Modern living rooms are comfortable and inviting spaces built for relaxed family time and casual entertaining. Today’s living rooms include elements like ultra-comfortable seating, built-in TV walls, and a focus on natural light.
Living rooms may be dedicated rooms or have open-plan layouts that are combined with dining rooms or share space with kitchens.
While “modern” and “contemporary” are often treated as synonyms and used interchangeably, there is a technical difference between the terms.
For interior designers and architects, a modern interior has roots in modernism and 20th-century midcentury modern architecture and design, whereas a contemporary interior refers to styles that reflect the period from the late 20th century to the present.
But to everyone else, the word “modern” is simply a shorthand for interiors that feel fresh, inviting, and livable in the here and now.
Modern living rooms draw from past design styles and aesthetics, reinventing traditions to create spaces that are less of a particular style than a sensibility.
This means that a modern room can have low-slung furniture with clean lines, neutral color palettes, and natural elements like wood, or lean more contemporary with bold paint and wallpaper, statement light fixtures and art, and sculptural furniture. Mixing old and new pieces in a range of styles can also give your living room a modern and eclectic feel.
Check out these modern living rooms in a range of sizes and styles for inspiration.
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01
of 73Use a Single Bold Color Accent
Design by Tina Ramchandani Creative
While many modern interiors feature pale, neutral palettes, adding a soothing color found in nature such as any shade of green can energize the space without changing the whole vibe.
In this modern living room from Tina Ramchandani Creative, a large green sofa introduces a bold single-color accent into the otherwise neutral room.
Small green accents scattered throughout the room add balance without overwhelming.
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02
of 73Showcase Modern Art
Design by Tyler Karu Design and Interiors / Photo by Erin Little
This new build living room in Portland, Maine from Tyler Karu Design and Interiors is a showcase for the client’s collection of contemporary art.
White walls, unadorned windows, vintage modern furniture, and a retro fireplace nod to other eras while feeling fresh and current.
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03
of 73Choose Black and White
Design by Kara Mann
Black and white interiors are classic and can work in virtually any style, but the strict color palette can help a space feel particularly modern depending on the choice of furniture and decor.
In this modern living room from Kara Mann, a black sectional sofa and sculptural decor choices give the space a timeless modern feel.
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04
of 73Revisit Wood Slat Walls
Design by Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis / Photo by Heidi Harris
In this living room from interior designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis, a modern take on classic midcentury modern wood slat walls adds warmth and creates a focal point for decor and objects.
Modern furniture in shades of orange and turquoise is another nod to midcentury design that feels as fresh as it did in the 20th century.
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05
of 73Use Natural Accents
Design by Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Eymeric Wilding Photography
This white and gray living room from Louis Duncan-He Designs has a comfortable modern feel with its oversized sectional, wood accents, and stylized natural accents like the round framed preserved moss wall hanging.
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06
of 73Keep It Natural
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Hugo Landa Garcia
Today’s modern interiors are often filled with natural materials and organic elements that create a sense of comfort and provide refuge from the chaos of current affairs and the stresses of everyday life.
This serene Southern California living room by Laura Brophy Interiors has smooth surfaces, pale colors, wood accents, and treetop views that make it tranquil and relaxing.
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07
of 73Paint the Brick White
Design by Tina Ramchandani Creative
Painting the brick fireplace in solid white modernizes this living room from Tina Ramchandani Creative while staying clear of whitewashed faux rustic farmhouse vibes.
The generous hearth provides a place to display design objects and books, or to serve as extra seating when the holidays roll around and friends and family are gathered around the fire.
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08
of 73Overlap the Artwork
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly
Leanne Ford Interiors layered two large-scale pieces of simple, unframed abstract black-and-white art above a long sectional sofa that is in keeping with the neutral tones of the room and adds some modern style to the spacious interior.
This informal approach to hanging art on the wall creates a casually chic vibe that’s easier to compose and hang than a gallery wall and feels relaxed and modern while making a statement and filling the empty space above the large sofa.
