Living Room Interior Design Styles: Ultimate Guide To Finding Yours

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There are many living room interior design styles to choose from, each with unique characteristics and features. You’re in the right place if you’re trying to find yours.

The living room is the heart of the home. It’s where family and friends gather to relax, socialize, and connect.

Aside from being a comfortable and functional space, a well-designed living room will be a reflection of your personality and style. Finding the one that speaks to you is a matter of deciding on the vibe you’re after.

Whether you love the look of modern minimalism or the timeless charm of traditional spaces it’s a personal choice only you can make. Knowing your style will help you design a home with harmony and flow.

Explore the styles below to find the one that resonates with you. Once you have it locked down you’ll be ready to design a living room that reflects your true self!

Key Takeaways

• There are many different living room design styles to choose from.
• Each living room design style has its unique characteristics and features.
• The one you choose will be a reflection of your unique personality and style while also providing a comfortable and functional space.

This post is all about living room interior design styles.

READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk

Living Room Interior Design Styles

Here’s a quick rundown of the living room design styles we’ll cover. See below for visuals and more details on each.

You can use any of these 16 popular design styles as inspiration for designing your dream home. Combine them for an eclectic look if you’re having trouble picking just one.

Contemporary Living Room Styles

Its clean lines, sleek surfaces, and minimalist aesthetic characterize the contemporary design style. It often incorporates mixed materials such as glass, metal, and wood to create a sophisticated and modern look.

Sculptural Furniture

Contemporary living rooms often incorporate sculptural furniture pieces to add visual interest. These can include chairs, tables, and lighting fixtures with unique and artistic designs that serve as focal points of the room.

The black side tables in the living room space above are an example of the sculptural decor design trend. Contrasting colors add interest and originality to neutral color schemes.

Open Space Concept

Contemporary living rooms often have an open floor plan, allowing for a seamless flow between different areas. It creates an airy and uncluttered environment with a sense of spaciousness and freedom of movement.

Neutral Color Palette

Contemporary living room designs often utilize neutral color palettes with shades of white, beige, gray, and black. These colors add to a sense of tranquility and simplicity, while also providing the perfect backdrop for pops of color in accent pieces.

Traditional Style

When it comes to creating a classic and timeless living room, traditional style is the way to go. This interior design style emphasizes classic elegance, symmetry, and rich color schemes.

Classic Elegance

Traditional style living rooms are recognized for their classic aesthetic. It’s achieved with luxe fabrics, ornate furniture, and intricate details. People often use velvet sofas, silk curtains, and gold chandeliers in these spaces.

It’s all about creating a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for entertaining guests or simply relaxing with your favorite book.

Symmetry

Symmetry is a key element of traditional living room design. This means that furniture and decor are arranged in a balanced and orderly manner.

For example, two matching armchairs placed on either side of a fireplace create a sense of symmetry and balance. This design principle helps to create a cohesive and harmonious space.

Rich Color Schemes

Traditional living rooms often have rich and bold color schemes, such as deep reds, blues, and greens. These colors are used on walls, furniture, and decor for warmth and richness. However, it’s important to balance these bold colors with neutral shades such as beige or cream to prevent the room from feeling overwhelming.

This design style is perfect for those who want to create a timeless, classic, and elegant space. Luxurious fabrics, symmetrical furniture arrangements, and rich color schemes create a space that is both inviting and sophisticated.

Scandinavian Living Room Design Styles

Scandinavian design is one of the most popular interior design styles from the 1950s. It originated in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. It’s known for its minimalism, functionality, and natural elements.

Functionality

Scandinavian design is all about functionality. The furniture and decor are designed to be practical and have a purpose.

This means that everything in a Scandinavian living room has a function, and nothing is purely decorative. For example, a sofa may have built-in storage, or a coffee table may have a lift-top for added functionality.

Simplicity

Simplicity is another hallmark of Scandinavian design. The color palette is typically neutral, with white, gray, and black colors.

It has a clean, uncluttered look that is both calming and inviting. Scandinavian design also features clean lines and simple shapes, with furniture that is both functional and visually appealing.

Natural Elements

Finally, natural elements are a key aspect of Scandinavian design. Materials such as wood, stone, and leather, as well as natural textures like wool and linen can be found in these spaces.

Plants are another common element of Scandinavian living rooms. They add a touch of greenery and life to the space. The use of natural elements helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both cozy and inviting.

