Friday, February 13, 2009

Decorating Ideas for a Living Room

Seating Area
Salvaged chestnut floors and beams bring warmth to this grandly proportioned living room. Windows nearly floor-to-ceiling and French doors bathe the room in light from three sides. A mix of new upholstery (in chintz, crewel, seersucker), antique furniture, and a worn Oushak rug give this room lived-in comfort
Patriotic Living Room
Navy blue walls, crisp white trim, and a comfy red chair come together in this subtly patriotic room. A trompe l'oeil case clock with an actual antique face affixed to the wall is a unique touch.
Relaxed Luxury
A mix of practical and precious — upholstered ottomans and silk curtains, respectively — create a look that's lived-in yet luxurious. Many of the furnishings are new, but have the warm patina of age.
Stately Living Room
A creamy palette unites disparate elements, including an Aubusson rug, a weathered-metal coffee table, and a vintage chandelier.
Hints of Blue Buttery-colored paint highlights the architectural details of this living room, from the coffered ceiling to the reeded mantel. Pattern was introduced by wallpapering the back of the built-in bookcases — a small detail that adds custom style. Hints of robin's-egg blue and chocolate brown are scattered throughout
Vibrant Family Room A bold mix of red and gold helps establish a distinctive palette in this room. Slipcovers, durable fabrics, and a woven cotton rug also make it kid- and pet-friendly, as well as easy to care for — important considerations for a room designed for family enjoyment.
Elegant Drapes In this elegant sitting room, champagne-colored taffeta draperies frame leaded windows, in front of which sit an early-18th-century French settee and a marble-topped end table.
Bright Living Room Rather than being pristine and museumlike, this all-white living room feels accessible with the addition of distressed-wood pieces, potted plants, and different textures. A collection of mismatched mirrors brings more light to the room
Apple Green Living Room: Apple green walls with tangerine and lemon yellow accents add a playful contrast to the natural stone fireplace and hardwood floors.
Outdoors Meets Indoors A mix of eclectic furnishings and vibrant sky- and meadow-inspired colors bring the airy room into comfortable scale. Rustic fabrics dress down formal wingback chairs and the camelback sofa. Tree-trunk end tables playfully contrast with a modern steel chair.

Whether you call it a living room, family room, or den, this room is a place to unwind, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.