Ten contemporary living rooms in Georgian and Victorian homes

The article showcases ten sophisticated living room designs that leverage a black and white color palette to achieve a chic and timeless aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from Coco Chanel's assertion that 'Black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony,' the piece explores how monochrome schemes, far from being dull, emphasize layering, texture, and pattern in interior design. Each featured living room demonstrates unique approaches to this classic color combination, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal. The first example is a Vanuatu property, which functions as a second home and features a kitchen/living area defined by striking contrast. Dark cabinetry is used to prominently display hand-picked objects, while bold prints on white sofas provide visual interest. This design illustrates how a monochrome base can serve as a strong foundation for showcasing personal collections and vibrant patterns. Another living room, transformed from a former showroom, adopts a fresh monochrome palette to create a serene home environment. This space integrates various textures—metallic, glossy, natural, and industrial—through elements like a folding chair, surfboard, wooden case, and concrete floor, demonstrating how material diversity can enrich a limited color scheme. The interplay of these diverse textures adds depth and sophistication without relying on a broad spectrum of colors. Interior stylist Pamela Makin's coastal abode is presented as an example where a dramatic black-and-white backdrop highlights textured found objects with a marine theme, complemented by earthy, tactile man-made items. This design strategy underscores the power of a monochrome palette in drawing attention to unique pieces and natural elements, creating a cohesive yet intriguing space. A renovated ski retreat in Jindabyne features black paneling that harmonizes with a wood combustion fireplace, forming a cozy and elegant nook. This design exemplifies how black can be used to create a strong focal point and add architectural interest, enhancing the comfort and visual appeal of the living area. The article also highlights a chic house with a glamorous Californian vibe, characterized by an over-scaled black marble fireplace with a white Arabescato plinth in the luxurious living room. This illustrates how high-contrast elements and opulent materials can elevate a black and white scheme to achieve a sophisticated and grand atmosphere. Bonnie Hindmarsh's modern-coastal home demonstrates that a black and white palette can be far from boring. Her design incorporates various layers, textures, and patterns, culminating in a visually engaging space. This example emphasizes the importance of tactile elements and intricate details in creating a dynamic monochrome interior. A luxurious home on Sydney’s northern beaches features a monochrome living room designed for entertaining. A black fireplace acts as a bold yet refined statement against the light walls and ceiling, showcasing how a well-placed black element can anchor a room and add a touch of drama. A 100-year-old Sydney terrace, transformed into a modern, light-filled residence, utilizes a chic monochrome palette to meet a minimalist brief. This design proves that black and white can effectively convey a sense of spaciousness and contemporary elegance, even in historical properties. Finally, a Swedish home with a raw and rustic vibe, characterized by white interiors filled with unique finds, incorporates soft schemes with graphic black and white elements, occasionally accented with a bit of color. This approach, favored by owner Josephine Ekström, illustrates how a monochrome foundation can be subtly enlivened with minimal color, creating a distinctive and personal style. Collectively, these examples underscore the enduring appeal and versatility of black and white living rooms, demonstrating how careful consideration of layering, texture, pattern, and focal points can create visually rich and timeless interiors. #BlackAndWhiteDecor #MonochromeLivingRooms #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TimelessStyle #ChicInteriors #ModernCoastal #LuxuryLiving #DesignInspiration

This lookbook showcases ten eclectic living rooms from the Dezeen archive that feature statement rugs, illustrating how these textiles can go beyond their traditional roles of adding warmth and softening acoustics. The selection highlights creative variations, such as skinny floor-runners and quirkily-patterned textiles, demonstrating their potential to enliven a room's aesthetic. This feature is part of the Dezeen Lookbooks series, which offers visual inspiration for designers and enthusiasts, following previous lookbooks on themes like homes with exposed concrete, purple interiors, and colourful kindergartens. The featured homes include the Moore House in the US, updated by Woods + Dangaran, where a dark, shaggy-tasseled rug provides a contrasting texture to sleek mid-century furniture. In Caserío Azkarraga, Spain, by BABELstudio and Bonadona Arquitectura, a geometric-patterned rug with orange accents serves as a focal point in an otherwise minimalist living space, complementing a tall orange lamp. Atherton Contemporary in the USA, designed by Pacific Peninsula Architecture and Leverone Design, uses a plush floor rug to introduce softness against exposed brick walls, playing with texture to create an eclectic feel in a neutrally-toned limestone house. Kew Residence in Australia, by John Wardle Architects, incorporates three vividly-patterned runner-style rugs beneath a wooden coffee table, echoing the bright artworks found throughout the ash-lined interior. An American farmhouse-style residence in Connecticut, designed by Hendricks Churchill, features various patterned and textured area rugs on hardwood floors, blending traditional and contemporary elements. The Historic Schoolhouse apartment in New York City, by White Arrow, uses an expansive, retro geometric rug with playful lilac, green, and dark blue shapes as the central design element, alongside a towering indoor palm tree. In the Wyoming Residence in the US, by Abramson Architects, a luxurious fluffy green rug in the living room contrasts with panel-formed concrete walls, creating an interesting interplay of texture and color. Icaria House in South Africa, by Antonio Zaninovic Architecture Studio and Tara Bean, employs a deep red floor rug to provide a dramatic visual element against white interior walls and the light-blue ocean view from large windows. A Cloistered House in the UK, by Turner Architects, achieves a cosy atmosphere with a classic cowhide rug in a living room that retains original dark wooden floors and integrates outdoor seasonal colors. Finally, LeanToo in the USA, by Nick Deaver Architects, blends old and new elements with a richly-decorated Persian rug complementing a minimal white armchair and a statement bookcase in an enlarged traditional white gabled house. Each example underscores the versatility of rugs as design elements, capable of defining zones, introducing color and pattern, contrasting textures, or reinforcing a specific stylistic theme within a living room. The rugs presented range from rustic and traditional to modern and geometrically bold, collectively offering a broad spectrum of design possibilities for interior spaces. #LivingRooms #StatementRugs #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EclecticStyle #DesignInspiration #ResidentialArchitecture #TextileDesign

