Designing a Modern Living Room Design

When decorating a home, a living room's design can have a big impact on the overall style. Typically a living room is one of the larger rooms in a house, and any decorating efforts expended there are amplified. While there are many different styles that can be used to decorate a living room, a homeowner can choose the design that best suits their tastes. For example, if a homeowner prefers a more contemporary look for their home, choosing a modern design for the living room can set the tone for the look of the entire home.

Perfect Palettes

One of the simplest ways to update the look of a room is to coat it with a fresh layer of paint, and since paint has such an impact on the appearance of the space, it is important to choose a color theme that supports a contemporary style. Before selecting a color theme for any space it is important to determine how it will look with the furnishings in the room. If new pieces of furniture are being purchased, it is a good idea to make the purchases before settling on the color of paint for the walls, because it is easier to match paint to furnishings than the other way around. Modern colors in cool tones - like gray, green and blue - are the perfect background for a modern style living room. However, if these colors make the room feel too stark, consider choosing a color scheme with a little warmth, like apricot, cream or pale yellow. It is easier to create a cozy and inviting aesthetic in the room with warm color tones, and that is why it is important to consider how the colors of the furnishings work with the paint before settling on a final color palette. Then use accessories, like throw pillows, to bring accent colors into the room's design.

Balancing Shape

For a modern living room, furnishings and accent pieces that have unusual shapes help to complete the look. Go for lines that are sleek and intersect at unexpected angles. Gentle, curving lines are also indicative of a modern looking space, and by keeping ornate or fussy details out of the design, the room will take on a very clean and modern appearance. To break up an angular line - say in the case of a very boxy shaped sofa - consider adding throw pillows that are round, and then echo the round shape throughout the room with other accessories with items like a round area rug on the floor or a round mirror hung on the wall. Include a round coffee table in front of the sofa or round side tables on either side. Balancing shapes in a pleasing way defines the essence of modern style.

Simple Accessories

After the larger pieces of furniture are in place, then finish off the look of the room by bringing in accessories that are unique and simple. Wall art and decor, lamps, throw rugs, vases or freestanding art can all be used to create a focal point in the room if their design is unique, and adding a stunning focal point to a living room is the perfect way to truly define the look of a modern living room. From Southwestern wall art to minimalist paintings or modern metal wall grilles, the choices are endless.