernesto Canto da Maya, and the wall sculpture above the mantel is a 16th-century naval decoration.

63

Chicago Penthouse Living Room

Simon Upton

Alisa Bloom recreated the environment of a French interior in her sophisticated Chicago penthouse. In the living room, she opted for a custom sofa in a Kravet fabric with pillows in a Jim Thompson silk. The 1970s chairs are from Revival, and the vintage cocktail table is from Martin La Brocante. She finished the space with a console by Crate & Barrel, a vintage chandelier by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and curtains in an Oscar de la Renta fabric for Lee Jofa. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Cement Gray.

64

Concrete And Navy Living Room

Simon Upton

In the living room of Jean-Louis Deniot's Miami penthouse, the sofa from Deniot’s collection for Baker is in a Martyn Thompson Studio fabric, the 1930s Jindrich Halabala chairs are in a JAB Anstoetz fabric, the vintage cocktail table is by Paul Frankl, and the gold side table is by Hervé Van der Straeten; the 1920s bronze-and-alabaster chandelier once hung in the Villa Kerylos in France, the indoor-outdoor rug is by Galerie Diurne, the artwork is by Franz Kline, and the shelf holds a Roger Desserprit sculpture (center) and a French 1940s lamp.

65

Japanese-Style Living Room

William Abranowicz

In the living room of Vivia Horn’s Japanese-style retreat in Hunter, New York, the leather-and-plastic Italian sofas, cocktail table, and wool shag rug were purchased in the 1980s at Bloomingdale’s. The Japanese-style fire pit and tin range hood are custom, the floor lamp is from the '70s, the sisal carpet is by Stark, the ceiling beams are Douglas fir, and a series of color lithographs from Japan are displayed along the pine wainscoting.

66

Eclectic Farmhouse Living Room

Alexei Hay

In the formal living room of the Connecticut farmhouse of sisters Ariel Ashe and Alexi Asher Meyers (plus, Alexi's husband and Late Night host Seth Meyers), an RH, Restoration Hardware sofa is in a Perennials linen, the custom bench is in a Ralph Lauren fabric, and the walls are in Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball.

67

Central Park Aerie Living Room

Trevor Tondro

In the living room of a Manhattan apartment designed by Jamie Drake and Caleb Anderson of Drake/Anderson, the sectional sofas by Avenue Road are covered in a Great Plains mohair, the pair of vintage Gio Ponti armchairs are from Karl Kemp Antiques, the glass cocktail table by Fredrikson Stallard is filled with feathers, the round side table is by Holly Hunt Studio, the lamp on it is by Charles Paris and the custom rug is by Tai Ping.

68

Contemporary Living Room

Douglas Friedman

The sofas in the living room of this contemporary Hancock Park home are by RH, Restoration Hardware, the 1950s chairs are Danish, the cocktail table is by Charles Hollis Jones, the end tables are from Lucca Home, and the antique stool was a Japanese rice box. The antique mirror is Indian, the mantel is original, the pendant is by Paul Ferrante, the floor lamp is by Visual Comfort, and the sconces are by Ralph Lauren Home.

69

Artistic Living Room

Ricardo Labougle

In the living room of Kris Ghesquière and Eva Claessens’s house in southeastern Uruguay, which they built on the remains of an 1810 roadside general store, the chair was constructed by a local carpenter based on a picture in a magazine, the vintage table in front of the sofa was found at an auction in France and the rug is from Iran; the yellow lamb sculptures are by William Sweetlove, and the paintings and feather sculpture are by Claessens.

70

Antiques-Laden Living Room

Stephen Kent Johnson

In the living room of an antique-laden apartment in Greenwich Village, the antique Swedish sofa and Baroque chair, right, are upholstered in Robert Kime fabrics, the armchair is 18th-century French and a vintage Persian Soumak rug from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar rests on a sea-grass rug from ABC Carpet & Home. Among the items on the wall are an antique water-buffalo skull, 19th-century French gouaches and a drawing by Jean Cocteau.

