8 Stylishly Layered New Living Rooms
Professionals show how thoughtful mixes of finishes, fabrics and furnishings can shape living rooms with character
Layering materials, colors, patterns and textures is a way to create spaces that feel both personal and polished. In these eight living rooms, design and remodeling pros combine everything from reclaimed wood and raffia to velvet, boucle and bold prints, blending comfort with sophistication. The results range from moody and dramatic to bright and family-friendly. Each project shows how thoughtful layering can transform a living room into a welcoming, character-rich retreat.
2. Cottage Meets Modern
Designers: Jenifer Wiley and Samantha Vogt of J Wiley Designs
Location: Dallas
Size: 576 square feet (54 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The client wanted a more functional layout that served as a better entertaining space for family and guests,” designer Jenifer Wiley says. “Her backyard was designed to look like an English garden, and she wanted to bring the outside in. The wall between the kitchen and the living room closed off the rooms, impeding the flow of the gathering space. We opened up the kitchen to the living room and extended the parquet flooring into the kitchen so that the room reads as one large, open space. The room kept its cottage vibe but now has a more modern flow.”
Special features. Green-blue cabinetry (Underseas by Sherwin-Williams). Brick fireplace surround. Stone hearth. Patterned swivel chairs. Tufted pink ottoman. “We pulled fabrics that complemented the kitchen colors and had a garden feel to the patterns,” Wiley says.
Designer tip. “Lean into your personal style,” Wiley says. “Your home will feel curated rather than overly staged or like everyone else. Also, continuous flooring is key. It opens up your space and makes the rooms live larger.”
Wall and ceiling paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams
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Designers: Jenifer Wiley and Samantha Vogt of J Wiley Designs
Location: Dallas
Size: 576 square feet (54 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The client wanted a more functional layout that served as a better entertaining space for family and guests,” designer Jenifer Wiley says. “Her backyard was designed to look like an English garden, and she wanted to bring the outside in. The wall between the kitchen and the living room closed off the rooms, impeding the flow of the gathering space. We opened up the kitchen to the living room and extended the parquet flooring into the kitchen so that the room reads as one large, open space. The room kept its cottage vibe but now has a more modern flow.”
Special features. Green-blue cabinetry (Underseas by Sherwin-Williams). Brick fireplace surround. Stone hearth. Patterned swivel chairs. Tufted pink ottoman. “We pulled fabrics that complemented the kitchen colors and had a garden feel to the patterns,” Wiley says.
Designer tip. “Lean into your personal style,” Wiley says. “Your home will feel curated rather than overly staged or like everyone else. Also, continuous flooring is key. It opens up your space and makes the rooms live larger.”
Wall and ceiling paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams
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3. Warmth and Light
Designer: Traci DiGiorgio-Kelley of Kelley Design Group
Builder: CKN Homes
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: About 530 square feet; (49 square meters); 19 feet, 8 inches by 27 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Since this was a speculative new-construction home on a small infill lot, our goal was to anticipate what a potential buyer would want,” designer Traci DiGiorgio-Kelley says. “We envisioned young professionals or a growing family who valued both privacy and connection to nature. The design needed to feel secluded from the neighbors while still being open, airy and full of natural light. Warmth was key. We leaned into biophilic elements, layering natural textures and finishes to balance clean, modern lines with a sense of comfort. High windows were strategically placed to block direct views of neighboring homes while still flooding the space with sunlight. The result is a great room that feels inviting and flexible, appealing to a wide range of buyers without feeling generic.”
Special features. “The vertical wall accent is crafted from half-round white oak, adding warmth and texture while drawing the eye upward,” DiGiorgio-Kelley says. “The fireplace surround features 3-by-10-inch tile laid vertically, a subtle design choice that elongates the room and makes the ceilings feel taller. The shelves, also in stained white oak, bring in a natural tone and provide functional display space. A modern gas linear fireplace anchors the space with clean lines, while Sherwin-Williams Alabaster on the walls keeps the room bright and timeless.”
Designer tip. “Thoughtful window placement can completely transform how a space feels,” DiGiorgio-Kelley says. “In this home, we placed high windows to bring in abundant natural light while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. It’s a simple design move that makes the great room feel bright and connected to nature without sacrificing the sense of seclusion that buyers on a small infill lot often want.”
