Living room decorating photo

65 Best Living Room Decorating Ideas & Designs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

45 Beautiful Living Room Decorating Ideas (Pictures)

This gallery offers beautiful living room decorating ideas to inspire and help you create your own stunning interior designs. Your living room is a place for conversations with friends and family. Use it to mix and match colors, create bold combinations, add interesting pieces, textures, and layer rugs to add depth and dimension.

The living room shown in the picture above is a great example of a nicely executed transitional-style living room, using classic forms of furniture with a more modern interpretation. As the flooring material has a bold orange tint in it, the furniture pieces are kept simple, using an off-white colored fabric to keep things balanced. Two canopy chairs with printed canvass accent pillows are used to serve as accent chairs to the room, and to add more color and texture to the space, plants/flowers were used as well as textured wall art pieces.

Popular living room decorating ideas you can introduce in to your own space include:

Mix and match materials – A lot of depth can be brought to a room by experimenting with different materials, finishes, and textures. Patterns are often used in rugs to add visual interest to a room. When mixing different colors try sticking to a simple color palette to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Add a collection – Introducing some eye catching decor that is all part of a similar theme can tie the room together and add cohesion.

Large area rugs – Adding one large area rug works particularly well if you want to unite two different color combinations together. Rugs can also be effectively used to draw attention to specific furniture pieces you want to showcase.

Bring in something bold – A neutral color room can be brightened by adding a bold & bright piece to add some needed contrast.

Use mirrors to enlarge smaller spaces – Smaller rooms can definitely give the illusion of additional square footage using this helpful trick.

This beautiful living room has an Asian contemporary theme, using modern forms and combining it with darker wooden elements. As in this example, this room uses blue-green and a lime green color, making for a fun and fresh color scheme. The plain walls and flooring gives you freedom to use bolder colors and patterns, and therefore, you will see geometric patterns on the ottomans, the throw pillows and the simple framed artworks as seen on the wall.

With a modern resort-style theme, this living room has a color palette that has a universal appeal. The room itself is simple and elegant, with a large picture window letting in natural light into the living room and providing a view to the garden’s water feature. Furniture forms are simple and boxy, playing around the textures to give it more personality. Main walls are painted in a light mocha color, with an accent wall with textured masonry tiles in off white. It uses simple accessories, such as candle holders, various vases and plants to complete the look of the room.

One thing to note on this living room design is the repetition of the square shape. With dark wengue flooring, the white-painted coffered ceiling stands out against the warm gray base. Furniture pieces are a mixture of modern and classics, with a modern tufted sofa and more classic armchairs with rush backrests and matching side tables. For accessories, the room uses pan interesting animal print curtain swag, different indoor plants and candle holders to give more life to the space.

With classic European details and furniture, this living room speaks of class and elegance. The whole space is coordinated in colors and theme, using the same shade of yellow to paint all across the common areas and matching Pine floors for that yellow-orange wood tone. Furniture are typical classic styles with cabriole legs, carving details, velvet fabric and scroll arms. The faithfulness to the design theme, evident in architectural details, furniture and accessories, makes for a well-coordinated look.

The boxy furniture forms and coffee toned wengue stain is a give-away for the Asian contemporary theme of the space. Opting for a very simple white and off-white color scheme, this design is very neutral and appeals to a large demographic making it excellent for rentals. Upholstery is uniformly off-white be it leather or canvass, and wooden furniture are all in dark wengue stain. There are very few accessories and some small red items to give the space a pop of color without being too overwhelming.

This is a more fun take on the Asian contemporary style, opting for a more natural Walnut wood finish than the typical dark wengue stain. The furniture is still boxy in form, but are modified versions of more organic mid-century modern pieces. The color choice is also bolder, using blue, orange and dark gray which works for the very bright all-white walls and ceiling. The space is simple but well-balanced, with not too many accessories and decoration.

A unique mix of classic furniture pieces with a unique floor plan and contemporary application of materials, this living room design is surely impressionable. The Living room itself has an irregular form and therefore also has an irregular furniture layout. The high ceiling balances the heavily upholstered furniture pieces, making it look more proportional to the space. Mirror is applied behind the fireplace wall to give an illusion of a bigger space, while large picture windows welcomes in natural light into the space.

The most characteristic of this room would be its art-deco style wrought iron railings visible from the stairs up to the mezzanine. Black wrought iron is mixed with dark walnut handrails and steps, creating a elegant combination. For the furniture, modern pieces with white leather upholstery were used, save for wooden furniture pieces which are more Asian contemporary i form and color. The living area is emphasized from the rest of the house by using darker floor tiles to demarcate it.

Large fully-upholstered furniture pieces make up most of the room with one large wooden cabinet. The space is simple and small, with French doors and windows that goes from floor to ceiling. Walls are painted in a textured finish to give it more depth, with a coffer ceiling painted in white and uses warm white lights to give a warm homey glow to the space.