Modernism, an architectural movement that originated in the 1930s, continues to exert a significant influence on contemporary interior design. This lookbook delves into ten distinct living rooms that embody the core principles of modernist aesthetics, emphasizing open-plan layouts, functional and adaptable furniture, and minimalist design. The selection aims to provide visual inspiration, showcasing how these elements translate into diverse residential and hospitality settings. The featured spaces demonstrate the versatility of modernist principles across different geographical and architectural contexts. For instance, a Barbican flat in the UK by Takero Shimazaki Architects blends brutalist architecture with Japanese aesthetics, incorporating tatami mats and concrete walls to create a unique modernist living environment. In contrast, the renovation of Hotel Valley Ho in Arizona by Anissa Mendil revisits the hotel's original 1956 design by Edward L. Varney, featuring open-plan kitchen-living rooms with low-slung, pared-back furniture and functional cabinetry, consistent with the period's style. Another example of a renovation project is Villa Weinberg in Denmark, where homeowners Mette and Martin Weinberg, in collaboration with Friis & Moltke, transformed a 1940s cottage. The living spaces are adorned with floor-to-ceiling oil-treated oak boards, complemented by large, boxy windows that enhance natural light within the interiors. Similarly, John Wardle Architects redesigned a Melbourne home, Kew Residence, to include bespoke Victorian ash shelving and plinths for eclectic ornaments, alongside expansive windows framing the living room, which features iconic Take a Line for a Walk armchairs. New constructions also showcase modernist influences. Whidbey Island Farm in Washington, designed by MW Works, comprises three rectilinear volumes around a central courtyard. Its open-plan living room features soft colors and earthy finishes, harmonizing with the geometric architectural forms and offering views of the surrounding meadow. Biscuit Loft by OWIU Studio in Downtown Los Angeles, a converted factory apartment, draws inspiration from minimalist Asian design. It features a spacious living area with functional furniture, including varied shades of wooden shelving, and distinctive modernist pieces like a Pierre Jeanneret Chandigarh Easy Chair. Teton House in Wyoming, by Olson Kundig, offers panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The living room features a collection of dark-colored geometric seating arranged around a central fireplace, reflecting the mountainous landscape. The facade includes large wooden shutters operated by pulleys, demonstrating a blend of functionality and aesthetic. Apartment renovations in modernist buildings further highlight the style's enduring appeal. A Brasília apartment by Debaixo do Bloco Arquitetura, located in a 1960s residential building, adopted an open-plan layout while carefully preserving original elements like granilite flooring and integrating low-lying wood shelving units. Mies van der Rohe's iconic Farnsworth House in Illinois, a rectilinear glass residence, exemplifies modernist architecture. A recent installation redecorated the house with period-appropriate furnishings, including curvy woven lounge chairs and a geometric rug in the spacious living room, showcasing how modernist spaces can be adapted with functional and aesthetically coherent pieces. Finally, the Smith Residence in Canada by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple, a cluster of gabled Corten steel structures resembling traditional fishing huts, features main living spaces accessible by wide outdoor steps. The low-rise buildings allow for open-plan interiors, such as a living room with tan-brown leather sofas and a light-wood paneled ceiling, further illustrating the adaptable nature of modernist design. #Modernism #MinimalistInteriors #OpenPlanLiving #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #FunctionalFurniture #ContemporaryHomes #Lookbook

The article explores a variety of modern living room design ideas, emphasizing that contemporary living spaces are moving away from rigidly defined rooms and towards more open-plan layouts. This shift necessitates evolving design schemes to meet the diverse needs of inhabitants, from social gatherings to quiet moments. Contrary to a common misconception that modern living rooms are sterile or austere, interior designers Sarah Sargeant of Cochineal Design and Augusta Hoffman highlight that modern design actually blends streamlined aesthetics with comfort and practicality. Modernity, they explain, balances historic forms with fresh sensibilities, incorporating diverse elements such as minimalist, midcentury, neutral, chrome, and concrete styles. The most successful modern spaces prioritize functionality and integrate rich materials to soften minimalist tendencies, while also embracing the mixing of different time periods, tones, and textures. The article presents a curated list of living room examples from the ELLE DECOR archives, showcasing various approaches to modern design. These examples include: a laid-back Upper East Side apartment with swivel chairs for casual comfort; a patterned New York City apartment belonging to Marisa Tomei, featuring a maximalist sofa and amorphic lamps; a minimal desert retreat in Indian Wells, California, accented by a curved Vladimir Kagan sofa; a hard-meets-soft living room that uses a plush area rug to soften an industrial space; and a maximalist Chicago living room with jewel-toned seating and de Gournay wallcoverings. Further examples illustrate the versatility of modern living room design, such as a clean Hamptons home with a marble fireplace wall; an eclectic Venice, California, house designed by Frank Gehry, harmonizing vintage and contemporary pieces; a bold Mumbai living room with vibrant purple walls and flea-market finds; a New York City loft featuring a statement art piece by Jose Dávila; and a candy-colored oasis in Yucca Valley, California, prioritizing color over neutrals. Other designs include a retro Los Angeles mansion centered around a Stanley Whitney artwork; a rainbow-toned Parisian apartment utilizing ombré walls; a California retreat with bold, asymmetrical silhouettes and a curvilinear rug; a midcentury modern New York City apartment making use of unused corners; and an industrial Connecticut beach house incorporating metal, concrete, and earthy tones. The collection also features living rooms that blend old and new elements, such as a West Hollywood pied-à-terre with a steel double-height fireplace and contemporary art; a treasure-filled Brooklyn townhouse with intriguing ceramics and artwork; a Park Avenue pad with shape-shifting, curvilinear furniture; a height-defiant living room with custom light pendants drawing the eye upward; and a Portuguese villa adorned with decorative mirrors to enhance light. These diverse examples demonstrate that modern living room design is adaptable, allowing for personal expression while maintaining a sophisticated and functional aesthetic.

Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into modern built environments to foster a connection between humans and nature, is gaining significant traction in 2023. This design philosophy emphasizes natural light, green plants, and organic materials within architectural and interior spaces. This article showcases ten contemporary residences across the globe that exemplify the application of biophilic design principles. These homes demonstrate how architects and designers are creatively incorporating nature to enhance well-being and sustainability. The featured residences offer diverse examples of biophilic integration. The 'Welcome to the Jungle' residence in Sydney, designed by CplusC Architectural Workshop, serves as an experiment in sustainable urban living, featuring a rooftop vegetable garden and an aquaponics system for edible fish, allowing residents to maintain an intimate relationship with nature within an urban setting. In Japan, Suzuko Yamada's 'Daita2019' residence utilizes a unique permanent steel scaffolding structure that extends into a garden on the first level, while its 34 windows ensure ample natural light. Balconies adorned with green plants further enhance the connection to nature on the second level. Vietnam's 'Wall House' by CTA uses hole-punched bricks and a central atrium filled with lush plants and trees to create a garden-like atmosphere, aiming for a house that 'breathes 24/7' by improving air quality through natural ventilation and greenery. Perkins+Will’s Ribeirão Preto residence in Brazil incorporates retractable glass walls that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, complemented by tactile wooden panels and a green roof. Another Vietnamese project, the Bat Trang House by Vo Trong Nghia Architects, features a ceramic brick facade with air vents and raised gardens that act as a natural cooling system, creating a 'buffer zone' of plants that regulate the interior temperature. Tsukasa Ono's 'Sumu Yakushima' in Japan represents 'regenerative architecture,' where charred timber piles promote mycelial growth to support tree roots and strengthen the soil, positively impacting the natural surroundings. In Italy, Carlo Ratti Associati and Italo Rota's 'The Greenary' centers its living space around a 10-meter-tall Ficus tree, with a fully glazed southern wall maximizing natural light and emphasizing the tree from both inside and out. Alexander Symes' 'Pepper Tree Passive House' in Australia features wood-lined living rooms that open onto a terrace beneath a large tree, creating a strong biophilic connection through natural materials and a green color palette. MIA Design Studio's 'The Drawers House' in Vietnam integrates multiple plant-lined courtyards and plant-covered walls to maintain privacy while maximizing outdoor connection. Finally, 'The Cork Studio' in the UK by Studio Bark is constructed almost entirely from recycled cork, offering a warm, treehouse-like interior built around an existing sycamore tree. These projects collectively demonstrate that biophilic interiors are a significant and enduring trend, offering positive feelings and a closer relationship with nature through the thoughtful integration of green spaces into daily living environments. #BiophilicDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableArchitecture #ModernHomes #GreenLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #NatureIntegration #ResidentialDesign

This article presents a curated selection of ten residential interiors, meticulously designed to highlight and integrate significant art collections. It serves as part of the Dezeen Lookbooks series, offering visual inspiration for individuals interested in design. The featured homes range from minimalist, gallery-like spaces that provide a neutral backdrop for art, to more eclectic and busy environments where the art is woven into the overall aesthetic. Each example demonstrates unique approaches to displaying various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and even bespoke furniture. The Former Artists Studio in the UK, transformed by Rodić Davidson Architects, showcases an eclectic mix of furniture and art within whitewashed brick walls and an open-plan layout, illuminated by a glass sloped roof. Alison Brooks Architects extended a Georgian farmhouse in the UK to create Windward House, featuring a double-height gallery space with niches specifically designed for particular art pieces, and a staircase integrating a mini-gallery of 100 small works. In Canada, Ali Budd Interiors designed Muskoka Cottage with pure white walls, stained wood floors, and wood-lined ceilings to serve as a backdrop for a client's art collection. Noteworthy pieces like Faye Toogood's Roly Poly chair and Paul Rousso's graphic art are strategically placed. John Wardle Architects renovated Kew Residence in Australia, his own home, incorporating Victorian ash on walls, ceilings, and floors to create a neutral setting for his collection of Japanese sculptures, ceramics, and vibrant artworks. Built-in shelving and cabinetry discreetly store collections without detracting from views. i29's Home for the Arts in the Netherlands displays an extensive art collection across two levels of a loft-style apartment. Double-height larch wood and grey HPL shelving conceal a staircase while housing books and sculptures, with grey resin floors providing a blank canvas. The Artery Residence in the US, designed by Hufft, was conceived around its owner's vast art collection, featuring expansive wall spaces for paintings, photography, and sculpture, complemented by specialized lighting and climate control systems akin to those found in art galleries. Stern McCafferty Architects renovated a 20th-century country home in Massachusetts, the Cambridge Residence, to better exhibit art. White matte walls with large baseboards and pale wood floors evoke a gallery aesthetic while maintaining country heritage. Casa Salvatori in Milan, Italy, by Elissa Ossino Studio, is situated in a 200-year-old palazzo and features marble and stone furnishings, sculptures, and artworks set against original rippled terrazzo floors. A green-stained wood-lined ceiling complements the stone palette and green-hued artworks, with woven wicker and brown butterfly chairs offering textural contrast. Magdalena Keck's Four Seasons Residence in Tribeca, Manhattan, is a two-bedroom home characterized by a minimal, monochromatic design. Its pared-back material palette, high ceilings, and large windows create a sophisticated, gallery-like environment for displaying art, softened by herringbone floors and a mix of vintage, contemporary, and custom furnishings. Finally, the Residence for Two Collectors in Chicago, US, by Wheeler Kearns Architects, is a penthouse apartment designed for an art collector couple. The open-plan space with walnut flooring functions both as a welcoming home and an event venue, showcasing a range of artworks, including a George Nakashima bench, Harry Bertoia sculptures, and Paul Evans furniture. #ArtFilledInteriors #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #ResidentialArchitecture #ArtCollectionDisplay #GalleryLikeHomes #ModernInteriors #ArchitecturalDesign #DesignInspiration

