Do you want your living room to be like something out of a magazine?
Interior design trends are changing more quickly than ever. In fact, spending on home improvement projects is projected to rise by $9 billion this year alone.
The reason?
Homeowners across the US are making dramatic changes to their homes.
We’ve all watched countless design shows and have absorbed countless home improvement magazine spreads. When people invest time, money, and effort into creating a new living room, they want it to be “perfect.”The good news?
Perfection doesn’t have to mean an astronomical budget or complete renovation.
Here’s a look at what we’ll cover…
- Why you should care about modern living room design trends
- Architectural features that create flow
- The 5 Design Trends that are Trending Right Now
- Maximizing space on a budget
Why You Should Care About Modern Living Room Design Trends
Okay, so…
The living room is quickly becoming the most important room in the house. This is where we host, where we gather with family and friends, where we binge-watch TV, where we lounge. The list goes on and on. A living room that’s designed with modern sensibilities (while also staying cozy and comfortable) will significantly increase your home’s value.
And…
Modern living room design isn’t about following every single trend. It’s about adopting the trends that work for you and complement the way you live. Think of it as building your very own style collection.
The beauty of modern living room design is that the space should be lived in.
If something isn’t being used, why have it in your home?Architectural Features that Create Flow
Architectural features are huge in modern home design…
In particular, features that create flow throughout the home. Take interior french doors for example.
Interior french doors are extremely popular these days because they open up the living space of the home. They keep spaces connected and distinct at the same time. They allow natural light to flow through…
Create a beautiful transition between living areas…
And make spaces feel significantly larger.
Why is this important? Because modern design is all about connectivity. Flow. When the living room of your home seamlessly transitions into other areas, the entire home benefits. Flow is becoming a signature in modern home design.
Add on to that the fact that most home buyers love this type of design feature.
The 5 Design Trends that are Trending Right Now
Okay, so now you have a better understanding of what’s hot and not. Let’s talk trends.
Warm Neutrals Are Back
No more sharp whites, grays, or pops of color. Warm neutrals have taken over and for good reason. They make a space feel cozy and comfortable. Creamy beiges, soft tans, and earthy browns create an environment we all want to be at after a long day.
Secret tip? Layer different shades of neutrals in the same space. A cream sofa with tan throw pillows and a beige rug adds visual interest without being overly “busy.”
Curved Furniture Is the Trendiest Shape Trend
Another thing that’s “out”? Sharp angles.
Curved sofas, round coffee tables, and chairs with sculpted and softer edges are “in” and they are going to be around for a while. This trend can be attributed to the spike in interest in organic modern design. The popularity of organic modern living rooms jumped 66% this year.
Here’s why this trend works…
Curved furniture feels more comfortable. It’s more approachable. Straight-lined furniture feels stuffy and cold in comparison.
Vintage Furniture Paired With Modern Pieces
Mixing vintage and modern decor is one of the coolest trends right now. A retro velvet armchair placed next to a modern and sleek side table? That’s an eclectic mix that adds character and tells a story.
Go to your local thrift stores and antique shops. Score that perfect vintage chair and complement it with modern decor. The result is a unique look that no two homes will be able to replicate.
Maximalism Is the Biggest Design Trend
Minimalism had its day.
Now is the time for maximalism. Think: Jewel-toned throw pillows, patterned area rugs, gallery style art collection on the walls. Maximalism is all about creating a personality-packed living room. The most important key to remember here is to balance. You want the space to be curated, not cluttered.
Comfort-Driven Living Room Design
The biggest change to modern living room design is the focus on actual comfort.
Deep-seated sofas, oversized throw pillows, and plush fabrics like boucle, velvet, and tweed are everywhere. People want spaces they can really relax in. Relax, not just spaces that look aesthetically pleasing.
This is a fundamental shift in the way we think about our homes. It’s a shift that recognizes homes as a sanctuary, not just a showroom. A living room where you can sink in and truly unwind is more important than ever.
Maximizing Space on a Budget
Okay, so not all of us have a bottomless budget for a full-on living room renovation.
The good news?
Renovating your living room can be a relatively cheap exercise. All it takes is some strategic and clever moves.
Rearrange Your Layout
Want to completely change the atmosphere of the room? Rearrange your layout. Move the sofa away from the wall, create a conversation area, angle your furniture to improve traffic flow. Cost? Zero. Impact? Major.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks a room. Make sure you have a mix of overhead, floor lamps, and table lamps. Swap your overhead lights for warm, ambient lighting that creates atmosphere. Voila! An entirely new space.
Add Texture with Textiles
Throw blankets, accent pillows, and area rugs are great ways to add texture to the space. Combine different fabrics to create that layered luxe look without the luxe price tag. Try linen paired with velvet, cotton with wool, for example.
Paint a Fresh Coat
A new coat of paint can do wonders.
Opt for one of those warm neutral tones mentioned earlier in the article. Or go all out with a bold, moody saturated color on an accent wall. Paint isn’t super expensive but offers major visual impact.
Style Your Shelves
Open shelving isn’t just for storage anymore. Use it as an opportunity to showcase your personality and display unique items. Mix books with decorative objects, plants, or other items that mean something to you. This creates visual interest and intentional style.
Bringing It All Together
Transforming your living room to adopt modern design trends doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing, money-no-object exercise. The trick is to know which trends work best for your lifestyle and to adopt them strategically.
Whether you install those elegant french doors to create flow and connectivity or decide to go for curved furniture to soften the edges of your space, each decision will get you a step closer to creating that dream magazine-worthy living room.
The trends we’re seeing this year all have one thing in common. A living room should be a home. It should feel good. Comfortable, inviting, beautiful homes that make people want to stay, is the ultimate goal of modern living room design.
What are you waiting for?
Pick one of the trends in this article and start implementing it today. Your dream living room is closer than you think and with a little planning and creativity, it’s totally within your reach.