One of the best characters of modern homes is the use of large picture windows, allowing maximum unobstructed view and natural sunlight into the space. Finishes are simple and mostly neutral allowing more freedom in your furniture color selection like in this example. Walls, floors and ceiling are all in white, while the sofa is upholstered in a steel blue faux leather material. Stainless steel is favored over wood for furniture legs to complete the modern look.

Another modern living space which also mixes in Asian contemporary furniture pieces. The is fairly small, but has a high ceiling, white walls and natural ceramic tiles for the flooring. Furniture pieces are boxy in form with dark wengue wooden legs matching the Asian-inspired coffee table and the wooden area rug. To add more color to the space, small red items area used.

A very interesting Living Room concept perfect for open plan space, demarcating the living area from the rest of the house without using walls or dividers, but instead, creates a lower platform for the sofa, separating it from the rest of the floor level. Finishes are simple and clean, with off-white wallpaper and off-white ceramic tiles for the floors, creating a nice canvas to play around with.

The use of browns and beige in the room automatically creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. In this example, walnut floors are combined with warm beige painted walls and masonry tiles. The large set of sofa is upholstered with leather in a dark mocha color, accessorized with throw pillows. An off-white shag rug was used to balance-out the browns in the space and also to emphasize the living area.

Living room decorating ideas often go outside the box to combine two or more design styles depending on the homeowners personal preference. This fairly large living room is sparsely furnished with only the essential pieces. Furniture pieces are a combination of Asian contemporary and Scandinavian, using white and gray upholstery to match the over-all color scheme. A wide marble front fireplace is an impressive centerpiece for conversations with plenty of illumination from spaced recessed lighting.

The semi-open layout of this house contributes in making a bigger and brighter looking space. The living room itself enjoys large picture windows allowing a view of the sea, coffer ceiling and comfortable carpet flooring. The accent pillows in blue and sea-themed prints combined with the weathered wood of the coffee table is the perfect choice for this sea-side home.

Dark mahogany floor boards serve as a perfect offset for the white furniture pieces and off-white wallpaper. The accent wall has a built-in electric fireplace and a wall-mounted TV, while the back wall has a unique geometric wall shelf.

This living room design does not shy away with different combinations of colors, patterns, textures and furniture styles, but still manages to form a cohesive and well put-together look. One wall of the room has 3 panels of floor to ceiling frame-less mirror, creating an illusion of a bigger space. The space itself has carpeted floors with square patterns, purple and oatmeal colored walls with matching sofa and armchairs. Various pillows with different patterns were used, along with a unique semi-circular silver console table and various indoor plants to accessorize the space.

Another Asian-inspired space but more on South Asian design aesthetic. It uses a dark mustard paint for the walls combined with terracotta red and furniture pieces with a mixture of beige, olive, reds and prints. Pillow fabrics and throws also have very South Asian patterns/design, coordinating with the accessories made up of various sculptures, potteries, etc.

Another modern living room design with plain off-white walls and white ceiling combined with once accent wall with a built-in modern fireplace to complete the look. Furniture pieces used is one leather bench with a matching L-shape white leather sofa and a large square coffee table. Only a few accessories can be seen in the space, staying true to its modern aesthetics.

White walls and light maple floors make up for a perfect vignette of a living room, representing the simple and clean aesthetic of Scandinavian design best. This is an example of that, and even with just a few pieces, one white sofa, an oblong coffee table, a low shelf, a few accessories, some plants and accent pillows, this living room looks perfectly well-balanced and pleasing to the eye with enough warm and cool tones to complement.

With a generous amount of space and gorgeous architectural details, this beautiful living room enjoys the luxury of placing many furniture pieces and accessories. Furniture pieces are of classic styles to match the interior architecture, and have a large massing perfectly proportional to the size of the space. Two large sofas upholstered in a beige colored fabric are placed perpendicularly, as well as two armchairs. The space allows enough for 2 massive solid wood coffee tables, a round side table, a wooden console behind the sofa, and even two large cabinets placed beside the fireplace. The space is well-accessorized with plants and other decorative items.

A modern living room space with a darker color palette usually typical of media rooms. Floors are black ceramic tiles, with dark gray walls to match. A large natural fiber area rug creates a lighter floor surface on which the other furniture pieces stands. There’s a large white leather upholstered sofa, a hide leather-upholstered armchair and footstool and a Japanese-style coffee table.

This space is also of a transitional design style, combining traditional furniture silhouettes with modern prints and fabrics. Floors are plain white with a mustard-beige wall. There’s two sofas upholstered in white canvas and one accent chair with green leopard print upholstery. The area rug is of a bold zebra print, making a huge statement in the room. There’s also a variety of prints and colors used on the accent pillows, as well as accessories to complete the look.

