8 Colorful New Living Rooms
See how design pros, including one found on Houzz, mix vibrant hues to fill living spaces with pops of personality
Many designers are seeing a surge of interest in bright, bold home interiors. Here, pros share details of how they used furnishings, paint and wallcoverings in teal, emerald, mustard and other vibrant colors to perk up eight living rooms.
2. Cozy Craftsman Maximalism
Design-build pros: Andy Weier and Patrick Rakszawski of Rockledge Design + Architecture
Location: Pittsburgh
Size: 224 square feet (21 square meters); about 16 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. This Pittsburgh sitting room is in a 1930 American Foursquare home. “The vision for this project was to create an eclectic, maximalist space while bringing back some of the original character that had been stripped away throughout years of prior renovations,” design-build pro Andy Weier says. “We wanted things to feel cozy and inviting — a space to have a cocktail with friends while listening to a record — but not overly formal or austere.”
Special features. Green paint on the fireplace wall (Yeabridge Green by Farrow & Ball) complements Craftsman-inspired wallpaper. A pair of original stained-glass windows flank the old chimney stack. A locally sourced antique mantel, a tiled surround and hearth, floating shelves and cane-front cabinets round out the focal point wall.
Weier and creative partner Patrick Rakszawski used a high-low mix of new, vintage, heirloom and antique items to create the refined but livable space. They paired vintage goldenrod-colored chenille swivel chairs and an Interior Define Maxwell sofa in rust performance velvet with a machine-washable chenille rug and inexpensive side tables. And the ceiling light fixture is original, repurposed from another room in the home.
Designer tip. “While it had some beautiful leaded glass, the picture window behind the sofa is a bit underscale for the room,” Weier says. “We positioned our drapery hardware just a few inches from the ceiling and about 6 inches past the window frame on either side. This allowed us to hang the panels in a way that creates the illusion of a bigger window.”
Wallpaper: Dreamy Vintage Birds & Floral in blue, Walls Republic
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Design-build pros: Andy Weier and Patrick Rakszawski of Rockledge Design + Architecture
Location: Pittsburgh
Size: 224 square feet (21 square meters); about 16 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. This Pittsburgh sitting room is in a 1930 American Foursquare home. “The vision for this project was to create an eclectic, maximalist space while bringing back some of the original character that had been stripped away throughout years of prior renovations,” design-build pro Andy Weier says. “We wanted things to feel cozy and inviting — a space to have a cocktail with friends while listening to a record — but not overly formal or austere.”
Special features. Green paint on the fireplace wall (Yeabridge Green by Farrow & Ball) complements Craftsman-inspired wallpaper. A pair of original stained-glass windows flank the old chimney stack. A locally sourced antique mantel, a tiled surround and hearth, floating shelves and cane-front cabinets round out the focal point wall.
Weier and creative partner Patrick Rakszawski used a high-low mix of new, vintage, heirloom and antique items to create the refined but livable space. They paired vintage goldenrod-colored chenille swivel chairs and an Interior Define Maxwell sofa in rust performance velvet with a machine-washable chenille rug and inexpensive side tables. And the ceiling light fixture is original, repurposed from another room in the home.
Designer tip. “While it had some beautiful leaded glass, the picture window behind the sofa is a bit underscale for the room,” Weier says. “We positioned our drapery hardware just a few inches from the ceiling and about 6 inches past the window frame on either side. This allowed us to hang the panels in a way that creates the illusion of a bigger window.”
Wallpaper: Dreamy Vintage Birds & Floral in blue, Walls Republic
Shop for living room furniture and decor
3. Victorian Vibes
Design-build pros: Ana Djevenica-Cholko (design) and Matt Cholko (carpentry) of Total Home Design & Remodeling
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Size: About 195 square feet (18 square meters); 17½ by 11 feet
Homeowner’s request. The owner of this Virginia home wanted to redesign their living room to increase usable space, add bookshelves, enhance the existing fireplace and create a functional entry area, since the home’s front door is just to the right of the couch. Style-wise, they wanted the room to evoke the Victorian era.
They searched Houzz for professional help and found design-build firm Total Home Design & Remodeling.
Special features. Green open storage cabinets with crown molding (Peale Green by Benjamin Moore). Black fireplace chase (Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams). Light gray walls (Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore). Dark gray ceiling and molding (Cloudy Sky by Benjamin Moore).