71

Stately Living Room

Mikkel Vang

In the living room of an Upper West Side apartment, the custom sectional is upholstered in a Le Manach print and the custom sofa in a Loro Piana fabric is topped with a pillow in an Osborne & Little fabric. The table lamp is by Niermann Weeks, the floor lamp is by Aero, the rug is Persian, and the cashmere throw is by Pratesi.

72

Color-Doused Living Room

Richard Powers

John Robshaw's vibrant Connecticut house is overflowing with character: The living room sofa and its fabric are by John Robshaw for Duralee. The armchair, custom banquettes, and bone-inlay side table are all Robshaw designs, the cocktail table is from India, the table lamps are by Christopher Spitzmiller, and the dhurrie is a custom design. An Elliott Puckette artwork sits on the mantel, which is painted in Yukon Sky by Benjamin Moore, and the large painting of a perfume bottle is by Doug Wada.

73

Nature-Embracing Living Room

Nathalie Krag

In a remote New Zealand surf town, architects Lance and Nicola Herbst ingeniously tuck a spacious weekend retreat amid a lush grove of exotic trees. In the living area of the house, designed in its entirety by the couple, the sofa is a custom design, and the fireplace by Masport Heating is set in a custom-made steel cabinet; the pendant light is by Secto Design and the walls are sheathed in black-stained western red cedar.

74

Midcentury Living Room (with a Texas Twist)

William Abranowicz

When San Francisco residents Sam Hamilton and Jen Chaiken decided to buy a second home in Marfa, Texas, after holding their destination wedding nearby, they knew they wanted a layered aesthetic. In the living room, a Poul Henningsen light fixture and a Navajo rug in the family room; a cabinet by Robert "Mouseman" Thompson holds an Ansel Adams photograph, and the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Cloud White.

75

Chic and Airy Living Room

William Abranowicz

In the West Village pied-à-terre of Los Angeles-based designers Waldo Fernandez and Tommy Clements, the daybed is by Rick Owens, the armchairs by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann are upholstered in an alpaca by Perrine Rousseau and the side chairs are by Jean Prouvé.

76

Bright and Bold Living Room

Ricardo Labougle

In the living area of hairstylist Marcos Proença's São Paulo duplex, the sofa, upholstered in a Rubelli velvet, and the screen were made in the 1940s by Dinucci. The Louis XV-style armchairs are antique, and the 1930s footstools are Italian.

77

Emmy Rossum's Living Room

Joshua McHugh

The colorful living room of Emmy Rossum's Manhattan apartment features armchairs by Aerin Lauder, a sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams featuring a suzani throw by Creel and Gow, a 1940s Maison Baguès cocktail table and an antique Persian rug.

78

Modern Nautical Living Room

Joshua McHugh

Meredith Melling and Zach Iscol's retreat on Martha's Vineyard has a stunning living room with a sofa by Restoration Hardware covered in a Perennials linen, Hans Wegner chairs upholstered in a Brochier fabric and a walnut cocktail table and stool that are custom.

79

TriBeCa Living Room

William Waldron

In the living room of Evan and Ku-Ling Yurman's TriBeCa apartment, the mid-century furnishings include a pair of Nanna Ditzel chairs, a Hans Wegner armchair and a cocktail table by Hendrik van Keppel and Taylor Green, purchased at auction.

80

Retro Chic Living Room

Douglas Friedman

In Marisa Tomei's home, the living room sofa is upholstered in a Kuba textile, the Milo Baughman swivel chair is covered in a fabric by Christopher Hyland, the floor cushions are covered in a Dedar velvet and an Edelman leather, the cocktail table is custom made and the sconces are by O'Lampia.

81

Art-Filled Modern Living Room

Richard Powers

In the living room of a Manhattan apartment, a pair of 1960s chairs from John Salibello is in a Manuel Canovas fabric, the custom sofas are covered in Holland & Sherry fabrics, and the Karl Springer cocktail table (foreground) is from Mantiques Modern; the 1960s stainless steel chairs and cube are by Maria Pergay, the table lamps are by Andrea Koeppel, and the curtains are of a Manuel Canovas silk-cotton blend; the artworks on the wall are by (from left) Richard Prince, Rudolf Stingel, George Condo, and Elizabeth Peyton.