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09
of 73Mix Patterns
Design by Studio London Co. / Photo by Cody Guilfoyle
This small NYC apartment living room from Studio London Co. has a modern pop art feel with bold use of pattern on the zigzag wallpapered walls and geometric Beni Ourain carpet.
Bright gold finishes and pops of color add energy to an otherwise straightforward railroad-style apartment living room.
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10
of 73Supersize Your Floor Lamp
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls
This living room from Leanne Ford Interiors feels effortlessly chic and accessible with white brick walls, overstuffed seating, a rustic coffee table, and an oversized sculptural floor lamp fixture that is both functional and interesting.
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11
of 73Ombre the Ceiling
Design by Tina Ramchandani Creative
Many modern interiors feature simple white walls, but this living room from Tina Ramchandani Creative takes a moodier, more playful approach, with an ombre ceiling that shifts from navy to pale blue-gray.
An overstuffed sectional, plush carpeting, natural window treatments to tamper the natural light, plus graphic black-and-white accents and photographs add to the modern relaxed lounge feel of the space.
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12
of 73Think Pink
A pink couch with a plump and enveloping profile gives this small Scandinavian living room from Fantastic Frank a big dose of modern Nordic charm, while a modern geometric pendant light, a mix of wall art, and a vintage Danish modern armchair pack in layers of style.
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13
of 73Incorporate a Home Workstation
Design by Studio London Co. / Photo by Cody Guilfoyle
A home-based workstation is a modern essential for a growing number of desk-based workers. This NYC apartment living room from Studio London Co. includes a small home office nestled at the end of the couch near the window.
With a sleek white lacquered desk and office chair with the same gold accents found throughout the rest of the space, it offers a place to get down to business that fades into the background after hours.
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14
of 73Infuse It With Warm Tones
Design by Yael Weiss Interiors
Today’s modern living rooms are as much about well-being as they are about style. This living room from Yael Weiss Interiors has both qualities, with modern and comfortable furnishings, warm wood accents, and natural textiles that create a livable home base for unwinding and recharging.
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15
of 73Upholster the Walls
Design by Forbes + Masters
In this living room from Forbes + Masters, an overall palette of black and soft white is contrasted with gem-toned velvet tufted wall nooks-turned-banquettes to create a sophisticated modern space fit for entertaining.
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16
of 73Add Organic Touches
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
This bright and cheerful living room from Desiree Burns Interiors mixes white walls, wood floors, and textiles in shades of dark green and blue with organic end tables and a sculptural white lacquer coffee table to create an easy modern mix that’s family-friendly and stylish.
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17
of 73Paint the Walls Black
Design by Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Eymeric Wilding Photography
In this moody living room from Louis Duncan-He Designs, matte black paint creates a dramatic calming backdrop for a colorful sofa, a whimsical white feather floor lamp, an oversized ottoman coffee table, and accents like Moroccan leather poufs, black-and-white photos, and plants.
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18
of 73Add Woven Accents
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
This bright and spacious living room from Desiree Burns Interiors has white walls, simple built-ins, and woven accents that range from practical to whimsical to add warmth and a playful modern edge.
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19
of 73Use Bright Color
Design by Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Heather Dunbar
This living room from Louis Duncan-He Designs has brick walls and ceiling beams, but those rustic touches are modernized with colorful upholstered seating in contrasting shades of turquoise and mustard and pendant lighting that adds balance and makes it feel updated and fresh.
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20
of 73Add Texture
Design by Forbes + Masters
This high rise living room from Forbes + Masters has an eclectic mix of furnishings from various periods and styles, while a textured feature wall helps distract the eye from the wall-mounted TV and adds a modern element.
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21
of 73Mix and Match
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
This midcentury modern home renovation from Leanne Ford Interiors celebrates original features like a monumental stone fireplace, while a mix of contemporary furnishings, art, and lighting keep the space feeling current.
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of 73 -
23
of 73Choose Organic
Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
This modern living room from Emily Henderson Design has a neutral palette, natural accents, a large oversized sofa with a streamlined profile and a low back, and sculptural black accents from the organic side table to the vase on the coffee table that give it a modern feel.