A medium-sized living room which follows a natural color palette, focusing on browns and beige with accents of green. Walls are in a light beige color, and the flooring for the living area is a beige carpet. Windows are framed with light mocha-colored curtains, and even the L-shape sofa is upholstered in a beige fabric. Various indoor plants were used in this design, and can be found all throughout the home, serving as a refreshing pop of color in the space aside from naturally improving the indoor air environment.

The look of this living room was achieved by combining Asian design elements with modern design aesthetics. Wooden floors and oatmeal-painted walls serve as a soft and natural backdrop,while the brown and white area rug help emphasize the living area. 2 sofas were used both upholstered in a gray fabric and uses a variety of accent pillows, and there are two accent chairs with dark-stained framing which matches the coffee table and the side table. Plants also serve as ornaments, as well as various decorative objects to complete the look.

The balance of beige, stone, wood and plants in a room create a sort of natural appeal to a space. Like in this particular example, various shades of browns and beiges were used on fabrics on the pillows, combined with a natural stone floor and a variety of indoor plants spread across the room. The lighting under one larger plant produces a dramatic effect, casting a shadow in the room, adding to a mysterious effect.

Bright and refreshing would be an understatement to how beautifully natural light leaks into this room. One side of the wall is flanked with full-height doors and windows which extends up to the gable, illuminating even the ceiling area of the space and emphasizing the exposed wooden beams of the ceiling. The living area itself is also a marvel, with golden oak floors polished to perfection with a set of gray sofa with two matching armchairs and one white accent chair and a pouf. Wood, stone, metal and fabrics are harmoniously combined in this space, creating a design that is very easy on the eyes.

This modern living room exudes sophistication and class, with carefully-selected colors and finishes. The sofas upholstered in dark gray leather combined with a square coffee table with black metal legs give a masculine and sophisticated appeal. combined with a printed accent chair, a metal geometric stool and a white area rug, the dark gray color is balanced-off and looks softer.

This living room design is very interesting with an eclectic mix of furniture style, not necessarily sticking to a particular design style. Walls are lined with shelves made of wood framing and tempered glass shelves, and on the opposite side, a pierced wooden divider painted in a light gray color can be seen. It also has and interesting choice of furniture pieces; an orange sofa with intricately carved wood framing, a pair of modern high back chairs, a hammered metal side table and 3 bent rattan coffee tables/stools. The eclecticism of the spaces is even evident in its choice of decor.

High ceiling and large windows definitely helped brighten up this living room space. Floors used also contribute to that. as it is of a beech wood color. It has an interesting modern sofa. which is long with rounded ends and upholstered in a sage green velvet fabric and accented with purple and blue pillows. The opposite side of the sofa is flanked with 3 upholstered benches with the same fabric as the sofa, and once accent chair the same style as the sofa. Right in the middle of the shag rug, is a sort of misplaced Japanese-style coffee table.

The color palette choice for this space is straightforward. It’s mostly whites and dark browns with a small hint of black and gray. Walls and floors are all stark white, creating a bright modern space and creating a good backdrop for the matching set of sofa and armchairs upholstered in a dark brown velvet fabric and a matching high pile area rug. Indoor plants help break the monotony of the color scheme, as well as some wooden finished found on the door and window frames.

The classical architectural elements of this space is the perfect backdrop for this transitional style living room. A sofa with printed upholstery and beige accent pillows, two white wing chairs and matching solid oak coffee and side tables were used in the space. The large area rug seems to frame the living room, while the indoor plants help emphasize the height of the space.

This room has obvious Asian influence with its choice of furniture and materials. The sectional sofa used is made from rattan and stained in an ash brown color to mimic natural wood and has removable seat cushions and a variety of accent pillows. The coffee table is a unique one, with solid wood top and supports and 4 stools tucked underneath it made from reclaimed wood. The faux brick finish behind the sofa adds to the effect.

This living room design gives off a warm and comfortable vibe. The two large sofas look posh and extravagant, heavily upholstered by gray velvet fabric. The walls are painted with a marble finish, while the fireplace area is painted in plain white finish. Above the fireplace, an animal skin rug is hung to serve as artwork while a variety of plants is used throughout the space to give it a more natural feel. A long home bar sits to the side of the room featuring a wheat granite counter top.

This simple living room vignette is simple and classy. Walls and floors are all in white, while the French windows are framed with beige curtains. The sofa is a classic fully upholstered sofa in white with a matching white tufted ottoman and a gray shag rug. The sofa has a variety of pillows in different size spread across, and mirror finish side table and pedestal vases are also there to add accent to the room.