Kelsey Mulvey Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others.

7 zoning techniques in the interior

The effect of open space is popular in modern studios and lofts. Residential premises are visible from any point of the apartment. But, of course, the functional zones need to be separated in order to create a feeling of privacy and practicality of each section of the apartment, its semantic load. In this case, there are several tricks, thanks to which you can correctly divide the zones, while leaving open space. Psychological or color zoning involves the allocation of various functional areas only with color or material, leaving open passages. Material zoning, on the contrary, involves the division of zones by various partitions. nine0005 Consider 7 key techniques for zoning a room.

Zoning with wallpaper

Wallpaper different in color or ornament carries a different meaning. By placing different wallpapers in each zone, you can achieve the effect of different rooms. The technique also applies to 3D panels. This visual separation will allow you to fully preserve the open space and is especially suitable for small studios, where every meter counts.

Color zoning

A combination of adjacent shades to visually highlight functional areas is an excellent psychological technique for focusing on the functional affiliation of each zone. In this case, you need to think over the color scheme for each zone, starting from the color of the walls and ending with the furniture and decor. For a competent approach to color highlighting, you need to know the basics of a colorist, otherwise the interior may become overloaded with a multitude of variegated color combinations. nine0003

Textile zoning

Textile zoning is the use of curtains to separate functional areas. Most often, this technique is used to highlight the bedroom area in studios or lofts. Also, a cornice canopy can be considered textile zoning. Practicality can be identified as a key advantage of the fabric. It is aesthetic, easy to install, the texture and color of the curtain can be changed regularly.

The advantages of using curtains are in the lightness and mobility of space transformation - that is, the fabric can be removed, replaced with a different color, moved. Rope curtains are returning to modern interior fashion. This technique will allow you to maintain the "transparency" of space and does not interfere with movement. Fabrics, soft textures, will help bring comfort to the apartment. nine0003

Screen zoning

The use of decorative screens for space zoning is perhaps the oldest and easiest way. Screens were actively used in expensive houses in both Europe and Asia. That is why such a piece of furniture fits into interior styles that involve antique styling, for example, wabi-sabi, neo-classic, neo-baroque, pop art, shabby chic. Movable screens can replace partitions.

Light zoning

Light zoning is the most subtle and complex method of highlighting functional areas. With the help of different levels of lighting, different shades and brightness of the glow, residential areas are able to imitate different rooms. You may have noticed that designers in small studios use a large number of light sources. Thus, each zone has its own atmosphere. Built-in lamps can be both ceiling and wall, diode lighting is often used in niches and cornices. For such fine work, consultation with the designer is necessary. Various light compositions can change the space beyond recognition. However, this is not enough, especially in the daytime when the light is not used, which is why this method is used as an addition to another, more functional method. nine0003

Zoning with decorative structures

Practical division of room zones, suitable for large spaces - building decorative structures. This method involves false walls or partitions, podiums or multi-level ceilings, beams or columns. You can select zones visually (podium or ceiling crossbar) or functionally (partitions and columns). When constructing such geometric protrusions on the walls, drywall and plywood are used. A popular example of such a selection of a bedroom area is a podium with storage areas. Decorative structures in the form of arches fit perfectly into the neoclassical and Provence styles. The columns will harmoniously complement the classic, neo-baroque and empire styles. Beams will also help to “break” the space into zones. They are a style-forming element in eco, bio and Scandinavian styles. nine0003

Furniture zoning

Furniture is the simplest and most effective space zoning tool. Almost any piece of furniture can be used as a visual division of a room. Stationary furnished division is built-in shelving or bar counters. Mobile separation can be any moving furniture. For example, a sofa perfectly separates the kitchen area from the living room. Furniture zoning is a favorite technique of the loft style. Open bookcases with through shelves and several storage areas perfectly divide the space and provide "transparency", the passage of light. The loft style prefers to use such racks in a rough metal frame. nine0003

Individual house design 🏡 22 photos of residential house interior project

Residential house interior project

Task: to develop individual interiors for the living room and home library in a classic style. In our review - the features of zoning, color combinations, finishes and decorations, which made it possible to create an exclusive environment for the customer.