Scandinavian living room styles are a popular choice for those who value simplicity, functionality, and natural elements in their living room design.

Japandi Style Living Room

Japandi style seamlessly blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian simplicity, for a look that’s refined and approachable. In a Japandi-inspired space, clean lines, muted colors, and natural materials take center stage, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and balance.

The emphasis on functionality and purposeful design is complemented by a curated selection of furnishings, favoring simplicity and quality over excess. Light-colored woods, neutral tones, and a focus on uncluttered spaces contribute to a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance.

Japandi style not only brings together the best of two design styles but also invites a mindful and intentional approach to creating living spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally harmonious.

Minimalism with Purpose

Embrace open spaces and declutter ruthlessly. Focus on essential pieces that serve a distinct function and bring joy.

Invest in well-crafted, timeless furniture and decor made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, and linen. Each piece should have a clear purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic.

Harmony and Balance

The foundation of the Japandi design style is a soothing neutral color palette of soft whites, beiges, grays, and natural wood tones. Furniture should have clean lines and simple forms. Choose simple silhouettes and avoid ornate details.

There should be a visible connection to nature. Bring the outdoors in with natural materials, plants, and organic textures. Create a sense of flow and interconnectedness.

Tranquil Atmosphere

In the Japandi style, there is a clear focus on comfort and relaxation. Choose plush throws, textured rugs, and soft lighting to create a cozy and inviting environment. Incorporate elements that encourage mindfulness, like meditation cushions, bonsai trees, or calming artwork. Avoid visual clutter to promote a sense of peace and serenity.

Other design principles of the Japandi living room style include:

• Wabi-sabi influence: Appreciate the beauty of imperfection and natural flaws in materials and objects.
• Hygge touches: Introduce warmth and coziness with candles, throws, and soft textures.
• Personalization: Don’t be afraid to add your own personality through unique artwork, handcrafted pieces, or cherished objects.

Bohemian Style

Bohemian style, also known as Boho, incorporates an eclectic mix of colors, patterns, and textures. It is a free-spirited and carefree style that embraces individuality and creativity.

Bohemian style is perfect for those who want to create a cozy and welcoming living room with a unique and personal touch.

Eclectic Mix

One of the key features of this style is the eclectic mix of furniture and decor. Mixing of furniture from different periods, such as a vintage sofa and a mid-century modern armchair, are common looks.

Decor includes a mix of patterns, such as florals, stripes, and geometric shapes. The key is to create a harmonious look by using a color palette that ties everything together.

Layering

Layering is another important aspect of the Bohemian style. The look is achieved by layering different textures, such as a shaggy rug, a velvet sofa, and a woven throw.

This style features layered walls with a mix of artwork, tapestries, and mirrors. Living spaces in this style have a cozy inviting vibe that feels lived-in and comfortable.

Global Inspirations

Bohemian style features global inspirations. Spaces are decorated with pieces from different cultures, such as a Moroccan pouf, an Indian tapestry, and a Turkish kilim rug.

When combined they add a sense of wanderlust and adventure. Living rooms in this style feel well-traveled and worldly.

It’s the perfect style for anyone wanting a cozy and welcoming living room with unique and personal touches.

The eclectic mix of furniture and decor, layering of textures, and global inspirations will transform the look of your living room. It’ll have a free-spirited carefree vibe full of individuality and creativity.

Scandi Boho Interior Design Style

The Scandi Boho design style is the best of both worlds. It combines the Scandinavian clean lines, minimal colors, and natural materials with the eclecticism, layering vibrant colors, patterns, and textures of the Bohemian style.

Boho Scandi is a design trend that’s taken the world by storm! It merges the organic style and functionality of Scandinavian design with the free-spirited textures and colors of bohemian decor.

It’s all about creating a living room that feels both chic and inviting, a place where you can relax and express your creativity.

Layered Neutrals with Pops of Personality

The foundation of Scandi Boho is a neutral color palette of whites, creams, and beiges. This creates a sense of calm and airiness, while also allowing you to add pops of personality through your accessories. Think woven throws, patterned pillows, and colorful artwork. The key is to keep it balanced and avoid overwhelming the space.

Natural Textures and Earthy Materials

Natural materials are essential for bringing warmth and texture to your Scandi Boho space. Look for furniture made from light wood, rattan, or wicker, and accessorize with woven baskets, macrame wall hangings, and chunky knit blankets. These elements will add a touch of the outdoors and make your home feel cozy and inviting.