This small living room space has obvious art deco influence most evident in its ceiling and furniture choice. The TV wall is flanked by 3-level faux pillars in a rough stone finish, while the main walls keeps its masonry stone finish, adding a bit of grunge/texture to the space. Instead of sofas, it uses 4 armchairs, 2 side tables and one solid wood coffee table fashioned out from a large tree, maintaining its natural edges to keep its organic look. The TV is framed with wood, making it look part of the wall, and adding to the modern appeal of the space.

A well-coordinated living room with classic design elements with a very elegant look and feel. The large carpet of the floors are coordinated with the color of the walls as both is a combination of white and yellow gold. For the furnishings, it has one large sofa with dark mocha velvet upholstery and 2 wing chairs in beige velvet upholstery. It also has a wengue-stained x-leg coffee table with gold details which perfectly matches the colors used throughout the space.

This living room is best described to be simple and cozy, with a fairly large space to play around with. Walls are painted in a light and pleasing shade of yellow, with pine wood floors and a light beige traditional area rug, while the furniture pieces are only limited to a large brown leather sofa and a matching armchair, one accent armchair, a nesting table, 2 round side tables and a media cabinet in which the TV is attached. There is also a fireplace with natural stone finish, adding texture to the space, and various plants to give it more color.

A good contrast of dark and light colors can result in a simple yet sophisticated look in any design. With the right combination of colors, finishes and textures, this bedroom design achieves just that. For this example, the basic finishes are mostly in light colors, including the stones used for the fireplace, while the movable pieces and some architectural details like the ceiling trusses are in a dark brown finish. Following the same formula, the living room uses a light colored traditional rug with 2 large sofas upholstered in dark brown leather, with two wooden armchairs, a large wooden coffee table and side table, and one large media cabinet in dark mahogany.

This living room may be small but it does not fail to exude class and sophistication with its choice of furniture and finishes, mostly sticking to classic and elegant pieces typical of period styles. Walls are of gorgeous off-white color which matches the finish of the coffer ceiling. The small crystal chandelier adds to the elegance of the space, perfectly complementing the heavily tufted leather sofa. Other furniture pieces like the grandfather’s clock, the cabinet, coffee table and media console are finished in dark mahogany, giving a more classic antique appeal.

This living room has a very simple styling, with only a few essential pieces and accessories. There is one accent wall with natural stone finish and a built-in electric fireplace. The floors are dark mahogany and has faux animal skin area rug in a light beige color. The furniture pieces are limited to one sofa with dark brown velvet upholstery, two sides chairs with printed upholstery and one small round coffee table with candle holders.

Another classic living room design with a warm homey glow mostly credited to its use of a gold toned paint for its walls. The floors are warm carpet in an oatmeal color to tone down the yellows. There is one large sofa with a printed upholstery in gold/brown color, a baby grand piano, a fireplace, wooden side table and an accent fauteuil complete the classic look.

This living room is directly connected to a small breakfast nook, but sets itself apart fro the other area with a different wall treatment. The walls of the living area are finished with natural unpolished stones in a gray tone, while the floors are all carpeted with a light beige color. For the furniture, it has a large brown lead l-shape sofa, a large solid wood coffee table with turned legs, 2 accent armchairs with upholstery matching the pillows of the sofa and one ottoman to match.

Living room decorating ideas can be combined to create a combination of different styles. This room is well-coordinated and well put-together despite the variety of interior design styles present. The space is divided into two sections: the main living area and a small private nook. The main living area has ebony wood floors and light yellow walls with dram-catcher inspired wall art. The furniture pieces is one white sofa and a yellow sofa with a metal and glass coffee table. The private nook has curtains for privacy if needed, is surrounded by wooden display shelves, and has two armchairs and an ottoman.

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tips for choosing style, decoration and furniture - INMYROOM

The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, guests are received. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home.

If your family consists of several people, it is important to consider the interests of everyone. It is quite possible that for one of the family members, when designing the interior of a living room in an apartment, they will have to give space for working at a computer, doing creative work, even sports. All these points must be planned at the stage of designing the premises.

Determine the center of the living room

Living room design is inseparable from a competent layout. After looking at examples of photos of the living room in the apartment, you can see various space planning options. Of course, the choice depends on your preferences, as well as on the size and functionality of the room.

Place sofas and armchairs around the perimeter of the room in no case is worth it. Firstly, this is the last century, and the modern design of the living room categorically does not accept such a layout. In addition, you will clutter up the space with only recreational items, leaving no free space for other functional areas.

The best option for the interior of the living room is to highlight the central group, around which the rest of the furniture will be grouped. As a rule, a recreation area with a TV and a sofa is chosen as the center of the composition.

A fireplace can also be a central element, next to which chairs, rocking chairs or even luxurious skins for relaxation will comfortably fit.

