Well decorated living room
85 Best Living Room Ideas 2022
Jubilant Expression
Thomas Loof
It had always been a dream for Garrow Kedigian to live at the legendary Carlyle Hotel, and so when that dream became a reality, the decorator looked for ways to pay homage to the iconic landmark. The citron color covering the living room walls nods to Dorothy Draper, whose signature yellow velvet banquettes are still found in the Carlyle lobby. Meanwhile, the black moldings were inspired by the building's iron doors and the faux window mullions.
Fairytale Beginnings
Werner Straube
Designer Summer Thornton pulled inspiration from both places near and far when it came to decorating the living room of her 19th-century Chicago townhouse. The apricot shade on the living room walls comes from a sunlit building she’d seen in Venice while the hand-marbled paper (Marbled Art) covering the ceiling also mimics styles found in that region.
Joyful Living
Laurey Glenn
Janie Jones and Elizabeth Miles, the duo behind Hundley Hilton, may have different style preferences, but together they make one powerful design team. As illustrated in the joyful living room of their client's Birmingham cottage, they know how to mix various colors and styles with ease. The vibrant yellow sectional (Lee) paired with a mod game table and Pierre Paulin-style Z chairs create the optimal space for easy conversation.
Literary Magic
Paul Costello
Design team Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman aimed to preserve the historic architecture of New Orleans' famous Faulkner House Books while instilling a youthful spirit in the living quarters. Aerodynamic Italian chairs in a decadent silk brocade animate the room's existing silk draperies and duck-egg blue paint. The coffee table is covered in a velour textile by Arabel Fabrics.
Sunset Hues
Miguel Flores-Vianna
Believe it or not, the soft sunset palette of Renvy Graves Pittman's Bel Air living room originated from the antique Spanish rug.
The warm tones carry over onto the apricot silk draperies and the floral sofa, upholstered in Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock chintz.
Clean Lines
Lisa Romerein
Brooke and Steve Giannetti, the married duo behind the architecture, design, and lifestyle firm Giannetti Home, aimed to maximize the Los Angeles villa's connections with the gardens and accommodate business-related entertaining. The living room features multiple French doors, framed by billowy Rogers & Goffigon drapery, that open into a sycamore-shaded garden for a private cocktail party.
Verdant Youth
Alison Gootee
Decorator Heather Chadduck Hillegas relied on buzzy patterns, verdant pops of color, and a pearly coat of paint to give this century-old Arkansas farmhouse a fresh chapter. In the living room, the sofa’s leafy Malmaison Fontaine pattern (Jasper) and a vine-sculpted tole chandelier balance the traditional wingback chairs (Mrs.
Howard) and a gilded French mirror.
English Revival
James McDonald
Esther Cayzer-Colvin took a few decorating notes from her grandmother and co-founder of Colefax and Fowler, Nancy Lancaster, and played with buoyant patterns in the newly added drawing room of her Wiltshire estate. Italian-strung curtains in Turkish-inspired patterned linen (Carolina Irving) frame views of the lush gardens. The sofa and slipper chair are both from Howard & Sons.
Cottage Charm
Nicole Franzen
Before filling this Napa Valley cottage with heirlooms, designer Dan Fink and architect Carl Baker of Ike Kligerman Barkley needed to rethink the configuration and flow of the living spaces. The biggest change was the addition of the great room, which extends off the back of the house onto the pool and outdoor dining room. The beechwood armchairs are by Sergio Rodrigues (Espasso).
Beach Vibes
VICTORIA PEARSON
To break up the ballroom-size living room in this Pebble Beach chateau, the designer Mary McDonald devised three separate seating areas, all accented by different rugs.
A diamond-patterned sisal rug lays the foundation for an airy lookout. Pale, near-neutral blues on the sofa (fabric, Clarence House) and drapery (fabric, Kerry Joyce) amplify the sunlight in the living room.
Americana Drama
Mark Roskams
“I like to utilize the entire volume of a room,” says designer Anthony Baratta, pointing to an American painting by Tomory Dodge and oversize custom floor lamp, both of which take advantage of the capacious height of this New York City apartment.
Equally ample upholstered furnishings are clad in arresting colors and patterns, including cherry-red velvet (Pierre Frey) and the sofa’s block-printed linen (Christopher Moore). Plaster and marble objects, including an over-the-top amphora lamp, echo the color and classical tone of the original ceiling moldings. The medallion border on the drapes was inspired by one in a Christian Lacroix showroom.
Old-World Grandeur
In the large living room of this Alabama home designed by architect Paul Bates and interior designed Melanie Pounds, a landscape diptych by Michael Dines hangs over a carved European mantel (Chateau Domingue).
Sofas, Verellen (at left) and Dmitriy & Co. (at right).
Anything But Mellow Yellow
Douglas Friedman
Designer Todd Romano's San Antonio living room might as well be a virtuoso’s guide to owning the color wheel: Taxicab yellow, pure red, and cobalt are a mighty foundation for soft pastels and nuanced naturals. A pair of Chinese baluster vases fitted as lamps bookends a custom button-tufted sofa. Central artwork, C-Ring 1, Todd & Fitch.
Midcentury Cool
William Abranowicz
In the living room of architect Ken Pursley's Charlotte, North Carolina, home, a Calacatta marble partition separates the seating area from an open kitchen, shielding countertop clutter while inviting conversation between cook and guest. The custom sofa was a wedding gift from fellow architect Bobby McAlpine.
Sea of Greens
Thomas Loof
In the living room of designer Cece Barfield Thompson's New York City home, an oil painting by London artist Daisy Cook hangs over a nine-foot Schneller sofa upholstered in stain-resistant fabric (Perennials).
The coffee table is crafted from a 19th-century Chinese screen.
European Simplicity
Joshua McHugh
The inviting, casual living room of this colonial Connecticut home designed by Philip Gorrivan is furnished with antique French leather armchairs and a sprawling sectional sofa covered in a vintage ticking stripe. Several of the pillows were crafted with fabrics the owners picked up on their travels.
Royal Hues
Brie Williams
In the living room of designer Ceara Donnelley's Charleston home, a custom mohair sectional (Dmitriy & Co.) wraps a R&Y Augousti table. Paneling color, Pelt by Farrow & Ball
Scale and Age
Eric Piasecki
In the living room of this waterfront Maine home designed by architect Gil Schafer, troweled plaster walls and immense, dual, custom-carved Dorset stone fireplaces give a sense of European heft and age.
An antique needlepoint sofa is slipcovered in a cool ocean-blue linen.
Mad for Plaid
Mark Roskams
This radiant New York City study designed by Anthony Baratta is dressed in a Lee Jofa tartan pattern recolored specifically for this room (Anthony Baratta credits the “perfect pitch” of his team, Erick Espinoza and Jamie Nagoon, for refining such hues). The armchair upholstery is inspired by an early American weaving; the leather chair is antique English.
Primitive Modern
Nickolas Sargent
That's how designer Mikel Welch would describe his personal design aesthetic, and he channeled himself as a client for this comforting living room at the 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach. Welch says he loves to blend old, rustic pieces and vintage finds with his affinity for modern homes to create a unique space—and that is certainly on display here.
The designer used pieces from his own furniture collection to anchor the space, while filling in with furnishings from Jayson Home.
The oversized abstract art above the console table is from Briggs & Co. The room is painted an airy Swiss Coffee in matte from Benjamin Moore's Aura line and the breezy window treatments were fabricated by The Shade Store.
Nautical and Nice
Nickolas Sargent
For Lexington, Kentucky–based Benjamin Deaton, transforming the
2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach living room was all about blending the Palm Beach lifestyle with his personal aesthetic and experiences. The designer envisioned the conceptual homeowner as being a well-traveled, renowned host with an endearing quirkiness that makes this traditional space have a fresh and relaxed feel.
Inside Out
Douglas Friedman
At this Dallas home designed by architect Ryan Street and interior designer Meredith McBrearty, a contemporary abstract by Louisiana painter José-María Cundin ignites a textural symphony of natural neutrals.
The living room sofa is by Joseph Jeup, and the pair of armchairs are by B&B Italia.