The article presents 47 midcentury modern living room ideas, highlighting the enduring popularity of this design style due to its warm tones, chic furniture silhouettes, and quality manufacturing. Midcentury modern design combines Scandinavian warmth with industrial modernism, reflecting the optimistic post-war and space age era. The living room is suggested as an ideal starting point for incorporating this aesthetic, with an emphasis on acquiring authentic vintage pieces through estate sales and online auctions, rather than relying on knock-offs. The article identifies specific colors and accents, such as martini olive green and wood paneling, as key elements to enhance the midcentury modern aesthetic. The article provides practical tips for incorporating midcentury modern design into a living room. These suggestions include adorning the ceiling with crown molding featuring straight lines and geometric patterns, and embracing wood paneling for a moodier and cozier atmosphere, especially when paired with leather accents and curved sofas. The use of geometric furniture, like triangular coffee tables and boxy sofas, is recommended for a 1950s flair, softened with textiles and pastel hues. Moody tones, plaid, leather, and burl wood are identified as core elements for creating sophisticated spaces. Gilding accents, such as bronzed sculptural pendant lights, is suggested to elevate the design. Featuring authentic pieces like Kangaroo chairs and B&B Italia sofas is encouraged to add a distinct midcentury feel, complemented by bold colors like cobalt blue. The article also advises on careful color pairing, using warm textures like leather, rattan, and bamboo with light sage green, and incorporating geometric patterns and high-pile rugs. Installing unique, large geometric light fixtures can draw attention to industrial elements, especially in lofts. Balancing contrasts by pairing curved details with crisp lines in furniture is highlighted as a subtle way to achieve the style. The article also covers balancing modern and traditional elements, drawing inspiration from designers like Vladimir Kagan for organic shapes. Choosing an earthy color palette can make sculptural midcentury items more approachable. Displaying vinyl records is suggested as an appropriate touch for midcentury modern enthusiasts. The article emphasizes keeping decorations simple, allowing strong individual pieces, such as a fireplace cover with soft curves, to define the room. Mixing midcentury modern with rustic elements, like log cabin features, can create a cozy yet clean look. Incorporating bold patterns on sofas with curved furniture is also recommended. Furthermore, the article suggests using unexpected materials for classic geometric silhouettes and embracing avocado green for walls to evoke the midcentury spirit. Creating cozy spaces with plush textures and soft, neutral colors alongside geometric furniture is also discussed. Encouraging conversations through elements like conversation pits or oversized sectionals is seen as crucial for the aesthetic. Layering intriguing pieces, bringing in era-appropriate art, and infusing humor with unexpected pairings are additional tips. Going for luxury with luxe finishes and dramatic colors like dark green and gold velvet can elevate the design. Embracing quirkiness, choosing monochromatic color schemes, and selecting statement chairs with clean lines and interesting stitching are also detailed. The article suggests supersizing couches for intimacy, customizing small details like scrapbooks for cohesive pops of color, and choosing family-friendly decor like egg chairs. Adding pops of modern color, opting for unconventional color schemes, and even ditching traditional couches for chaise lounges are creative recommendations. Utilizing space to display furniture as art, mixing true vintage with contemporary pieces, and adding depth with moodier paint colors are further ideas. Embracing structural details like wood-beam ceilings, matching furniture to art, and adding metallic touches like chrome or iridescent leather are also explored. Lastly, the article recommends bringing the outdoors in with exterior elements, using unique shelves, creating statement walls with steel and contrasting wood, including family heirlooms, installing parquet floors, softening harsh lines with curved furniture, and spotlighting special pieces with saturated colors.

This article showcases the transformation of a 1918 brick Georgian home in Greenwich, Connecticut, into an ultimate entertaining space, spearheaded by interior designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey and architect William Hellow. The owners desired a colorful and collected aesthetic that conveyed happiness, leading to an imaginative, elegant, and vibrant design throughout the house. The tour begins with a high-octane dining room, emphasizing deep, layered colors and magical lighting. Key features include a luminous silver-leafed ceiling that reflects light, high-gloss trim custom-matched to the velvet walls, and Baltic blue velvet upholstery that provides a regal feel and excellent acoustics for dinner parties. Abstract art from the owners' collection adds a personal touch and breaks the formality, while a late-18th-century mahogany sideboard with gold details complements the Georgian style and offers practical heat resistance with its marble top. The powder room, presenting a geometric challenge due to an off-center leaded-glass window, was elegantly resolved with Ralph Lauren silk wallpaper in pinstripes and a marble chevron floor. Playful antique parrot sconces and a Lucite-and-gold sink base introduce a hint of fun without compromising sophistication. The kitchen is designed to work the crowd, featuring prime seating, intriguing collections, and an easy flow for mingling. A mohair banquette framed in walnut offers a comfortable and virtually indestructible gathering spot. Globe lighting, re-created from a Los Angeles find, adds a touch of retro charm, blending playfully with the room's rectilinear layout. White stone walls provide a clean contrast to reclaimed walnut islands, which appear aged and symmetric. Double islands, one equipped with an ice machine, sink, and beverage drawer, enhance functionality and balance in the voluminous space. A coffered ceiling, custom-matched to the cabinetry, ensures harmony, while a corner cabinet with British metal mesh offers light, period-appropriate vertical storage that accents gold elements. The French Lacanche range, trimmed in brass and nickel, serves as the kitchen's centerpiece, inspiring a custom hood with beautifully detailed rivets. The bar area, originally a sunroom, was transformed into an intimate formal bar. It features a copper cupola and an octagonal laser-cut marble floor pattern, echoing the cupola's shape. Green lacquer walls, ceiling, and cabinetry are illuminated by penlights, creating a festive sheen and a solarium-like atmosphere with a 360-degree garden view. Guest rooms are designed with gusto, using layered patterns for a cozy, timeless, yet pleasing aesthetic. An example includes a blue plaid with cream and gold stripes, offering a fresh take on classic patterns. Another feminine bedroom showcases a bold bargello rug contrasting with traditional pink pagoda prints on walls, windows, and bed upholstery, all complemented by luxurious yet manageable bed linens. This comprehensive design approach ensures every space is not only beautiful but also perfectly suited for frequent entertaining. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #EntertainingSpace #GeorgianHome #LuxuryDecor #DiningRoom #KitchenDesign #BarArea #GuestBedrooms

