Living room design is one of the most important elements to consider when planning your home. Living rooms are the place where friends and family gather, and where the majority of entertaining takes place. It is important to create a space that encourages human interaction, but also provides for the individual needs of the homeowner.
The hallmark of good living room design is dependent on the architect taking into consideration who lives in the house and how they plan to use their living space. For example, a family might need more storage space, designed to keep the room tidy, while not sacrificing style for functionality. Those looking to entertain will want to curate a space that lends itself to both whole-group activity and small pockets of conversation.
An open-floor plan with a scenic view can make for some of the most striking and functional rooms. It can also allow for easy movement between kitchen, dining and living areas, which is ideal for entertaining. The downsides of an open-floor plan are that noise travels easily between rooms, and there is less space for wall hangings and furniture placement. For these reasons, and for homeowners who seek privacy in certain rooms, the more traditional, closed-floor living room design might prove better.
Following are examples, including one of my own, of living room designs that are functional, yet offer distinct, modern style.
This comfortable, modern loft’s living room design by Renewal Design Build in Georgia offers a contemporary take on an industrial space. The muntin framed windows open to a view of the city, and provide plenty of natural light during the day. The seamless transition from dining room to living room is a fantastic way to capitalize on a small space, and is great for entertaining. The high ceilings, in addition to the wide window, make the room feel open, while the positioning of the furniture creates a border for the room. The television is a part of this room, but does not dominate it.Â
This photograph shows a section of the communal, or open-floor, area of a Malibu Road beachfront home I designed. The easy flow from inside to the outdoor beach deck draws the eyes to the wonderful ocean view. The kitchen and dining areas are located behind this living room, with island counters that offer various areas for seating and dining, while still being part of the overall living space.  All flow as one great room, perfect for family gatherings and entertaining. Above the fireplace, a large screen drops down for movie watching.Â
This modern apartment’s living room is somewhat narrow, but the living room design uses what could be a failing to make the space even better. The entire living room is designed to lead the eye to the world outside. The predominantly white color palette also creates height and space for the eye. Furniture here is arranged such that the view can be enjoyed, while relaxing or watching TV.Â
Everything in this simple living room design is centered on one architectural element: a cube that contains the apartment’s kitchen. This makes movement within the entire apartment essentially a circle. The audio/visual wall fronts the living room, and has been cleverly adapted as a storage space and entertainment center. A dropped ceiling with lighting and AV elements further defines the living room and allows for uninterrupted views of the city.Â
The design of this living room envelops traditionalism without sacrificing light and space that is characteristic of modernist design. The floor-to-ceiling, traditional casement windows allow plenty of light for the home’s book lovers. The equally tall bookshelves provide plenty of storage without losing space in the main area of the room.Â
Nature is the focus of this architectural living room design. The rafter beams help lead the eye to the waterfront view, which is framed by the sectional windows. The earthy, light wood tones of the entire living room, including the furniture, complement the home’s natural surroundings.Â
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