• Living Room decor
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Your living room is likely one of the most frequently used areas in your home, meaning it not only needs to be aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The perfect living room hits the trifecta: functionality, comfort, and style. Achieving all three can be a bit of a design challenge, but we've compiled a list of inspiring living room ideas to help guide your next project. Whether you're going for a modern and formal vibe or a cozy, rustic feel, you're bound to find an idea below that will elevate your living space. Keep scrolling for ten stylish designer tips, innovative decorating ideas, and shopping suggestions suitable for living rooms of all sizes. Plus, discover answers to common dilemmas like, "what colors will make my living room look larger?" and "how can I add some excitement to a bland living room?"

Your living room is likely one of the most frequently used areas in your home, meaning it not only needs to be aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The perfect living room hits the trifecta: functionality, comfort, and style. Achieving all three can be a bit of a design challenge, but we've compiled a list of inspiring living room ideas to help guide your next project. Whether you're going for a modern and formal vibe or a cozy, rustic feel, you're bound to find an idea below that will elevate your living space. Keep scrolling for ten stylish designer tips, innovative decorating ideas, and shopping suggestions suitable for living rooms of all sizes. Plus, discover answers to common dilemmas like, "what colors will make my living room look larger?" and "how can I add some excitement to a bland living room?"

Mix Clean Lines With Casual Materials

In designer Devin Kirk’s living room, clean-lined furniture and a soft blue-gray color palette set the stage for a refined, polished look. However, woven chairs and natural wood accents keep the space feeling laid-back and approachable. It's the perfect balance between formal and casual.

Incorporate Fun Trees and Plants

Bring a touch of nature into your living room with unique indoor plants. Designer Elizabeth Cooper added a citrus tree to the corner of the room for a refreshing burst of color and life, while small topiaries arranged along the windowsill enhance the botanical theme.

Work Around Restrictions

Designer Celerie Kemble found a creative way to overcome a no-wallpaper rule in her New York City apartment by using a light pink paint with a plaster-like finish. This subtle texture mimics the look of wallpaper, bringing warmth and interest to the room without violating the building's regulations.

Balance Hard Materials With Soft Ones

Hardwood floors or stone tiles, along with glass surfaces, can sometimes make a room feel cold. To balance this, designer Caroline Turner opted for plush seating and luxe fabrics like velvet in rich jewel tones. A striking light fixture further grounds the room, making it feel cozy despite its high ceilings and hard surfaces.

Enhance a Backyard View

Working with landscape architect Lila Fendrick, designer Nestor Santa Cruz created a stunning formal pool house living room with a wall of steel and glass windows and doors opening up to the backyard. While the glass elements, from the pendant light to the coffee table and doors, give off a sleek and modern vibe, the plush rug and soft, airy curtains add a cozy, inviting warmth to the room.

Display Old Books

Old books have a way of adding character and warmth to any space, instantly making it feel more personal. Whether you've inherited a collection or found them in a vintage shop, display your favorite volumes on open shelves so they can shine. In this living room designed by Oliver Thornton, the old books add a sense of history, complementing the layered, homey feel of the room.

Put a Record On

Victoria Sass of Project Refuge Studio incorporated a vintage record player into a minimalist, texture-rich living room. The space opens into the kitchen, where the side of the island contains exposed shelves for an extensive record collection, adding a personalized touch to this modern living area.

Warm Up Walls With Wood

Designer Nicole Dohmen introduced warmth to this living room by using hardwood floors in a Hungarian point pattern, a classic parquet design. This complex flooring style pairs beautifully with the modern furniture and geometric designs in the room. To top it off, she added wood paneling to the walls, further enhancing the room's warmth and charm.

Refresh With Accent Paint

In this cozy corner designed by Avery Cox, a deep blue-green paint makes a bold statement. It complements the rich chartreuse velvet fabric and quirky prints in the room, adding a unique flair. Only one wall, door, and molding are painted, leaving the opposite wall available for patterned wallpaper, resulting in a playful yet balanced look.

Dabble In Nostalgia

Incorporate nostalgic design elements, like this chaise lounge, to create a blend of old and new. In this living room designed by Amity Worrel, classic patterns like gingham and plaid are paired with contemporary accents, allowing these timeless prints to take on a modern edge.