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Designer: Traci DiGiorgio-Kelley of Kelley Design Group
Builder: CKN Homes
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: About 530 square feet; (49 square meters); 19 feet, 8 inches by 27 feet
Homeowners’ request. “Since this was a speculative new-construction home on a small infill lot, our goal was to anticipate what a potential buyer would want,” designer Traci DiGiorgio-Kelley says. “We envisioned young professionals or a growing family who valued both privacy and connection to nature. The design needed to feel secluded from the neighbors while still being open, airy and full of natural light. Warmth was key. We leaned into biophilic elements, layering natural textures and finishes to balance clean, modern lines with a sense of comfort. High windows were strategically placed to block direct views of neighboring homes while still flooding the space with sunlight. The result is a great room that feels inviting and flexible, appealing to a wide range of buyers without feeling generic.”
Special features. “The vertical wall accent is crafted from half-round white oak, adding warmth and texture while drawing the eye upward,” DiGiorgio-Kelley says. “The fireplace surround features 3-by-10-inch tile laid vertically, a subtle design choice that elongates the room and makes the ceilings feel taller. The shelves, also in stained white oak, bring in a natural tone and provide functional display space. A modern gas linear fireplace anchors the space with clean lines, while Sherwin-Williams Alabaster on the walls keeps the room bright and timeless.”
Designer tip. “Thoughtful window placement can completely transform how a space feels,” DiGiorgio-Kelley says. “In this home, we placed high windows to bring in abundant natural light while maintaining privacy from neighboring homes. It’s a simple design move that makes the great room feel bright and connected to nature without sacrificing the sense of seclusion that buyers on a small infill lot often want.”
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4. Family-Friendly Comfort
Designer: Betsy Bassett Interiors
Location: Concord, Massachusetts
Size: About 386 square feet (36 square meters); 18 feet, 8 inches by 20 feet, 8 inches
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted to transform the living space to accommodate a growing family by replacing existing furniture with a large sectional sofa that can comfortably seat adult children, their partners and family dogs,” designer Betsy Bassett says. “The scope included specifying performance fabrics in a light blue and off-white color palette that reflects a New England transitional design aesthetic.”
Special features. “The material palette features a thoughtful combination of textures encompassing wool plaids, velvet upholstery and hand-blocked textiles, with a woven raffia coffee table as a complementary accent piece,” Bassett says. “The chosen rug became the anchor for the space’s color palette.”
Bassett uses Houzz Pro software. “We utilize Houzz’s comprehensive software platform to create detailed proposals and tear sheets that provide clear visual documentation and itemized descriptions, enabling clients to make informed approval decisions with confidence,” she says. “Additionally, we use Houzz’s Mood Board functionality to help clients visualize the completed space while serving as an implementation guide during installation.”
Sectional sofa, coffee table and side tables: Century Furniture; side chair and ottoman: Hickory Chair
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Designer: Betsy Bassett Interiors
Location: Concord, Massachusetts
Size: About 386 square feet (36 square meters); 18 feet, 8 inches by 20 feet, 8 inches
Homeowners’ request. “They wanted to transform the living space to accommodate a growing family by replacing existing furniture with a large sectional sofa that can comfortably seat adult children, their partners and family dogs,” designer Betsy Bassett says. “The scope included specifying performance fabrics in a light blue and off-white color palette that reflects a New England transitional design aesthetic.”
Special features. “The material palette features a thoughtful combination of textures encompassing wool plaids, velvet upholstery and hand-blocked textiles, with a woven raffia coffee table as a complementary accent piece,” Bassett says. “The chosen rug became the anchor for the space’s color palette.”
Bassett uses Houzz Pro software. “We utilize Houzz’s comprehensive software platform to create detailed proposals and tear sheets that provide clear visual documentation and itemized descriptions, enabling clients to make informed approval decisions with confidence,” she says. “Additionally, we use Houzz’s Mood Board functionality to help clients visualize the completed space while serving as an implementation guide during installation.”
Sectional sofa, coffee table and side tables: Century Furniture; side chair and ottoman: Hickory Chair
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5. Playful British-Inspired Color
Designer: Rachel Gedymin Design
Location: Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
Size: 190 square feet (18 square meters); 10 by 19 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners really wanted to explore a colorful atmosphere suitable for their young family and loved British interiors for inspiration,” designer Rachel Gedymin says. “They have a separate formal living room toward the front of their home, so this room needed to function as a cozier family room where they would often be watching television or playing together with their young daughter. They had recently purchased the home, and the room felt drab and lifeless. We explored a powerhouse collection of textiles and accents to make sure the room popped.”
