This space features a comfortable sofa, a modern light fixture, and a graphic black-and-white check rug.
Try a Tonal Look
Mr. Kate
For DIYerMr.
Kate’sfamily’s Hawaii living room, she went for a cozy and colorful feeling.
Design byCaitlin Kah Interiors/ Photo byCarmel Brantley
She painted the walls, ceilings, and trim all the same color: an ocean-inspired blue.
The room also features two turquoise velvet sofas andDIYed abstract art.
Griffith’s bright pink painting hangs alongside a navy sofa and upholstered ottoman.
Kate Figler Interiors/Allison Elefante
The low-to-the-ground seating is casual and great for kids, hosting, and more.
Bare walls and glass doors leading to the outside create an airy feel.
A fun, cloud-like chandelier, and a modern canvas keep things light.
Design byCollected Interiors/ Photo byNicole Dianne
A turquoise fireplace is an automatic focal point and livens up the neutral palette.
Hang Linen Drapes
Clayton Korte
Leave floor-to-ceiling windows bare if they open to the outside.
A navy sofa is complemented with large-scale, abstract art and a tiered pendant.
Mr. Kate
His minimal, thoughtful design is crisp without feeling overly formal.
DesignerJanie Hirschchose multiple shades of blue, funky lighting, andfun wallpaper.
They also includedthrow pillowsfor pops of color to match the art in this lush Serenbe home.
Alvin Wayne
The room is complete with a modern, angular ceiling fixture.
A piano is situated in the corner, great for evening entertaining.
Pro tip: Choose pieces of all different sizes and textures.
Design byClayton Korte/ Photo byAndrea Calo
Plus, twin chandeliers draw the eye up.
Simple tie-back curtains soften the space.
Clean lines, original floors, and multipurpose design make it feel contemporary.
Design byBethany Adams Interiors/ Photo byJosh Meredith
She suggests creating a focal point with plants instead for a dynamic modern feel.
She suggests including plenty of comfortable seating for an inviting feel.
Choose an easy-to-store circular ottoman or one with storage in a small space.
Mary Patton Design
DesignerTravis Londoncrafted this lively living room with amaximalist design aestheticand functional side tables instead of a coffee table.
Choose Earth Tones
A babbling brook just outside the living room windows inspired this home fromTeaselwoodDesign.
Use Black and White
Studio KT
There’s something timeless about ablack-and-white living room.
Design byCaitlin Kah Interiors/ Photo byCarmel Brantley
This one fromStudio KTfeatures sculptural vessels, a statement brass light, and an oversized mirror.
A minimal palette will automatically make your space look chic without trying too hard.
A small, structured sofa, two chairs, and a drink table are all that’s needed.
Clayton Korte
Avoid primary colors to keeping the patriotic color palette from feeling too on-the-nose.
There’s also a gallery wall chockfull of vintage landscapes.
Style Your Storage
Clutter can easily make any living room feel disorganizedand crowded.
Design byTeaselwoodDesign/ Photo byRidgelight Studio
Hang Botanical Drapery
Casa Watkins Living
Botanical drapery is an out-of-the-box addition to this living room.
It is unexpected but works well with the plants and orange accents.
Accents like a pair of vintage armchairs upholstered in an animal-themed print energize the space.
Brophy Interiors
Play With Scale
New York designerAlvin Waynewent big with thisearth-tonedliving space.
Vintage pieces like the duo Jeanneret chairs, compact leather sofa, and Eames chair steal the show.
Statement lighting and an oversized gold mirror, which makes the space feel larger, tie everything together.
Photo byAhmad AbouZanat/ Design byDavid Mitchell
What is the point of a formal living room?
A formal living room is designed for entertaining guests that is separate from more casual family spaces.
What is the difference between a great room and a formal living room?
Design byJ Hirsch Interior Design/ Photo byAli Harper Photography
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