This article presents ten living room design ideas, drawing inspiration from Dezeen's extensive archive of lookbooks. Since 2020, Dezeen has published over 350 lookbooks, providing visual guidance for various interior design projects. This compilation specifically focuses on key trends and suggestions for designing or updating a living room, offering a practical guide for those looking to refresh their space. One featured trend is the 'Japandi' aesthetic, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian styles characterized by minimalist design and natural materials. An example is a Tokyo home by Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa Design, which uses wood surfaces and neutral tones to create a calming living environment. Another crucial aspect highlighted is adequate storage. The article showcases living rooms with integrated and stylish storage solutions, including custom shelving and units that double as room dividers. A renovated factory in New York, designed by Ravi Raj and Evan Watts, illustrates this with built-in storage in a pastel yellow. For those aiming for a bold statement, supersizing the sofa is suggested. A lookbook focusing on living rooms with giant sofas demonstrates how these pieces can become the focal point of a space, as seen in a Parisian apartment by Rodolphe Parente, where a sculptural sofa contrasts with classic architectural features. Sculptural coffee tables are also presented as central elements, with examples ranging from geometric stone slabs to curved forms. DAB Studio's Dutch house interior features a glass tabletop on cuboid and cone-shaped blocks, complementing other angular furniture. Lighting options include paper lamps, which offer a versatile and warm glow. These lamps, inspired by traditional Japanese rice paper lanterns, come in various shapes and sizes, as demonstrated in a Hamptons beach house where a large spherical paper lamp illuminates a double-height living room. The article also suggests adding an eye-catching rug to transform a living room, either by introducing color or defining different zones. A New York living room by No Architecture uses a warm-toned rug to complement a wooden coffee table and contrast a navy sofa. To enhance coziness, the article proposes suspended fireplaces. Ceiling-mounted stoves and log burners create an interesting focal point, exemplified by a fireplace in Marramarra Shack in Australia, surrounded by tiered seating and a large window. For color schemes, autumnal shades like deep reds, rusty terracottas, and burnt oranges are recommended for a warm ambiance. An apartment in New York's West Village, designed by Olivier Garcé, features a terracotta-toned chair and a fire-engine red floor lamp. Finally, for a relaxed and informal atmosphere, low-slung furniture is suggested. Sofas, tables, and storage units positioned close to the ground create a casual lounge feel. A converted factory apartment in Barcelona, with its low-slung shelf, table, and deep-seated sofa, demonstrates how this style can complement high vaulted ceilings. The most unconventional idea is the conversation pit, a retro-inspired sunken gathering space that creates intimacy, as seen in Pam and Paul's House in California with its purple-cushioned pit. #LivingRoomDesign #JapandiStyle #InteriorStorage #SculpturalFurniture #LightingDesign #AreaRugs #FireplaceDesign #AutumnalColors #LowSlungFurniture

This article showcases ten welcoming living rooms where the fireplace serves as the central design element, providing visual inspiration for home interiors, especially relevant during colder months. The featured projects highlight diverse architectural styles and material choices, all unified by their focus on creating cozy and inviting spaces around a fireplace. The first example is 116 Sorauren Street in Toronto by Ancerl Studio, where a black steel fireplace on a cast concrete plinth creates a comfortable nook within a living room that emphasizes natural materials and textiles. Next, the Three Chimney House in the US by T W Ryan Architecture features a modernist white-brick structure with an elegant, brick-clad fireplace. This fireplace is integrated into one of the house's three prominent white chimneys, contrasting with tall white walls and ceilings while complementing upholstered furniture in warm colours like aubergine purple and mustard yellow. Pound Ridge House by Tsao & McKown in the US draws inspiration from Japanese architectural principles, incorporating a pared-back fireplace on a square stone hearth positioned between the living and dining areas, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese irori. A bronze pyramidal flue extracts smoke, and the room is detailed with wood and cream-coloured textiles, enhanced by a generous skylight. Teton House in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, by Olson Kundig, features a substantial black fireplace that almost upstages the floor-to-ceiling views of the mountainous landscape. The fireplace's simple form is complemented by leather chairs in warm browns and various wood and woven textures. House for Grandparents in California, renovated by Dash Marshall, integrates a broad brick fireplace into its living room. The design, informed by Spanish missions, combines geometric forms and spartan materials with vibrant elements like a colourful painting and rug, along with cylindrical metal coffee tables that reflect the fire's glow. The Smith Residence in Canada by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple features a massive granite fireplace, sourced from a nearby quarry, in its living room. This holiday home's fireplace includes both a fire aperture and a log storage space, situated beneath black steel trusses and complemented by a high-pile rug and brown leather sofas. Wasatch House in Utah, another project by Olson Kundig, includes a library with a large bronze flue and an unusual portrait-shaped fireplace. The room, designed with a colour palette of dark browns and greys, creates a relaxed atmosphere, flanked by ceiling-height bookcases and furnished with a wide leather sofa and cognac-coloured leather chairs. The Lincoln project in Belgium by Notan Office, a rooftop extension, features a fireplace inspired by Alvar Aalto. This fireplace, made from concrete and ceramic construction blocks in warm orange and pale grey, wraps around a corner and is described as an "artifactual element" with an organic, rough feel. Little Peek, a holiday home in Maine by Berman Horn Studio, includes a built-in fireplace within a narrow stonework flue in its open-plan kitchen and living room. Designed for all seasons, the house combines a light interior and numerous windows with the practical warmth of the fireplace for New England winters. Finally, Casa Prè de Sura in Italy by Casati showcases a freestanding, trapezoidal prism-shaped white fireplace in a gabled house with rough limestone interior walls. The fireplace serves both as a heat source and a decorative element, featuring a side ledge for wood and a colour palette of beige and cream to match the limestone walls. #LivingRoomDesign #FireplaceInteriors #CozyHomes #InteriorDesignInspiration #ArchitecturalFireplaces #HomeDecor #WarmInteriors #ModernLivingRooms #RusticFireplaces