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24
of 73Modernize the Fireplace
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Tim Hirschmann
A modern fireplace, a mix of furnishings, and a black-and-white palette make this living room from Laura Brophy Interiors ready for company.
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25
of 73Mix Periods
This living room from Fantastic Frank combines vintage and contemporary furniture to create a textured, minimalist look that feels modern and timeless.
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26
of 73Go Green
Design by Michelle Boudreau Design
This modern living room from Michelle Boudreau Design has a sage green fireplace wall and green accents throughout from the seating to the graphic wallpaper that give it an of-the-moment feel.
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28
of 73Look Out
Design by LeeAnn Baker Interiors
This Washington state living room from Seattle-based LeeAnn Baker Interiors has a laid back luxurious modern feel with its wood paneled ceilings and black metal and glass walls of windows that open to the outside and offer a million dollar view.
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29
of 73Bring in Some Blues
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
Bold blue accents on the striped rug and throw pillows add vibrancy to the white walls and clean lines of this modern living room from Leanne Ford Interiors.
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30
of 73Play With Proportion
This living room from Fantastic Frank has an eye-catching color palette of shades of pink and mustard yellow that give it a warm modern feel.
An oversized sconce with a soft shade is suspended over the seating area to provide ambient light and play with proportions in a cheeky modern way that feels fresh.
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31
of 73Play With Paint
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly
Leanne Ford Interiors modernized the walls of this living room by painting a taupe-y beige matte border around the room that helps ground the seating area while making the ceilings feel taller.
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32
of 73Add a Vignette
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
In this spacious modern living room from Desiree Burns Interiors, what could have been a dead space in the shadow of the staircase becomes a mini accent wall with dynamic patterned wallpaper, a curvy waterfall edge console table, and an eye-catching gold-toned lamp.
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33
of 73Make It Monochromatic
Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer
This monochromatic space from Marie Flanigan Interiors is a modern take on a traditional family living room with double seating areas, comfortable furnishings, and a toned-down palette that creates a tranquil backdrop for relaxing and entertaining.
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34
of 73Soften Industrial Interiors
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls
This converted warehouse living room from Leanne Ford Interiors has a generous and comfortable seating area anchored by a large rug that warms up the industrial bones and polished concrete of the space.
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35
of 73Layer Natural Textures
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly
This living room from Leanne Ford Interiors has a modern feel with its soft neutral palette and layered natural textures from the wood stump end tables to the sheepskin throw on the back of the armchair.
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36
of 73Use Simple Accents
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
You can modernize a blank pass through wall in your living room with a few simple touches like a framed color photo of a crowded beach, a simple wooden bench, and a tall vase of pampas grass.
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37
of 73Focus on Form
Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design
This spacious living room designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design has a soft neutral palette.
The overstuffed seating and a variety of round shapes (from the coffee table to the globe pendant light) help to break up the linear lines of the railroad-style space.
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38
of 73Update the Wood Paneling
While you may associate wood paneling with unrenovated midcentury interiors, many modern interiors have embraced wood paneling and made it feel more modern by lightening up the wood and widening the boards.
This Scandinavian country house living room from Fantastic Frank pairs pale oak paneling on the walls and ceiling with polished concrete floors, and an oversized, low-slung, extra-deep tufted pale gray sectional sofa to create a tranquil modern space built for unplugging and recharging.
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39
of 73Update Midcentury Architecture
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
This updated midcentury modern living room from Leanne Ford Interiors has a neutral palette, a mix of midcentury, industrial, and contemporary furnishings, and graphic black accents that keep it looking sharp and current.
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40
of 73Mix Textures
Design by Alvin Wayne
This NYC living room from interior designer Alvin Wayne has a stylish mix of furnishings and a focus on textural accents from the knotted velvet pouf to the colorful wall hanging above the couch.
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41
of 73Combine Black and Blue
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Ryan Garvin
This modern indoor outdoor Southern California living room from Laura Brophy Interiors mixes modern finishes and graphic accents in black, white, and blue.
