You'll Want to Copy One of These Wow-Worthy Living Room Designs (2024)

You'll Want to Copy One of These Wow-Worthy Living Room Designs (1)

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Not only does a well-decorated living room look great, but it can have an impact on both relaxation and productivity. Whether you're hosting friends, watching TV with family or taking an afternoon nap, the living room is meant to feel inviting and comfortable. And, a cluttered or stark design will quickly get in the way. Here, we've rounded up gorgeous — yet attainable — living room ideas to pair with every home aesthetic.

From packing style in small living rooms to arranging spacious setups, we have you covered with inspiration for every kind of room. If you prefer modern living rooms, we've included a mix of casual and formal living room designs (think sleek sofas, natural materials and open shelving). Or, embrace your favorite interior design style, whether it's farmhouse, boho, eclectic or strays a bit maximalist.

As you browse, you'll find plenty of advice pertaining to living room paint colors (we're loving green living rooms, but you can't go wrong with timeless white living rooms). You may decide to experiment with a trendy wallpaper, invest in a comfortable sofa, hang fresh curtains or arrange a gallery wall — which are clever, renter-friendly design ideas. You can also upgrade your space with architectural features like wood wall slats, upgraded light fixtures or a fireplace mantel makeover. So, if you're hunting for a simple solution or considering a full renovation, this stylish roundup is sure to inspire your next home project.

1

Make the Mantel a Focal Point

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In this relaxed living room, star patterned ceramic tiles installed around the fireplace are the center of attention. For a subtle coastal feel, designer Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home weaves in natural elements and striped drapery.

RELATED: Step Inside This Playful "California Cool" Abode

2

Play With Pattern and Color

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If you've got a bold personality, design a living space that reflects that. Take note from Reena Sotropa of In House Design Group and don't fear more than one statement piece. Think a wallpapered ceiling, moody wall color, statement lighting and trendy furniture, like a green couch.

3

Create a Collected Look

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Accumulate furniture and accessories that bring you joy, even if that means mixing design styles. Designer Caitlin Higgins invested in a few pieces, like swivel chairs and a classic area rug, but the majority of the room is filled with vintage furniture, thrifted finds and hand-me-downs.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

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4

Use Bold Fixtures to Make a Statement

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Large-scale or sculptural lighting can completely alter the look and feel of an interior, as evidenced by this tassel chandelier. To finalize the space, Cortney Bishop of Cortney Bishop Design layers in other accents, like abstract artwork, colorful lamps and patterned throw pillows.

RELATED: Interior Design Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2024

5

Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving

Maximizing every inch of a soaring ceiling, design-firm JAM builds a two-story bookshelf that doubles as an eclectic accent wall. It's filled with a vast array of books, pottery and art, leaving some negative space to highlight stand-out pieces.

6

Embrace a Coastal Design

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To achieve a relaxed, beach-like style, designer Christina Kim weaves in natural materials (think light woods and wicker) and sticks with a nature-inspired color palette (like bright whites, sandy beige and calming blues).

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7

Decorate With Greenery

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Hard-to-kill houseplants are an affordable way to breathe life into your living spaces. Here, designer Anjie Cho decorates with a mix of small, medium and large potted plants.

8

Find Accents That Double as Art

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Hunt for furniture and accessories that tell a story, whether it's with new purchases or thrifted finds. For a pop of color, designer Sarah Stacey paints built-in bookshelves a teal green.

9

Infuse Japandi Style

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Defined by neutral color palettes, raw materials, clean lines and minimalism, Japandi style is a great way to create a tranquil living room, like this one from OWIU Design.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Japandi Style, According to Design Pros

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10

Layer in Loads of Texture

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The living room is meant to feel cozy, so don't skimp on plush fabrics. Here, blogger Amanda West brings in neutral textures and subtle patterns with throw pillows, blankets, ottomans and curtains.

RELATED: The 30 Best Throw Pillows to Cozy up Your Space

11

Paint the Walls Mustard Yellow

Studio Indigo doesn't shy away from color. This living room's walls are painted mustard yellow in a glossy finish for another level of charm.

SHOP MUSTARD YELLOW PAINT

12

Don't Forget the Fifth Wall

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This New York City apartment, crafted by Kati Curtis Design, features a tray ceiling that beautifully accentuates the Sputnik globe chandelier and adds depth to the layout. What's more, the mix of light and dark hues create a striking 3D effect.

SHOP CHANDELIER

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13

Invest in a Cloud-Like Couch

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That low profile and oversized cushion look remains a popular living room couch style. For ultimate comfort, layer on the throw pillows, just as design build firm Cedar & Oak does here.

RELATED: Best Cloud Couch Dupes That Will Save You Serious Money

14

Hang Curtains High

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Create the illusion of a larger room by hanging sheer drapes at least six inches higher than the top of your window frames. We love that designer Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors chose a plum brown shade.

SHOP SHEERS

15

Paint Open Shelving a Dark Hue

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A wall of black bookshelves creates instant drama, and it's the perfect place to display cherished items. Here, designer Regan Baker showcases books, art and dishes, plus a rolling ladder that blends seamlessly with the backdrop.

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16

Pair Crisp Whites With Wood Accents

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Warm woods and fresh whites make a cozy, refined combination. In this dreamy interior, designer Cortney Bishop adds wood elements (namely, the coffee table) that complement the wood ceiling.