Planning solution for the living room

The room has panoramic windows on opposite sides, which will allow you to arrange functional areas with maximum benefit. The capacious, almost square space is divided into three logical parts:

  • place of rest and reception,
  • seating area in a narrow circle (behind the main sofa group),
  • dining room.

The dividers are a transparent partition wall and a serving table with graceful legs.

Living and dining room color scheme

The combination of beige, black and brown tones brings a classic color base to an individual interior project.

  • The background is beige: the walls are painted in a light shade, on the bottom they are sheathed with wooden relief panels, painted in a darker version. To match the panels - skirting boards and door frames.
  • Upholstery of sofas and armchairs matched in light beige. On a plain fabric, a carriage tie and gold upholstery studs look very attractive. A pair of chairs in the dining room are decorated with a dark gray ornament, which helps to visually accentuate the area.
  • Dark brown walnut furniture (dining table, showcases, TV cabinet, chest of drawers, interior doors) and parquet complement the light background with a rich, noble palette. nine0093
  • Dark green draperies are combined with snow-white curtains - they support the main colors of the living room.
  • The gilded frames of pictures and mirrors, on the one hand, are easily combined with brown and beige tones, on the other hand, they add an element of luxury to the individual interior design.
  • A white matte ceiling with warm lighting crowns the composition.

Lighting system

Each of the living room areas has its own main source of lighting - a classic carob chandelier. nine0003

Differences in design help to further highlight the dining room: here the chandelier is decorated with crystal pendants and gilding. The luminaires are mounted in ceiling niches with light yellow eaves lighting.

Library

Like the living room, the library has several zones: the library itself and the recreation area. Here the border is a bookcase with transparent glass walls. The front wall in the reading area is punctuated by wooden cladding with embossed decor in the form of squares. This idea is logically continued by the design of the ceiling with caissons. nine0003

A modern electric fireplace framed by a classic portal made of beige marble and snow-white stucco. In front of him are two dark ocher leather armchairs, complemented by dark green curtains. The natural green scale harmonizes well with brown, so the interior composition takes on a complete look.

Unlike the living room, the floor in the library is finished with bleached oak parquet, so the atmosphere seems brighter.

The project of a classic living room and library is a good example of how exclusive interiors are developed in the TopDom company. nine0003

Design principles:
  • maximum customer satisfaction,
  • accounting for architectural and planning features,
  • careful selection of harmonious colors, materials and accessories.

The key point in organizing a comfortable, safe and style-appropriate space is the thoughtful distribution of rooms according to the functional principle.

In the layout of the cottage there are zones:

  • day residential (living room, dining room, kitchen, office)
  • night residential (bedrooms, guest rooms)
  • passage sectors (corridors, hallway, hall, stairs)
  • utility rooms (boiler room, pantry, laundry, garage)
  • additional premises (cinema, sauna, swimming pool, gym, billiard room)

Focusing on the number of storeys of the building, zoning is carried out horizontally or vertically. The layout of a large spacious home can use both options. Utility rooms are usually located in the side or rear part. Bedrooms are traditionally located on the second floor or, in the case of a one-story building, as far as possible from the public part of the interior. nine0003

The design of individual residential buildings allows you to design rooms taking into account the geographical location of the building: it is customary to orient bedrooms with windows to the east, to equip the living room with access to the terrace on the south or southwest side. This will provide the interior space with good natural light and enhance the aesthetic effect of the color scheme and finishes.