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42
of 73Add a Few Splashes of Color
Design by Victoria Bell Design
Victoria Bell Design modernized this airy modern farmhouse living room with its neutral furnishings and rustic ceilings and beams by injecting a few choice color accents, like hot pink velvet throw pillows and a colorful piece of art.
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43
of 73Retile the Fireplace
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Hugo Landa Garcia
This Southern California home from Laura Brophy Interiors is filled with organic and natural decor elements and shades of green and blue that are contrasted with a gray-and-white patterned tile fireplace with a chunky wood mantel that makes it feel modern and cozy.
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44
of 73Add Texture, Color, and Pattern
Design by Michelle Boudreau Design
This living room from Michelle Boudreau Design has a coastal blue-and-white palette that includes a dramatic fireplace accent wall that combines texture, color, and pattern in a bold and spirited decor move that isn’t for the faint of heart.
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45
of 73Stay Cool
In this modern Scandinavian living room from Fantastic Frank, a wall of windows floods the space with light, and a cool palette of white, gray, and silver keeps it feeling airy and bright.
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46
of 73Choose an Anchor Piece
Design by Alvin Wayne
This living room from Alvin Wayne is anchored by a large white overstuffed sectional floating in the center of the room.
A crowd-pleasing palette of white, pale gray, and black is warmed up with wood accents to create a simple recipe for a modern living room that is easy on the eyes and will outlast trends.
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47
of 73Hang an Oversized Pendant Light
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
This white-walled, plant-filled modern living room Leanne Ford Interiors makes use of the tall slanted ceilings by hanging an oversized metallic pendant light that glows like the sun and anchors the seating area.
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48
of 73Hang a Conversation Starter
Design by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp
In this bright and lively living room designed by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design, white walls are covered with a gallery wall of accessible art, and a squiggly wall sculpture invites curiosity, sets a playful tone, and starts conversations.
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49
of 73Make Every Piece Count
This clean, minimal black-and-white living room from Fantastic Frank has a modern feel with its Beni Ourain rug, vintage lamp, contemporary sofa, and clean-lined furnishings, each chosen to hold their own in the less-is-more design scheme.
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50
of 73Decorate Around the TV
Design by Alvin Wayne
Many modern living rooms include a large wall-mounted television, making it a challenge to find ways to decorate around the TV.
In this New York City living room, interior designer Alvin Wayne added a textural wall treatment and a long carved wood console that gives the eye something to focus on when the screen is dark.
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51
of 73Keep Windows Bare
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Tim Hirschmann
This Huntington Beach, California living room from Laura Brophy Interiors has white walls and black framed windows that are kept bare to reveal a view of palm trees and allow natural light to flow into the modern interior.
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52
of 73Paint It Black
Painting the floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace with matte black paint gives this living room from Laquita Tate Interior Styling and Designs a modern focal point and complements neutral tones and natural greenery.
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53
of 73Accent With Wood
Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp
This living room from Emily Henderson Design is dominated by a large picture window and a wide open view.
The interior features a modern fireplace, a built-in firewood insert that stores logs and doubles as decor, leather seating, and an organic coffee table that adds a natural element.
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54
of 73Use Large Scale Furnishings
Design and Photo by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design
A boxy, overstuffed, large scale sectional with a matching ottoman that functions as a coffee table is the centerpiece of this comfortable, easygoing, neutral-toned modern living room designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design.
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55
of 73Update the Fireplace
Design by Brexton Cole Interiors
This „modern farmhouse loft“ from Brexton Cole Interiors mixes white, black, and navy with curvy seating and a sleek built-in gas fireplace insert to create flow in a modern open plan space.
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56
of 73Install Colorful Flooring
This modern living room from A Beautiful Mess has a bold turquoise floor that creates an element of surprise and acts as a base for neutral decor choices throughout the room, from worn tufted leather sofas to an organic coffee table, that keep it feeling livable and balanced.
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57
of 73Use Earth Tones
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Nicole Franzen
Use earth tones from beige to brown, mustard, olive, sage, and beyond to add a soothing feel to a modern living room.
