26 Living Rooms that Put a Unique Spin on What Modern Means

Like Architecture & Interior Design? Follow Us...

Home Designing may earn commissions for purchases made through the links on our website. See our disclosure policy.

The living room is somewhat of a modern institution. Older estates might have had sitting rooms, drawing rooms, or studies. But the multipurpose living room - a gather spot for families, a cozy area for entertaining, or even just a place to put your feet up - is kind of a new concept. It's not necessarily fussy or fancy, but with the right design it can truly become the heart of a home. Represented here are 26 beautiful living rooms that take this modern space and make it not just welcoming, but beautiful. Have a look.

1 |
Designer: Desiron Lizon

Warm colors are just one way to bring that cozy feeling into a living room. Here, it’s pops of a shocking red that contrast the cement bricks and other neutral furnishings for a vibrant, exciting space. The red Arne Jacobsen accent chair really draws the eye here. If you like the traditional exposed brick look in the living room do check out: 30 Living Rooms With Exposed Brick Walls.

2 |
Visualizer: Jean Regauer

Of course, bright colors are not everything. This grey and black design is sleek and sophisticated – it wouldn’t be out of place in a decadent 1980’s movie.

3 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

The plush seating in this living room makes you want to sink right in for an evening of casual, bright conversation.

4 |
Visualizer: Hodidu

Adding personal effects like books and artwork give this smaller living room a unique and homey feel. The tiered look was a popular theme in mid century modern coffee table design, a bold and fantastic way to tie together the vintage furniture selections throughout.

5 |
Visualizer: Lushviz

Grey and turquoise is a combination that is very ‘of the moment.’ This living room uses it subtly for a warm and feminine effect.

6 |
Visualizer: Phan Arch

Another neutral option, the geometric pattern on this living room’s accent wall stands out against the calmly colored furnishings.

7 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

In a small space, a living room may have to take on more than one function. Here we see how a narrow room can be a comfortable seating area and a shared home office.

8 |
Visualizer: Vic Nguyen

And sometimes decadence is the name of the game. Most of us will never have a grand piano, but if you do you should certainly make it a focal point of a room like it is here, with small, subtle furnishings sinking into the background.

Get Free Updates by Email

...AND GET THIS EBOOK FREE

We will email you the download link for the book

9 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

An open floor plan demands creative use of furniture and decor. Here an area rug and large, heavy pieces keep the living area separate from the foyer.

10 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

Surrounding by glass and stunning views, the last thing this ultra modern living room needs is the obligatory television.

11 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

Low to the ground with a bit of mustard yellow, the furniture in this room screams mid-century.

12 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

The unique coffee table in the center of this spacious and modern living room is a tiny bit retro futuristic. Coupled with the white, grey, and red color scheme you’re almost in the Home of the Future. I wonder if there’s a refrigerator attached to a telephone hidden somewhere in the kitchen.

13 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

This living room does a stylish job of mixing and matching textures from a soft shaggy rug against hard tile to carved wooden ottomans and sleek upholstery. The curvy black floor lamp underlines the black in the decor.

14 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

In this slightly altered version of the previous room, the larger wall art is gone, bringing focus to the beautiful wood paneled wall.

15 |
Designer: Mimar Interiors

Pristine white furniture that contrasts with inky dark walls is probably not idea for a family, but is super sleek for the most fashionable couple you know.

16 |
Visualizer: Design at Sketch

This artsy loft style with painted wood floors and cute sayings in frames makes you feel like finally getting to work on that novel. The black and white rug is an interesting touch that doesn’t clash with the character of the room.

17 |
Designer: Moskou

Simple is perfect in this cool grey living room with massive, deep sofas. They make you want to take a nap even when you’re barely out of bed.

18 |
Visualizer: Velizar Dimitrov

In a small apartment, the living room is visible from every angle. This stylish sectional and neutral coffee table are unobtrusive.

19 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

Coat the walls and ceilings of this modern living room with bamboo skewers and be instantly transported to a weird hipster luau, which sounds ironic.

20 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

At the end of the day, a living room really just needs a place to sit and a coffee table. This simple living room fills those requirements without much fuss, but with a lot of style.

21 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

And in a different look, we have the same flood of natural light and simple furnishings, but this time with massive lighting overhead and a wide open floorplan.

22 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

Swap out a camel chair for a tufted version in chocolate brown and you’ll have this version of the same Valkyrie Studio.

23 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

Overwhelming white can be a bit sterile, but with the addition of some slick art and plenty of light, this living room feels more elegant than ER. The large modern coffee table is the perfect size for this spacious room.

24 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

Another day, another Grand Piano. This lovely living room would have you longing to learn your scales once again.

25 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

Japanese-inspired sliding doors keep books and documents hidden away when they’re not needed while allowing for necessary storage space.

26 |
Designer: Valkyrie Studio

Any furniture would feel dwarfed by these massive windows, so keeping things simple and comfortable is the right way to go.

Recommended Reading:
30 Beautiful Ottoman Coffee Tables

Did you like this article?

Share it on any of the social media channels below to give us your vote.

Your feedback helps us improve.

26 Living Rooms that Put a Unique Spin on What Modern Means

Like Architecture & Interior Design? Follow Us...

Get Free Updates by Email

Did you like this article?

The Dream Home Kit

Other related interior design ideas you might like...

Comments? Let us know

Living Rooms

Dining Rooms

Kitchens

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Home Offices

Kids' Rooms

Other Spaces

What we are about

TOP PICKS

SITES WE LOVE

26 Living Rooms that Put a Unique Spin on What Modern Means

Like Architecture & Interior Design? Follow Us...

Just one more step. Please click the confirmation link emailed to you.

Get Free Updates by Email

Did you like this article?

The Dream Home Kit

Other related interior design ideas you might like...

Comments? Let us know

Living Rooms

Dining Rooms

Kitchens

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Home Offices

Kids' Rooms

Other Spaces

What we are about

Topics

TOP PICKS

SITES WE LOVE

Get the best in architecture and design

Just one more step. Please click the confirmation link emailed to you.