Special features. “We chose really great textiles for the pillows from high-end brands like Elizabeth Eakins and Lee Jofa,” Gedymin says. “We chose a great punchy fabric from Lacefield Designs for the stools. And a great drapery trim tape from Schumacher.”
Gedymin says she used Houzz Pro software for this project, including for “invoicing, billing and project management.”
Designer tip. “I frequently discuss scale when looking at textiles,” Gedymin says. “It’s often the right move to combine larger-scale textiles with smaller prints to keep things balanced and interesting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had an issue with the drapery installation where the homeowners opted to try to install the setup themselves only to find that the box cornice was just a shy too large,” Gedymin says. “But you can imagine how difficult and heavy that piece must have been. Our wonderful and talented drapery maker took the piece back immediately to adjust and it was then delivered and installed by a crew, which made things much easier.”
Sofa: West Elm; project photos: Julia D’Agostino
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Designer: Rachel Gedymin Design
Location: Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
Size: 190 square feet (18 square meters); 10 by 19 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners really wanted to explore a colorful atmosphere suitable for their young family and loved British interiors for inspiration,” designer Rachel Gedymin says. “They have a separate formal living room toward the front of their home, so this room needed to function as a cozier family room where they would often be watching television or playing together with their young daughter. They had recently purchased the home, and the room felt drab and lifeless. We explored a powerhouse collection of textiles and accents to make sure the room popped.”
Special features. “We chose really great textiles for the pillows from high-end brands like Elizabeth Eakins and Lee Jofa,” Gedymin says. “We chose a great punchy fabric from Lacefield Designs for the stools. And a great drapery trim tape from Schumacher.”
Gedymin says she used Houzz Pro software for this project, including for “invoicing, billing and project management.”
Designer tip. “I frequently discuss scale when looking at textiles,” Gedymin says. “It’s often the right move to combine larger-scale textiles with smaller prints to keep things balanced and interesting.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had an issue with the drapery installation where the homeowners opted to try to install the setup themselves only to find that the box cornice was just a shy too large,” Gedymin says. “But you can imagine how difficult and heavy that piece must have been. Our wonderful and talented drapery maker took the piece back immediately to adjust and it was then delivered and installed by a crew, which made things much easier.”
Sofa: West Elm; project photos: Julia D’Agostino
How to Decorate a Living Room
6. Cabin Style With Lake Views
Designers: Kippen Chermak of Pillar Homes and Jim Kuiken of Jim Kuiken Design
Location: South Haven, Minnesota
Size: 378 square feet (35 square meters); 18 by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The design team was looking to keep the volume and openness as strengths while warming up the space with natural materials to create cabin comfort and capture expansive views of the lake,” says design-build pro Kippen Chermak, who uses Houzz Pro software.
Special features. “Special elements include reclaimed-wood flooring, beams, mantel and planks that wrap the walls and ceiling, creating a chalet-style experience,” designer Jim Kuiken says. “Water-based organic sealer on all reclaimed wood prevents the natural wood color from yellowing. Natural fieldstone, including some from the family property, create the swooping stone chase, allowing a wide base for TV viewing, the fireplace and wood storage. Custom light fixtures include Evergreen sconces, a 30-light multitiered iron chandelier and uplighting on the beams. The 12-foot full glass sliding doors leading to the outdoor screened porch allow for natural light to flood the space.”
The furnishings are a blend of new and antique pieces.
Designer tip. “In our goal to keep a balance between open space and intimate experience, one trick we employed was locating the TV alongside the fireplace instead of above, keeping art and the natural elements of the room as the focal points,” Chermak says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “A large challenge was ensuring the room did not feel too dark or closed-in,” Kuiken says. “That was achieved using a combination of stained and enameled millwork (White Dove, Benjamin Moore) and painted drywall (Dove Wing, Benjamin Moore), drawing your eyes to the lake views and enhancing your natural experience.”
Reclaimed wood: Manomin Resawn Timbers; fieldstone: Hedberg Home Brick + Stone
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Designers: Kippen Chermak of Pillar Homes and Jim Kuiken of Jim Kuiken Design
Location: South Haven, Minnesota
Size: 378 square feet (35 square meters); 18 by 21 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The design team was looking to keep the volume and openness as strengths while warming up the space with natural materials to create cabin comfort and capture expansive views of the lake,” says design-build pro Kippen Chermak, who uses Houzz Pro software.