Greenery and Global Accents

No Scandi Boho space is complete without a touch of greenery. Plants not only purify the air and add pops of color, but they also contribute to the laid-back vibe of the style. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of plants, from large floor ferns to trailing succulents.

Add a touch of your own global personality with unique travel souvenirs, handcrafted textiles, or vintage finds. These elements will make your space feel truly one-of-a-kind and reflect your personal style.

Whether you’re a fan of Scandinavian minimalism or bohemian maximalism, Nordic Boho offers the perfect blend of both. With its focus on cozy comfort, natural materials, and pops of personality, it’s a style that’s sure to create a home you’ll love.

Mid-Century Modern Living Room Styles

Mid-century modern design is a popular interior design style that originated in the 1950s and 1960s. It features clean lines, organic shapes, and sleek silhouettes.

The popular style has a timeless appeal that has made a comeback in recent years.

Retro Vibes

Mid-century modern design has a retro vibe and nostalgic feel. It incorporates vintage furniture and accessories, such as Eames chairs and sunburst mirrors.

Commonly used colors include mustard yellow, burnt orange, and avocado green. Fabrics include wool, tweed, and leather.

Organic Shapes

Organic shapes are a key feature of mid-century modern design. This design style incorporates curves and rounded edges to create a soft and inviting feel.

Furniture with tapered legs and curved edges, such as the iconic Noguchi coffee table, are common in mid-century modern design.

Graphic Patterns

This design style incorporates bold geometric patterns, such as chevron and herringbone, to create visual interest. They’re often used on rugs and throw pillows for texture and depth.

Industrial Living Room Styles

If you love living room styles that have an edgy urban feel the Industrial vibe is perfect. This design style is inspired by the industrial era and features a combination of raw materials, exposed structure, and a utilitarian aesthetic.

Raw Materials

One of the key features of the Industrial style is the use of raw materials such as metal, concrete, and wood. These materials are often left in their natural state, giving the living room a rugged, unfinished look.

Concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and metal pipes are common features of an industrial-style living room.

Exposed Structural Elements

Another detail of the Industrial style is the use of exposed structural elements. This means leaving beams, ductwork, and pipes exposed instead of hidden behind walls or ceilings.

The result is a living room that feels open and spacious, with a sense of raw, utilitarian beauty.

Edgy Urban Feel

Industrial style is all about creating a living room that feels edgy and urban. The look is achieved through dark colors, concrete floors, and metal accents.

Leather sofas and chairs are a popular choice for an industrial-style living room, as are vintage pieces such as old factory carts and metal lockers.

In conclusion, industrial style is a great option for those who want to create a living room that feels raw, edgy, and urban. By using raw materials, exposed structure, and a utilitarian aesthetic, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful.

Rustic Charm Style

The Rustic design style is all about creating a warm and inviting space that is comfortable and cozy. Rustic Charm is a popular design style that incorporates natural elements, rough textures, and comfortable furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Natural Beauty

One of the key features of Rustic Charm is the use of natural materials. This design style is full of wood, stone, and other elements from nature to create a warm inviting space.

Natural materials can be used in a variety of ways, from exposed wooden beams to stone fireplaces. This design style is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and want to add it to their home.

Rough Textures

The Rustic style is known for its rough textures. It features rough-hewn wood, distressed leather, and other materials that have a natural, worn look.

These textures add to the warmth and coziness of the space, making it feel like a retreat from the outside world. For anyone looking for a lived-in and comfortable living room, interior design style rustic charm is perfect.

Comfortable and Cozy

This style is all about creating comfortable and cozy spaces. Rustic design features overstuffed sofas, chairs, plush area rugs, and soft throw pillows.

It’s great for anyone wanting a space that’s lived-in and super comfortable.

Coastal Living Room Design Styles

The Coastal interior design style is popular for those who love the beach and ocean. These spaces have a relaxed and breezy atmosphere inspired by the sea.

It features a beachy color palette, light and airy ambiance, and nautical accents.

Beachy Color Palette

A beachy color palette is the foundation of coastal style. Colors include white, sandy beige, green, and blue inspired by sandy beaches and ocean waves.

Pops of color include coral, yellow, and navy for vibrancy and personality. They’re inspired by seashells, sunshine, and nautical accents.

The overall vibe is a serene and calming atmosphere that’s perfect for a coastal-inspired living room.

