This space beautifully illustrates how pastels can be elevated into a sleek and modern aesthetic. In naturally sunlit areas, soft shades with warm undertones—like this subtle pistachio green—help amplify the brightness without overwhelming the senses. The addition of black elements introduces just the right amount of visual contrast, grounding the room and adding a refined edge. By keeping decorative accessories to a minimum, the room embraces a minimalist sensibility that feels both airy and calming. It’s a thoughtful balance of color and restraint, offering a serene and stylish atmosphere that feels effortlessly current.

A black-and-white color scheme remains a timeless and reliable choice for any modern living room, instantly bringing clarity and cohesion to your design decisions. Its crisp, graphic appeal offers a sense of order and refinement. However, when both color and decoration are kept to a strict minimum, the look can lean towards severity—making this palette ideal for those who enjoy filling their space with character, texture, and personality. As showcased in this elegantly styled Victorian townhouse in Brighton, rich hues like chocolate brown and deep plum pair effortlessly with monochrome foundations, adding depth and warmth. Take note of the painted ceiling—a clever design move that works brilliantly when the room boasts generous height and ample natural light. It draws the eye upward and provides a striking frame for modern light fixtures. In smaller or darker spaces, though, this technique may risk feeling overly enclosed, so it’s best reserved for rooms that can truly carry the drama.

Modern living rooms don’t have to be limited to sleek lines and monochrome palettes. For those who find energy and joy in colour, introducing singular blocks of vivid hues can bring a fresh and contemporary edge to the space. Think vibrant cherry red, sunny yellow, or refreshing mint green—these primary-inspired tones make a confident visual impact without overwhelming the overall design. Used strategically, a single bold accent—whether in the form of a chair, rug, artwork, or even a statement wall—can inject life and personality into an otherwise neutral setting. It’s a simple yet striking way to keep the space feeling modern, expressive, and uniquely yours.

Decorating with a light-hearted, playful spirit is one of the most effective ways to make a home feel fresh, modern, and full of personality. Even in rooms with traditional proportions—like this stylish living room belonging to Katherine Ormerod—there’s an unmistakable sense of spontaneity in the way accessories, colors, and textures are layered. Pops of bold artwork, quirky decorative objects, and unexpected color pairings inject life and energy without overwhelming the space. This approach also highlights the value of choosing freestanding furniture over built-in fixtures. Lightweight, movable modern side table not only offer greater flexibility but also contribute to a more relaxed, youthful atmosphere—perfect for evolving lifestyles and ever-changing design moods.

Oversized sofas have emerged as a defining feature of modern living rooms, reflecting a shift in how we live, work, and relax at home. These expansive L- and U-shaped designs command attention, offering generous seating that invites you to lounge, sprawl, or gather with others in complete ease. More than just a style statement, they answer our growing desire for spaces that prioritize comfort without compromise. Whether you're hosting friends, stretching out with family for movie night, or carving out a soft corner to work from home, these extra-large sofas effortlessly adapt. They anchor the room visually while setting the tone for a laid-back, multifunctional environment that embraces the realities of modern life.

This living room serves as a thoughtful example of how to bring modern sensibilities into a traditionally styled space without losing the charm of its original character. Classic elements such as the ornate white rocking chair, detailed cornicing, and aged wooden floorboards are respectfully retained rather than concealed. Their soft, muted tones gently fade into the backdrop, allowing them to lend subtle texture without overwhelming the room. What truly stands out is the selection of contemporary furnishings, curated artwork, and statement lighting—each piece carefully chosen to complement the room’s generous proportions and architectural history. The result is a beautifully balanced interior where old and new coexist effortlessly, creating a space that feels both rooted and refreshed.

Modern interiors are sometimes seen as stark or impersonal, often due to a reliance on clean lines and hard surfaces. But a minimalist foundation doesn’t have to translate into coldness. In fact, even within a palette of white walls and pale herringbone floors—as seen in this example—there is great potential for creating warmth through thoughtful use of texture. It’s all about contrast and material choice. Polished brass, with its sleek and reflective surface, tends to evoke a cooler, more contemporary feel. In contrast, the tactile, uneven surface of modern living room chair tiles introduces a raw, earthy element that adds depth and coziness. The same principle applies to other natural materials—think handcrafted ceramics, mouth-blown glass, unpolished timber, or exposed brick. Each brings an organic irregularity that softens the sharpness of modern design, creating a space that feels both refined and warmly inviting.

Pink has been making a gentle but steady comeback in interior design—and it’s not hard to see why. With Dulux naming a soft blush as its 2025 Colour of the Year, and the cultural wave sparked by the Barbie movie still rippling through fashion and decor, pink is shedding its overly sweet reputation and taking on a more refined, contemporary role. Muted shades like whisper-soft rose or earthy clay tones now feel grown-up and grounded, perfectly suited to modern living spaces. Paired with low-slung furniture—such as deep corner sofas and chunky, rounded tables—the effect is casual, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish. These grounded silhouettes enhance the laid-back appeal, while the pink hues add a gentle warmth and playfulness that feels entirely of the moment.

Open-plan kitchen and living room layouts have become a hallmark of modern home design—especially as homes grow more compact and multifunctional. This integrated approach maximizes space, light, and flow, creating a sense of openness even in smaller footprints. One particularly effective strategy is placing the sofa centrally within the space. Positioned thoughtfully, it acts as a natural divider, subtly distinguishing the living area from the kitchen without the need for bulky partitions or additional furniture. This not only maintains visual continuity but also allows for better movement and social interaction across the room. It’s a clean, uncluttered solution that supports the way we live today—blending cooking, relaxing, and entertaining into one cohesive environment.

Scandinavian-style living rooms have long embodied a sense of understated modernity, thanks to their signature blend of airy furniture, soft textures, and timeless neutral tones. To channel this aesthetic in your own space, draw inspiration from their thoughtful palette of warm creams, soft taupes, and biscuit shades—hues that subtly shift with the changing daylight, adding depth and serenity throughout the day. Choose furniture that sits close to the ground, such as low-profile sofas or sleek wooden chairs, to create a sense of openness and breathing room above. And no Scandi-inspired space is complete without a generous nod to nature—an oversized leafy plant or a cluster of greenery near the window brings life indoors, reinforcing that relaxed, earthy connection the Nordic design ethos is known for.

Modern interior design often leans toward open layouts, seamless flow, and an abundance of natural light—elements that are beautifully embraced in this thoughtfully renovated Victorian home in London. What makes the space particularly compelling is the way vintage-inspired pieces are woven into the contemporary setting. The deep jewel-toned upholstery and the modern side table with LED Light blend sleek curves and marble-patterned elegance, evoking a sense of modern luxury and ambient nostalgia, while the classic mid-century sideboard adds warmth and character. These retro touches work in perfect harmony with the modern architecture, softening the sharpness of clean lines and minimalist detailing. The result is a space that feels both fresh and familiar, striking a balance between modern clarity and timeless comfort.