7 Stylish New Living Rooms Made for Hanging Out
Cozy layouts, layered seating and warm details create spaces for conversation, games and downtime
These seven stylish new living rooms are designed for easy hanging out, game nights and conversation. Comfortable sectionals, layered seating and flexible furniture arrangements create spaces that feel welcoming and adaptable. Warm materials and textured finishes add depth, while artful details and thoughtful layouts give each room personality. Here, design and remodeling pros share how each project came together.
2. Curated Family Living
Designer: Claudia Howard Interiors
Location: Lakeway, Texas
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients wanted a living space that felt curated and comfortable but truly livable,” says designer Claudia Howard. “Designed for a family of five with kids and dogs, the room needed to support everyday life while still feeling layered, intentional and refined.”
Special features. “The fireplace wall anchors the space both visually and architecturally,” Howard says. “We chose a dimensional tile with a subtle pattern to add texture without overwhelming the room. The custom built-in shelving frames the fireplace, creating structure and balance. Though the cubby design varies in shape and scale, the layouts are mirrored to maintain symmetry. The wall behind the millwork was painted a deep gray, adding contrast and depth.
“The shelving proportions were inspired by an heirloom bronze sculpture titled ‘Mother and Child’ by Eli Ilan (located in the bottom left shelving section), acquired in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Decorative objects were selected for their sculptural quality and personal meaning, resulting in shelves that feel collected rather than styled.
“Meanwhile, this space needed to work for daily family life and entertainment. A conversational layout balances tailored upholstery with softer, organic forms, while clear circulation keeps the room comfortable, flexible and family-friendly.”
Designer tip. “When working with built-in design, varying scale, proportion and texture creates visual interest and invites the eye to explore,” Howard says. “Negative space is just as important as what you place on the shelves, as it allows each object to stand on its own. Ground the composition with heavier, more substantial pieces at the bottom, then introduce lighter, more sculptural elements higher up so the arrangement feels balanced and contained.”
Fireplace tile: Track in Bianco Art, 12 by 36 inches, Ottimo Ceramics; millwork paint: Shiitake, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Claudia Howard Interiors
Location: Lakeway, Texas
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters); 15 by 17 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Our clients wanted a living space that felt curated and comfortable but truly livable,” says designer Claudia Howard. “Designed for a family of five with kids and dogs, the room needed to support everyday life while still feeling layered, intentional and refined.”
Special features. “The fireplace wall anchors the space both visually and architecturally,” Howard says. “We chose a dimensional tile with a subtle pattern to add texture without overwhelming the room. The custom built-in shelving frames the fireplace, creating structure and balance. Though the cubby design varies in shape and scale, the layouts are mirrored to maintain symmetry. The wall behind the millwork was painted a deep gray, adding contrast and depth.
“The shelving proportions were inspired by an heirloom bronze sculpture titled ‘Mother and Child’ by Eli Ilan (located in the bottom left shelving section), acquired in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Decorative objects were selected for their sculptural quality and personal meaning, resulting in shelves that feel collected rather than styled.
“Meanwhile, this space needed to work for daily family life and entertainment. A conversational layout balances tailored upholstery with softer, organic forms, while clear circulation keeps the room comfortable, flexible and family-friendly.”
Designer tip. “When working with built-in design, varying scale, proportion and texture creates visual interest and invites the eye to explore,” Howard says. “Negative space is just as important as what you place on the shelves, as it allows each object to stand on its own. Ground the composition with heavier, more substantial pieces at the bottom, then introduce lighter, more sculptural elements higher up so the arrangement feels balanced and contained.”
Fireplace tile: Track in Bianco Art, 12 by 36 inches, Ottimo Ceramics; millwork paint: Shiitake, Sherwin-Williams
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3. Game Night Hub
Designer: Tricia Fortin Interiors
Location: Dover, Massachusetts
Size: 321 square feet (30 square meters); 17 feet, 5 inches by 18 feet, 5 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted to transform what had been an underutilized room into a true gathering space,” says designer Tricia Fortin, whose client found her on Houzz. “A space that could seamlessly support everything from casual family time and game nights to larger parties and holiday hosting. They were drawn to a traditional aesthetic but wanted it to feel fresh and current rather than formal or heavy. Everything needed to feel elevated yet family-friendly, as this is a young, active household with small children and a dog.”