Standard set of furniture for designing a living room in an apartment:

sofa;

several armchairs;

coffee or coffee table;

shelving for decorative objects and/or books.

If the room is large, or it has to take on a diverse functional load, of course, you should not limit yourself to this. The living room may well have a desktop for a computer, chests of drawers and cabinets, a bar counter.

In order not to clutter up a cramped room too much, give preference to the transformer models that are popular today. Such furniture is very functional and allows you to perfectly save scarce space.

Choice of colors

If your living room is located on the sunny side, then you are practically unlimited in the choice of colors for finishing and furnishing it. The contrasting interior design of the living room will look very interesting. For example, walls and floors can be decorated in cold colors, while furniture, in contrast, in warm colors.

Many modern interior styles welcome the clean slate living room design. This technique involves decorating the walls and ceiling with plain white plaster or paint. And furniture and decor elements can be selected in a variety of colors: bright or rich dark - to create a spectacular and stylish interior, delicate and pastel - for a light, cozy and elegant design.

For north-facing living rooms with little to no daylight, choose warm-coloured finishes. Such an interior design of the living room compensates for the lack of sun, makes the room cozy and conducive to relaxation no matter what.

And, of course, if the room is a bit dark, you should take care of good artificial lighting. Well-placed spotlights are best suited to illuminate every corner of your living room.

Of course, the choice of colors for decorating a room should also depend on what visual and emotional effect you want to achieve.

If the living room is intended for stormy parties and active pastime, then it makes sense to decorate it in bright, saturated colors.

If the owners want to indulge in a calm and relaxing holiday, then the interior of the living room should be to match. In this case, you should give preference to soft light tones or, conversely, deep and calm, but in no case flashy.

Finishing materials

The choice of finishing materials should largely depend on the style in which you would like to maintain the design of the living room in the apartment. So, paper wallpapers with romantic flowers are definitely not suitable for laconic hi-tech or minimalism. And Provence or country-style interiors will not be combined with bright carpets with psychedelic prints and ultra-modern wall coverings with fur or leather texture.

In addition, the shape and size of the room is of great importance. A well-chosen finish will perfectly smooth out the flaws of the room and focus on its merits. While a thoughtlessly chosen design can spoil even a spacious and bright room.

Walls

The classic rule is that for small rooms it is better to choose light shades. It always works flawlessly. However, if this solution seems too boring for you, you can try all sorts of interesting wall designs. Spectacular examples of wall design in the living room, photos of which are presented in our article, will help you navigate and choose the most attractive options for yourself.

For example, even smooth, light-colored walls can be made a spectacular interior detail by adding bright or simply contrasting color accents to them. See such unusual living room interior ideas in the photo below.

All kinds of plasterboard niches look very stylish. They not only diversify the interior, but also become its very functional detail. After all, they can accommodate both decorative elements and items needed in the household. And if such a niche is beautifully illuminated from the inside, this will create an interesting effect of depth.

The traditional option for decorating the living room walls is wallpaper. Fortunately, today there is a great variety of them: both classic paper, and modern non-woven, and washable, and glass, and even innovative liquid wallpaper. If you are a lover of change, then you can pay attention to the wallpaper for painting. With such a finish, you can easily change the look of the room, at least several times a year. However, please note that, as a rule, such wallpapers are designed for a limited number of repaints.

Smoothly plastered or painted walls look great in modern interiors. At the same time, if you are a fan of the original design, you can pick up plaster with all sorts of beautiful and unusual textures. With its help, you can add a twist to your design and create a truly beautiful living room interior.

One of the fashion trends in modern design is the combination of materials. It is very important to use combinations of several finishes in one room: different types and shades of plaster, paint plus wallpaper, or even a combination of two types of wallpaper with different patterns and textures. See examples of such a living room design in the photo below.

Using this technique, you will not only be able to make your interior bright, stylish and original, but will also successfully cope with the zoning of the room. As you know, for proper zoning, it is not enough to collect several diverse groups of furniture in one room. So that all this does not look like a "hodgepodge", it is necessary to highlight each of the functional areas with its own design elements. And here, the design of wall sections in different colors and even different textures is the best fit.

Ceiling

When choosing the design of the ceiling in the living room, first of all, start from the size of the room. No matter how much you like spectacular multi-tiered structures, in a small room, packed full of necessary furniture, they will look simply ridiculous. In no case do not overload the design of the room.

If the room is small, then the best option is a simple ceiling in light colors with built-in ceiling lights. A good design move would be a small cornice around the perimeter, it will add a sense of depth.

Another interesting solution for visually increasing the space is the so-called "floating" suspended ceilings. This is a two-tier structure with a small height difference and built-in lights mounted inside the "upper" tier in such a way that they themselves are not visible. This technique creates soft diffused light and an interesting depth effect. As a result, the room seems visually higher and more spacious.

