23 Modern Living Room Ideas
Whether you just moved into a new home that desperately needs some updates or you’re tired of your last living room remodel, it can be time for a modern living room.
This living room redesign required a mindset to modernize without adding visual weight to the space.
The living room is a gathering spot, and it’s supposed to be comfortable for you and your guests.
But, if the new modern living room feels like a cold, sterile place to spend time, you can make changes.
The modern living room is versatile and it can be made to feel cozy, warm, and inviting if that’s what you desire.
1. Think about a patterned rug
This modern living room by Emily Henderson Design proves that you don’t have to shy away from bold designs to create a cohesive look.
The secret is to keep the rest of the room simple.
The large-scale, geometric rug sets the tone for the room and brings in a variety of colors, which are repeated in the throw pillows, art, and accessories.
But the rest of the room is mostly neutral, with just a few pops of color.
2. Try a bold color on for size
If you’re looking to make a big statement in your living room, consider a bold color.
This modern living room by Marea Clark Interiors is a masterclass in how to do it right.
The bold shade of green on the walls is balanced out by the soft pink sofa and neutral rug.
The black and white artwork ties the color scheme together, and the gold accents add a touch of luxury.
3. Go for a statement coffee table
Coffee tables are the focal point of most living rooms, so why not make it a statement piece? We are seeing a lot of sculptural coffee tables that add a real modern edge to a space.
This coffee table is the Arco table by Porada and adds a contemporary touch to this living room.
The rest of the space is more traditional, but the sleek lines and light wood of the table add a modern twist.
4. Add a pop of color
If you are a color lover, you can still embrace the modern aesthetic by keeping the rest of the room simple and just adding in pops of your favorite shades.
This modern living room is a great example of that.
The white walls and modern furniture create the perfect blank canvas for the bright colors to stand out.
The easiest way to bring color into a room like this is with your accessories.
Think colorful cushions, a bright rug, or you could even paint the back of a bookshelf in a fun color.
5. Use a neutral color for the walls
If you want to create a modern living room but you’re not sure where to start, a neutral wall color is a great option.
Neutral walls are popular in modern homes because they provide a clean, simple backdrop for the rest of the room.
You can add color in other ways, such as with a bold area rug, colorful throw pillows, or a gallery wall.
In this space, the walls are painted a soft, warm gray, which complements the other neutral tones in the room.
The gray walls also make the white trim and baseboards stand out, adding to the modern, clean look.
6. Add some texture
Texture is key to adding depth to a modern living room.
You’ll notice that even though this space is very minimal, there are so many different materials layered in.
The softness of the rug, the smoothness of the sofa, the sheen of the coffee table, the roughness of the wall art, and the nubby texture of the throw all add visual interest.
7. Create a gallery wall
Gallery walls are a great way to add personality to a living room. They are also a fab way to tie in a modern color scheme, as you can see in this space.
The soft pinks, greys and whites used in the artwork are also used in the furniture and the rug, creating a cohesive look.
This is a great example of how to add color to a modern living room too, by keeping the walls and floors neutral you can be more adventurous with your decor.
8. Add a bit of greenery
Every room in your home should have a touch of nature. House plants are a great way to add color and texture to your modern living room.
If you don’t have a green thumb, you can use faux plants, or even just a vase of fresh flowers.
Placing plants on the floor, on a side table, or on a shelf is a great way to add visual interest to your space.
9. Mix and match your furniture
One of the best things about modern interior design is that there are no rules, so you can mix and match your living room furniture to your heart’s content.
Here, a sleek, modern sofa is paired with a vintage leather armchair, and a sculptural coffee table is juxtaposed with a traditional side table.
The key to making this look work is to choose pieces that have one thing in common, whether that’s a similar color, shape, or style.
10. Go for a minimalist look
Minimalism is a key look in modern interior design. It’s all about creating a space that’s simple, uncluttered, and soothing to be in.
But that doesn’t mean a minimalist living room can’t be filled with personality and intriguing furniture and decor.
Start by choosing a simple color scheme.
White is always a good choice for a minimalist living room, but you could also opt for a soft gray, beige, or even a very pale blue.
Keep the walls and the furniture simple and add in color and pattern with the soft furnishings and decor.
This living room is a great example of how to create a simple, minimalist space that’s still filled with interesting focal points.
The furniture is all classic modern pieces, but the room is brought to life with the patterned rug, the gallery wall, and the large potted plant.
11. Add a splash of color with your furniture
We love how this modern living room by Studio Ashby features a bright yellow sofa.
The color is unexpected and adds a cheerful pop to an otherwise neutral space.
Don’t forget that you can also add color with other types of furniture, like a vibrant side chair or a colorful coffee table.
12. Go for a modern fireplace
Fireplaces are a great focal point in a living room, and you can get modern versions that are sleek and contemporary.
They also come in a variety of fuel types, including electric and gas, so you can choose the right one for your home.
This living room by Studio McGee has a minimalist fireplace that’s flanked by built-in shelving.
The black firebox and surround create a bold contrast against the white walls and built-ins.
13. Add some metallic accents
Introducing metallics to a living room design is a great way to add a touch of glamour and sophistication without having to make any major changes.
Here, the gold accents in the lighting and the coffee table add warmth and a little bit of shine to an otherwise neutral living room.
14. Create a cozy nook
Create a cozy nook in your living room by adding a comfortable armchair and a side table.
You can use this space to read a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply relax away from the rest of the room.
If you have the space, consider adding a small area rug to define the nook and make it feel even cozier.
15. Add some floor pillows
The more seating options a living room has, the more comfortable it will be for you and your guests.
Floor pillows are a great way to add extra seating that can be easily stored when not in use.
You can place them around your coffee table or in front of your fireplace.
They’re also a great option for kids and teens who want to lounge while watching TV or playing video games.
16. Make a statement with your lighting
We love the idea of using a pendant light to zone a living room.
Here, the statement light hangs low over the coffee table, creating a focal point and making the seating area feel more intimate.
If you have a large open-plan space, using lighting in this way is a great idea to help break up the room and create a more defined living area.
17. Add a touch of luxury
If you want to create a modern living room design that feels sophisticated and luxurious, then the key is to keep things simple.
Choose one or two statement pieces, and then let the rest of the room act as a backdrop to those.
In this living room, the sofa and the chandelier are the more expensive pieces, and everything else in the room is relatively simple.
But because of the muted color palette and the lack of clutter, the room still feels elegant and high-end.
18. Add some modern artwork
Framing your TV with a gallery wall is a great way to make the TV a part of your decor.
Here, the TV is actually mounted on the wall, but the gallery wall design helps to integrate the TV into the space.
Pro tip: When designing a gallery wall, start with your center piece and design out from there. This will help you create a balanced design.
19. Create a feature wall
A feature wall is a great way to add interest and pattern to a modern living room.
It’s also a good option if you want to make a statement but don’t want to commit to a bold color scheme.
This stunning wallpaper has been used to create a feature wall that’s a work of art.
The rest of the room has been kept simple with a neutral color scheme and modern furniture.
The bold pattern is balanced by the symmetrical layout of the furniture and the simple color palette.
Conclusion
Modern design is a way of life, and it might even be a direction to a happier life. When you start to live in a modern home, you will notice the little things that you do will be more efficient. You will start to notice that you have more time to enjoy life, and that is a good thing.