Sunshine State of Mind
Thomas Loof
In this light-filled retreat in Naples, Florida, designed by Summer Thornton, gauzy block-printed drapery (Muriel Brandolini) filters sunlight into the great room. Sofas, Montauk Sofa
House of Tudor
Annie Schlechter
At this Bronxville, New York, historic Tudor home designed by Carrier and Company, the living room’s colorful and printed upholstery enliven oak paneling that is original to the home. Walnut veneer drawings, Neal Perbix. Mohair sofa fabric, Maharam. Coffee table, Julian Chichester.
La Fiorentina Lives On
Stephen Karlisch
At the 2020 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, the living room evoked so much Mediterranean charm, you could almost feel the warm ocean breeze right in the middle of Texas.
Inspired by the iconic La Fiorentina, designer Mark D. Sikes utilized his signature blue-and-white color palette to reinterpret the historic, elegant space into one fit for a North Dallas manse.
The star of this room is the magnificent wallcovering by Iksel Decorative Arts that envelopes the space in European seaside glamour. Elegant tailored-pleat drapery fabricated by The Shade Store gave the room a romantic, dreamy feel. The history of La Fiorentina was beautifully continued through this inviting, serene living space that evoked the same casual elegance and grace.
A Gracious Gathering Space
Laurey Glenn
Designed by Brockschmidt and Coleman, the Nashville, Tennessee, home of Keith and Jon Meacham features a convivial living room with the perfect mix of cool and warm hues that's often filled with lively guests gathering for cocktails before dinner. Curtains, Claremont.
Wonderful Wanderlust
Douglas Friedman
At this Connecticut home designed by Miles Redd, a pair of commissioned Tim Kent paintings portraying Babylonian scenes adds a sense of wanderlust and fantasy to the family room.
Faux shagreen desk, Made Goods
Elemental Beauty
JD Powers
In the living room of this Sea Island, Georgia, home designed by Anne Spilman, a Holland and Sherry rug brings a lively pattern to the floor while Brunschwig & Fils chair fabric, Holland and Sherry curtain fabric, and a seafoam green couch welcome in color.
Deco Neutrals
Mali Azima
In the spirit of French Deco, architect Yong Pak and designer Melanie Turner worked together to create this light-filled salon, complete with two cozy seating areas and a dining table for 12, this 100-year-old Atlanta home. In the main seating section, a conical Murano glass chandelier glimmers over pair of Louis XVI–style commodes and retro-inspired sofa (Björk Studio). The artwork above the mantel is by the late artist Todd Murphy.
Soaring Chintz
Francesco Lagnese
The entire scheme of this charming living room in a Big Sky, Montana condo stemmed from the owner's love of Pierre Frey's floral linen, Mortefontaine.
Designer Palmer Weiss covered two swivel chairs and several pillows in it, then carried the aubergine, soft brown, and olive tones throughout the rest of the room. The 19th-century portrait of Pocahontas is by Victor Nehlig.
Gutsy and Vibrant
Julia Lynn
Decorator Angie Hranowsky gave each room of this late-20th-century Tudor it's own personality. In the yellow living room, golden walls (Golden Straw, Pratt & Lambert), a peach velvet sofa (Pierre Frey), and pillows in purple and pale seafoam green assert youthfulness and vibrancy.
'80s Glamour
Douglas Friedman
With a shared love for 1980s design and glamour, designer Miles Redd and his client, Sam Milner, played with bold color and lively pattern in the jewel-toned living room of her Greenwich home. Rich sapphire, emerald, and ruby tones seen in the chintz-covered furniture and Persian carpet inspired the room's taffeta curtains, silk walls (Kravet), and velvet pillows.
Hollywood Influences
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
A soulful mix of natural materials, soft suedes, Belgian linens, and luxe velvet brings a sense of Old California back into this 52-acre vineyard estate by Ken Fulk. At the center of the living room, a linen sofa (Gregorius|Pineo) and a leather armchair (McGuire) offer ideal spots to perch beside the peninsular fireplace.
Anglo and Low Country Blend
Emily J Followill
Architect Peter Block constructed this Arts and Crafts–inspired cottage on Brays Island to offer prime flexibility in a small footprint. Designer Beth Webb filled the living room with a plush sofa (Mrs. Howard) upholstered in soft wool (Holland & Sherry) to provide the resting spot after dinner in the adjoining dining room.
A Jubilant Occasion
Annie Schlechter
Lacquered green walls and vivid dragon-print draperies (Jim Thompson) usher guests in to converse and relax in this jubilant New York living room by Chiqui Woolworth.
The artwork over the mantel, Contemplation, is by Anne Rose, the owner’s mother.
Island Vibes
Brie Williams
When renovating his 70-year-old midcentury cottage on Harbour Island, designer Matthew Carter used a color palette of deep greens, dark browns, and a blend of whites to make each room feel more organic. For the living room, the Kentucky-based decorator paired a classic sofa (George Smith) paired with armchairs in a blue-check fabric (Alan Campbell). At the center is a 1970s coconut shell table.
Artful Restraint
Max Kim-Bee
Los Angeles–based designer Richard Hallberg used a cloud-like palette and a symphony of objéts to tie together each room of this historic Nashville mansion. Chess by John Cage (1968) hangs over a custom sofa within the living room. Soft linen upholstery fabric is by Formations.
Patterned Connections
DYLAN THOMAS
To unify the two halves of the large drawing room in his English countryside cottage, textile designer Richard Smith covered the walls of each section in the same shell-pink wallcovering (Madeaux).
The flame stitch fabric covering the settee can also be seen on pillows in the other side of the parlor.
The Mediterranean Edit
HELENIO BARBETTA
Handmade terra-cotta floors, a brass hearth surround, and tiles crafted in Tangier, Morocco, bring elemental beauty and warmth into the living room of landscape architect Marco Bay's Portofino escape. The blue and green glassware on the mantel echoes the sparkling Mediterranean outside.
Innovative Thinking
Courtesy of Mikel Welch
Designer and TV host Mikel Welch proves neutrals and wooden accents are far from boring in this New York City apartment. Welch repurposed barn doors as an innovative wall decor piece that warms up the entire space.
Elemental Twist
Stephan Julliard
A modern-leaning design duo, Le Berre Vevaud awakened this mid-19th-century Paris loft with elemental furniture and bursts of vibrant color like the pair of Œuf chairs by Jean Royère in a punchy yellow and the sculptural sofa by de Sede.
Striking Simplicity
Courtesy of Joy Moyler
In this living room by renowned decorator Joy Moyler, soft upholstered furniture, dreamy lighting, and a calm neutral palette create a soothing atmosphere to relax and catch up with family.
Outside In
Douglas Friedman
The living room of this Naples, Florida, home designed by Celerie Kemble becomes a refined waterfront lounge thanks to retractable glass and a shallow pool with floating stepping pads en route to the terrace. Slipper chair and pillow fabric, Penny Morrison and de Le Cuona. English 1930s side tables, Lee Stanton Antiques
Family Heirlooms
Tara Donne
In the living room of Jenna Bush Hager's Long Island, New York, home, sapphire velvet upholstery (Donghia) and tassel fringe (Samuel & Sons) refresh a classic sofa. Armchair fabric, Morris & Co. Vintage coffee table, Baker.
Chandelier, Stray Dog Designs. Egret painting, George W. Bush. Interior design, Traci White Designs
Back to Back
Trel Brock
"Prioritizing conversation is key," says designer Richard Keith Langham, who designed this Greenwich, Connecticut, living room. The back-to-back sofas create two seating areas and alternate vantage points, ideal for creating more intimate conversation zones in a larger space.
Always Sunny
NELSON HANCOCK,
In this Southampton living room designed by Markham Roberts, a game table by the fireplace creates an intimate gathering spot for chess or a cocktail.
Garden Views
Brian Woodcock
With dreamy views of the flourishing gardens outside her Mountain Brook, Alabama home, designer Caroline Gidiere incorporated subtle floral motifs throughout her living room. The sofa's slipcover is in a custom Colefax and Fowler print found on a floral document fabric in England's Bowood House.
The Regency game table and antique chairs are flanked by Chippendale mirrors and lamps from Bungalow 5.
Collected Warmth
David Tsay
In this California home by Peter Dunham, vintage pieces such as the chintz on Syrie Maugham armchairs and Flemish tapestry covering a round ottoman enliven a space with context and history.
Soothing Symmetry
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ / ART + COMMERCE
In this Upper East Side townhouse, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber used a pair of slipper chairs and love seats to a create a pair of artful mirror-image seating areas flanking the fireplace.
