5 Fashionable and Comfortable New Living Rooms
Get inspiration for creating a wonderfully layered and styled look from these professionally designed spaces
Living rooms don’t often require the major remodeling steps that kitchens and baths do. But the opportunity to play with paint, furniture, wallpaper, drapery, rugs, millwork and other details offers tremendous potential for creating fashionable, functional and fun spaces. Here, designers share details in five comfortable and welcoming new living rooms on Houzz.
2. Midcentury Meets Contemporary
Designer: Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe
Location: Phoenix
Size: 450 square feet (42 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “We were hired to update this 1969 ranch-style midcentury modern home, which had undergone previous remodels and additions,” designer Kaitlyn Wolfe says. “While those changes served their purpose at the time, they no longer reflected the home’s original architectural integrity. The homeowners wanted a modern, functional space that honored the home’s history. The lava rock fireplace was a defining feature, and we immediately saw its potential as a focal point. We also embraced the existing slump block walls, which added texture and authenticity. However, the room’s long, narrow layout made furniture placement tricky. Our client was unsure how to make the space feel inviting while maintaining flow and functionality.
“Our solution was to streamline the design, introduce a more intentional layout and thoughtfully integrate vintage and modern elements to create a space that felt layered, lived-in and effortlessly stylish.”
Special features. “A key feature is the custom-built TV console from our Ground Floor furniture collection,” Wolfe says. “We designed it with teak wood veneer and incorporated angled, three-dimensional door fronts to add movement and depth. The warmth of the wood contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the lava rock fireplace, creating balance without competition.
“We also sourced vintage furniture and decor from Shop My Warehouse, mixing materials and textures to reflect the midcentury modern aesthetic. These curated pieces bring warmth, personality and a collected feel to the space. By seamlessly blending contemporary and vintage, we ensured the living room feels both fresh and deeply connected to its roots.”
Designer tip. “We embraced the long and narrow shape of the living room by designing it like a hotel lobby, creating two distinct seating areas that could function separately or merge when entertaining,” Wolfe says. “This approach maximized both comfort and flexibility, ensuring the space could adapt to different needs. If you’re working with a challenging layout, consider breaking the space into zones rather than forcing a conventional setup.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “One unexpected challenge was working with the existing block walls, which made it difficult to run electrical,” Wolfe says. “Since we planned to install a built-in media unit, we needed to discreetly integrate power to the TV while maintaining a seamless transition from rough, uneven block to a smooth cabinetry surface. Through careful planning and craftsmanship, our installers ensured the transition looked flawless, and our electrician found creative ways to hide wiring without disrupting the aesthetic.”
Shop for living room furniture on Houzz
Designer: Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe
Location: Phoenix
Size: 450 square feet (42 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “We were hired to update this 1969 ranch-style midcentury modern home, which had undergone previous remodels and additions,” designer Kaitlyn Wolfe says. “While those changes served their purpose at the time, they no longer reflected the home’s original architectural integrity. The homeowners wanted a modern, functional space that honored the home’s history. The lava rock fireplace was a defining feature, and we immediately saw its potential as a focal point. We also embraced the existing slump block walls, which added texture and authenticity. However, the room’s long, narrow layout made furniture placement tricky. Our client was unsure how to make the space feel inviting while maintaining flow and functionality.
“Our solution was to streamline the design, introduce a more intentional layout and thoughtfully integrate vintage and modern elements to create a space that felt layered, lived-in and effortlessly stylish.”
Special features. “A key feature is the custom-built TV console from our Ground Floor furniture collection,” Wolfe says. “We designed it with teak wood veneer and incorporated angled, three-dimensional door fronts to add movement and depth. The warmth of the wood contrasts beautifully with the cool tones of the lava rock fireplace, creating balance without competition.
“We also sourced vintage furniture and decor from Shop My Warehouse, mixing materials and textures to reflect the midcentury modern aesthetic. These curated pieces bring warmth, personality and a collected feel to the space. By seamlessly blending contemporary and vintage, we ensured the living room feels both fresh and deeply connected to its roots.”
Designer tip. “We embraced the long and narrow shape of the living room by designing it like a hotel lobby, creating two distinct seating areas that could function separately or merge when entertaining,” Wolfe says. “This approach maximized both comfort and flexibility, ensuring the space could adapt to different needs. If you’re working with a challenging layout, consider breaking the space into zones rather than forcing a conventional setup.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “One unexpected challenge was working with the existing block walls, which made it difficult to run electrical,” Wolfe says. “Since we planned to install a built-in media unit, we needed to discreetly integrate power to the TV while maintaining a seamless transition from rough, uneven block to a smooth cabinetry surface. Through careful planning and craftsmanship, our installers ensured the transition looked flawless, and our electrician found creative ways to hide wiring without disrupting the aesthetic.”