Light and Breezy

Coastal style is all about creating a light and breezy ambiance. The furniture is comfortable and relaxed, with a focus on natural materials like rattan, wicker, and wood. Fabrics include cotton, linen, and other natural materials.

Nautical Accents

Nautical accents are an important part of coastal style. They include items like seashells, starfish, and other beach decor. The key is to use these accents sparingly, so as not to overwhelm the space.

Art Deco Living Room Styles

Art Deco is a design style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. It is known for its bold geometry, glamorous touches, and high contrast. Art Deco is a dramatic style that’s perfect for making a statement.

Bold Geometry

One of the defining characteristics of the Art Deco design style is its bold geometry. This style often features geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and squares.

They can be found in everything from furniture to lighting fixtures. This style has strong, clean lines that create a sense of order and balance.

Glamorous Touches

The Art Deco interior design style is known for its glamorous touches and luxurious materials. Velvet, satin, and gold are commonly used. Details include intricate patterns and designs, such as sunbursts and chevrons. This interior design style is all about opulence and luxury.

High Contrast

High contrast is another characteristic of the Art Deco style. It features bold colors, such as black, white, and gold. High-contrast patterns, like stripes, and chevrons are used for interest. They create a sense of drama and excitement in the room.

Transitional Style

The transitional style is a design style that blends traditional and contemporary design elements to create a timeless and sophisticated look. It’s a popular style in modern interior design that has a balanced and harmonious look by combining old and new elements.

Balance of Old and New

The transitional style is all about striking a balance between traditional and contemporary design elements. For example, a transitional living room may feature a traditional sofa and armchairs, but with a contemporary coffee table and lighting fixtures. This style is all about creating a cohesive look that is not too formal or stuffy, but still feels classic and timeless.

Subtle Sophistication

The transitional style is known for its subtle sophistication. It’s a style that is not too flashy or bold, but still manages to make a statement.

The color palette is usually neutral, with shades of gray, beige, and cream being popular choices. The focus is on creating a calming and relaxing environment that is both elegant and inviting.

Neutral Space

The transitional style is characterized by its use of neutral colors and materials. It’s all about creating a space that is calm and serene, without being too boring or plain.

The use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal is common in transitional design. These materials add texture and depth to the space, without detracting from the overall simplicity and elegance of the design.

This style is a great choice for those who want a timeless and sophisticated look. It’s a versatile style that can be adapted to fit any space, from small apartments to large family homes.

Minimalist Living Room Styles

Minimalist style is all about simplicity and functionality. It is a design style that emphasizes the use of natural materials, simple clean lines, and a monochromatic color scheme.

This style is perfect for those who want to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere in their living room.

Natural Materials

One of the key features of minimalist style is the use of natural materials. This includes materials such as wood, stone, and metal. These materials help to create a sense of warmth and texture in the living room.

Furniture pieces made from natural materials are often simple and unadorned, with minimal ornamentation.

Simple Clean Lines

Minimalist style is characterized by its simple clean lines. Furniture is sleek and uncluttered, with a focus on functionality rather than decoration. This style is perfect for those who want to create a sense of spaciousness and openness in their living room.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

A monochromatic color scheme is another feature of the minimalist style. This means spaces are designed with shades of a single color, often white or gray.

It creates a sense of harmony and balance in the space. Accents of black or other neutral colors can be used to add contrast and depth to the room.

Overall, the minimalist style is a great choice for those who want to create a peaceful and calming living room.

Eclectic Living Room Styles

Eclectic style is all about mixing and matching different design elements to create a unique and personalized space. This style is perfect for those who love to experiment with different furniture styles, patterns, and textures.

Mixing Furniture Styles

One of the defining features of eclectic style is the mixing of different furniture styles. For example, an eclectic living room might feature a traditional sofa paired with a modern coffee table and a vintage rug.

This style allows for a lot of creativity and personalization, as you can mix and match different pieces to create a space that reflects your unique taste.

Pattern Play

Another hallmark of eclectic style is the use of bold patterns. Mixing and matching different patterns can create a visually interesting space that feels lively and energetic.

When using patterns in an eclectic living room, it’s important to balance them out with solid colors and neutral tones. This helps prevent the space from feeling too busy or overwhelming.

Contrasting Texture

Finally, eclectic style is all about contrasting textures. Combining different textures, such as rough and smooth, shiny and matte, or soft and hard, can add depth and interest to a living room. For example, an eclectic living room might feature a plush velvet sofa paired with a sleek glass coffee table and a rustic wooden accent wall.