Special features. “We chose durable fabrics that could withstand lots of activity for the sofa, chairs, game chairs and ottomans,” Fortin says. “We went with a custom-sized all-wool rug to ensure it could stand up to lots of foot traffic, snacks and kids. Typically wool rugs clean the best and last the longest. We approached the design with a lighter, more vibrant color palette and a thoughtful mix of wood finishes and natural textures to add depth and visual interest while keeping the space approachable. We focused on incorporating a variety of activity areas — ample seating, flexible furniture arrangements and surfaces that invite people to linger — so the room could adapt easily to different uses.”
Fortin uses Houzz Pro software, including, she says, “for keeping track of each project’s items, procurement status and financials.”
Designer tip. “With the scale of the room being on the larger size, we knew we had a lot of space to work with and wanted to ensure our furniture plans capitalized on the variety of events that this room could serve,” Fortin says. “A mix of a sofa, accent chairs and ottomans allows the room to adapt easily — ottomans can be pulled in for extra seating during a party or used to put your feet up during a quiet evening in. The window bench provides another natural perch that feels inviting and effortless during gatherings.
“The game table is a hardworking element. While it’s perfect for family game nights, it also becomes a functional surface for entertaining — whether that’s cards, cocktails or casual conversation. Designing with multifunctional pieces ensures the room feels intentional, comfortable and ready for any occasion without ever feeling over-designed or static.”
Sofa: CR Laine; accent chairs: Lee Industries; ottomans, secretary cabinet and game table chairs: Ballard Designs; bench: Bay Isle Home; ceiling light: Perigold; project photography: Marina Porl
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Designer: Tricia Fortin Interiors
Location: Dover, Massachusetts
Size: 321 square feet (30 square meters); 17 feet, 5 inches by 18 feet, 5 inches
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted to transform what had been an underutilized room into a true gathering space,” says designer Tricia Fortin, whose client found her on Houzz. “A space that could seamlessly support everything from casual family time and game nights to larger parties and holiday hosting. They were drawn to a traditional aesthetic but wanted it to feel fresh and current rather than formal or heavy. Everything needed to feel elevated yet family-friendly, as this is a young, active household with small children and a dog.”
Special features. “We chose durable fabrics that could withstand lots of activity for the sofa, chairs, game chairs and ottomans,” Fortin says. “We went with a custom-sized all-wool rug to ensure it could stand up to lots of foot traffic, snacks and kids. Typically wool rugs clean the best and last the longest. We approached the design with a lighter, more vibrant color palette and a thoughtful mix of wood finishes and natural textures to add depth and visual interest while keeping the space approachable. We focused on incorporating a variety of activity areas — ample seating, flexible furniture arrangements and surfaces that invite people to linger — so the room could adapt easily to different uses.”
Fortin uses Houzz Pro software, including, she says, “for keeping track of each project’s items, procurement status and financials.”
Designer tip. “With the scale of the room being on the larger size, we knew we had a lot of space to work with and wanted to ensure our furniture plans capitalized on the variety of events that this room could serve,” Fortin says. “A mix of a sofa, accent chairs and ottomans allows the room to adapt easily — ottomans can be pulled in for extra seating during a party or used to put your feet up during a quiet evening in. The window bench provides another natural perch that feels inviting and effortless during gatherings.
“The game table is a hardworking element. While it’s perfect for family game nights, it also becomes a functional surface for entertaining — whether that’s cards, cocktails or casual conversation. Designing with multifunctional pieces ensures the room feels intentional, comfortable and ready for any occasion without ever feeling over-designed or static.”
Sofa: CR Laine; accent chairs: Lee Industries; ottomans, secretary cabinet and game table chairs: Ballard Designs; bench: Bay Isle Home; ceiling light: Perigold; project photography: Marina Porl
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Living Room
4. Lakeside Glam
Designer: Ron Mitchell of Launch Renovation + Design
Location: Lake Washington, Seattle
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner initially envisioned a 1970s glam aesthetic throughout the home,” says design-build pro Ron Mitchell. “In the living room, an oversized rock fireplace dominated the space and contributed to a dated overall feel. Our goal was to lighten and modernize the room by downsizing the fireplace, updating and brightening the flooring and introducing refreshed furnishings. Because the homeowners love to entertain, high-quality lighting and sound were also key considerations. The living room flows seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen, creating an ideal environment for large gatherings.”