The interior of a residential building and common planning mistakes

Proper planning is the basis for a harmonious and beautiful design. If the room is too narrow or poorly lit, with uncomfortable aisles, even the most beautiful style decisions will be lost here. What are the flaws in the design of private houses? nine0003

No hallway This fashion came from Western architects, in the Russian regions it is not worth blindly applying it. In winter, cold air will enter the living room with each opening of the front door. The entrance hall, if any, plays the role of a buffer.
No second input A country cottage should have several entrances for convenience and safety: a front door, an exit to the garden, a separate passage to the adjoining garage or boiler room. nine0183
Walk-through rooms If the living room can be combined with other areas (fireplace, dining room, kitchen), because Since this is a center-forming room, it is a mistake to make bedrooms and an office walk-through.
No windows In the interior of residential buildings, a dressing room, a guest bathroom, rooms in the basement can be left without daylight. In other rooms, including large bathrooms and in the attic, window openings are designed for high-quality insolation. nine0183
Remoteness of kitchen and bathroom from communication nodes This arrangement will play a minus during operation: cleaning and repairing too long pipes laid at an angle.

If errors in the organization of rooms reduce the comfort of living, then competent planning not only conveniently arranges rooms, but also creates a quality foundation for beautiful design. One of the popular planning solutions is the combination of zones. nine0003

Successful interiors of individual houses with combined space

The wide hall from the design interior project of the cottage in Sovereign village is a great viewpoint for the living room, which is located a little lower. Mirror inserts on the entrance doors reflect the light from the panoramic windows of the recreation area.


The living room, dining room and kitchen combined with it are made in a single space in the project of chic design of a private house. The classic style is manifested in luxurious light-colored furniture with carved decor, complex ceiling moldings, and crystal chandeliers. The spaciousness of the combined premises is emphasized by a noble beige-olive range. nine0003

The modern interior of a residential building with open spaces, neutral colors and natural textures was developed in a stylish design project for a cottage in the Crimea. The living room, dining room and kitchen areas are placed sequentially, their layout is formed around a hall with a fireplace.


An interesting solution was found for a bedroom from a beautiful cottage interior project. It is combined with a large dressing area with natural light. Part of the cabinets is built in behind a partition with a TV. A light background palette helps to perceive the space as a whole. nine0003


In the concept of an exquisite design of the house in Yalta, the large master bedroom combines both a dressing room and an office with a sea view. Transparent sliding partitions as a conditional border preserve the feeling of freedom characteristic of the modern style.

Dwelling house interior project: development stages

Preparation for project preparation begins with the terms of reference. Within its framework, the customer formulates his wishes and ideas on the composition, quantity and design of the premises. nine0003

  • Measurement plan

At this stage, walls, ceiling heights, door and window openings are measured. The task is to identify and fix errors: the difference in the height of the ceilings, the unevenness of the walls, the floor. When finishing, defects are eliminated.

  • Planning solution

Design project of an individual residential building includes several options for floor planning and furniture arrangement. After making changes and agreeing with the customer, the final plan is prepared. The goal of the designer is not just to realize the wishes of the client, but to achieve the best functionality and ergonomics of the future environment. nine0003

  • Stylistic collage

Helps to better imagine the future interior, collected in the form of photographs, drawings, ornaments, images of individual objects, clippings from magazines. Sets the color tone and style of the design.

  • Installation plans

Contains detailed documentation for construction and finishing works, indicating the exact figures for depth, height, width.

Designated here:

  • demolition/installation of partitions
  • niches
  • multilevel structures
  • sectional view of floor and ceiling, type of covering

Laying plan for flooring (parquet, tiles, laminate).

  • Electrical installation plan

In the interior of an individual house, the location of sockets and lighting fixtures is one of the factors of comfortable living. Based on the furniture layout plan, the connection points for household appliances, the location and boundaries of the underfloor heating, and the mounting locations of the switches are designed. It is determined where and how multi-level lighting will be implemented. nine0003

  • Non-standard part drawings

We are talking about non-standard structures: niches, figured doorways, built-in furniture.

Learn more