Special features. “Special elements include reclaimed-wood flooring, beams, mantel and planks that wrap the walls and ceiling, creating a chalet-style experience,” designer Jim Kuiken says. “Water-based organic sealer on all reclaimed wood prevents the natural wood color from yellowing. Natural fieldstone, including some from the family property, create the swooping stone chase, allowing a wide base for TV viewing, the fireplace and wood storage. Custom light fixtures include Evergreen sconces, a 30-light multitiered iron chandelier and uplighting on the beams. The 12-foot full glass sliding doors leading to the outdoor screened porch allow for natural light to flood the space.”
The furnishings are a blend of new and antique pieces.
Designer tip. “In our goal to keep a balance between open space and intimate experience, one trick we employed was locating the TV alongside the fireplace instead of above, keeping art and the natural elements of the room as the focal points,” Chermak says.
“Uh-oh” moment. “A large challenge was ensuring the room did not feel too dark or closed-in,” Kuiken says. “That was achieved using a combination of stained and enameled millwork (White Dove, Benjamin Moore) and painted drywall (Dove Wing, Benjamin Moore), drawing your eyes to the lake views and enhancing your natural experience.”
Reclaimed wood: Manomin Resawn Timbers; fieldstone: Hedberg Home Brick + Stone
13 Strategies for Making a Large Room Feel Comfortable
7. Moody Elegance
Designer: Laura West of Mineral City
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Size: 278 square feet (26 square meters); 14 feet, 9 inches by 18 feet, 10 inches
Homeowners’ request. “This is a low-country-style home built in 1990 and sits on 1.29 pristine acres on the Guana River, a spectacular property,” designer Laura West says. “They wanted a moody but welcoming room that’s a celebration of color, texture and travel. This is a room where friends gather around … swap stories of recent travels to Malta or the U.K., and truly settle in.”
Special features. “We paired Indigo Batik walls (Sherwin-Williams) with bleached hardwood floors and rattan accents to keep the space grounded and bright,” West says. “Natural textures like the rattan chandelier, spool chairs and vintage urns filled with fresh greenery soften the drama of the walls and bring a relaxed warmth. Fabrics bring energy and dimension. A cobalt-and-cream zebra print Stark rug anchors the space, while Brunschwig & Fils’ Seychelles cotton botanical drapery in crisp blues and whites draws the eye upward. Smaller patterns, like the fish-scale upholstery on the spool chairs, balance the large motifs. The deep velvet embossed sofa, trimmed with a trellis passementerie, adds luxury and texture. French elephant garden stools serve as drink tables. A grasscloth coffee table detailed with bronze nailheads has stacks of surfing and rock ’n’ roll books, adding personality and reflecting the homeowners’ passions.”
Designer tip. “Always be armed with a lopper,” West says. “Freshly cut, large-scale greenery instantly enhances interiors and brings in the surrounding landscape,” West says. “This home sits within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine park, so we clipped branches right from the preserve-like setting outside the door. It’s a simple, sustainable way to add drama and connect the indoors with nature.”
Chandelier: Saxon, Currey & Co., with Port 68 shades; project photos by Ed Hall
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Designer: Laura West of Mineral City
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Size: 278 square feet (26 square meters); 14 feet, 9 inches by 18 feet, 10 inches
Homeowners’ request. “This is a low-country-style home built in 1990 and sits on 1.29 pristine acres on the Guana River, a spectacular property,” designer Laura West says. “They wanted a moody but welcoming room that’s a celebration of color, texture and travel. This is a room where friends gather around … swap stories of recent travels to Malta or the U.K., and truly settle in.”
Special features. “We paired Indigo Batik walls (Sherwin-Williams) with bleached hardwood floors and rattan accents to keep the space grounded and bright,” West says. “Natural textures like the rattan chandelier, spool chairs and vintage urns filled with fresh greenery soften the drama of the walls and bring a relaxed warmth. Fabrics bring energy and dimension. A cobalt-and-cream zebra print Stark rug anchors the space, while Brunschwig & Fils’ Seychelles cotton botanical drapery in crisp blues and whites draws the eye upward. Smaller patterns, like the fish-scale upholstery on the spool chairs, balance the large motifs. The deep velvet embossed sofa, trimmed with a trellis passementerie, adds luxury and texture. French elephant garden stools serve as drink tables. A grasscloth coffee table detailed with bronze nailheads has stacks of surfing and rock ’n’ roll books, adding personality and reflecting the homeowners’ passions.”
Designer tip. “Always be armed with a lopper,” West says. “Freshly cut, large-scale greenery instantly enhances interiors and brings in the surrounding landscape,” West says. “This home sits within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine park, so we clipped branches right from the preserve-like setting outside the door. It’s a simple, sustainable way to add drama and connect the indoors with nature.”