Glimmering Effects
William Abranowicz
Glimmering surfaces, unique pieces, impeccable views of the Mecox Bay assert a sense of glamour within this living room by Alex Papachristidis. The New York–based decorator worked with various artisans to create one-of-a-kind piece such as the lighting hanging from the ceiling by Hervé van der Straeten in this Hamptons home.
French Dreams
Dylan Thomas
In the living room of Micky Hurley's Paris apartment, a collection of 12 marble Caesar intaglios mingles with treasured oil paintings from Hurley's ancestors. A pair of stamped Louis XV fauteuils from Greta Garbo's estate flanks a tufted sofa found at Bonhams.
A Hint of Glint
Thomas Loof
In the living room of Diana Ross' former New York apartment, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber brought the sparkle with lacquered walls and mirrored inset panels. Custom sofa in a blue Cassaro fabric. Ottomans in a Brunschwig & Fils fabric. Brass cocktail and side tables, Michael Dawkins Home. Rug, Holland & Sherry. Pendant, Studio Van den Akker. Artwork, Caio Fonseca.
Parisian Pastels
Christoph Theurer
"Juxtaposing elements that don't normally belong together makes everything feel more exciting," says French designer Jean-Louis Deniot on his approach to designing this 18th-century Paris apartment.
In the living room, colorful midcentury and contemporary furnishings such as the curvy sofa covered in a flecked bouclé (Raf Simons) and pink porcelain side tables (Djim Berger) stand out against gray-painted 18th-century boiserie.
Maximalist Manners
Björn Wallander
In the living room of this Miami beach retreat, designer Sig Bergamin plays with two dozen patterned fabrics and jewel tones to create a festive and welcoming vibe. A deep-red striped daybed fabric by Robert Kime mingles with an amethyst-and-gold-accented art series, adding a layered look to the room.
Always Sunny
Amy Neunsinger
Designer Mark D. Sikes awakens the decor of this midcentury ranch with splashes of color and ornate wallpaper in each room. The living room walls, painted Citron by Farrow & Ball, liven up the architecture of this 1950s home. The geometric rug is from Patterson Flynn Martin and the floral drapery and tufted sofa upholstery are from Lee Jofa.
The Wild Side
Thomas Loof
Designer Katie Ridder challenges classic, demure Hamptons style with electric shades of blue and red and rich patterns in the living room of this Hamptons home. The solid turquoise sofa and Chinese-red pillow fabric playfully accent hues within the hand-painted Iksel wallcovering. The sofa upholstery is by Jim Thompson.
Worldy Charms
Thomas Loof
This Palm Beach living room of antiques dealer Lars Bolander doubles as an art exhibition with paintings and sculptures decorating every corner. The console displays objects from the Bolander’s travels, including a French drawing and bowls from Greece and India. The metal fig tree sculpture is by Luciano Zanoni. The sculptures at left and on the console are by Dominique Pollès, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. James Harpel.
Playfully Historic
Annie Schlechter
Storied antiques work harmoniously with fearless colors in the living of designer Meg Braff’s 1960s Long Island ranch.
Braff found this 17th-century Chinese coromandel screen at a local estate once designed by Mario Buatta. The vintage sofa is trimmed in a four-inch fringe by Houlès. The sofa upholstery fabric is from Zoffany.
Dazzling Pastels
Thomas Loof
Designer Miles Redd uses an exaggerated pelmet in the living room of this Victorian home to disguise a low window and draw the eye upward. The custom tufted sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils silk velvet. The window treatment fabric is by Fisherman’s Fabric and the lacquered walls are Bird’s Egg by Benjamin Moore.
Sitting Tall
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
In the living room of this Palm Beach villa, designers Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence use apple green seating as a way to make the space feel young and fresh. The antique Italian chair in a Zimmer+Rohde fabric is from John Rosselli Antiques. The custom curved sofas are from Liz O'Brien.
French Escape
Alexandre Bailhache
With layers of vivacious fabrics and touches of French flair, designer Susan Bednar Long unlocks the magic of this 200-year-old Provence living room.
Drapery fabrics by Braquenié and Chelsea Textiles compliment the home's bountiful gardens while bringing to life the living space, which was formerly the barn.
Watery Tones
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Designers Bunny Williams and Elizabeth Lawrence swath the guesthouse living room of this Mediterranean-style villa with watery blue tones inspired by its Palm Beach setting. The room features a modern take on a classic Mediterranean tile wall that was created through photo imaging by Artgroove Studio. The armchairs are by O. Henry House and the elephant stool and mirror are from John Rosselli Antiques.
Tiger’s Eye
Mali Azima
This Atlanta living room designed by Melanie Turner marries classical influences with modern flair with the help of a tiger-striped sofa in a Scalamandré velvet. The teal pillows are in a Schumacher fabric with Samuel & Sons trim. Walls in Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball and artworks by Hendrik Kerstens and Trine Søndergaard.
Shell Games
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Designer Susan Zises Green infuses pink, cream, and coral shades into this Palm Beach living room to echo a collection of seashells. An antique stool awaits guests, and flowers by Tom Mathieu add vibrant life throughout. The custom sofa and both pairs of armchairs are upholstered in Claremont fabrics, topped with pillows in Fortuny fabrics, and flanked by side tables by John Rosselli Antiques. The lamps are Daniel Barney and frame artwork by Diane Petry.
Lacquered Living
Thomas Loof
Black-and-white patterns pop against lacquered green walls in this Washington, D.C., living room designed by Alessandra Branca. The room’s sofa and chairs are from the designer’s Casa Branca collection, and the chairs are covered in a Schumacher fabric. The 1940s lacquer cocktail table is from Maison Jansen and artwork by Ellsworth Kelly.
Moroccan Magic
NICKOLAS SARGENT
In the living room of this Kips Bay Show House, designer Cindy Rinfret uses patterned grass cloth wallcovering and panels—designed in collaboration with Nicolette Mayer—to make the room feel well-traveled and collected.
The gold leaf lighting by Currey & Company creates a sense of harmony with the entry’s domed, Moroccan-influenced architecture. In the corner, a 1970s original Jansen palm tree adds a playful nod to Palm Beach. Drapery fabrication by The Shade Store.
Polished and Tranquil
MAX KIM-BEE
Serenity and splendor mingle in this Santa Barbara living room designed by Ann Holden with the help of pedigreed antiques like the 19th-century Italian tapestry above the fireplace. The sofas are in an Ardecora fabric by Richard Shapiro, and the walls are in Hazy Skies by Benjamin Moore. The console is skirted in a Fortuny fabric and the cocktail table is by Hélène Aumont.
Spanish Style
James Merrell
The expansive living room of this 1930s Spanish Colonial home
designed by Cathy Kincaid is divided into intimate seating groups to create a cozy atmosphere. The custom sofa at right is in a Claremont fabric, while the facing armchairs are in a Rose Tarlow Melrose House fabric.
The French canvas screen is 19th century and the rug is by Doris Leslie Blau.
Cosmopolitan Country
Max Kim-Bee
A Portuguese needlepoint rug adds pattern and texture to the neutral living room of this Long Island home. Designer Frank de Biasi furnished the room with a vintage sofa by Maison Carlhian. The arm chairs are vintage Howard and Sons and the slipper chairs are vintage Maison Jansen. Speciality items in the room include the custom cocktail table, early-19th-century Danish secretary, and artwork by Ugo Rondinone.
High Impact
JOSHUA McHUGH
In this New York home designed by Nick Olsen, exposed wood beams and a painted floor serve as a rustic backdrop for exuberantly upholstered furniture. The armchair and ottoman, covered in a Bennison Fabrics crewelwork, are from Ann-Morris. The walls are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore.
Gallery Touches
Thomas Loof
In this living room designed by John Oetgen, the crisp white walls and marble floors create a gallery-like backdrop perfect for showcasing fine antiques.
The custom sofa and Louis XVI-style armchairs are covered in Dedar fabrics. The acrylic side table is by Travis & Company, and the antique rug is by Moattar, Ltd. The marble flooring is by Materials Marketing.
