The Best Living Rooms Are Designed to Make You Want to Lounge All Day
Words by Olivia Lidbury
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Jamie Bush + Co.
What kind of living room are you?
Do you prefer a loungey space for movie marathons? A lively great room to fit the entire family? A tailored space made for large cocktail parties? Or a conversation pit to host your closest friends (and a bottle of wine)? A living room can inspire, stimulate, or calm you depending on the use of color, texture and furniture.
Whatever your taste, it should above all else be a place that makes you want to unapologetically flop out with your favorite drink or pick up a book. More of a conversationalist? With the right seating, you’ll be putting the world to rights with your guests. Find the best living room ideas which most accurately expresses your sense of zen through our Experts—and book a one-on-one consultation to get personalized advice for your own space.
Photography by Nicole Franzen; Design by Athena Calderone
Athena Calderone
Blending antiques, mid-century, and contemporary design in a single room sounds bold, but through Athena Calderone’s assured and tasteful eye, the result is always harmonious. The secret: a restrained color palette.
Book a consultation with Athena Calderone
Photography by Nicki Sebastian; Design by Brigette Romanek
Brigette Romanek
With a penchant for striking architecture and airy spaces adorned with indoor trees and sleek furniture, it’s little wonder that Brigette Romanek’s singular vision has made her a go-to resource for her A-list clientele.
Book a consultation with Brigette Romanek
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg; Design by Cameron Ruppert
Cameron Ruppert
Through Cameron Ruppert’s maximalist lens, prints and colors are layered in abundance to create a vibrant smorgasbord for the senses. It’s a delight for anyone with a traditional but playful aesthetic.
Book a consultation with Cameron Ruppert
Photography by Sam Frost; Design by DISC Interiors
DISC Interiors
Masters at seamlessly blending the traditional with the contemporary, this LA-based practice brings a refined sensibility to one of the most relaxing rooms in a home.
Book a consultation with DISC Interiors
Photography by Stephen Kent Johnson; Design by Giancarlo Valle
Giancarlo Valle
Craving quiet simplicity? This NYC-based studio places a strong focus on shape and form with a playful twist—creating rooms that are both soothing and always eye-catching.
Book a consultation with Giancarlo Valle
Photography by Michael Clifford and Michael Stavaridis; Design by Jake Arnold
Jake Arnold
Do away with the three-piece suite and mix a variety of statement seating as demonstrated here by Jake Arnold, whose richly textured approach to dressing a living room effortlessly fuses rattan with rush weave and velvet.
Book a consultation with Jake Arnold
Photography by Simon Watson; Design by Jenna Lyons
Jenna Lyons
For eclectic spaces with a luxe slant, turn to Jenna Lyons. The former fashion executive’s weakness for unlacquered brass and colorful upholstery makes for unforgettable surrounds.
Book a consultation with Jenna Lyons
Photography by Simon Upton; Design by Joy Moyler
Joy Moyler
Joy Moyler’s signature play on pattern, textiles, and depth has endeared her to a gilded clientele which includes Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrien Brody. Bursting with rich textures and intricate narratives, her living rooms are talking points in themselves.
Book a consultation with Joy Moyler
Photography by Stephen Karlisch; Design by Mark D. Sikes
Mark D. Sikes
Want to relax and escape? Mark Sikes’ richly layered rooms, which call on the all-American classical style, possess a magical and transportive quality that’s made for the movies. It’s no wonder Nancy Meyers is a fan.
Book a consultation with Mark Sikes
Photography by Tim Lenz; Design by Nicholas Obeid
Nicholas Obeid
What does your living room say about you? Under the masterful and minimal eye of Nicholas Obeid, it becomes a curated backdrop full of life thanks to a considered mix of old and new.
Book a consultation with Nicholas Obeid
Photography by Trevor Tondro; Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Sarah Sherman Samuel
Granted, living room furniture should score high on comfort—but it should also be beautiful to look at. Sarah Sherman Samuel’s little black book is filled with sources for the most stand-out pieces to lend a gallery-like feel to your space.
Book a consultation with Sarah Sherman Samuel