The sofa is covered in a velvet in petroleum blue. A forest green ottoman sits nearby. A burl wood table adds a warm orange tone that complements the blue and green. Gold accents, including a custom mirror wrapped in a silk-and-gold frame, add a touch of brightness.
Photo: Jon Barnes Photography
Design-build pros: Ana Djevenica-Cholko (design) and Matt Cholko (carpentry) of Total Home Design & Remodeling
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Size: About 195 square feet (18 square meters); 17½ by 11 feet
Homeowner’s request. The owner of this Virginia home wanted to redesign their living room to increase usable space, add bookshelves, enhance the existing fireplace and create a functional entry area, since the home’s front door is just to the right of the couch. Style-wise, they wanted the room to evoke the Victorian era.
They searched Houzz for professional help and found design-build firm Total Home Design & Remodeling.
Special features. Green open storage cabinets with crown molding (Peale Green by Benjamin Moore). Black fireplace chase (Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams). Light gray walls (Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore). Dark gray ceiling and molding (Cloudy Sky by Benjamin Moore).
The sofa is covered in a velvet in petroleum blue. A forest green ottoman sits nearby. A burl wood table adds a warm orange tone that complements the blue and green. Gold accents, including a custom mirror wrapped in a silk-and-gold frame, add a touch of brightness.
Photo: Jon Barnes Photography
4. Playful Regency Pizzazz
Designer: James Fung and Whitney Maehara of NB Design Group
Location: Seattle
Homeowners’ request. This open-plan dining and living space in Seattle is in a new residence designed by architect Andrew Russin and built by Darren Patt Construction. For the interiors, the owners wanted a midcentury modern style with glamorous Hollywood Regency flair.
Special features. Custom rust-colored mohair sofa. Gold pillows made from Kravet’s flamestitch velvet fabric. Accent chair cushions upholstered in a modern take on chinoiserie. Rift-cut white oak casework and oak flooring pick up the darker tones in the Kravet chestnut burl coffee table. Split-face limestone fireplace tile adds texture.
“The juxtaposition of textures and fabrics, which at first glance look like opposites — for instance, the pale blue floral mixed with a wool plaid — in actuality create an interesting dialogue and a conversation to be had in between,” designer Whitney Maehara says. “The playfulness of the palette allowed us to intermix new and vintage elements together without making the space feel too much of one world.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to play,” Maehara says. “Design should always be a fun experience and reflective of your personality.”
Walls, trim and ceiling paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; fireplace tile: Freska by MSI
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
Designer: James Fung and Whitney Maehara of NB Design Group
Location: Seattle
Homeowners’ request. This open-plan dining and living space in Seattle is in a new residence designed by architect Andrew Russin and built by Darren Patt Construction. For the interiors, the owners wanted a midcentury modern style with glamorous Hollywood Regency flair.
Special features. Custom rust-colored mohair sofa. Gold pillows made from Kravet’s flamestitch velvet fabric. Accent chair cushions upholstered in a modern take on chinoiserie. Rift-cut white oak casework and oak flooring pick up the darker tones in the Kravet chestnut burl coffee table. Split-face limestone fireplace tile adds texture.
“The juxtaposition of textures and fabrics, which at first glance look like opposites — for instance, the pale blue floral mixed with a wool plaid — in actuality create an interesting dialogue and a conversation to be had in between,” designer Whitney Maehara says. “The playfulness of the palette allowed us to intermix new and vintage elements together without making the space feel too much of one world.”
Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to play,” Maehara says. “Design should always be a fun experience and reflective of your personality.”
Walls, trim and ceiling paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; fireplace tile: Freska by MSI
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
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5. Sky-High and Sky Blue
Designer: Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs
Builder: Hobbs
Location: New York
Homeowners’ request. Designer Denise Davies’ clients hired her to combine five New York apartments into a 4,800-square-foot primary home for their family of five. Among the priorities were opening up the floor plan, brightening the dark and dated original living area and drawing in the water and city views.
Special features. Custom-made furniture and rug in soft blues. Custom window seats in soft pink. Light oak hardwood flooring. “The custom window seating and soft fabrics accent the room and draw your eye to the magnificent East River views from the apartment,” Davies says. “We used low-profile furniture so we did not obstruct the views.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We started the project before Covid,” Davies recalls. “Then there was a fire in the building one floor above the apartment, which caused a massive flood as a result of the fire department putting out the fire. Right after the fire, Covid hit and we couldn’t resume work for four months. Needless to say we hit disasters, a worldwide pandemic and delays due to staying at home and supply chain issues.”