Overall, the eclectic style is a great way to create a living room space that reflects your taste and style.

California Living Room Styles

The California-style living room blends comfort and sophistication to create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. It blends indoor and outdoor living, embraces natural textures and light, and prioritizes comfort and functionality.

White Walls

Incorporating white walls into the design creates a light and airy feel, reflecting light and making the space feel open and expansive. This serves as a blank canvas, allowing personalized art pieces and accessories to stand out.

Warm Wood Tones

Utilizing warm wood tones in furniture and flooring adds a natural, earthy element to the space, enhancing the relaxed and inviting ambiance.  

Wood accents, woven wall hangings, and an abundance of plants bring the outdoors into the space. Light woods like driftwood or reclaimed teak add a coastal feel.

Neutral Color Palette

Opting for a neutral color palette, such as soft beiges, warm grays, and muted blues, contributes to the laid-back and calming aesthetic of the California style living room. White, beige, and sand tones provide a calming base, reflecting the beach and sky. 

Designers often use pops of color in throw pillows, artwork, or rugs.

Zen Living Room Styles

Zen style is a minimalist design style that originated in Japan. It is characterized by its simplicity, natural elements, and emphasis on creating a calm and peaceful environment.

A Zen-inspired living room is designed to be a space that promotes relaxation and tranquility.

Natural Lighting

One of the most important elements of a Zen-inspired living room is natural lighting. Japanese people consider light to be of utmost importance, which is why natural light is highly desired.

Zen-inspired living rooms typically have large windows that allow natural light to flow into the room. If the room does not have large windows, the use of light-colored walls and mirrors can help to reflect light and make the room feel brighter.

Natural Elements

Another key feature of Zen-inspired living rooms is natural elements. This can include the use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone.

Zen-inspired living rooms include plants for their ability to evoke a sense of nature and tranquility. A single plant, like a fiddle leaf fig, can create a serene look.

Simple And Clutter Free

A Zen-inspired living room is designed to be simple and clutter-free. The use of minimal furniture and decor is essential to achieve this style.

Low-lying furniture, such as floor cushions and futons, are popular in Zen-inspired living rooms. The color palette is typically muted and neutral, with shades of beige and off-white being popular choices.

The simple décor creates a space that feels open and soothing.

Overall, a Zen-inspired living room is a perfect space for those who want to create a calm and peaceful environment in their home. You can create a Zen-inspired living room by using natural elements, natural lighting, and a simple and clutter-free design.

Hollywood Glam Living Room Styles

Hollywood Glam Style is a dramatic design style that is perfect for those who love to make a statement. It is all about bringing glamor to everyday living.

This style layers high-end materials to create the perfect interior. It’s characterized by high contrast, tufted furniture, and metallic accents.

High Contrast

High contrast is a key element of Hollywood Glam Style. It uses a bold color palette that includes black, white, and metallic shades to create a striking look.

High contrast is used in black-and-white art pieces, black lacquered furniture, and white plush carpets. This creates a dramatic effect that is both sophisticated and glamorous.

Tufted Furniture

Tufted furniture is another hallmark of Hollywood Glam Style. It’s characterized by its deep buttoning and plush upholstery. The tufting adds a sense of luxury and sophistication to the room.

It can be seen in the form of tufted sofas, chairs, and ottomans. The use of velvet and plush fabrics brings an elegant feel to the room.

Metallic Accents

Metallic accents are an important aspect of Hollywood Glam Style. They add a touch of glamour and luxury to the room.

The use of metallic finishes can be seen in the form of gold or silver-leafed furniture, mirrored surfaces, and metallic accessories. Adding metallic accents to the room will create a sense of luxury and opulence.

Conclusion

Choosing the vibe you’re after from these living room styles is one of the first steps in the design process. It’ll help you create a space full of personality that’s functional and comfortable.

Once you know your style you’ll be able to create the color scheme next. Neutral tones are always a safe bet, but bold and vibrant colors can also be used to make a statement. Adding texture and patterns through rugs, pillows, and curtains will add interest and depth to your interior design.

Lighting is also an important aspect of living room design. Natural light should be maximized, while artificial lighting should be used to create ambiance and highlight focal points.

A well-designed living room should be an expression of you and be your happy place.

This post is all about living room interior design styles.

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Last Updated on September 22, 2024 by Nicole DelaCruz