Shop for living room furniture on Houzz
3. Classic Gets Eclectic
Designer: Guinevere Johnson of Third Coast Interiors
Location: Chicago
Size: 700 square feet (65 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “One of the homeowners wanted it to feel rich, traditional European,” designer Guinevere Johnson says. “The other partner wanted a more Midwest midcentury feel. I think we achieved both.”
Special features. “Traditional elements were brought in by highlighting and refurbishing the original 1930s fireplace, using original artwork and through some of the shapes of the ottoman and lampshade,” Johnson says. “We also added in subtle ceiling details that were not there before but feel like they always were. We made it feel more eclectic still by blending contemporary light fixtures. The sconces are handmade in Mexico by a boutique artisan firm. The seating is decidedly midcentury.
“We wanted it to feel light and airy, which we achieved through the rug and wall paint (Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace). Yet the velvet drapes in rust create a depth and rich, layered feeling.” The coffee table is travertine.
Boucle ottoman: Jayson Home
How to Decorate a Living Room
Designer: Guinevere Johnson of Third Coast Interiors
Location: Chicago
Size: 700 square feet (65 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “One of the homeowners wanted it to feel rich, traditional European,” designer Guinevere Johnson says. “The other partner wanted a more Midwest midcentury feel. I think we achieved both.”
Special features. “Traditional elements were brought in by highlighting and refurbishing the original 1930s fireplace, using original artwork and through some of the shapes of the ottoman and lampshade,” Johnson says. “We also added in subtle ceiling details that were not there before but feel like they always were. We made it feel more eclectic still by blending contemporary light fixtures. The sconces are handmade in Mexico by a boutique artisan firm. The seating is decidedly midcentury.
“We wanted it to feel light and airy, which we achieved through the rug and wall paint (Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace). Yet the velvet drapes in rust create a depth and rich, layered feeling.” The coffee table is travertine.
Boucle ottoman: Jayson Home
How to Decorate a Living Room
4. Coastal and Casual
Designer: Hayley Hartner of Cassaia Studio
Location: Dallas
Size: 436 square feet (41 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ love of and history with Cape Cod was the sole inspiration for the design,” designer Hayley Hartner says. “Using a color palette inspired by nature solidified this by using whites, blues, greens and natural wood tones. Providing a contemporary stylized home with an open concept, durable enough for three young children and pets, was key for this project.”
Special features. “The large sectional is perfect for the family of five to get together and watch movies at night,” Hartner says. “Stain-resistant fabric was selected to help endure daily living. The two blue swivel chairs add a bold color to the space and much-needed additional seating. The Giorgetti armchair is one of the highlights of the room with a sculptural form. Small accessories can be found that give a nod to the coastal inspiration. The white sectional helps to ground the space while keeping everything light and airy. The use of black color in pieces was intentional in the space and throughout the home to add a visual contrast and richness.”
Designer tip. “We used soft white drapery over all doors and windows in the space to help soften the open floor plan,” Hartner says. “This was something I had to convince the clients to do. In the end, it came out bold yet soft, beautiful, but also incredibly convenient as the hot Texas sun blasts through the large windows, making the room hot. The homeowners now use these all the time to help with the sun rays and heat.”
Wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Hayley Hartner of Cassaia Studio
Location: Dallas
Size: 436 square feet (41 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The clients’ love of and history with Cape Cod was the sole inspiration for the design,” designer Hayley Hartner says. “Using a color palette inspired by nature solidified this by using whites, blues, greens and natural wood tones. Providing a contemporary stylized home with an open concept, durable enough for three young children and pets, was key for this project.”
Special features. “The large sectional is perfect for the family of five to get together and watch movies at night,” Hartner says. “Stain-resistant fabric was selected to help endure daily living. The two blue swivel chairs add a bold color to the space and much-needed additional seating. The Giorgetti armchair is one of the highlights of the room with a sculptural form. Small accessories can be found that give a nod to the coastal inspiration. The white sectional helps to ground the space while keeping everything light and airy. The use of black color in pieces was intentional in the space and throughout the home to add a visual contrast and richness.”
Designer tip. “We used soft white drapery over all doors and windows in the space to help soften the open floor plan,” Hartner says. “This was something I had to convince the clients to do. In the end, it came out bold yet soft, beautiful, but also incredibly convenient as the hot Texas sun blasts through the large windows, making the room hot. The homeowners now use these all the time to help with the sun rays and heat.”
