Contrary to popular belief, a modern living room doesn’t require a newly built home or a minimalist color palette. The most enduring designs strike a balance between simplicity and comfort, infused with a touch of wit and character. Old furniture, bold colors, layered patterns, and antiques can all seamlessly coexist in a contemporary setting. Discover our favorite modern living room ideas that are utterly timeless below!
SEE ALSO: 10 Stylish Living Room Ideas To Copy Now
Christian Bense’s Battersea flat is a masterclass in modern interior design. By blending contemporary elements with traditional charm, Bense has created a space that feels layered and inviting. He likens the process to baking a pie, where finding the perfect balance is key. While the apartment’s original features retain a classic feel, modern touches like the David Shrigley print and Rug Vista rug add a contemporary edge. The bespoke KUDOS cabinet, originally designed for Bense’s Wow House room, further enhances the space’s unique character.
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The owners of this Notting Hill Victorian house sought to infuse their bland interiors with a burst of color and glamour. Studio Vero was brought in to revitalize the space, creating a contemporary yet vibrant atmosphere. In the basement TV room, the existing navy linen walling is juxtaposed with a striking terracotta patchwork rug from Studio Ashby. The window is painted in Farrow & Ball’s “Terre d’Egypte” gloss, and a colorful assortment of cushions adorns the recovered L-shaped sofa.
John Tanner’s Provençal home is a serene sanctuary characterized by its understated elegance. The muted color palette, dominated by whites, emphasizes the home’s airy quality and connection to the garden. Natural materials and modern elements like Crittall windows create a fresh atmosphere, while well-chosen antiques add warmth and character. The sitting room features a comfortable Jamb “Upton” sofa, complemented by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler “Brook” armchairs in Schumacher’s “Piet Performance” linen. A Vaughan “Carcassonne” floor lamp provides ambient lighting, while a Rush Matters apple matting softens the limestone floor and complements the woven Spanish chairs from Anton&K. The Crittall French windows offer breathtaking views of the garden.
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The sitting room at 8 Holland Street Townhouse in Bath is a masterclass in eclectic modern style. The crisp white walls, painted in Farrow & Ball’s “School House White,” provide a clean canvas for a vibrant array of colors and textures. “I love the versatility of white walls,” notes Tobias Vernon, the director of 8 Holland Street. “They allow me to curate a truly personal space.” Two 1970s “Parma Series” rattan mirrors by Vivai Del Sud adorn the far wall, while the sofa on the left is upholstered in Tibor’s striking “Cymbeline” pattern.
This serene Grecian villa, designed by Martin Hulbert, features a calming and uncluttered aesthetic. Bespoke sofas by MHD, upholstered in “Pienza Tigrotto” linen from C&C Milano, and vintage armchairs in “Pienza Birillino” linen add texture to the pale color scheme. A wool and jute rug from Matthew Wailes and a bench from Ardingly Antiques Fair introduce depth and warmth to the space.
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This inviting Chelsea sitting room, designed by Sarah Peake, is a masterclass in creating a space that feels both modern and cozy. A Tim Maguire painting hangs above the chimneypiece, flanked by Rupert Merton lamps with LovingString lampshades and Alfred Newall cabinets. Cassina “Utrecht” chairs, upholstered in Kvadrat’s “Divina 3” wool, and a Pinch sofa in Tibor’s “Blob” wool/cotton add a touch of contemporary flair. Cushions in Clarence House’s “Hanju Crewel” and a brass coffee table introduce warmth and texture. The vintage palm lamp adds a playful element.
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Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay’s latest project is a luxurious London pied-à-terre featuring a serene backdrop of “Slate IV” paint from Paint & Paper Library. Against this calming canvas, Tom Hammick’s captivating “Living Room” painting takes center stage. The “Los Angeles” sectional sofa from Marie’s Corner is enlivened by a vibrant mix of cushions, including Christina Lundsteen’s square “Nova” and rectangular “Poppy” patchwork velvet designs. A brass-framed, marble-topped “Rufus” coffee table from Andrew Martin adds a touch of elegance, while a vintage rug from Robert Stephenson completes the sophisticated ensemble.
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When musicians approached Louis Hagen Hall to revamp their Primrose Hill home, a shared love for 1970s Los Angeles architecture became the project’s guiding light. The main living space features a raised seating area with custom-built elm benches upholstered in plush velvet from The Cloth Shop. A playful “Folk” pouf from noo.ma adds an extra layer of comfort, while a Balsan “Les Best” rug grounds the space with texture. “Orleans” wall lights by Faro and a Flos “Bellhop” table lamp provide stylish illumination. The finishing touch? A captivating artwork titled “Fawn” by Jesse Kanda, adding a touch of artistic flair.
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Michael Dansk’s Copenhagen flat in Nørrebro is a vibrant fusion of Bauhaus aesthetics and bold colors. The teal green ceiling and red artwork create a striking backdrop, complemented by classic Finn Juhl furniture. A bespoke cupboard, designed by Dansk and crafted by Blom Handcrafted, showcases his creative touch. A curated selection of decorative objects, a House of Dhurries carpet, and a striking ceiling light complete the stylish ensemble.
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This stunning Stockholm apartment is a testament to Marie-Louise Sjögren’s passion for early 20th-century Scandinavian design. Serving as both a showcase and a comfortable family home, the apartment features a “Liljevalchs” sofa by Josef Frank as the centerpiece of the sitting room. Two 1940s Norwegian armchairs and a Swedish vintage rug complement the sofa. A plastic armchair of unknown design and a “Aulanko” armchair by Märta Blomstedt, upholstered in mohair velvet by Pierre Frey, complete the seating arrangement. A Josef Frank floor lamp and a vintage writing desk add further elegance, while a white “Horse” armchair by Magniberg provides a touch of modern flair.
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Nestled on a picturesque plot of farmland on Long Island’s Atlantic coast, this barn-style holiday house seamlessly blends rural charm with modern sophistication. Designed by a collaborative effort between Manhattan architects and London-based interior designer Veere Grenney, the home boasts stylish amenities that complement its idyllic setting. A wooden chair by George Nakashima, who also crafted the coffee table, stands alongside vintage armchairs discovered at a flea market. The custom-designed sofa by Veere Grenney can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests.
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READ MORE: 12 Small Living Room Ideas With Dining Tables That Have Big Style
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