Simply Colorful
Max Kim-Bee
A framed 18th-century Japanese textile and colorful patterned pillows balance the off-white living room in Lipari, Sicily, one of eight Aeolian islands. Designers Nicola and Elda Fabrizio covered the Vico Magistretti sofa in a Dedar fabric. The ceramic head sculpture is by Lucilla Vallone.
Peak Views
Wiliam Waldron
In this Aspen getaway, designer Victoria Hagan used bronze window casings to frame floor-to-ceiling mountain views. The custom sofas are covered in a Romo fabric by Classic Design. The pair of chairs are designed by C.J. Peters, and the armchair is in a Chapas Textiles fabric by Frank Rogin. The custom cocktail table is by Victoria Hagan Home Collection and the Hervé van der Straeten console is from Ralph Pucci.
The custom rug is by Mansour.
A Textured Mix
Max Kim-Bee
This seaside California living room designed by Mark D. Sikes is a lively mix of materials: wicker, limestone, and wood. The sofa by Hickory Chair is in a Pindler linen. The Bielecky Brothers armchairs showcase a Carleton V cotton. The round table is by John Rosselli Antiques, and the floor lamp is by Visual Comfort & Co. The chandelier is from Formations.
Sophisticated Monochromatics
Thomas Loof
An antique French settee wrapped in a Great Plains fabric anchors this Atlanta townhouse living room by John Oetgen. The antique Swedish armchair is in a Dedar fabric, the bench is designed by Formations, and the mirror is an 18th-century carved Italian treasure. The Italian sconces are antiques from Travis & Company.
Seaside Living
ROGER DAVIES
In this coastal California home, designer Christina Rottman frames the home’s view of the Pacific Ocean with Chivasso sheer and C&C Milano silk curtains.
The custom sofa is in a Sabina Fay Braxton velvet and Rose Tarlow Melrose House leather. The cocktail table is Jean de Merry and the vintage chairs, in a Castel fabric, are from Demisch Danant. The art above the fireplace is by Roi James, and the pendant is Hervé van der Straeten.
Earthy Neutrals
Max Kim-Bee
The natural style in this Aspen, Colorado, home was designed by Richard Hallberg, who used muted tones to make a quiet backdrop in harmony with its mountain surroundings. The furniture includes a custom armchair in a Romo fabric, a cocktail table by Chista, and a table by Tom Palmer.
Relaxed and Breezy
MAX KIM-BEE
Designer Mark D. Sikes infused the decor of this living area with a blue-and-white scheme to pay homage to the home’s California seaside setting. The sofa is from Lee Industries in a Kerry Joyce linen, and the coffee table is by Quadrus Studio.
Charming in Cream
MAX KIM-BEE
In this bright living room, designer Amanda Nisbet painted the paneled walls a cream shade to make the space feel more intimate.
The custom sofa is in a Manuel Canovas fabric, and the custom armchair is in a Studio Four NYC fabric with Samuel & Sons trim. The ceiling fixture is by Amanda Nisbet for the Urban Electric Co., and the ceramic table lamp is by Vaughan. The vintage faux-bois table lamp is by Epoca, and the ceiling is in Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore.
Minimal and Quaint
Annie Schlechter
Designer Betsy Brown uses textured pieces to add warmth to this minimalist living room. The antique bergères in an Edelman leather are by Lief. The sofa features a Rogers & Goffigon linen by Dmitriy & Co. The slipper chair is designed by Christian Liaigre, and the cocktail table is designed by Japanache. The artwork at right is by John Carroll Doyle.
Classic Blue and White
MAX KIM-BEE
In this Hamptons home, designer Amanda Nisbet features a blue-and-white rug to resemble the sea. The custom sofas are in a de Le Cuona linen with Samuel & Sons trim, and the chairs are in a Lelievre fabric from Century Furniture.
The Bunny Williams Home ottomans are in a Designers Guild stripe, and the curtains are in an Élitis fabric. The grass cloth wallcovering is by Phillip Jeffries.
A Vintage Twist
PIETER ESTERSOHN
In this antiques-filled living room, designer Amelia T. Handegan uses a sense of restraint to make the historic pieces feel modern. The circa-1830 sofa is Swedish, and the Amelia, Inc. bergères are in Sabina Fay Braxton fabrics. The Louis XVI chair is in a Christopher Hyland fabric, and the circa-18th-century Italian bench has a seat in a Nomi velvet. Displayed at right is a 19th-century framed Chinese coromandel screen. The antique minarets are by David Skinner Antiques, and the walls are in custom Venetian plaster by Kristen Bunting; the 18th-century portrait is from Charleston.
Pops of Purple
SIMON UPTON
In this living room designed by Suzanne Kasler, old-world opulence contrasts with modern restraint.
The sofa is in a Ralph Lauren velvet, and the armchairs by John Saladino are in a Classic Cloth fabric. The bergère is in a Great Plains silk, and the cocktail table is by Nancy Corzine. The curtains are in a Nancy Corzine fabric with Samuel & Sons trim, and the mantel is by François & Co.
Bold Elegance
MELANIE ACEVEDO
This no-holds-barred living room designed by Michelle Nussbaumer features a worldly mix of antiques and textiles. The stool is in a Fabricut fabric, and the round table is by Ceylon Portfolio. The 19th-century mirror is French, and the Syrian side table is by Ceylon et Cie. The curtains are in a Michelle Nussbaumer fabric, and the 19th-century rug is by Farzin Rugs.
Playfully Patterned
Eric Piasecki
In a cozy home nestled in the mountains of Utah, designer Anthony Baratta adds a new sense of whimsy to this living room with a riot of plaids and pretty quilts.
The room features custom chairs and ottoman in Ralph Lauren Home checks. A custom-painted trunk is by Kevin Cross, and a custom mantel is designed by Thomas W. Newman. The walls are in White Dove, and the ceiling is in Yarmouth Blue, both by Benjamin Moore.
Sarah DiMarco Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.
65 Best Living Room Decorating Ideas & Designs
1
Enhance a Bakyard View
Gordon Beall
Working with landscape architect Lila Fendrick, designer Nestor Santa Cruz chose a wall of steel and glass windows and doors for this formal pool house living room that leads to the backyard. Though the glass decor, from the pendant light to the coffee table and doors, leaves a decidedly sleek impression, the plush rug and ethereal curtains make it extra cozy, too.
2
Work Around Restrictions
Karyn Millet
When designer Celerie Kemble moved into this New York City apartment, there was only one thing that prevented it from being the perfect fit: The building had a no wallpaper rule. To work around that obstacle, she applied a light shade of pink paint in a plaster-like finish that channels the texture of wallpaper.
3
Mix Clean Lines With Casual Materials
Nicolas Gourguechon
In the living room of designer Devin Kirk, a light shade of blue-gray along with clean-lined furniture makes for a polished backdrop while the woven chairs, light wood side table, and tree stump coffee table ensure a laidback atmosphere. It's the perfect balance of approachable and formal.
4
Incorporate Fun Trees and Plants
Read McKendree
Invite some nods to nature into your living room with quirky indoor plants and trees.
Designer Elizabeth Cooper placed a lush citrus tree in the corner for an extra pop of life and color and then staggered topiaries on the windowsill.
5
Create Zones With Area Rugs
Laure Joliet
This sitting room is right off the open kitchen, so designer Regan Baker decided to visually separate it with a custom sectional and area rug. A cleek armchair is positioned at a diagonal, establishing a nice balanced whole.
6
Add Personality With Texture-Rich Neutrals
Stephen Kent Johnson / OTTO
A quirky indoor tree is s fun surprise in this polished and cosmopolitan living room designed by Shawn Henderson. And, instead of a classic white or warm off-white paint color, he opted for a cooler gray neutral that complements the other subtle tones throughout the room. This also allows the texture-rich accents to shine.
7
Extend It Outdoors
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
This vacation home in Maui, Hawaii blends indoor and outdoor living beautifully. Designed by Breeze Giannasio Interiors, the two living spaces are connected by a sliding door that simply disappears when open for total connection between the open-air terrace and the indoor living room. The materials, colors, and fabrics are all coordinated for visual flow, too.
8
Transform a Generic Space With Texture
Gieves Anderson
If you live in a generic rental or simply have a small space, get inspired by this living room designed by David Frazier. Not only does it prove that size isn't everything, but it's also full of tricks that bring more dimension to otherwise simple architecture. Pops of marigold speak to the warm antique wood pieces and break up the monochromatic color scheme and the large rice paper pendant keeps things casual so it can function as a more relaxed family room.