This article explores a collection of 10 homes that successfully integrate traditional architectural styles with modern interior design, showcasing a growing trend in home aesthetics where these historically distinct approaches are celebrated together. The examples provided demonstrate how various architects and designers have navigated the challenge of blending old and new, creating spaces that respect historical context while embracing contemporary living. The first example features an 1850s schoolhouse in Milford, Pennsylvania, transformed by Andrew Magnes and Koray Duman. Their design philosophy centered on mirroring the simplicity of the historic white clapboard exterior with a contemporary yet understated interior, preserving the building's historical integrity while introducing modern elements. Bookcases set back on the upstairs landing contribute to an open and spacious feel. Next, a writer's coach house in Birmingham, England, designed by Intervention Architecture, seamlessly blends with its Victorian surroundings through a brick facade and faux timber doors. Inside, the kitchen highlights modern finishes with a porcelain tile backsplash and quartz countertop. Troppo Architects' renovation of an 1880s bungalow in Adelaide, Australia, left the sandstone and brick Victorian exterior largely untouched while introducing a modern window seat in the northeast corner, strategically placed to capture natural light. In Lake Ontario, Canada, Drew Mandel Architects updated a traditional Edwardian home. Mandel's design included a blackened-steel framed fireplace echoing the new facade's window and door treatments, alongside a six-by-eight-foot ground-floor extension. Kirkwood McCarthy reimagined an old furniture workshop in London, England. The home's facade respects its conservation area setting with red bricks and sash windows, subtly hinting at the modern interior. The kitchen, located in a sunken basement, features walnut steps, white cabinetry, Silestone countertops, and integrated appliances. Tribe Studio's project in Sydney, Australia, involved a 1920s bungalow. While the decorative facade remained intact, a dramatic contemporary extension was added to the back. The architect, Hannah Tribe, describes this as "suburban uncanny," where modernism is clean, blunt, and yet familiar. The bathroom showcases custom wooden cabinetry and Brodware faucets. Cousins & Cousins Architects worked on a glass and brick house in The London Borough of Hackney. The modern addition, characterized by a glass wall, uses repurposed bricks from the original Victorian home's demolition. The dining area, featuring Eames fiberglass chairs, benefits from pale finishes and wood flooring, enhancing a sense of airiness. SHH Architects developed a sophisticated townhouse in London. Behind a traditional facade, the interior was rebuilt with a timber and steel frame and a rear extension. A notable feature is a five-story double-sided aluminum bookcase and a kitchen with a Bulthaup island. Blouin Tardif Architecture Environment renovated a historic duplex in Le Plateau Mont-Royal, Canada. The front of the home retained its original design, including the duplex's stairs, with everything restored respectfully. Inside, uniformity was achieved with a white-painted steel staircase and walnut steps matching the home's wood elements. Finally, +tong tong gave a Victorian home in Toronto, Canada, a modern makeover. A triangular bedroom window with a custom blind and a zinc awning over the front door define the exterior. The interior boasts a vent-free fireplace in the dining room from EcoSmart Fire. These projects collectively illustrate a harmonious coexistence of traditional exteriors and contemporary interiors, offering diverse approaches to achieving this design synergy. #HomeDesign #TraditionalArchitecture #ModernInteriors #ArchitecturalRenovation #HistoricHomes #ContemporaryDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignFusion

Contemporary interior design offers a vibrant alternative to minimalist modernism, for those who seek more visual richness in their home decor. Originating in the 1970s, this style is characterized by its dynamic nature, constantly evolving with current trends while incorporating elements from historical periods like 1920s Art Deco, Modernism, Neo Futurism, and Traditional design. The current manifestation of contemporary design emphasizes subtle sophistication, fluid curved lines, and a deliberate interplay of textures. To effectively integrate this style into a living room, specific guidelines regarding color palettes, furniture, accessories, and lighting are crucial. The color palette of contemporary interior design is a key differentiator from modern styles, which often lean towards earthier tones. Contemporary design prominently features a core of grey, black, and white, serving as grounding colors within a space. These neutrals are then complemented by strategic touches of bright and bold hues. When applying this principle, proportion is essential. For instance, if walls are painted in a deep neutral like black, vibrant accents should be introduced to create contrast. Conversely, if pastel shades adorn the walls, neutral tones should dominate the rest of the room. This approach allows for personalization, enabling the integration of expressive artworks, brightly colored cushions, or unique collectibles to stand out against a neutral background. Alternatively, a bold statement wall can be used, provided that trims, ceiling, and flooring maintain neutral tones to balance the visual impact. The philosophy of "less is more" is central to contemporary furniture selection. Living rooms designed in this style should feature sleek, iconic furnishings that act as statement pieces without being overly ornate. The focus is on pieces with smooth, curvy lines and geometric silhouettes, often crafted from natural materials in solid colors with unadorned surfaces. For upholstered items like sofas, natural textured fabrics such as wool, linen, cotton, silk, and jute in neutral shades are preferred. These can be enhanced with simple, brightly colored throws and cushions, while patterns are generally avoided to maintain a clean aesthetic. Accessories play a significant role in contemporary design, offering an avenue for creativity and personalization, especially given the minimalist approach to furniture. Unique lamps, sculptural figurines, and eye-catching small-scale artworks can add depth and individuality to a living room, serving as conversation starters. The use of stripes, tonal patterns, geometric prints, and concise color combinations in accessories can further complement the contemporary aesthetic, introducing artistic flair. However, it is important to exercise restraint, as contemporary design still incorporates elements of minimalism; therefore, an eclectic, over-decorated look is to be avoided. The ultimate goal is modern simplicity, with careful consideration given to line, space, shape, and a well-thought-out color scheme. Lighting is another critical component of contemporary interior design, with a strong emphasis on natural light, a trait borrowed from mid-century modernism. Maximizing natural light through large windows is ideal. If large windows are not feasible, strategic artificial lighting can compensate. A contemporary living room should incorporate at least one element from each lighting category: ambient (general) lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. Fixtures with shapely designs that align with the curvy lines of the furniture contribute to the contemporary vibe. Metal-based lighting pieces are a reliable choice for enhancing this aesthetic. #ContemporaryInteriorDesign #LivingRoomDecoration #ColorPalette #FurnitureDesign #HomeAccessories #LightingDesign #ModernSimplicity #ArchitectureInterior #DesignTrends