Special features. “While the lake view remained the primary focal point, the fireplace was designed as a strong secondary feature,” Mitchell says. “We installed Wall Decor 3D panels made from sugarcane plant fibers and finished with a metallic paint for subtle dimension and sheen. The existing mantel was reclaimed, refinished and reinstalled in an offset position to complement the textured wall. A clean-burning, energy-efficient gas insert was added, framed in stone to coordinate with the kitchen countertops. The unit can be vented or unvented. When the vent is closed, it efficiently heats the entire space in a short amount of time, with the option to open the vent for a cooler ambient temperature.”
Designer tip. “Focus first on what matters most,” Mitchell says. “In this case, the lake view was the primary focal point and the room layout was designed to honor it. From there, we introduced smaller but meaningful visual anchors — such as the fireplace — along with flexible lighting solutions and ample, comfortable seating to accommodate entertaining larger groups.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The project as a whole presented significant challenges,” Mitchell says. “The home, built entirely on pilings over the water, required a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation. Daily work involved complex scaffolding over the lake for siding installation, window fitting and painting, all while maintaining strict environmental protections for the water and local wildlife.”
Sofa and chairs: All Modern; coffee table: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; portrait painting: Marcia Binger; wall paint: Eider White, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Ron Mitchell of Launch Renovation + Design
Location: Lake Washington, Seattle
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner initially envisioned a 1970s glam aesthetic throughout the home,” says design-build pro Ron Mitchell. “In the living room, an oversized rock fireplace dominated the space and contributed to a dated overall feel. Our goal was to lighten and modernize the room by downsizing the fireplace, updating and brightening the flooring and introducing refreshed furnishings. Because the homeowners love to entertain, high-quality lighting and sound were also key considerations. The living room flows seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen, creating an ideal environment for large gatherings.”
Special features. “While the lake view remained the primary focal point, the fireplace was designed as a strong secondary feature,” Mitchell says. “We installed Wall Decor 3D panels made from sugarcane plant fibers and finished with a metallic paint for subtle dimension and sheen. The existing mantel was reclaimed, refinished and reinstalled in an offset position to complement the textured wall. A clean-burning, energy-efficient gas insert was added, framed in stone to coordinate with the kitchen countertops. The unit can be vented or unvented. When the vent is closed, it efficiently heats the entire space in a short amount of time, with the option to open the vent for a cooler ambient temperature.”
Designer tip. “Focus first on what matters most,” Mitchell says. “In this case, the lake view was the primary focal point and the room layout was designed to honor it. From there, we introduced smaller but meaningful visual anchors — such as the fireplace — along with flexible lighting solutions and ample, comfortable seating to accommodate entertaining larger groups.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The project as a whole presented significant challenges,” Mitchell says. “The home, built entirely on pilings over the water, required a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation. Daily work involved complex scaffolding over the lake for siding installation, window fitting and painting, all while maintaining strict environmental protections for the water and local wildlife.”
Sofa and chairs: All Modern; coffee table: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; portrait painting: Marcia Binger; wall paint: Eider White, Sherwin-Williams
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5. Moody Retro Lounge
Designer: Janiece Lonvelin of Velène Design House
Location: La Mirada, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was a special request from the clients — they wanted this room to evoke a subtle ‘Mad Men’ vibe,” says designer Janiece Lonvelin. “Not in a literal sense but in a way that felt a bit nostalgic, dramatic, fun and intentional. This room serves as a hangout space for the family, designed primarily for adults, especially with the bar located across the room.”
Special features. “We immediately fell in love with the walnut wall paneling and made it a priority to preserve and thoughtfully incorporate it into the new design,” Lonvelin says. “The existing beams were also kept to maintain character. To ground the space, we selected large-scale floor tile and layered in furnishings that play off one another, ultimately creating a room that feels moody, sexy and full of personality.
“We selected a striking art piece that felt contemporary yet carried a subtle retro influence. The olive sofa was an intentional choice, bringing in color, creating depth and standing out beautifully against the dark wood panelling. We layered in a rich mix of textures through the rug, bouclé chair and leather accent chairs to set the tone for the space. Thoughtful pops of color, along with glass and varied wood tones in the decor, helped tie everything together.”
Designer tip. “When working with dark walls, add contrast and texture in the pieces you bring in to prevent the space from feeling flat,” Lonvelin says. “Mix in different shapes like curved furniture or decor, especially if your room has a lot of squared-off corners. This creates balance, depth and visual interest throughout the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The initial challenge was during the design process and getting the clients on board with the amount of color and texture in the space,” Lonvelin says. “While it wasn’t a lot overall, when you’re working primarily with neutrals, a large olive sofa becomes a significant pop of color. To help, we used 3D renders to showcase the completed look, showing how all colors worked together. This gave them a full sense of the space and helped ease their concerns.”
Wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Designer: Janiece Lonvelin of Velène Design House
Location: La Mirada, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This was a special request from the clients — they wanted this room to evoke a subtle ‘Mad Men’ vibe,” says designer Janiece Lonvelin. “Not in a literal sense but in a way that felt a bit nostalgic, dramatic, fun and intentional. This room serves as a hangout space for the family, designed primarily for adults, especially with the bar located across the room.”
Special features. “We immediately fell in love with the walnut wall paneling and made it a priority to preserve and thoughtfully incorporate it into the new design,” Lonvelin says. “The existing beams were also kept to maintain character. To ground the space, we selected large-scale floor tile and layered in furnishings that play off one another, ultimately creating a room that feels moody, sexy and full of personality.
“We selected a striking art piece that felt contemporary yet carried a subtle retro influence. The olive sofa was an intentional choice, bringing in color, creating depth and standing out beautifully against the dark wood panelling. We layered in a rich mix of textures through the rug, bouclé chair and leather accent chairs to set the tone for the space. Thoughtful pops of color, along with glass and varied wood tones in the decor, helped tie everything together.”
Designer tip. “When working with dark walls, add contrast and texture in the pieces you bring in to prevent the space from feeling flat,” Lonvelin says. “Mix in different shapes like curved furniture or decor, especially if your room has a lot of squared-off corners. This creates balance, depth and visual interest throughout the space.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The initial challenge was during the design process and getting the clients on board with the amount of color and texture in the space,” Lonvelin says. “While it wasn’t a lot overall, when you’re working primarily with neutrals, a large olive sofa becomes a significant pop of color. To help, we used 3D renders to showcase the completed look, showing how all colors worked together. This gave them a full sense of the space and helped ease their concerns.”
Wall paint: Swiss Coffee, Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
6. Art-Forward Gathering Space
Designer: Sacha Jacq Interiors
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned their living room as a bold, art-forward point of arrival — a space that would immediately immerse guests in their vibrant collection and set the tone for the rest of the home,” says designer Sacha Jacq. “The goal was to celebrate color, form and visual energy while maintaining a sense of balance and refinement. Rather than centering the room around a television, the clients wanted a layout that prioritized conversation, curated moments and meaningful connection. By centering the design around iconic midcentury furnishings and their existing art collection, the room was transformed into a welcoming, gallery-like environment that felt both personal and intentional.”
Special features. “The living room is anchored by a thoughtfully composed gallery wall featuring works by Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder and Frank Stella,” Jacq says. “Set against Benjamin Moore’s Paper White paint, the artwork feels dynamic yet cohesive, grounded by iconic midcentury furnishings, including reupholstered Barcelona chairs, a Platner side table and a velvet Como sectional from Design Within Reach. An abstract rug subtly echoes the artwork’s palette, while natural light from the bay window softens the composition. By pairing expressive art with restrained finishes, sculptural forms and intentional spacing, the gallery wall reads as curated and cohesive, never chaotic.”
Designer tip. “When composing a gallery wall, think of each artwork as part of a larger visual conversation,” Jacq says. “Varying scale, spacing and placement creates rhythm and interest, while a consistent color palette or shared visual language maintains cohesion. Allowing negative space between pieces gives each work room to breathe, ensuring it retains its individual presence without competing for attention. The result is a collection that feels curated rather than crowded, where every piece has its own moment yet contributes to a unified, purposeful composition.”
Designer: Sacha Jacq Interiors
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned their living room as a bold, art-forward point of arrival — a space that would immediately immerse guests in their vibrant collection and set the tone for the rest of the home,” says designer Sacha Jacq. “The goal was to celebrate color, form and visual energy while maintaining a sense of balance and refinement. Rather than centering the room around a television, the clients wanted a layout that prioritized conversation, curated moments and meaningful connection. By centering the design around iconic midcentury furnishings and their existing art collection, the room was transformed into a welcoming, gallery-like environment that felt both personal and intentional.”