A gallery wall, large indoor plant, and ceiling-high curtain rod add depth.
Check out Society6 for affordable and stylish prints and artwork to jazz up your walls.
9
Get Weird On the Coffee Table
Romanek Design Studio
Instead of decorating your coffee table with the classic assortment of stacked coffee table books, opt for something subtly quirky and unique. Here, Romanek Design Studio covered the surface with a collection of classic pots and planters, which both enhance and juxtapose the formal, traditional elements throughout the space as well as the more modern ones, making for a fun and eclectic yet timeless sprawl.
Check out Terrain for all your indoor and outdoor gardening needs.
10
Swap High Back Seating for Daybeds and Benches
Frank Frances Studio
Bring in extra seating with daybeds, settees, and window seats in smaller spaces.
They have lower back profiles, which prevents interrupting the visual flow and also keeps the space feeling open. We're loving the pop of yellow in this bold living room by Courtney McLeod.
Check out Albany Park for great living room seating options.
11
Redefine "Neutrals"
Nicole Franzen
If you don't love playing with tons of patterns and bold hues but appreciate experimental pieces and tasteful pops of color, take notes on this living room. Rather than opting for all black and whites, the anchor pieces—like sofa and tables—remain neutral, while the throws, artwork and lamp offer just a splash of color (nothing too crazy: just marigold, red, navy, and green).
Check out Design Within Reach for iconic design pieces.
12
Carve Out a Home Bar
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
In this living room designed by Carmel Greer, the paint color (Peach Blossom by Benjamin Moore) and casual jute rug set a sweet foundation while the modern, angular artwork, right fixture, seating, and throw blanket bring an edge.
One built-in niche is optimized to function as a full-on home bar station while the other stores and displays firewood. The mirrored wall within the left niche also helps bounce light and gives it a swanky nightclub vibe.
Check out Huckberry for great home barware.
13
Add Something Unexpected
Heather Hilliard
While the classic blue grasscloth wallpaper, floor lamp, and curtains set the stage for a traditional living room, designer Heather Hilliard added some unexpectedly edgy elements. The floral sofa and the green lucite coffee table are a welcome surprise that break up the classic elements without overshadowing them.
Check out Kartell for cool lucite furniture.
14
Conceal Your TV
Nicole Franzen
This neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine is refined and grown-up, but also family-friendly.
The soft and textural upholstery mixed with cream paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents are partially to thank, but there's also a large television mounted to the wall for family movie marathons. Fine gave it prime over-the-mantel placement but discretely tucked behind panels that double as modern art.
Check out Samsung for clever tech television designs.
15
Restore Existing Moldings
Jared Kuzia Photography
To complement the restored wood accents in this Boston Colonial Revival, designer Cecilia Casagrande on a deep, rich shade of blue-green paint: Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue. She then mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new design trends.
Check out Farrow & Ball for both timeless and cutting-edge paint colors.
16
Incorporate Indoor Trees and Plants
Space Content Studio
Spruce up your empty corners with large indoor plants and trees.
Atelier ND and Carice Van Houten used a variety of species to create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes. It really freshens up the rich jewel and earth tones.
Check out The Sill for beautiful indoor plants and garden essentials.
17
Paint the Ceiling
Emily Followill
Designer Meredith McBrearty painted the ceiling light blue (she used the same shade in various rooms throughout the house, creating a continuous design thread), which adds an unexpected personality. The warm tones featured in the furniture contrast nicely.
Check out Benjamin Moore for endless colors of high-quality paint.
18
Upholster the Walls
Kevin Dumais
Though classic and timeless, this living room by interior designer Kevin Dumais is also having tons of fun.
From the red-painted ceiling to the velvet floor cushions for extra seating and the bold artwork, no detail is overlooked. To make the room feel even more soft and intimate, Dumais upholstered the walls in a leather fabric.
Check out Crate & Barrel for family-friendly staples.
19
Go Wild With Fun Fabrics
Paul Raeside
This eclectic living room designed by Montreal-based Les Ensembliers is making a case for a unique layout and wild fabric use. The sofas are all configured at an angle to break up the monotony of a classic, symmetrical living room, and all the fun, luxe fabrics warm up the open and airy space. Aesthetically, it's refreshing and unique, which in turn, gives the formal sitting room unpretentious, fun energy that inspires creativity and puts guests at ease.
Check out Kravet for tons of fabulous designer fabrics perfect for your upholstery projects.
20
Keep It Classic and Crisp
Heather Hilliard Design
A crisp, matte white living room is pristine, elegant, and timeless. Adding glass and metallic features sharpens up the white pieces. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you don't just want to experiment with trends anymore.
Check out Wayfair for all your home decor needs, from staples to accents.
21
Make It Cheerful
Anna Spiro Design
From the playful pillows and ottoman to the elegant gilt mirror and bright blue walls, this space by Anna Spiro Design is perfect for low-key nights in, or more formal gatherings. And the pleated yellow lamp is what really makes the living room feel cheerful and cozy.
Check out 45 Three Modern Vintage Home for fun, one-of-a-kind vintage lighting options.
22
Use an Off-White
Heidi Caillier Design
In this eclectic living room designed by Heidi Caillier, the jute rug, wood finishes, and brass accents bring plenty of warmth to ensure a cozy, inviting space. The colorful contrasting prints throughout contribute to the playful yet formal spirit of the room, too. And though it doesn't necessarily stand out, the cream paint color makes a transformative difference. White would be much starker.
Check out Serena & Lily for fun yet classic throw pillows.
23
Know Your Place
PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
Before you even start decorating your living room, remember where you are. (If you live in a casual beach house, your design scheme is going to look very different from that of an urban industrial loft space, for instance.
) In this beach house by Arent & Pyke, the design team focused on channeling the tropical vibe of a coastal home through fun motifs and casual materials. Yet, they still maintained a look of sophistication through fresh upholstery, beautiful artwork, and a thoughtful layout. That being said, if you're a sucker for kitsch and wish you were always on island time, add a hint of it with one statement piece, like a vintage Hawaiian-print rattan chair.
Check out Serena & Lily for coastal-inspired pieces.
24
Hang a Chair
Romanek Design Studio
Nothing ramps up the fun like a playful touch in the family room. This hanging chair in a living room designed by Romanek Design Studio proves our point—but the handsome leather upholstery also ensures a more sophisticated look. It's the perfect blend of cozy and cool.
Check out Modshop for groovy retro-inspired pieces.
25
Have Fun With Throw Pillows
Studio Razavi
Here's a lesson in monochromatic decorating with soul. Designed by Studio Razavi, this Parisian apartment is a beautiful blend of modern and Neoclassical style. While the bones of the room evoke a grand sort of opulence, the plush Moroccan rug and spacious white sofa make the space feel more approachable.
Check out Wayfair for endless options of decorative pillows.
26
Choose A Bold Wallpaper
Roland Bello
Wallpaper is one of those trends that just keeps on giving and giving. If you go with a classic chinoiserie wallpaper, you can do just about anything with it as your style changes over the year. This modern self portrait by Chuck Close is a bold contrast to the chinoiserie wallpaper (Iksel's Eastern Eden) behind it in this Miles Redd–designed home.
The contrast doesn't stop there: Redd continued to venture beyond design convention by incorporating contrasting jewel tones and mixing modern furniture styles with antique pieces. Oh—and believe it or not, the lime green chair is from Ikea! Proof even the best designers love a good deal.
Check out Anthropologie for bold wallpaper prints.
27
Bring the Fun to the Floor
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
When you have crisp white walls and neutral staples, like a sofa and coffee table, choose one statement item that brings in a surge of colorful energy. It can be anything from a vibrant piece of art on the walls to a bright carpet like this one in a living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.
Check out Homestead Seattle for colorful, one-of-a-kind rugs.
28
Bring Some Texture to the Walls
Gail Davis Design
If you love the soft look and feel of upholstered walls but don't want to embark on that major of a project (you'll need to install padding, etc.
), then try a fabric-effect wallpaper or a grasscloth. In this living room by Gail Davis Design, it suits the warm leather and brass pieces wonderfully, while the blue painted accents cool things off.
Check out Gooddee for tons of modern and unique living room items.