17

Mix Complementary Colors

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Opposites on the color wheel, shades of yellow — like mustard — pair beautifully with light and dark blue tones. The power of opposing color combinations is evident in this striking space from Bethany Adams Interiors.

18

Bring in Warm Whites

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White interiors are timeless, but there are so many shades to consider. Here, designer Jessica Nelson leans toward warm and creamy tones for a more inviting space.

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19

Play Up Natural Stone

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Add a warm, rustic feel to your living room with a large stone fireplace. Forge & Bow opts for a cut-out to store extra fire wood and open shelving on each side.

20

Blend Modern With Vintage

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Kelsey McGregor of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. loves to pair modern with vintage. The arched bookcase and oversized ottoman exude a clean, modern aesthetic, while the round brass chandelier, ceramic decor and landscape art add a vintage take.

RELATED: Inside a Modern Oklahoma Abode With a Collected, Vintage Feel

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Monique Valeris

Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

You'll Want to Copy One of These Wow-Worthy Living Room Designs (24)

Alyssa Gautieri

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

You'll Want to Copy One of These Wow-Worthy Living Room Designs (2024)

FAQs

How do I give my living room the wow factor? ›

Below are our top 10 affordable ways to give your home that 'WOW' factor, for less.
  1. 1 – Play with colours. ...
  2. 2 – Fresh paint can make a world of difference. ...
  3. 3 – Hang art or photographs. ...
  4. 4 – Lighting is key. ...
  5. 5 – Spruce up your bathroom. ...
  6. 6 – Declutter your spaces. ...
  7. 7 – Add some greenery. ...
  8. 8 – Repurpose what you already have.

How to design a living room modern? ›

Maximize Natural Light: Utilize large windows or mirrors to amplify natural light, creating an airy and open ambiance essential for modern living spaces. Invest in Statement Pieces: Choose one or two standout pieces, like a unique coffee table or an artful light fixture, to add character and focal points to the room.

How do you convert an old living room? ›

Update a Living Room with These Easy Steps
  1. 01 of 13. Consider the Coffee Table. Jay Wilde. ...
  2. 02 of 13. Contain Clutter. ...
  3. 03 of 13. Update Artwork. ...
  4. 04 of 13. Roll Out a Rug. ...
  5. 05 of 13. Rearrange the Furniture. ...
  6. 06 of 13. Slipcover a Sofa. ...
  7. 07 of 13. Punch Up Throw Pillows. ...
  8. 08 of 13. Organize Bookshelves.
Jun 26, 2022

What is the wow factor in a room? ›

A wow factor is given by that item, object or design that as soon as you enter the room will take your breath away for few seconds. A wow factor doesn't have to be something that cost a lot of expensive to achieve, it is more a way to project and to visualise the space.

What is the modern color for a living room? ›

Keen to create a contemporary space that the entire family can enjoy? A pale taupe like Singing Sand will transform any living room into a modern-day masterpiece. A good alternative to classic beige, this versatile shade is a warm choice thanks to a subtle note of pink.

How can I make my traditional living room look more modern? ›

You can modernize the look by mixing in transitional furniture pieces. You can add a glam vibe by incorporating gold or bronze elements. Or you can take a coastal or countryside approach by weaving in rustic elements and more textures.

What is an old fashioned living room called? ›

In the late 19th or early 20th century, Edward Bok advocated using the term living room for the room then commonly called a parlo[u]r or drawing room, and is sometimes erroneously credited with inventing the term. It is now a term used more frequently when referring to a space to relax and unwind within a household.

What makes a living room look modern? ›

High ceilings, layered lighting and minimalistic furniture are all essential aspects in creating a modern living room for everyday enjoyment and relaxation. Of course, furniture plays a key role in designing a modern living room and there are a number of essential pieces that no living space can do without.

How to make a bohemian living room? ›

Light and Bright. White walls and light, sheer curtains can make it easier to decorate your living room with a bohemian flair. A warm-toned white usually works best, but bright white can create a lovely effect. The sheer curtains add to the white background, creating more space for the warm-toned rug and throw pillows.

How do I add wow factor to my room? ›

Add an accent wall with a bold and bright paint colour, wallpaper, or even a wall mural. Create an interesting focal point in the room, such as a statement chandelier or a large piece of art. Add interesting lighting fixtures such as wall sconces or a lamp with an interesting shade.

How will you give your guests the wow factor? ›

15 Ways to Get the Wow Factor That Builds Guest Loyalty
  • MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION. ...
  • GET TO KNOW YOUR GUESTS. ...
  • PERSONALIZE THE EXPERIENCE. ...
  • DELIVER A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. ...
  • DEVELOP A HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM. ...
  • UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA. ...
  • MAKE USE OF EMAIL MARKETING. ...
  • GIVE GREAT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES.
Mar 1, 2022

How to create a wow factor for a house? ›

To achieve this in your own home, think about adding wooden furniture pieces, timber doors with large glass panels, exposed metal finishes and natural fibre rugs or throw pillows. Incorporating plants or greenery is also a great way to create a more natural and organic feel.

What gives a dining room the wow factor? ›

Pairing wooden flooring with matching chairs and even a bench (ideal for squeeze in more guests). Or you might keep things sleek and modern. Plenty of glass, shiny surfaces, and a little pop of bright colour to add character.

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