However, remember that the design tricks you have listed are inappropriate for small rooms with high ceilings. If in such a room you try to “distance” the ceiling even more due to visual techniques, then you will feel in it like at the bottom of a bottomless well.

In narrow rooms with high ceilings, it makes sense, on the contrary, to reduce the height - through visual means or with the help of suspended structures. Then the living room will immediately seem more comfortable and suitable for a comfortable stay.

If you are lucky and your living room is spacious and has high enough ceilings, then feel free to experiment with their design.

Here, multi-level suspended structures, both laconic and intricate forms, stucco, columns, scallops, and complex lighting systems can be used.

The main thing is not to overdo it and stick to the intended design of the room. If the room is decorated in a ceremonial classical style, in the spirit of Baroque or Empire, then without a doubt, both bas-reliefs and columns will be appropriate. But for more concise modern styles, you should choose a simpler and more rigorous ceiling design.

If your living room will have several functional areas, then the zoning can be "supported" with an appropriately designed ceiling.

For example, a central seating area with a sofa group and a TV can be highlighted with a second tier of false ceiling. Depending on the general style of the room, both strict rectangular shapes and soft rounded lines may be appropriate.

The ceiling does not have to be white. Delicate, warm pastel shades will look perfect in almost any room.

Fans of more extravagant options can experiment with bright shades. It is not necessary to decorate the entire ceiling in saturated colors. However, if you highlight only part of it or one of the tiers with a spectacular shade, you will get a chic look.

As far as materials are concerned, it is best to avoid whitewashing and painting. After all, this will take a long time and carefully level the surface. An excellent modern solution is plasterboard suspended ceilings or stylish stretch models. They are quick to install, provide perfectly flat surfaces, and in addition, allow you to create a wide variety of design options.

Lighting

Just a few years ago, when choosing lighting, the issue was always decided in favor of a large ceiling chandelier. Of course, today there are many lovers of such lighting fixtures, including those decorated with numerous "crystal" pendants. However, you should not get hung up on this option, because modern manufacturers offer many interesting, stylish and comfortable options.

If you - due to adherence to traditions or in order to create a certain style of interior - have opted for a massive chandelier, you do not need to limit yourself to this. In any living room, additional sources of lighting will be appropriate: wall sconces, floor lamps and portable standing lamps.

Additional light sources perform several functions at once:

They allow you to well illuminate all corners of the room, without leaving any terra incognita areas in it, where it is dark in the evening, even if you gouge out your eye.

Create separate lighting and comfort in each functional area. Thanks to a well-placed floor lamp or sconce, one of the family members with all the conveniences can read or work at a computer in the corner of the hall, while others have a “movie show” or an evening rest in the twilight on the sofa.

Can create decorative lighting in a niche, near art objects, etc.

They are additional decorative elements.

If you are a supporter of laconic design, then recessed ceiling lights are the best fit. They also allow you to create separate lighting in different functional areas of the living room. And besides, with their help you can always adjust the brightness and level of illumination of the room. And with all this, they remain almost invisible, do not overload the design and fit almost all interior styles.

It's safe to say that recessed ceiling lights are the best choice for a small room with low ceilings. But, at the same time, they will also be appropriate in a spacious hall.

Style Selection

Choose a style based on the tastes of the whole family. Look at photo examples of living room designs in a magazine, on the Internet, explore the various styles that are in abundance today.

Of course, the dimensions of the room must also be taken into account. In a small room in Khrushchev, a lush baroque or any other “palace” interior will look out of place. For small living rooms, it is best to choose a laconic design in the Scandinavian style, elegant classics or strict hi-tech or minimalism. Country and Provence are perfect, as these styles suggest comfort and emphatically home furnishings.

If your living room is large, then there is room to roam. In principle, a spacious room can be decorated in almost any style that you and your family like.

When choosing the style of the living room, be sure to take into account the features of the interior of the other rooms. Maintain style and harmony.

Classic

The classic style of the interior involves the use of the most natural materials. The whole environment should breathe quality and good taste. As part of this style, traditional furniture made of solid wood or, at a minimum, high-quality MDF will be appropriate.

Classic interior colors are soft, calm, usually light. But in principle, within the framework of this style, almost any shades (except bright and flashy) will be appropriate if they are correctly beaten.

Elegant wallpaper, paintings, vases, traditional chandeliers, beautiful curtains - all this will be an excellent frame for an interior in a classic style.

Despite certain design rules, there are different directions for decorating a living room in the spirit of the classics. Within the framework of the classical style, several variations can exist at once:

refined and rich "palace", in which discreet gilding and more elaborate forms will be appropriate;

solid and reliable English style, suggesting solid furniture of simple shapes and unpretentious decor;

neoclassical, meaning lighter and simpler forms, expensive elegance without ostentatious luxury.