29
Branch Away From Neutrals
Laure Joliet
Designed by Redmond Aldrich Design, this living room manages to be unique and versatile, colorful and understated, approachable and impressive, all at once. That's thanks to the quirky, eclectic mix of frames, a light wood-paneled wall, a classic carpet, and an unexpectedly colorful sofa. If you typically like to stick to more neutral tones at home but find yourself generally drawn to color, consider venturing out with a dusty rose, forest green, or navy piece—they're the new neutrals.
Check out Article for sofas that feature classic silhouettes and moderately experimental colors.
30
Install Statement Lighting Overhead
Jaokim Johansson for Fantastic Frank
Want to go a little glam without looking too showy? Add in minimal brass accents, like a metal-frame coffee table and eye-catching metallic lighting. This living room is also a good blueprint for small space decorating. While the only three furniture items are two seats and a small coffee table, the ceiling light is all it takes to make the entire room feel special.
Check out CB2 for on-trend and affordable lighting options.
31
Hang Modern Art
Nicole Franzen
Wall art is a great way to add a big statement in a minimalist living room. It doesn't take up any surface space, but it can really transform the aesthetic. Use an abstract photograph like this one to dictate the colors of your throw pillows for cohesion.
Check out Tappan Collective for cutting-edge art.
32
Consider Your Surroundings
Studio Razavi
In this modern mountain home designed by architecture firm Studio Razavi, the classic cabin aesthetic gets an upgrade. The plush carpeting and sheepskin throw warm things up while the modern light fixture, streamlined furniture, and neutral colors ensure a calming, laidback, and stylish environment.
Check out IKEA for plush and affordable accessories.
33
Spruce Up Your Fireplace
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Who says backsplashes are just for your kitchen? Try tiling your fireplace. It adds an artful, customized touch to the living room without being overpowering. This is especially true if you opt for neutral or black and white geometric tiles, as in this Leanne Ford–designed space.
Check out Lowes for tons of mosaic tiles.
34
Mix and Match Patterns
Björn Wallander
The sofa in Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan's living room is a prime example of perfectly mismatched patterns. The couch maintains a tonal blue scheme, and the blue rug beneath it ties the whole look together. It's a great way to practice your pattern mixing if you're not ready to work with the entire rainbow yet.
Check out ABC Carpet & Home for beautiful textiles and throws.
35
Take Advantage of All Useable Space
Werner Straube
A formal living room can be full of fun and personality, too. Interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins sets the bar with a glam pendant light, marble fireplace, and plenty of luxe touches, like the emerald green velvet sofa.
And it optimizes all useable space, thanks to a built-in bench between the fireplace and window niche.
Check out Etsy for handmade cushions, custom throw pillows, and art supplies to rework at home.
36
Pick Comfy Seating
Studio Razavi
Designed by Studio Razavi, this eclectic Parisian apartment is a breath of fresh air. Not only does it prove that you can use a wallpaper mural in a minimalist environment (the grayscale color palette helps), but it's also the perfect example of how to design a living room that's both fun and relaxed, sophisticated and formal. The key? Seating needs to be comfortable, and materials need to be casual but clean.
Check out RH for high-quality, comfortable, and timeless seating.
37
Display Books in Style
Lisa Romerein
"The room doesn't get a lot of light, so I decided to make it cozy and turned it into an English-style portrait room, which is ridiculous, but fun," says celebrity chef Alex Hitz.
Taking the cozy route in a living room without a ton of natural light is a great solution. And what's cozier than a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with seating beckoning you to curl up on it? To display your books more creatively, offset them with artwork. In this room, a Peter Rogers portrait of Alex Hitz's close friend, the late Nan Kempner, hangs over the bookshelves to create some contrast.
Check out Design Within Reach for stylish and modern wall storage options.
38
Encourage Conversation
PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
If you frequently entertain guests at your home, choose a strategic living room layout that promotes conversation and comfort. For example, this living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors incorporates semi-circle seating that's both spacious and inviting. Sectionals are also a good option when a circular sofa isn't.
And if you love the all-white aesthetic, take note: Ford brush-painted the natural Ikea rug and custom-made rope light.
Check out Crate & Barrel for spacious, family-friendly sectionals.
39
Go All Out With a Gallery Wall
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Aside from the adorable dogs (Jacob and Wylo) cuddled up on the armchair-meets-dog-bed, that gallery wall is the clear statement-maker in this living room designed by Philip Mitchell. Mix and match frames for a subtle nod of personality. And speaking of personal touches, consider hanging art that means something to you—whether it's your children's artwork, your own, or a portrait of your pets.
Check out Framebridge for custom framing with tons of stylish options.
40
Double It's Function
David Tsay
Double your living room's function by investing in practical, multi-purpose furniture.
Here, in a space by Justina Blakeney, the console table also functions as a fold-out desk. But it's not all work—there's definitely room for play, from the lush plants to the fun details, and colorful patterns throughout.
Check out Jungalow for beautiful bohemian accents and essentials.
41
Choose Timeless Anchors
PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
A black marble fireplace strikes the perfect balance between edgy and timeless. It anchors this living room designed by Arent & Pyke, which get a contemporary lift from the jute rug, modern and bright artwork, and shapely table lamp. And because the armchairs are a classic silhouette, they'll last forever—you can reupholster them with different colors and prints throughout the years as your taste and style change.
Check out Chairish for vintage and timeless investment chairs.
42
Be Playful
Christopher Delaney
This hot-pink fireplace was inspired by the homeowners' grandmother's favorite shade of lipstick, interior designer Kristen McCory tells us. Have fun with little details like that and look for inspiration everywhere! If painting your entire living room a bold color sounds intimidating, opt for a statement wall or mantle.
Check out Home Depot for a range of fresh color options.
43
Make Things Easy On Yourself
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Make it easy on yourself by sticking to a very consistent, very simple color scheme. In this space by Leanne Ford Interiors, the designer worked within a strictly all-white color story. Even the firewood is painted white! We'll let that be a lesson in attention to detail.
Then choose one item to really pop in a bright color. In this case, Ford went with a bright-red Pierre Paulin Ribbon chair.
Check out Farrow & Ball for beautiful high-quality interior paints.
44
Use Your Favorite Color
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Color stretches all the way up to the high rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. As you can see in the mirror, the hue of the wall changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint green and soft sea-foam green. The red and blue work nicely, too, as the red is featured in the carpet, coffee table, and sofas, blending everything together beautifully. All together, the room feels traditional and formal, country chic and casual. To elongate your already tall ceilings, hang a pendant light high above the sitting area.
Check out Target for tons of contemporary light fixtures.
45
Make It Gallery-Worthy
Nicole Franzen
Everything in this living room is playing with shape. While the marble mantle and glossy floating shelves are angular and sharp, the coffee table and ottoman are soft and rounded. The use of natural materials makes the room feel rich even though there's not much in it.
Check out Amara for tons of modern and unique living room items.
46
Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Romanek Design Group
In this stylish, comfortable, and elevated living room by Romanek Design Studio, the off-white feels bright and airy while also warming things up and bringing it to a human scale (a cool white might be too stark, especially in a large, open room with high ceilings). Accent with soft textures and a few pops of color plus a tall plant or tree for an energizing contrast.
Check out Gooddee for tons of modern and unique living room items.
47
Set Up a Library Ladder
Victoria Pearson
The bookshelves in photographer Victoria Pearson's own Ojai living room allow all kinds of opportunities for displaying different items, and also for storage. Adding a ladder for high shelves adds another decorative touch.
Check out AllModern for leaning bookshelves and ladders.
48
Play With Shape and Color
Studio DB
The more distinct, the bigger the statement when it comes to wall decor and art. A good way to switch things up is by choosing artwork that doesn't live within the confines of a rectangular or square frame. We're also loving the colorful nesting coffee tables and ombre carpet, which add a little fun to this living room designed by Studio DB.
Check out Minted for accessible and fun artwork.
49
Work With What You Have
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
This floor-to-ceiling fireplace in a living room designed by Leanne Ford takes style notes from the best of both worlds: a classic mountain chalet and the Malibu coast. Whether there's snow falling or waves crashing right outside that window, we want to be curled up on that linen slip-covered chair. This living room is also a testament to the perks of working with what you have. The fireplace was given a new life with a makeshift mantle comprised of reclaimed wood and a fresh coat of white paint.