Photo: Jane Beiles
Designer: Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs
Builder: Hobbs
Location: New York
Homeowners’ request. Designer Denise Davies’ clients hired her to combine five New York apartments into a 4,800-square-foot primary home for their family of five. Among the priorities were opening up the floor plan, brightening the dark and dated original living area and drawing in the water and city views.
Special features. Custom-made furniture and rug in soft blues. Custom window seats in soft pink. Light oak hardwood flooring. “The custom window seating and soft fabrics accent the room and draw your eye to the magnificent East River views from the apartment,” Davies says. “We used low-profile furniture so we did not obstruct the views.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We started the project before Covid,” Davies recalls. “Then there was a fire in the building one floor above the apartment, which caused a massive flood as a result of the fire department putting out the fire. Right after the fire, Covid hit and we couldn’t resume work for four months. Needless to say we hit disasters, a worldwide pandemic and delays due to staying at home and supply chain issues.”
Photo: Jane Beiles
6. Americana Beauty
Design-build firm: Polhemus Savery DaSilva
Decor: Simpler Pleasures
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Size: 450 square feet (42 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. In the guest wing of a newly built Shingle-style seaside getaway, this living space was designed as a comfortable room for visitors to gather and relax.
Special features. Light blue walls (Krypton by Sherwin-Williams). Large navy sectional sofa. Shiplap fireplace paneling and built-ins. Leggy wooden tables, carved ducks, a curved fireplace mantel, a striped armchair, a folk-art-style St. Peter’s Cottage sign and an American flag create a beachy New England look.
The team designed the fireplace and surrounding built-ins to be the room’s focal point. Large windows on either side bring in abundant natural light and warmth, as well as leafy views.
Paint: White Dove (trim), Super White (ceiling), Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Design-build firm: Polhemus Savery DaSilva
Decor: Simpler Pleasures
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Size: 450 square feet (42 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. In the guest wing of a newly built Shingle-style seaside getaway, this living space was designed as a comfortable room for visitors to gather and relax.
Special features. Light blue walls (Krypton by Sherwin-Williams). Large navy sectional sofa. Shiplap fireplace paneling and built-ins. Leggy wooden tables, carved ducks, a curved fireplace mantel, a striped armchair, a folk-art-style St. Peter’s Cottage sign and an American flag create a beachy New England look.
The team designed the fireplace and surrounding built-ins to be the room’s focal point. Large windows on either side bring in abundant natural light and warmth, as well as leafy views.
Paint: White Dove (trim), Super White (ceiling), Benjamin Moore
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
7. All Mapped Out
Designer: Carly Moeller of Unpatterned
Location: Chicago
Homeowners’ request. Other than the existing clad fireplace, designer Carly Moeller had a blank slate when decorating the great room in this 2,200-square-foot condo. The client needed all new furniture “and wanted to add some warmth to the walls and bring in color and texture through the textiles,” she says. “They did have the idea of finding a vintage map for the room.”
Special features. That vintage map of Europe became the jumping-off point for the decor. It hangs above a vintage woven-front bar cabinet, and teal and gold furnishings and accents echo its palette. Blue-gray walls (Englewood Cliffs by Benjamin Moore) similar in tone to the tufted L-shaped sectional unify the open-plan layout, which has a hexagonal dining nook open to the living space, kitchen and balcony — an unusual layout made more challenging by the angled fireplace.
“We broke it into multiple seating zones and used a very large rug to delineate the living area,” Moeller says. After figuring out the most efficient layout, they found pieces scaled appropriately for each area.
“[The client] had a piano he wanted to incorporate as well” — visible at the far right of the photo — “and there was really only one wall where it could go. We added a side chair and funky table there to tie it in as an extension of the living room.”
Designer tip. “It’s important to repeat colors in art and textiles to tie the spaces together without feeling like they match,” Moeller says.
Photo: Dustin Halleck
Designer: Carly Moeller of Unpatterned
Location: Chicago
Homeowners’ request. Other than the existing clad fireplace, designer Carly Moeller had a blank slate when decorating the great room in this 2,200-square-foot condo. The client needed all new furniture “and wanted to add some warmth to the walls and bring in color and texture through the textiles,” she says. “They did have the idea of finding a vintage map for the room.”
Special features. That vintage map of Europe became the jumping-off point for the decor. It hangs above a vintage woven-front bar cabinet, and teal and gold furnishings and accents echo its palette. Blue-gray walls (Englewood Cliffs by Benjamin Moore) similar in tone to the tufted L-shaped sectional unify the open-plan layout, which has a hexagonal dining nook open to the living space, kitchen and balcony — an unusual layout made more challenging by the angled fireplace.
