Traditional yet cozy, this living room pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood, when tastes ran to contemporary, boxy shapes. Clad in neutral textures, the furniture performs a supporting role to a collection of patriotic portraits and etchings.
A warm taupe wall color, espresso brown, and robin's-egg blue collaborate to create this cozy gathering spot, but the whole scheme would look washed out without the black accents. The dark color draws attention to the room's clean lines and provides definition for the browns, allowing them to step forward.
Anyone who loves books will sooner or later run out of shelf space. This small reading nook was one homeowner's answer to that problem. Filling one wall with bookshelf cubbies, an elegant daybed was nestled into the spot along with practical swing-arm lamps.
Muted neutral tones grace all the walls in this home, improving flow between rooms. Color is added through a collection of ethnic and modern art and accessories. Large-scale furniture and artwork fill the roomy space without creating a fussy or cluttered look.
The living room's use of materials including steel, wood, concrete, and slate, adds textural contrast. This is an important design element when creating living spaces that appeal to the senses.
Burnished finishes and muted colors give this brand-new living room a beautifully aged look. Overstuffed sofas and a roomy leather chair provide comfy seating while a stone fireplace adds warmth. Displays of family photos and collectibles are a personal finishing touch.
Chocolate brown walls and white accents set a sophisticated tone in the living room. The wall color was plucked from the ottoman fabric.
Full of shape, texture, and pattern, this living room has a rich, ethnic quality. The warm palette includes taupe and white on the painted walls and architectural trim, with upholstery in shades of brown and khaki. Layers of texture include bamboo blinds, a leather ottoman, and a large area rug.
Slipcovers reflect the easy-living attitude that is crucial to this living room's cottage style. Sewn from affordable canvas, these slipcovers easily slip off and into the wash. Vintage floral fabrics, used to make colorful accent pillows, add amazing design punch. The light-tone hardwood floors add warmth underfoot.
Blending stately architectural features with eclectic furnishing isn't always easy. The keys here were texture, clean lines, and proportion. Objects on the mantel wall are placed from low to high and back down, keeping the eye moving within the room.
It's a little bit Asian and a little bit retro, yet the contemporary clean lines of this style unite a variety of elements in this living room. Neutral walls and furnishings allow the patterned rug and artwork to breathe as they capture the eye's attention.
