Defined by clean lines, natural materials and minimalist decor, modern home design is one of the most well-known interior design styles. In the living room, the aesthetic translates to a space that feels airy and uncluttered, yet cozy and welcoming. Here, we've rounded up dreamy modern living room ideas that showcase steal-worthy design trends and functional layouts for casual family time.
Whether you're designing a family-friendly living room or looking for small living room ideas, there are many design avenues that can be taken to achieve a fresh and elevated space. Sleek sky-high shelving, custom fireplaces and grand architectural elements can create a modern living environment filled with both visual interest and functionality. The right accessories, like stylish area rugs, colorful accent chairs or statement lighting fixtures can quickly modernize a simple interior. Patterned wallpaper, pops of colorful fabric and a fresh coat of paint can all result in a modern, chic and inviting space.
As you scroll, you'll find there's something for everyone — even if your design style strays a little more traditional, rustic, boho or coastal. There are endless ways to infuse a touch of modern design into your living room design, no matter the overall feel of the home. For those designing an apartment living room, we've sprinkled in plenty of renter-friendly ideas (think artwork, peel-and-stick wallpaper and ultra-modern furniture).
1
Decorate Sky-High Shelving
Not only do these striking shelves take advantage of vertical space, they showcase collectibles, books and artwork and infuse color into the interior. Here, architecture and interiors studio JAM uses a mix of modern, traditional and vintage pieces for a curated look.
2
Go Glam
Designed by Ali Budd, this elegant living room is outfitted with a statement chandelier, blue velvet curved sofa and multiple marble coffee tables (six to be exact). For even more contrast, there's a gallery wall comprised of white and black artwork.
3
Find a Colorful Couch
Pair neutral walls and floors with a colorful couch for a pop of personality. Take note from design firm ballonSTUDIO, which goes for a forest green fabric and a modular design.
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4
Make the Most of Vertical Space
Not only does this modern space — by designer Kristen Elizabeth — feature floor-to-ceiling windows, but the striking two-story fireplace also maximizes the room's the vertical space.
RELATED: Stunning Fireplace Decor Ideas That'll Make Your Home Chic and Cozy
5
Follow the "Rule of Three"
Many interior designers embrace the "rule of three," which states that objects and art grouped in threes appear more interesting and intentional. Here, LP & Co. displays three similar but different paintings, accompanying each with a picture light.
6
Make Windows a Focal Point
Let large windows be the center of interest, which is particularly easy when there's a great view. To welcome natural light and stick with the organic aesthetic, designer Christina Kim hangs brown textured blinds.
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7
Display Art on the TV
This light-filled living room designed by Reena Sotropa features a wall-mounted TV that blends seamlessly with the modern style. Disguise your TV as a piece of artwork, whether with a beautiful landscape or black-and-white abstract print featured here.
RELATED: Samsung The Frame TV Review: Is the Popular Picture Frame TV Worth It?
8
Design an Accent Wall
To contrast the surrounding white walls, Kirsten Blazek of A1000XBetter installs a whimsical wallpaper to forge a moody accent wall.
9
Position a Grand Piano
Take a cue from LP & Co. and make a grand statement with a high-gloss black piano — whether someone in your house can actually play or not.
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10
Highlight Curves
Here, designer Kristen Elizabeth swaps harsh lines for gentle curves. Add an element of drama to an interior with curved furnishings, from sofas and armchairs to coffee tables and wall decor.
RELATED: Best Curved Sofas to Ensure a Chic Living Room Design
11
Introduce a Moody Hue
Although we often associate modern rooms with bright, neutral paint colors, there's a case to be made for dark, moody interiors. This dreamy modern living room, designed by Keyanna Bowen, features deep blue walls.
12
Design a Light and Bright Interior
White walls, trim and ceilings help guarantee a space feels bigger, brighter and more airy. To stick with the white color palette, designer Christina Kim brings in a large, white sectional sofa.
RELATED: White Living Room Ideas for Every Home Style
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13
Combine Black and White
The black-and-white color palette is sophisticated and timeless — plus, there are endless ways to recreate the classic look. Here, House of Nomad uses crisp, white paint for the walls, a mix of black and white seating, a black light fixture and a unique wall decor display.
14
Hang Oversized Art
Take note from designer Lauren Jayne and hang large, abstract artwork over the sofa — an easy way to create intrigue and dimension in a smaller space.
15
Transform Walls With Wood Paneling
While wood paneling was once an outdated trend, interior designer Rob Diaz proves the style can feel modern and trendy. Upgrade your walls by installing wood paneling, whether you go for shiplap, tongue and groove, wainscoting or flat boards.
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16
Pair Green and Gold
With deep green walls and a surge of gold accents, this living room — designed by Jenn Feldman — feels cozy, warm and inviting.
RELATED: Light and Dark Green Living Room Ideas for a Relaxing Refresh
17
Add Abstract Armchairs
While you may choose a more timeless fabric for your sofa, consider a daring pattern for the accompanying armchairs. Here, designer Mary Patton anchors this space with two black-and-white patterned accent chairs.