Check out Etsy for found objects and art supplies to rework at home.
50
Paint Your Walls a New Color
2LG Studio
"Soft pink was used here as a neutral base, which connects all the other elements throughout the space," say the design duo behind 2LG Studio.
"We designed bespoke plywood joinery throughout to unite the spaces and create much needed storage," they add. If you're bored of looking at stark white walls, try a soft color that can function as a neutral but exciting backdrop.
Check out Portola Paints for one-of-a-kind paint colors.
51
Make It Double-Duty
Studio DB
If your formal living room is also your family room, you want to make sure it strikes a balance between super comfortable and presentable—a cozy family room that cleans up nicely, if you will. A super soft sectional with plenty of space to spread out on movie night is a must, but choose one that also looks elegant. Then add fun, eye-catching lighting for an extra punch of fun, like the one in this Studio DB-designed room.
Check out HD Buttercup for unique and practical living room furniture.
52
Pair Unexpected Colors
Paul Raeside
Who says everything has to be matchy-matchy? Contrast your couch and chairs to make things a bit more interesting.
In this refreshingly quirky living room designed by Andrew Flesher, there's a little bit of everything—from jewel tones and tropical prints to classic prep school patterns, rustic accents, and traditional touches.
Check out Burke Decor for fun, on-trend patterns.
53
Shrink It Down
Jaokim Johansson for Fantastic Frank
Live in a super tiny space? Opt for a settee instead of a sofa or sectional and stack nesting tables instead of getting a bulky coffee table. You'll be surprised at much space this can save. And instead of spending a fortune on framing, simply pin up your favorite artwork as is. The easy elegance can be just as beautiful.
Check out West Elm for great apartment-friendly furniture.
54
Make It Relaxing
PHOTO: Lauren Bamford; DESIGN: Robson Rak
The clean lines throughout this living room designed by Robson Rak are making a small but mighty difference.
From the white paneled walls to the black-trimmed window and modern angular yet plush sofa, the linear motif is super easy on the eyes. And we love how the green nesting tables bring in some round contrast without clashing. For a similarly calming aesthetic, choose light colors and modern, low-to-the-ground furniture. Then splice in contemporary decorative objects to add personality. And bonus points if your living room has a lot of access to natural light.
Check out Finnish Design Shop for contemporary and tasteful accent pieces.
55
Paint the Ceiling
David A. Land
Why only have fun on the walls when you can have even more fun with a statement ceiling? We're loving the romantic yet surprisingly fresh color combination of fire-engine red and violet in this space by Katie Brown. The bohemian embroidered throw pillows tie everything together nicely. That's another great way to approach the living room design process: Start with a fun pair of throw pillows, and then pull out your two favorite colors to highlight on the walls and ceiling.
Check out H&M Home for fun and affordable throw pillows.
56
Take a Risk
Catherine Kwong Design
Rather than focusing exclusively on the walls in this grand San Francisco living room, designer Catherine Kwong brought the abstract art onto the floors. With broad white brushstrokes on the black-stained hardwood, these floors are a gorgeous juxtaposition against the Neoclassical ceiling and antique mirror above the fireplace. The key to mixing all these divergent design aesthetics is to remain in the same grayscale color scheme. Pro tip: wall sconces always add a subtle but transformative finishing touch.
Check out Frances & Son for hip and classic lighting options.
57
Add a Rocking Chair
Trevor Tondro
Chairs that look good but are totally uncomfortable? Not worth the cute factor.
Besides, here's definitive proof that rocking chairs can actually be super chic. The camel leather contrasts perfectly with the cream wall and plays up the old-time-y rustic feel of the reclaimed wood mantle.
Check our Urban Outfitters for hip, fun, and affordable staples.
58
Remember That Less Is More
PHOTO: Shannon McGrath; DESIGN: Robson Rak
An understated palette means you can focus on incredible interior architecture and dramatic statement pieces. Who says minimalists are afraid of color? Just pick one hue and a few select essentials, like in this modern blue living room designed by Robson Rak. The soothing tones and bulbous shapes throughout, from the marble side table to the bubble pendant light and rounded sofa, make it feel like a hug in the form of a living room.
Check out Moda Operandi for designer-approved accents.
59
Add Candles
Francesco Lagnese
Can you imagine how beautiful this room looks glowing in the candlelight? Opt for a chandelier with candles instead of lightbulbs for a rustic vibe.
Or, if that's not an option, display them on your mantel and light them up when you need to strike a romantic mood. (Use flameless candles to play it safe).
Check out Amazon for reliable and pretty basics.
60
Set Up a Few Sitting Areas
Annie Schlechter
This rustic great room was built to resemble a converted barn. If you're blessed with a large enough open plan living room, set up multiple sitting areas: one for hanging and snacking (a bistro table can break up the lower height of the other sitting areas), one for cuddling up with a good book, and one for formal entertaining.
Check out YLighting for great staple items in a variety of styles.
61
Choose An Oversized Pendant
Nicole Franzen
If your room has a more minimalist vibe, try an oversized, Noguchi-inspired paper pendant.
But take note: If your furniture is large and clunky, or you have a lot of busy decor, it could overwhelm it. The best part? Rice lantern pendant lights like the one in this living room designed by Space Exploration Design are super affordable.
Check out Paper Lantern Store for all your rice paper lighting needs.
62
Consider Black and Add Flowers
Maura McEvoy
Designer Kristin Kong hid a door to the basement behind millwork painted in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox in her home near Atlanta. The trick "makes the room look less choppy,” she says, since the dark color helps everything blend together. And never underestimate the power of a beautiful flower arrangement on the coffee table!
Check out Cost Plus World Market for fun and affordable accessories.
63
Elongate the Ceiling
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
Blend neutral gray walls with sleek, modern furniture and lighting.
It'll look chic rather than dated. A velvet throw pillow will add a nice iridescent flare, too. Also, pro tip: hang your curtains at the tippy-top of your walls to make the ceilings seem higher.
Check out CB2 for contemporary and versatile hardware.
64
Go Shiplap Crazy
Trevor Tondro
To up the farmhouse vibes, install shiplap. Joanna Gaines would totally approve. Then add something metallic, like a coffee table, for some unexpected bling.
Check out Joss & Main for fun and bold pieces.
65
Keep It Simple
Christopher Baker
This living room is simple, clean-lined, and inviting, with a little bit of glamour and a lot of comfort. To highlight the architectural details, the moldings are painted in high-gloss white.
Check out Apartment 2B for clean and classic furniture.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
15 options with photos, designers' comments
RBC-Nedvizhimost talks about the main rules and mistakes in arranging a room for rest and reception of guests
Photo: JRP Studio\shutterstock
just a place to receive friends. Here they dine, work, read books and watch movies. To create a welcoming environment for any type of activity, you need to take into account many design nuances.
We tell you how to equip a cozy and stylish living room.
Style
www.adv.rbc.ru
The design of the living room can be done in a variety of styles. The most common are classic, modern, Scandinavian, minimalism, country and Provence.
Design of a living room in a classic style
“In the interior of a living room, the type of furniture, decor, details, and overall color scheme are important.
Often, a person may like elements from completely different styles - for example, classic decor and modern furniture. In such cases, there is a risk of making the interior absurd, even though today few people follow exclusively one design style,” said Anna Budnikova, architect-designer, co-founder of the M-A SPACE studio.
High-tech living room design
There are also visually similar styles that combine with each other. For example, modern, Scandinavian, minimalism. “Our customers prefer modern style in living room design or Provence style. The first one is multifunctional, universal, practical. It is characterized by color contrasts, the principle of "nothing more" applies. For Provence, details that are usually characteristic of country houses play a key role. Due to them, the overall comfort and “warmth” of the space is created, ”summed up Budnikova.
Minimal living room design
Tips
Zones
Zoning plays one of the most important roles in living room design.
“You can separate the zones with glass sliding partitions or low pieces of furniture so as not to overload or reduce the space. Furniture should not be dark in color. Bright colors are acceptable - for example, for the children's area, but only if they support the overall range of the living room and do not hurt the eyes, - said Anna Budnikova.
“You can create a themed living room with places of interest - for board games, a musical group (piano is better than a piano) with a place for singing; large table for activities with children and work. In a separate area, you can place a fireplace group with firewood around. The dining area will be decorated with a transparent glass cabinet with porcelain and faience,” advised Irina Dymova, interior designer, board member of the Association of Interior Designers and Decorators (ADDI).