Special features. “The living room is anchored by a thoughtfully composed gallery wall featuring works by Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder and Frank Stella,” Jacq says. “Set against Benjamin Moore’s Paper White paint, the artwork feels dynamic yet cohesive, grounded by iconic midcentury furnishings, including reupholstered Barcelona chairs, a Platner side table and a velvet Como sectional from Design Within Reach. An abstract rug subtly echoes the artwork’s palette, while natural light from the bay window softens the composition. By pairing expressive art with restrained finishes, sculptural forms and intentional spacing, the gallery wall reads as curated and cohesive, never chaotic.”
Designer tip. “When composing a gallery wall, think of each artwork as part of a larger visual conversation,” Jacq says. “Varying scale, spacing and placement creates rhythm and interest, while a consistent color palette or shared visual language maintains cohesion. Allowing negative space between pieces gives each work room to breathe, ensuring it retains its individual presence without competing for attention. The result is a collection that feels curated rather than crowded, where every piece has its own moment yet contributes to a unified, purposeful composition.”
7. Coastal Classic
Designers: Haven Hill Builders and Amy Dutton Home
Location: Kittery Point, Maine
Size: 192 square feet (18 square meters); 12 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was part of a full home remodel and addition where the goal was to open up spaces between rooms and update design aesthetics from the early 2000s to a modern coastal home vibe,” says design-build pro Tyler Jackson of Haven Hill Builders, which uses Houzz Pro software.
Special features. Custom built-ins feature walnut shelving that matches the mantel, bringing in warm wood tones to balance the crisp white walls and millwork. “The flush-inset Shaker cabinets with modern floating shelves and the mantel nod to classic New England style but with a modern twist,” Jackson says. Slipcovered chairs, a woven coffee table, stripes and artwork add to the coastal look and feel.
Designer tip. “Use a clean color palette with warm wood tones to soften a room,” Jackson says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The fireplace stonework was existing and carried up the entire wall elevation,” Jackson says. “It was overpowering for the room and felt dated, but we didn’t want to rebuild the entire fireplace. Instead we decided to cover up most of the original stonework, added a bluestone hearth and used the nickel-gap paneling and walnut mantel to soften the wall elevation.”
Wall, trim and millwork paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
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Designers: Haven Hill Builders and Amy Dutton Home
Location: Kittery Point, Maine
Size: 192 square feet (18 square meters); 12 by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was part of a full home remodel and addition where the goal was to open up spaces between rooms and update design aesthetics from the early 2000s to a modern coastal home vibe,” says design-build pro Tyler Jackson of Haven Hill Builders, which uses Houzz Pro software.
Special features. Custom built-ins feature walnut shelving that matches the mantel, bringing in warm wood tones to balance the crisp white walls and millwork. “The flush-inset Shaker cabinets with modern floating shelves and the mantel nod to classic New England style but with a modern twist,” Jackson says. Slipcovered chairs, a woven coffee table, stripes and artwork add to the coastal look and feel.
Designer tip. “Use a clean color palette with warm wood tones to soften a room,” Jackson says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The fireplace stonework was existing and carried up the entire wall elevation,” Jackson says. “It was overpowering for the room and felt dated, but we didn’t want to rebuild the entire fireplace. Instead we decided to cover up most of the original stonework, added a bluestone hearth and used the nickel-gap paneling and walnut mantel to soften the wall elevation.”
Wall, trim and millwork paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
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Designer: Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions
Location: Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Size: 266 square feet (25 square meters); 14 by 19 feet
Homeowners’ request. “This was a new construction build,” says designer Amy Leferink. “The key elements they desired in their living room were comfort, an open concept with proximity to the dining and kitchen, continuity with the kitchen and soft, European touches such as the cottage-style stone on the fireplace and the kitchen hood.”
Special features. Natural limestone fireplace with an over-grouted application. Barnwood mantel and ceiling beams. Light warm gray wall paint (Drift of Mist, Sherwin-Williams). Marble plinth coffee table.
Designer tip. “We chose a sectional sofa to maximize seating in this room,” Leferink says. “Because the room was wide but shallow in depth, positioning two sofas would have been too crowded. Placing four lounge chairs would have made it feel too much like a hotel lobby. The sectional also provides the perfect seating for this family to snuggle with their three little boys.”
Leferink uses Houzz Pro software to manage her design projects, including this one. “We used Selections boards for the furnishings and the 3D Floor Planner for space planning,” Leferink says. “Our clients benefit from seeing the furnishings and scale of the space prior to committing to their order. The Selections boards are great for showing larger-sized photos with multiple views of the furnishings selections.”
Find out why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software