RELATED: Best Reading Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style or Comfort
18
Keep It Minimal
Embrace a "less is more" ideology by keeping decor at a minimum. Opt for a spacious sectional topped with throw pillows, a large coffee table and simple, framed artwork on a crisp, white wall.
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19
Mix Modern and Vintage
Designing a modern space doesn't have to be void of thrifted, antique and vintage pieces. For this balanced interior, designer Kristen Elizabeth pairs a modern sofa, a geometric area rug and white side tables with retro leather armchairs and an antique console table.
20
Play With Pattern
From the geometric wallpaper and abstract area rug to the textured fireplace mantel, designer Michelle Boudreau doesn't shy away from pattern.
Kara Thompson
Contributor
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with over five years of experience writing lifestyle content. She has written for a variety of publications, including townandcountrymag.com, elledecor.com and Parents, where she covered all things home, travel, food, health and holidays. Her sister's German Shepherd, tennis and mystery books are a few of her favorite things
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
As an expert and enthusiast, I can provide information on various topics, including modern home design. I have access to a wide range of knowledge and can provide insights and suggestions based on best practices and design principles.
Modern home design is characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and minimalist decor. It is one of the most well-known interior design styles and is often associated with a sense of openness and simplicity. In a modern living room, the aesthetic translates to a space that feels airy and uncluttered, yet cozy and welcoming.
To achieve a modern living room design, there are several key concepts and design elements that can be considered:
Sky-High Shelving
Utilizing vertical space with sleek sky-high shelving not only maximizes storage but also creates visual interest and showcases collectibles, books, and artwork .
Glamorous Touches
Adding glamorous elements like a statement chandelier, luxurious materials such as velvet, and multiple marble coffee tables can elevate the overall design and create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Colorful Couch
Pairing neutral walls and floors with a colorful couch can add a pop of personality to the space. Consider bold colors like forest green or vibrant hues that complement the overall color scheme.
Vertical Space
Making the most of vertical space can create a dramatic effect. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a striking two-story fireplace can maximize the room's height and create a visually stunning focal point.
Rule of Three
Embracing the "rule of three" in interior design can make objects and art appear more interesting and intentional. Grouping three similar but different paintings, accompanied by picture lights, can create a visually appealing display .
Focal Point Windows
Large windows can be the center of interest, especially when there's a great view. To welcome natural light and maintain an organic aesthetic, consider hanging brown textured blinds.
Art on the TV
Incorporating art on the TV can help blend the modern style with technology. Consider disguising the TV as a piece of artwork, such as a beautiful landscape or black-and-white abstract print.
Accent Wall
Creating an accent wall with whimsical wallpaper can add depth and create a moody atmosphere. Contrasting the surrounding white walls with a bold pattern can make a statement.
Grand Piano
Making a grand statement with a high-gloss black piano can add elegance and sophistication to the living room, regardless of whether someone in the house can play it or not.
Curves
Swapping harsh lines for gentle curves can add an element of drama to the interior. Consider incorporating curved furnishings, such as sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, and wall decor .
Moody Hue
While modern rooms are often associated with bright, neutral paint colors, there's a case to be made for dark, moody interiors. Deep blue walls, for example, can create a dreamy and cozy atmosphere [[11]].
Light and Bright Interior
White walls, trim, and ceilings can create a sense of spaciousness, brightness, and airiness. Consider incorporating a large, white sectional sofa to maintain the white color palette [[12]].
Black and White
The black-and-white color palette is sophisticated and timeless. Incorporate crisp white walls, a mix of black and white seating, a black light fixture, and unique wall decor to achieve a classic look [[13]].
Oversized Art
Hanging large, abstract artwork over the sofa can create intrigue and dimension in a smaller space. Consider choosing artwork that complements the overall design and color scheme [[14]].
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling, when done right, can feel modern and trendy. Consider installing shiplap, tongue and groove, wainscoting, or flat boards to upgrade the walls and add texture [[15]].
Green and Gold
Pairing deep green walls with gold accents can create a cozy, warm, and inviting atmosphere. Consider incorporating gold accents through accessories, lighting fixtures, and decor [[16]].
Abstract Armchairs
While a timeless fabric may be chosen for the sofa, consider adding a daring pattern to the accompanying armchairs. Black-and-white patterned accent chairs can add visual interest and personality to the space [[17]].
Minimalism
Embracing a "less is more" ideology by keeping decor at a minimum can create a clean and uncluttered look. Opt for a spacious sectional topped with throw pillows, a large coffee table, and simple framed artwork on a crisp, white wall [[18]].
Mix Modern and Vintage
Designing a modern space doesn't mean it has to be void of thrifted, antique, and vintage pieces. Pairing a modern sofa, geometric area rug, and white side tables with retro leather armchairs and an antique console table can create a balanced and eclectic interior [[19]].
Play with Pattern
Don't shy away from incorporating patterns into the design. From geometric wallpapers and abstract area rugs to textured fireplace mantels, patterns can add visual interest and depth to the living room [[20]].
These are just a few ideas and concepts related to modern home design for the living room. Remember, there are endless possibilities and design avenues that can be explored to achieve a fresh and elevated space.