Wall paint: Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams
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5. Light and Airy
Designer: Deborah Vieira Biggs of Deborah Vieira Design
Location: Redwood City, California
Size: 282 square feet (26 square meters); 15 feet, 8 inches by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The room didn’t feel inviting or representative of their tastes,” designer Deborah Vieira Biggs says. “They didn’t like the fireplace or bland walls and were seeking new furnishings, color, a renewed fireplace and interesting details to highlight the steep ceiling vault and boxed windows and to welcome them home.”
Special features. “We decided on a beam design for the ceiling and paneling to both frame the new concrete mantel and surround and surround the windows,” Biggs says. “A monochromatic scheme of a warm cream was used on all trim, walls and ceiling (Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball), aside from the boxed window area, which received a light-box effect. The blue detail (Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball) was also a nod to the blue dining room directly across.”
Designer tip. “Trimwork can elevate otherwise boring walls, and using the same color in different finishes (flat for ceiling, semigloss for paneled areas and matte elsewhere) can add textural interest without being overwhelming,” Biggs says. “Another tip is to look up. Adding the beams to the ceiling in this project really emphasized the gorgeous ceiling vault and connected the ceiling to the new floor planks, but other features like lighting, color, coffers, etc. can all be transformative to a space.”
Coffee table: Toli, Four Hands; fireplace: DreamCast
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Designer: Deborah Vieira Biggs of Deborah Vieira Design
Location: Redwood City, California
Size: 282 square feet (26 square meters); 15 feet, 8 inches by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The room didn’t feel inviting or representative of their tastes,” designer Deborah Vieira Biggs says. “They didn’t like the fireplace or bland walls and were seeking new furnishings, color, a renewed fireplace and interesting details to highlight the steep ceiling vault and boxed windows and to welcome them home.”
Special features. “We decided on a beam design for the ceiling and paneling to both frame the new concrete mantel and surround and surround the windows,” Biggs says. “A monochromatic scheme of a warm cream was used on all trim, walls and ceiling (Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball), aside from the boxed window area, which received a light-box effect. The blue detail (Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball) was also a nod to the blue dining room directly across.”
Designer tip. “Trimwork can elevate otherwise boring walls, and using the same color in different finishes (flat for ceiling, semigloss for paneled areas and matte elsewhere) can add textural interest without being overwhelming,” Biggs says. “Another tip is to look up. Adding the beams to the ceiling in this project really emphasized the gorgeous ceiling vault and connected the ceiling to the new floor planks, but other features like lighting, color, coffers, etc. can all be transformative to a space.”
Coffee table: Toli, Four Hands; fireplace: DreamCast
More on Houzz
Read more living room stories
Browse living room photos
Find the right pro for your project
Shop for your living room
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Designer: Impeccable by Meredith Park
Location: Glenview, Illinois
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters)
Homeowners’ request: “This room was part of a larger remodel,” designer Meredith Park says. “Our clients came to us hoping we could transform their home, located in their ideal neighborhood, into their dream home. Balancing form and function, we aimed to create a boutique hotel atmosphere in a highly functional home for this busy family. For the living room, they asked for a space featuring interesting and inviting architectural elements with plenty of room for visiting with family and friends.”
Special features. “The new living room, accessible from the family room, features a variety of architectural elements, including a tray ceiling accented with wallpaper, custom built-ins, a marble mantelpiece with etched gold marble surround and floor-to-ceiling trimwork,” Park says. “The furnishings are a combination of old and new, mixing vintage Hickory Chair sofas with transitional chairs and a variety of wood and stone occasional tables. The rich, moody colors of the furniture are echoed in the custom drapery and wool rug. Original artwork and vintage accents add the finishing touches.”
Park used Houzz ideabooks to help figure out the homeowners’ style preferences. “We utilize Houzz with every new client to gather feedback on their personal style,” she says. “By adding a variety of Houzz photos to an ideabook and asking the client to tell us what they like and dislike, we are able to discern patterns and style preferences. Over the years, our Houzz ‘homework’ has proven to be a key element to each project’s success.”
Designer tip. “Mix something old with something new and something traditional with something contemporary,” Park says. “If everything in a room is the same style or ‘matchy,’ your eye doesn’t catch the individual moments. Instead, a mix of old and new, vintage and contemporary draws you in and lets your eye linger on the pieces in the space because the room is more interesting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Construction always comes with surprises,” Park says. “When the custom marble mantelpiece arrived and we realized it was 1,200 pounds, we knew floor support was a must.”
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