Chango & Co. chose beige tones in this modern living room that is anchored by a large beige sofa and an area rug that complements beige wood tones and light beige walls for a calming feel.
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58
of 73Choose a Colorful Couch
Many people choose sensible neutral tones for large accent pieces like a living room sofa that will stand up to heavy use and blend in enough so that we won’t grow tired of the color.
Desiree Burns Interiors took a chance on a bright red sofa that energizes and modernizes this 18th-century living room that is anything but traditional.
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59
of 73Leave Windows Bare
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott
If you are decorating a spacious living room that has large windows looking out to a private yard, leave the curtains off to focus on views and light.
Chango & Co. decorated this space with sculptural furnishings in neutral tones, leaving the double-height windows bare to enhance the airy and uncluttered feel.
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60
of 73Paint the Fireplace
Modernize your living room by painting a standard red brick fireplace in an eye-catching color.
Mary Patton Design created an instant focal point in this living room with a minty shade of green.
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61
of 73Revisit Beige Finishes
Beige has made a comeback in recent years. Ashley Montgomery Design decorated this spacious living room with soft neutral shades from the beige brick fireplace to the light wood flooring and mixed mid-tone and brown wood accents.
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62
of 73Add a Bold Accent Wall
Turn an unused fireplace into a decorative feature with bold color accents. Interior designer Alvin Wayne painted the wall black and accented with bright and colorful art, painted decorative logs, and fresh flowers to create a focal point in this New York City apartment living room.
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63
of 73Embrace Curves
Modern furniture with curved lines and round shapes will freshen up your living room.
Desiree Burns Interiors decorated this Boston brownstone living room with curvy furniture and decor in shades of white and pale wood that hugs the shape of the room for a harmonious feel.
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64
of 73Try a Shiplap Fireplace
Shiplap fireplaces can work in farmhouse or modern spaces.
Arbor & Co. paired a linear fireplace insert with a chunky pale wood mantel and white shiplap for a fresh modern look.
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65
of 73Paint the Built-Ins
An easy way to makeover your living room is by painting the built-ins in bold color.
Desiree Burns Interiors chose an emerald green tone that complements the forest green couch and creates a rich backdrop for light neutral decor objects displayed on the shelves.
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66
of 73Try Dark Flooring
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott
Decorate a spacious loft living room with shades of black, white, and gray for a streamlined look.
Chango & Co. chose dark wood flooring that complements the arched black windows of this New York City space, adding a large dark gray area rug to add softness underfoot.
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67
of 73Add Low-Slung Seating
Create a retro modern feel in your living room with low-slung furniture, like this New York City space from interior designer Alvin Wayne that pairs a modular blue sofa with a graphic large-scale painting in shades of orange.
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68
of 73Use Soft Coastal Colors
Use a soft coastal color palette to add a fresh feel to a modern living room.
Desiree Burns Interiors paired light blue-gray wall paint with white trim, natural wood, and sandy beige velvet seating for a soothing feel.
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69
of 73Choose Modern Accessories
You can modernize your living room using small accessories that will help set the tone, like this sculptural white vase filled with red flowers from Desiree Burns Interiors.
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70
of 73Pair Beige and Black
Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca Studio
Pair beige and black furniture and finishes to create a bold modern look that works well in a minimalist living room like this space from Sissy + Marley Interior Design.
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71
of 73Float the Furniture
In a modern open-plan living room, float the furniture to maintain an airy feel.
Louis Duncan-He Designs anchored a pair of cognac leather sofas on a marbled area rug to define the space and give everyone an equal opportunity to take in the sweeping vies outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
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72
of 73Reconsider Carpeting
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Read McKendree
While carpeting isn’t as popular as it once was, there are times when it makes sense.
Chango & Co. chose a flat-weave carpet with a graphic design that adds noise-control, warmth, and comfort to this spacious modern New York City living room decorated in shades of warm beige.
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73
of 73Layer Wallpaper and Art
Create a layered feel in your living room by layering art over wallpaper, like this space from Desiree Burns Interiors. Bright gold frames and brass lighting add shine.