Chandelier: Saxon, Currey & Co., with Port 68 shades; project photos by Ed Hall
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
8. Neutral Mix
Designer: Leah Weinberg Design
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Size: 350 square feet (33 square meters); 17½ by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a living space that felt warm, elevated and family-friendly,” designer Leah Weinberg says. “They wanted something sophisticated but not too formal, where their kids could feel at ease and adults could still enjoy a beautifully designed environment. This was a new build with little character and a blank white wall that lacked function, storage or anything aesthetically interesting.”
Special features. “We focused on a clean and airy aesthetic with layered textures and thoughtful built-ins to make the most of the space,” Weinberg says. “The custom built-in was a focal point for the room that provided storage, decor and a way to watch TV that felt stylish. The white oak wood accent behind the TV brings warmth and contrast to the crisp white cabinetry. A curated mix of neutral textures — soft boucle upholstery, oak wood tones and linen drapery — adds depth and interest. The palette is quiet but rich, using creamy whites, soft taupes and muted greens to reflect the natural light and lush surroundings of Palm Beach. The contemporary chandelier above adds a sculptural touch without overwhelming the room.”
Designer tip. “When designing a large seating area, float furniture off the walls and define the layout with a rug,” Weinberg says. “It creates a cozy, intentional gathering space. Also, when using a neutral palette, mix plenty of textures — it’s what keeps the space feeling layered and lived-in rather than flat.”
Wall paint: Pure White, Sherwin-Williams
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Designer: Leah Weinberg Design
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Size: 350 square feet (33 square meters); 17½ by 20 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a living space that felt warm, elevated and family-friendly,” designer Leah Weinberg says. “They wanted something sophisticated but not too formal, where their kids could feel at ease and adults could still enjoy a beautifully designed environment. This was a new build with little character and a blank white wall that lacked function, storage or anything aesthetically interesting.”
Special features. “We focused on a clean and airy aesthetic with layered textures and thoughtful built-ins to make the most of the space,” Weinberg says. “The custom built-in was a focal point for the room that provided storage, decor and a way to watch TV that felt stylish. The white oak wood accent behind the TV brings warmth and contrast to the crisp white cabinetry. A curated mix of neutral textures — soft boucle upholstery, oak wood tones and linen drapery — adds depth and interest. The palette is quiet but rich, using creamy whites, soft taupes and muted greens to reflect the natural light and lush surroundings of Palm Beach. The contemporary chandelier above adds a sculptural touch without overwhelming the room.”
Designer tip. “When designing a large seating area, float furniture off the walls and define the layout with a rug,” Weinberg says. “It creates a cozy, intentional gathering space. Also, when using a neutral palette, mix plenty of textures — it’s what keeps the space feeling layered and lived-in rather than flat.”
Wall paint: Pure White, Sherwin-Williams
More on Houzz
Read more living room stories
Browse more living room photos
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Shop for your living room
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Designer: Rachel Nelson of Concetti
Location: Royal Oak, Michigan
Size: About 200 square feet (19 square meters); 11½ by 17 feet
Homeowner’s request. “When we first stepped into the space, we saw what we often call beautiful bones,” designer Rachel Nelson says. “The architectural structure had so much potential, but it felt more masculine and didn’t reflect our client’s personal style. She envisioned a space that felt like her sanctuary, one that expressed her personality, celebrated her love of art and welcomed others in. Together, we softened the palette, added contrast through rich textures and materials and curated furnishings that created a balance between comfort and elegance. Her incredible art collection became a guiding light throughout the process and we intentionally highlighted key pieces to let her story shine.”
Special features. “We designed a custom rug specifically to complement the client’s existing artwork, creating a cohesive visual connection that anchors the space,” Nelson says. “To elevate the fireplace, we added antiqued mirror, adding both contrast and sophistication while reflecting light and drawing attention to the art-filled wall.”
Nelson uses Houzz Pro software.
Designer tip. “When designing your space, always hold function and feeling with equal weight,” Nelson says. “Ask yourself, does this piece meet my practical needs, and does it reflect who I am? When every choice supports both how you live and how you want to feel, you create a space that becomes you.”
Celine Alpha sofa and Kaia marble plinth block coffee table, Eternity Modern; ceiling light: Kyoto 7, Corbett Lighting; wall lights: Accord, Hudson Valley Lighting; console table: Povera, Moe’s Home Collection
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