Minimalism and high-tech

High-tech and constructivism can also be combined under this general direction. All these styles imply laconic finishes, emphatically simple and modern furniture models, built-in lighting, and an abundance of technology.

Minimalism is characterized by soft colors, calm combinations, stylish and simple shapes.

For hi-tech, for all their similarities, saturated tones, metallic luster and a lot of glass are more characteristic. High-tech furniture or decor can have very unusual, but at the same time laconic and streamlined shapes.

Minimalist interior of the living room is best suited for young and energetic people who keep up with the times, who do not attach much importance to luxurious surroundings, preferring simplicity and elegance of lines.

However, do not think that the interior in the style of hi-tech or minimalism is something from the category of "cheap and cheerful". Such a design may well turn out to be much more expensive than some magnificent Empire style.

Country and Provence

These styles are perfect for lovers of home comfort, antiquity and rustic simplicity. If you want to enjoy peace as much as possible, relax and forget about the bustle of the city, then these are excellent options for the living room.

At the same time, country is deliberately rough, emphatically rural, with simple, almost unfinished furniture and themed textiles. It is characterized by natural, natural shades: soft light and dark green tones, the whole range of brown, light yellow, ocher. Of the prints, a large cage, as well as various variations of floral patterns, will be especially harmonious.

The Provence style, as it should be for a true Frenchman, is more refined, distinguished by a special chic and charm. It is characterized by lighter shades of furniture and finishes: white, cream, pale blue, turquoise, beige. Decor and textiles can be very flirtatious: with ruffles, scallops, flounces, etc.

Today, these design trends are very popular not only in the design of country cottages, but also in the decoration of city apartments. Therefore, in stores you can easily find furniture, decor and finishing materials that perfectly match these styles.

Scandinavian

This style is incredibly popular right now. The secret of its success is in the harmonious combination of minimalism, comfort and homeliness. It involves a simple and concise finish, convenient and comfortable furniture of simple shapes, stylish, but at the same time soft and not defiant decor.

The Scandinavian style is characterized by calm shades: white, beige, light gray, gray-green, pale blue, dark blue. Often in the colors of such an interior there is a certain marine theme.

Living room interior in Scandinavian style is the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, modernity and home comfort. Stylish and modern upholstered furniture for the living room is perfect here, a photo of which you can see below.

Choosing furniture

Before you start choosing furniture for your living room, carefully consider which functional areas will be allocated in the room. Beautiful furniture for the living room, the photo of which can be seen below, is not all. It is important to correctly place it so that all the inhabitants and guests of the apartment feel cozy and comfortable.

If it is intended exclusively for families, then a comfortable sofa, armchairs, a TV stand and a couple of shelving will be enough. If space allows, you can add a coffee table, as well as small cabinets where you can place various decor items.

If you often arrange parties, like to receive and treat guests, then you will need a bar counter. It looks stylish, modern, spectacular, can serve as a place to store all kinds of items and will allow you to organize the serving of drinks and treats for guests in a very small area. In addition, the bar counter can be an excellent dividing element if you need to zone the living room.

Choose the dimensions of the sofa and the number of chairs depending on the number of family members and the possible number of guests. It makes no sense to choose an airfield sofa and three armchairs if you live alone and rarely receive guests. In this case, it is worth limiting yourself to more compact options and leaving more free space in the room - to create a feeling of spaciousness or to accommodate other functional elements.

If you expect your guests to occasionally stay overnight, then the choice of sofa should be approached especially carefully. Choose folding models, on which, if necessary, you can fully sleep. If there can be several overnight guests, then it makes sense to consider options for transforming chairs that can fold out and turn into a bed.

Modern design solutions, as a rule, do not involve the placement of solid cabinets in the hall. It is assumed that this tradition should remain in the Soviet past. However, if you don't have a walk-in closet and don't have enough space to place storage items in other rooms, no one can force you to give up a spacious closet in the living room.

In a classic interior, it can even be a solid wall. However, if you prefer more modern design trends, then it is better to pay attention to stylish wardrobes. For a small room, models with mirrored doors are perfect, they allow you to visually expand the space, and will not weigh down the interior as much as their counterparts with solid doors.

A small room should not be cluttered with a large number of pieces of furniture. Such an "abundant" environment will overwhelm, distract, and simply interfere with free movement around the room. If you don’t have a lot of things, then you definitely shouldn’t put a massive closet in the living room, limit yourself to a light and elegant rack. If you want to create a truly light and stylish design, pay special attention to the modern style living room furniture, the photo of which can be seen below.

If you do not plan to receive guests often, it makes no sense to purchase a grand dining table in the hall. In order to drink coffee or have a snack in front of the TV, an elegant coffee table will be quite enough. To save space, you can choose a functional transforming table, which will serve as both a stand and a storage for books and magazines, and, if necessary, can be expanded into a fairly full-fledged springboard for home meals.