“We broke it into multiple seating zones and used a very large rug to delineate the living area,” Moeller says. After figuring out the most efficient layout, they found pieces scaled appropriately for each area.
“[The client] had a piano he wanted to incorporate as well” — visible at the far right of the photo — “and there was really only one wall where it could go. We added a side chair and funky table there to tie it in as an extension of the living room.”
Designer tip. “It’s important to repeat colors in art and textiles to tie the spaces together without feeling like they match,” Moeller says.
Photo: Dustin Halleck
8. Design on the Wild Side
Designer: Brandi Hagen of Eminent Interior Design
Builder: Nor-Son Custom Builders
Architect: David Charlez Designs
Location: Sunfish Lake, Minnesota
Size: 476 square feet (44 square meters); 17 by 28 feet
Homeowners’ request. This formal sitting room is in a 1931 Colonial-style house by well-known Minnesota architect Edwin Lundie. The new homeowners wanted to make it fit their contemporary lifestyle while preserving its architectural integrity. “The team spent countless hours studying Lundie’s work to bring this lovely home into the new century,” designer Brandi Hagen says.
Special features. The room has elegant herringbone wood floors, a formal mantelpiece and stone fireplace surround and ornate paneling and crown molding. The wood walls formerly had a medium tone similar to that of the floor, so Hagen created contrast and brightened the room by covering them in a pale wash that allows the grain to show through.
Against that neutral backdrop, colorful and wildly patterned pieces pop. Tibetan tigers crawl all over the wing chair upholstery and myriad animal prints cover other furnishings and accents. A reclining pup serves as a bookend atop the demilune table.
The sofa’s emerald upholstery pulls out the green tones in the wing chairs and in the large multicolor rug that anchors the seating arrangement. A marble-topped coffee table, gold and brass accents and a sparkling chandelier from Arteriors pump up the glam.
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Designer: Brandi Hagen of Eminent Interior Design
Builder: Nor-Son Custom Builders
Architect: David Charlez Designs
Location: Sunfish Lake, Minnesota
Size: 476 square feet (44 square meters); 17 by 28 feet
Homeowners’ request. This formal sitting room is in a 1931 Colonial-style house by well-known Minnesota architect Edwin Lundie. The new homeowners wanted to make it fit their contemporary lifestyle while preserving its architectural integrity. “The team spent countless hours studying Lundie’s work to bring this lovely home into the new century,” designer Brandi Hagen says.
Special features. The room has elegant herringbone wood floors, a formal mantelpiece and stone fireplace surround and ornate paneling and crown molding. The wood walls formerly had a medium tone similar to that of the floor, so Hagen created contrast and brightened the room by covering them in a pale wash that allows the grain to show through.
Against that neutral backdrop, colorful and wildly patterned pieces pop. Tibetan tigers crawl all over the wing chair upholstery and myriad animal prints cover other furnishings and accents. A reclining pup serves as a bookend atop the demilune table.
The sofa’s emerald upholstery pulls out the green tones in the wing chairs and in the large multicolor rug that anchors the seating arrangement. A marble-topped coffee table, gold and brass accents and a sparkling chandelier from Arteriors pump up the glam.
More on Houzz
Read more living room stories
Browse more living room photos
Find the right pro for your project
Shop for your living room
Designer: Karyn Sklar of Sklar Studios
Location: San Diego
Size: 410 square feet (38 square meters); 25¾ by 16 feet
Homeowners’ request. The owners of this 1953 Richard G. Wheeler house in San Diego worked with architect Kristi Byers and designer Karyn Sklar to restore the home while updating it for a contemporary lifestyle. For this family room, that meant honoring its original details — including a fabulous fireplace — but also making it conducive to hanging out on the sofa while watching a movie.
Special features. Flor carpet tiles, a yellow custom sofa and a Noguchi coffee table sit atop cork flooring. A custom kidney-shaped rug lies beneath an Eames lounge chair and ottoman and Platner tables in front of the original oversize sliding doors, which were refurbished.
Taking down walls around the kitchen (note the copper-clad support posts where a wall once stood) created better flow between the adjacent living and dining areas. The team restored and redipped the original fireplace’s copper hood to halt the patina process and keep it shiny, Sklar says. “It’s truly like a piece of jewelry and can’t help but to be the focal point.”
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