Design trends are constantly evolving, leading certain styles to fall out of favor while others rise to prominence. This phenomenon extends to living room aesthetics, where some once-popular designs are now rarely seen. This article explores several living room styles that interior designers express a desire to see make a comeback, highlighting their unique characteristics and the reasons for their perceived decline and potential resurgence. One such style is the industrial living room. Despite its past popularity, particularly for its forgiving nature and accessibility, industrial design has seen a decrease in residential applications. This shift is partly due to the recent preference for warmer, more organic, and fluid minimalist aesthetics, contrasting with industrial elements like concrete and steel, which can appear visually colder and sharper. Designer Vanessa Larsson notes that industrial interiors were easy to build over time and accommodated various artifacts naturally. However, their widespread adoption eventually led to a loss of intrigue. Larsson envisions a modern revival for industrial style, suggesting a blend with warm tones and colored walls or kitchens to complement its classic grey and brown palette. Transitional living rooms, which were highly popular in the mid-2000s, are also among the styles designers miss. Characterized by darker woods, warm color palettes, layered drapery, and tailored upholstery, these rooms conveyed a sense of 'soul' and intentional design, as described by Lauren Lerner, founder of Living with Lolo. Lerner appreciates the balance of refinement and comfort these spaces offered, creating a lived-in feel rather than a sterile, styled look. She observes early signs of this style's return, with clients moving away from all-white interiors, suggesting a future blend of traditional coziness with contemporary clean lines. Art Deco is another rich and glamorous style that designers believe deserves more attention. Its current lack of prevalence is attributed to the widespread adoration for neutral colors and minimalism. Vanessa Larsson notes that a well-designed Art Deco space evokes a sense of decadence and glamour, akin to scenes from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. However, its complex blend of materials and finishes makes it challenging to execute successfully, with the risk of appearing 'tacky' if not done correctly. Larsson speculates that a full re-emergence might be unlikely, but a blend with mid-century modern, creating a 'mid-century Deco,' could offer a fresh interpretation. The decline of formal living rooms is closely tied to the rise of open-concept layouts, which dominated home design for a decade. While open concepts briefly receded in popularity during 2020 as people spent more time at home, they have since regained favor. Nevertheless, designer Natalie Dixon advocates for defined spaces, specifically formal living rooms. She highlights their benefit during entertaining, providing a separate area for guests away from the kitchen's smells, noise, and clutter. Formal living rooms offer a dedicated, welcoming environment purely for socializing and hosting. Lastly, sunken living rooms, a distinct feature of 1970s design, are singled out by designer Jamie Gasparovic for their cozy and nostalgic appeal. Despite the resurgence of other '70s elements like warm woods, bold patterns, and rounded furniture, sunken living rooms remain largely absent from contemporary homes. Gasparovic finds them ideal for relaxed gatherings and intimate conversations, offering a sense of separation while still being integrated into the home's overall design. Given the renewed interest in 1970s aesthetics, she suggests that a revival of the sunken living room could be on the horizon. Beyond specific styles, the article also touches upon the general concept of traditional living room symmetry. Natalie Dixon observes that while modern, asymmetrical furniture groupings often disrupt a room's balance, traditional designs excelled at achieving inherent structure and order through symmetry. Embracing elements of symmetry, regardless of overall style, can enhance a room's harmony and visual appeal. The designers collectively express a sentiment that certain design principles and stylistic choices, though currently less common, hold inherent value and potential for renewed appreciation in contemporary home interiors. #LivingRoomStyles #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorTrends #IndustrialDesign #TransitionalStyle #ArtDeco #FormalLivingRooms #SunkenLivingRooms #SymmetryInDesign

This lookbook showcases ten contemporary interiors that feature innovative and unusual uses of stone furniture, moving beyond traditional applications like dining tables and countertops. It highlights how designers are experimenting with various types of stone, such as granite, marble, onyx, and travertine, to create unique and functional pieces within diverse settings, ranging from guesthouses and showrooms to private residences and commercial spaces. One example is the Esperinos guesthouse in Greece, designed by Stamos Michael, where a small stone stool made from quarry blocks integrates with the house's structural stone shell, emphasizing natural textures. The Armadillo showroom in Sydney, designed by Studio Goss, features a chunky stone table as a central element within a minimalist material palette of concrete and plaster, serving as a backdrop for the rugs on display. Sabine Marcelis's "Swivel" installation in the UK presents colorful rotating chairs crafted from granite, quartzite, marble, and travertine, intended to introduce playfulness and vibrancy into a public square. In France, architect Timothee Mercier transformed a ruined farmhouse into MA House, incorporating a minimalist sofa with white cushions set into a blocky stone plinth, creating an angular and refined seating area. Anne Claus Interiors used pastel-hued onyx slabs for a stripy bar counter and display plinths in the &C; office in Amsterdam, showcasing the material's joyful colors and versatility for commercial spaces. The Audo, a boutique hotel in Denmark by Menu and Norm Architects, integrates elegant coffee tables made from black and white marble slabs, complementing the tactile boucle sofas and terracotta plaster walls. Studio Joanna Laajisto's design for the Nanso womenswear store in Helsinki features a prominent service counter and a sculptural display stand made from red granite, celebrating natural materials. Casa Salvatori in Milan, owned by the head of an Italian stone brand and designed by Elissa Ossino Studio, creatively uses marble throughout, including a bookshelf with veiny marble shelf dividers that function as sculptural elements. Heatherwick Studio's Spun chairs are reproduced in marble for the garden of their EDEN skyscraper in Singapore, offering a unique, spinning-top shaped seating option for contemplation. Lastly, the Glogauer apartment in Berlin, renovated by White Arrow, includes a circular travertine table paired with cane dining chairs, blending modern design with vintage furnishings while preserving the apartment's original architectural features. These projects demonstrate a growing trend in interior design to utilize stone in novel ways, emphasizing its aesthetic and functional potential beyond conventional applications. The examples span residential, commercial, and public spaces, illustrating the adaptability and timeless appeal of stone as a material for contemporary furniture and interior elements. #StoneFurniture #InteriorDesign #Marble #Granite #Onyx #Travertine #ContemporaryInteriors #FurnitureDesign #ArchitecturalStone