Fireplace in the living room interior

If you want your living room to breathe genuine comfort and hospitality, consider purchasing a fireplace. Naturally, it is almost impossible to establish a real hearth in a city apartment. But today there are a lot of magnificent imitations on sale that will emphasize the elegance of the interior, create an atmosphere of comfort in the room and even be able to heat it.

An electric fireplace is perfect for an apartment. Do not think that this is a more beautiful analogue of the heater. In fact, modern manufacturers produce incredibly realistic models that amazingly imitate real flames. There are even models with sound and aroma accompaniment. That is, in front of you there will be not only the illusion of an open fire, but also real crackles, as well as the smells of burning logs.

Fireplaces are produced in a wide variety of styles: exquisite classic, ultra-modern laconic high-tech models, mysterious gothic, luxuriously decorated with gilding and marble in the rococo style, cozy stoves in the spirit of the country. In addition, fireplaces in the living room can vary in location: wall, corner, island.

Such a variety of models will allow you to choose exactly the option for your living room that fits perfectly into the layout and style of decoration.

Photo

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Content

1 Popular directions

2 Decoration of individual elements

2.1 wall

2.2 Paul
2.3

2.4 V rothing
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3 Conclusion

Today, designers offer many solutions for decorating a modern living room. The wealth of options is achieved by mixing trends and non-standard ideas. However, the room must harmoniously combine functionality, spaciousness and attractive appearance, so choosing the right option can be difficult. In this article, in addition to practical advice, there are photos of the decoration of the living room in a modern style that will help you make the right choice.

Modern living room decor option

Contemporary living room interior lighting

Modern furniture original

Beautiful modern living room

Modern living room painted walls

Popular destinations

Modern decor living room quite often resort to mixing styles such as loft, hi-tech and minimalism:

Loft. When decorating a room in a loft style, some of the elements are not subjected to additional finishing. For example, plank flooring is used, and one wall can be lined with brickwork. Wallpaper in this direction is not provided. The loft style is more suitable for spacious living rooms or studios;

Hi-tech. The direction of high-tech appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to gain popularity. Its main advantage is that it is perfect for both small living rooms and larger rooms. High-tech is distinguished by clear lines of the interior, the use of glass and metal elements. A minimum amount of decor is assumed, which will be especially important for a small room;

Minimalism. The minimalist style is suitable for those who prefer the spatial freedom of the room. Best of all, this direction will look in small living rooms, but you can choose harmonious options for spacious rooms. The design involves a minimum number of details and a strict design with a complete absence of decorations in the form of drawings and ornaments. In minimalism, wallpaper is not used, and the room is finished with natural materials, mostly light shades.

Living room design in Loft style

Minimalism in the interior of the living room

Hi-tech style in the living room

Finishing of individual elements

Walls

The walls are designed with restrained solutions, without intricate ornaments and complex patterns. The best option is decorative plaster or light-colored wallpaper. Additionally, you can decorate the walls with mirror surfaces to visually expand the space.

Very important! The shade that will be used for wall decoration should bring harmony to the environment, take into account the location of the room relative to the sides of the horizon, match the color of the furniture and satisfy the individual preferences of the residents.

If the windows face north, the best solution is to paint the walls in yellow or peach to make up for the lack of sunlight. Also, this option can be used when window openings are shaded by trees. When the windows are facing south, darker tones should be used when decorating the walls. Visual examples of design can be seen in the photo of the decoration of the living room in a modern style.

Beige stucco in a modern living room interior

Decorative stone on the walls in a modern living room

Flooring

When choosing flooring, it is better to give preference to parquet or light laminate, as they most of all correspond to the spirit of modern trends. Parquet flooring has been in demand for a long time. This material is environmentally friendly and able to last for many years, so it is preferred in many design styles, including modern ones.

Tip! Experts recommend using herringbone parquet to dilute the overall minimalism of the environment - such floors will add the necessary comfort to the living room, which can be lost among the general coldness of the room.

To prevent the different parts of the room from merging into a single bright spot, you can use dark-colored parquet. This solution will visually increase the height of the living room. The strong color contrast of dark flooring and light walls can be diluted with neutral carpeting. If the living room is located in a private house, a good solution would be to finish the floors with stone tiles or porcelain tiles, especially when the room faces the backyard. In long living rooms, parquet or laminate flooring is best placed diagonally to expand the space visually.

Windows

Window openings should be enlarged and larger glasses should be purchased. As a result, a lot of daylight will penetrate into the living room, which will favorably emphasize every detail of a modern setting. It is better to give up thick curtains with decorations in the form of tassels or bows and opt for light or even translucent ones so that the windows do not get out of the general style.
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