Here are some Modern Living Room Design Ideas

Home design trends are always changing, so it only makes sense that over time, you may want to give the spaces in your home a chic makeover—and the living room may be first on your list. After all, the living room is one of the most used spaces in homes. It’s a place where your family and friends relax and enjoy each other’s company. To freshen up your living room for a sense of high style, keep the following five easy tips in mind.

Choose an All-White Look

All-white is a tried-and-true color scheme that inspires an ultramodern sense of style for living rooms. To get the look for your space, pick pieces like your couch, coffee table, rugs and even flooring in this neutral tone. Of course, when choosing an all-white color scheme, you run the risk of creating a room that has a flat look. Give your space added depth by picking white pieces with unique textures, or opt for varying shades of white, like cream, ivory or antique white.

Add a Focal Point

Think of your living room as you would a photograph or drawing. Just like with a picture, you’ll want to create a focal point that draws people in. Fireplaces are natural focal points that express a classic sense of style, one that is noticeable as soon as guests walk into the space. Don’t have a fireplace? No problem! A large painting, media center or mirror arrangement are all perfect ways to draw in eyes to one spot and give your space a polished look.

Arrange Furniture Away from the Walls

Living rooms are a natural place for conversation, so you’ll want to structure the layout of your space to reflect this. To create a warm environment, pull your furniture away from the walls. Your space will instantly have a warmer atmosphere that invites guests to relax. Keeping furniture away from the walls will also make your living room feel larger.

Incorporate Lots of Light

The right type of lighting can indicate a lot about a space. A system of layered lights adds the illusion of dimension to even small spaces in a way that can instantly make your space feel more contemporary. To create layered lights, start with a strong ambient lighting system comprised of ceiling lights or wall sconces. Next, strategically place task lighting over sections where you and your family and guests will commonly be, like the seating area. Finally, add in accent lighting on specific places you’d like to highlight, such as around accent decorations or even at the focal point of the living room. Want to bring in even more lighting to your space? Use table or floor lamps in abstract and fashionable designs.

Add Final Touches

Now that you’ve taken care of the major design elements for your living room, you’ll want to add in some finishing pieces to round out the look. Try using designer pillows in contemporary designs for your couches or an elegant table runner for the coffee table—these small accents are simple ways to finalize your modern living room. If you opted for the all-white living room, accents in bold colors and patterns will give your space an extra pop of posh sophistication.

By Lauren Feeley

Lauren Feeley is a freelance writer and consultant for Atelier by BBJ. When she’s not writing about the latest interior design trends, she likes to train for marathons and try new Italian restaurants with her husband.