Divide your living room into themed areas
Light
Ambient Light
The living room is the perfect place to watch movies and series in the evening.
“With the help of a background lighting system that synchronizes with music or the image on the TV so that the viewer is completely immersed in what is happening on the screen, you can enhance the experience of your favorite films,” said Natalia Neverskaya, head of corporate communications at Signify in Russia and the CIS.
Don't forget about background lighting
Local lighting
We all like to read comfortably on the sofa, so the seating area should be equipped with local lighting. “Floor lamps are suitable for this, as well as table or portable lamps that do not require connection to an outlet - thanks to the built-in battery, they can be placed anywhere in the room. By the way, the presence of a variety of lighting effects will allow you to choose the right shade for your mood,” Neverskaya advises.
Portable lights can be placed anywhere in the room
LED strip
An excellent lighting design tool is also the LED strip, which can emphasize the graphic character of individual elements of the living room.
It can be placed along the contour of the ceiling, along the shelves with books or around the TV, creating the effect of floating in the air, advises an expert from Signify. According to Neverska, so that your original living room design details do not go unnoticed, you should use the accent lighting technique.
LED strip highlights individual living room elements
Furniture
Easy chair
Easy chairs are a fundamental part of the interior, they look good as a pair, side by side, at an angle or straight, it’s good to place a small coffee table between the chairs — it’s convenient to put a glass or a mug on it, the manager noted “ Design Bureau No. 1" Sergey Petrov. According to him, the chair should be as comfortable, cozy and spacious as possible. In the living room, chairs with a tilted back or even with a recliner look great - a footrest that comes out from under the bottom, which makes the chair a couch, the designer believes.
Upholstered armchairs look cozy side by side (Photo: jafara)
Straight-back hard chair
Older people and guests with mobility issues love hard chairs because they are easier to get up from.
“Yes, and often you need to sit down for a short time - not to fall into a chair, but to sit up straight. In addition, the suit wrinkles less on hard chairs. Such armchairs bring great variety to the interior,” Petrov explained.
Hard chairs suitable for older family members (Photo: Hofpils)
Sofa
Probably the most influential and significant element of the living room interior is the sofa. “Do not be stingy, carefully choose soft filling and upholstery, try to sit on it when choosing,” advises Petrov. “The sofa should give you incredible pleasure and comfort, wrap you up and look perfect.”
Choose a quality sofa - it is the main element in the design of the living room (Photo: Hofpils)
Small sofa, canape
The small sofa has an aesthetic function.
It brings even more variety and layering to the interior of the living room, creates additional comfort, the head of Design Bureau No. 1 believes. According to him, this is a good way to fill the voids of a large living room.
Canape will help fill the gaps (Photo: jafara)
Stools and banquettes
Stools, banquettes and armchairs are good to use in pairs near a sofa or coffee table, Petrov noted. According to him, you can put them under a table, a console or a shelf on the wall. Banquets are easily used as tables, they are mobile, multifunctional and perfect for a party.
Banquettes can be used as party tables (Photo: Followtheflow)
Spare chair
Spare chair is usually waiting in the wings away from the main furniture or in the back of the living room.
“The main thing in it is its light weight and ease of movement. Such chairs are needed when you suddenly have a lot of guests, and you do not want your dining group to look like a densely stocked collection of chairs every day. Spare chairs can often be in the image as an interesting object or artifact - that is, even defiant and contrasting, ”Petrov summed up.
Make sure you have a spare chair (Photo: Photographee.eu Related)
Mistakes
Illiterate zoning
Incorrect zoning is one of the most common mistakes in living room design. When it is inevitable to fit an office or a nursery into the living room, it is important not to block the passages and not allow “transit” zones, said Anna Budnikova from the M-A SPACE studio. According to her, the zones - recreation, kitchen, work, children - need to be isolated, but there should be a direct connection between them.
Do not block passages in the living room (Photo: New Africa)
TV against the light
A common mistake is placing the TV screen in front of a window or against the light. “You need to place it perpendicular to the window to avoid glare. For example, it is placed along the long wall of the living room, opposite the sofa. In the combined kitchen-living room, you can provide a monitor with a swivel screen so that it can be viewed from the kitchen. In rooms with elongated proportions, we sometimes recommend placing a cabinet with a TV in the middle of the room, thereby zoning the “long” space,” Budnikova specified.
However, in this case, you need to think about the direction of people's movement, so as not to block it, the designer emphasized. According to her, one-room apartments and studios are quite popular today, so the issue of proper space zoning is important.
The TV should be placed perpendicular to the window (Photo: MAX 3D Design)
Wrong climate
Another global mistake in the design of the living room is the incompatibility of interior design with the climate, Sergey Petrov is convinced. “In cold climates, for example in our latitude, wood, wool, velvet and suede have historically been used. In a warm climate, for example, in Sochi, wicker furniture, stone flooring, and cotton look more appropriate,” the designer believes.
It is better to give up wicker furniture if the climate is cold
Monotonous furniture
The mistake that most living room interiors have is the lack of variety of seating furniture and its dull arrangement, Petrov clarified. According to him, upholstered furniture, chairs, banquettes and a bar area should be selected and arranged in such a way as to contribute to the maximum and varied pastime - from intimate conversations to lively conversations at a noisy party.
“The secret is to have furniture with different ergonomic properties and functions in the interior, it is not necessary to give the interior an ideal, fundamental and finished look, which brings cloying, stiffness and suppresses the motivation for spontaneity and dynamic communication. You can hardly call a good interior where your guests, instead of sitting down or sitting comfortably for a conversation with a new acquaintance, are embarrassed, not daring to move a chair to the sofa, afraid to disturb the perfectly adjusted composition of the dining group,” the designer summed up.
Furniture should encourage a varied pastime (Photo: visualstock)
7 living room design rules | Interior design and renovation of apartments and houses. EuroDom Company
Living room, like any other room, has its own design and layout rules. This is not just a gathering place for households and guests, but a real center of family life - the focus of warmth and comfort.
A properly designed living room combines harmony, tranquility and at the same time a dynamic mood. To achieve this, you need to follow simple rules.
Take care of the center of the composition
The center of the living room is a kind of fundamental element around which the rest of the design is built. It is the visual center that determines the composition of the decor and the mutual arrangement of interior items. Almost any large object can be the center, but more often it is a table or a TV area (TV and cabinet or low coffee table). If the house has a fireplace, then it and the fireplace area with chairs and a rug can become the center.
In the photo: Living room decoration with a pronounced accent
Freedom in the arrangement of furniture
The classic arrangement of furniture along the walls is outdated. If the living room has a large enough area, you can think about how to arrange the furniture in accordance with the zones allocated in the room.
Such an arrangement will make it possible to visually separate one zone from another, making them more functional, and the interior more original. In addition, free-standing furniture lets in more air and eliminates the unsettling feeling of clutter that comes with decor-heavy rooms.
Combine incongruous
The trendy direction in design is a departure from any standards and traditions. The more will is given to desires, the better the tastes and preferences of the owner of the house are embodied - the better. You no longer need to chase the same texture of furniture and wallpaper, you do not need to purchase decorations that are similar in style. Variety is what is in fashion today.
In the photo: Combined kitchen-living room
Convenience and versatility
To do this, it is important to ensure that all purchased furniture can be quickly moved. The possibility of transformation is another requirement that applies to living rooms being designed today.
In the photo: Living room design
More space and more personal
Freedom and “airy” arrangement of furniture should emphasize the personality of the owner, and the room itself should tell his story. Various little things can contribute to this - handmade jewelry, photographs, postcards, paintings, favorite books. The more clearly the design "falls" into the same rut with the direction of thought of the owner of the house, the better.
On the photo: Spacious living room in cottage
Shelves instead of cabinets
Unfortunately, the shape of the rooms in most Russian houses is far from ideal. To correct overly elongated or, conversely, too square proportions, you can use shelving. Lightweight open shelving is a good substitute for traditional bulky wall cabinets. Visually expand the space rack with a mirror finish. You can also arrange a small podium in the living room to visually shorten an overly long room.
More space
Designers advise leaving a gap between shelving, podiums and furniture of at least one meter.
