Decorating a living room can be a real challenge. Do you make it formal and perfect for entertaining? Or do you make it casual, kid-friendly, and covered in easy-to-clean fabrics? Should you go for a timeless traditional style or make it more modern and trend-forward? We think you can have it both ways, and these living room design ideas prove it.
"When selecting living room furniture, I always look for comfortable seating, functional yet stylish accent tables, high performance fabrics and multi-level lighting," Jennifer Backstein of Jennifer Backstein Interiors tells MyDomaine. See? Best of both worlds. From eclectic and casual living areas to rooms fit for entertaining and relaxing, these gorgeous designer spaces make a great case for redecorating your living room, like today.
Keep scrolling for our favorite living room ideas straight from the pros.
01 Choose Smart Lighting
This light and bright living room, also designed by Desiree Burns of D Burns Interiors, makes use of a statement pendant in the center of the room. The chandelier adds great light and interest to the ceiling.
"I love how the brass chandelier plays up the modern and the leather and wood chairs ground the room," Burns says.
02 Embrace Your Architecture
When decorating your living room, be sure to consider the architectural features you want to highlight. This living room, designed by Leah Alexander of Beauty is Abundant, makes the most of large windows and a stunning fireplace.
"Featuring pillows and a faux fur throw, situated in front of a sleek fireplace clad on all sides in modern large-format black tile, this living room has just enough furniture to entertain or for family movie night but is open and airy enough to enjoy the light filtering in," Alexander explains.
03 Bring in Natural Elements
This coastal living room designed by Desiree Burns of D Burns Interiors brings in elements of the outdoors with a rattan chair, oversized plant, and deep green sofa.
"The theme for this room was "not your average beach house,"' Burns says. "I wanted it to have somewhat of a coastal vibe without that being too in your face. I love the playful colors and textures throughout the room."
04 Go for an Eclectic Vibe
The team at Brexton Cole Interiors blended traditional elements like full-length draperies and French-inspired accent chairs with more modern elements like an acrylic coffee table and zebra rug. The room feels like a mix of treasures from this approach to design.
05 Rethink Window Treatments
When you've been given the gift of gorgeous windows, sometimes it makes sense to leave them untouched by window treatments.
"When designing the living room, I wanted to create a space that felt open, light, and fresh," Victoria Bell of Victoria Bell Design explains. "The combination of the vaulted ceilings, beams, and oversized sectional is the perfect recipe for a relaxed Sunday with the family."
06 Double Down on Pattern
We present this living room as a perfect example of maximalism. The motto? More is more. With a fun mix of color, pattern, and texture from the floor to the ceiling, this room is unforgettable.
"We wanted to create a space that really captured the client’s personality," designers Dekay & Tate say. "This space is very expressive, vibrant, creative and nods to a fun, mid-century, groovy style."
07 Meld Design Styles
You have multiple facets to your personality, so why wouldn't you also have multiple tastes in design? Mix and match your favorites to create a space that's uniquely you.
"My client defined her style as 'midcentury modern's older sister'—a little midcentury, but a little classic," Cathie Hong of Cathie Hong Interiors says. "This living room epitomizes this style with its neutral tones, clean lines and geometric whimsy."
08 Try a Casual Vibe
Not all living rooms have to be formal. If you want a more relaxed vibe, go for soft texture, plenty of pillows and throws, and lots of personal touches.
"I was inspired to create a casual yet sophisticated living space for a family of seven," designer Ruqiya Imtiaz of Studio RIU says. "This living space is designed as a great room in the center of the home; I wanted it to be a meeting and gathering space for the whole family. A beautiful, casual, and comfortable place for the family to hang out, relax, and make endless memories."
09 Add a Window Seat
In need of a cozy spot to read a book? Us too. Take a cue from Mani Tagba of Afro Bohemian Living and add a window seat to your space. Layer in plenty of pillows and bring in lighting for a spot you'll never tire of.
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