The recently launched book, "By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers," serves as a comprehensive guide to groundbreaking interior design. Dubbed the 'Oscars of the design world,' this publication showcases the globe's most influential interior designers. The article provides an exclusive preview, presenting an edited extract of nine exceptional living room designs featured in the book, offering inspiration for future home renovations. Studio Ashby's design for a private residence in London’s Floral Court development highlights a captivating color palette and unique pieces, including a burr-elm coffee table and a dining table with dried flowers. Studio Ashby, influenced by Anglo/South African heritage, incorporates contemporary shapes, art, and furniture, reflecting a fresh, modern, and welcoming aesthetic. Their design philosophy is characterized by a keen ability to combine antiques with modern furniture effectively. Romanek Design Studio, founded by Brigette Romanek in Los Angeles, showcases a family home in Malibu with an elegant yet modern small living room. The design expertly blends sleek contemporary furniture, bold colors, and sublime textures, demonstrating Brigette Romanek’s talent for integrating clients’ art collections and a fondness for greenery. Kit Kemp, creative director of Firmdale Hotels, presents a drawing room in a private London residence. Her designs are known for their vibrant and unconventional approach, often mixing seemingly mismatched patterns and using uplifting colors. Kit Kemp’s philosophy emphasizes organic materials and hand-crafted designs, encouraging a departure from traditional design rules. Grisanti & Cussen, a boutique design firm from Chile, features a contemporary apartment in Sweden that merges Scandinavian furniture's formal simplicity with Latin American vivid palettes. Their living room design uses broad stripes of dusty pink and Spanish blue, embodying their philosophy of fun, color, and vivaciousness through thorough research and sustainable materials. Young Huh Interior Design, based in New York, demonstrates a client’s home in Mantoloking, New Jersey. The design employs a timeless palette of crisp whites and apple greens, a Chinese silk rug, and a cloud-motif wallpaper on the ceiling. Young Huh's design philosophy is described as elevated and purposeful, yet also suitable for playful living. Daniel Romualdez, a New York City-based designer with high-profile clients, displays a living room in his own Los Angeles residence. This space features neutral, calming tones, with natural elements such as a geological specimen on a log coffee table serving as focal points. His design philosophy centers on calm, tonal colors combined with unusual textures and raw materials. Fawn Galli, known for her experimental style, presents a bar/lounge in a private residence in Short Hills, New Jersey. Her design is visually distinctive, incorporating acid yellow accents and Art Deco elements to create a space rich in beauty and wonder. Galli’s approach is characterized by old-world elegance paired with modern sophistication. Tom Scheerer, an American East Coast designer, showcases a living room in an East Hampton beach house. His design emphasizes comfort and elegance, utilizing a neutral palette enlivened by a blue hue. Scheerer’s philosophy aims for designs that are striking and serene without being intimidating. Humbert & Poyet, a design duo known for luxury and restraint, present a living room in Villa Odaya in Cannes, France. Their designs combine classical Modernism with a sharp, contemporary edge, reflecting their deep knowledge of design history and the artistic heritage of the Côte d’Azur. #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignInspiration #ContemporaryDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignTrends #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecor

This article highlights five distinct homes, each showcasing a living room design characterized by welcoming aesthetics, comfort, and personalized style. These homes, submitted by members of the Dwell community, represent various architectural approaches and geographical locations, including Mill Valley, California; New York, New York; Seattle, Washington; and Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, Michigan. Each entry provides a brief description from the architects, emphasizing key design philosophies and functional elements. The first featured residence, HillSide House in Mill Valley, California, designed by Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction, offers an open and spacious floor plan. The architects prioritized functionality and flexibility, allowing the house to adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants over time. This design ensures that the living space can grow and mature alongside the family. Next is a gut renovation of an 1880s townhouse in New York, New York, by Allison H. Reeves, R. A., titled "Brooklyn Upside Down With Views." This project involved a significant reorientation of the home's layout. A new vertical circulation system and a dramatic rooftop skylight were incorporated to draw natural light deep into the center of the house. The programmatic flip places private spaces and bedrooms on lower floors, while the open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen occupy the third floor to capitalize on the high ceilings and expansive views. "House For a Mother & Daughter" in Seattle, Washington, by Robert Hutchison Architecture, was designed with specific client requests: a simple building form, square windows, and a gable roof. The design intentionally creates a series of contradictions, presenting an initial perception that then reveals a different reality upon closer inspection. From the street, it appears as a single-story farmhouse, designed to integrate seamlessly with its neighbors. However, upon entering the site, the house is revealed to be two stories, with doors that open the main living areas to a south-facing deck. The interior spaces are conceived as blank canvases, allowing the artist client to personalize them. The fourth home, Rogue River Residence in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Lucid Architecture, features a warm, modern design achieved through a variety of material textures, both interior and exterior. The living space boasts a two-story height, anchored by a modern fireplace, which prominently frames the outdoor view. Given the clients' passion for entertaining, the design includes a large kitchen that fluidly connects to the living and dining areas, promoting ease of use and social interaction. Finally, the Pleasant Street Residence in Saugatuck, Michigan, also by Lucid Architecture, incorporates a distinctive design element where the front great room is intentionally public. A furniture-like wall, drawing inspiration from Mies’ Farnsworth house, provides privacy for all other rooms, even in the absence of window coverings. A notable feature is that no rooms have interior walls connecting with the outer perimeter of the house, a design choice echoing that of a 1958 E. Stewart Williams house in Palm Springs, California. These diverse projects collectively illustrate various strategies for creating inviting, well-lit, and functional living spaces that reflect both architectural innovation and homeowner preferences. #HomeDesign #LivingRoom #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernHomes #Renovation